As a marketing strategist in Indianapolis, I meet hundreds of business owners over the course of the year. Many visit BlazeCom’s fortnightly marketing discussions via my Business Strategy & Technology Forum or take their business further by enrolling in our Marketing Campaign planning courses. Reflection on today’s holiday reminds me how their are really two types of entrepreneurs like two types of Valentines. And the type of Valentine you are is also the type of business owner you are, which directly impacts your bottom line.
Within the language of love, there are the Valentine’s like Pepe’ La Pew. These are the highly attentive, romantic or thoughtful lovers who are constantly thinking about how can they do something unique or special for the object of their affection. Then there are the black cats who Pepe’ chases. Black cats are only thinking about life from their point of view. They joke and tease people that they really haven’t earned trust with. They publicly contradict them, when they don’t really have any functional, organizational or relational right to such authority. They judge themselves superior to such romantic skunks and dismiss their “affection”.
In every business interaction is a Pepe’ and Cat scenario. Those who get that the fundamental need of the human spirit is self actualization and to be loved for it, so they strive to show appreciation and consideration for everyone they meet by offering advice, service, sales and referrals. These folks give in meetings before ever receiving a penny in business return. And then there are the cats who simply show up occasionally. They don’t really cooperate in conversation. They take things away, but don’t mind their Ps and Qs to acknowledge what they gain, acting like the cat, feeling entitled to do so and give nothing in return. They look for angles in situations that only serve themselves, take away from other. When they notice any human frailty, which in the cartoon is Pepe’s stench, but for business owners is limited knowledge in some matters, they don’t care enough to figure out what the person is great at or how to help. Hence, they don’t find instant gratification from the relationship, so they make and break promises, change the rules of courtship without discussion and push away hard before any real balanced business relationship can occur or true trust as been developed.
So today on Valentine’s Day, I encourage you to be a tad more tempered Pepe’ La Pew to ask yourself, what can you do to show “affection” for the people who regularly interact with. Because the ONLY way to grow your business is to proactively ADD VALUE to other professionals who YOU regularly meet. These people should be your priority to demonstrate in words and action, caring about their business. And the simplest way to be attentive is to simply acknowledge when you’ve gained something from conversation and give something in return.
And just for the record, I bought my business Valentines in January, which will hopefully be arriving today(assuming you trusted me with your address) and mailed my 18 year ex-sweetheart’s a week in advance so it would reach Japan in time.
