Do you regularly let the people in your world know how much you appreciate their support of your business?
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Today we are talking about gratitude. This time of year, small business owners shift their focus to start preparing for the upcoming holidays. Often, we are trying to find the equilibrium for all of the family obligations that are ahead.
The time we are spending in our business are usually spent in 2 areas:
- Delivering on our services
- Wrapping up the end of the year and/or vision casting for the new year
While all of that is good, it is definitely a season of blessings. Gratitude should be a part of your leadership all year long, but if it’s not, this is the best season to start!
“Gratitude should be a part of your leadership all year long.”
Who are you thankful for? Make this actionable, and list all of the people in your business life who help support, encourage, and motivate you through the peaks and valleys of business ownership.
Here are the 5 ways I share my gratitude toward my team and all the valuable players within The Ops Authority.
5 Ways to Show Gratitude in Your Business
We all recognize that we wouldn’t be where we are without the amazing support from all the people around us. People such as our team, paying clients, email subscribers, podcast listeners, friends, coaches, biz besties, and (of course) our families.
Personalized Text/Voxer
Recognize specific gratitude. This takes very little time, and connects so deeply with the person. Move your thoughts to action, expressing how you feel about them. Make it intentional and heartfelt.
Create a Team Meeting Culture of Gratitude
It’s common to kick off meetings with wins, but how cool would it be to kick off meetings with praise and gratitude for the individuals on your team? If you have a large team, pick a few each meeting but make sure you are cognizant and share the love with everyone over time. Before you know it, the culture catches on and they are rewarding one another with verbal praise.
Publicly Thank Them
Take it to social media! Or your email list, podcast or blog. Tell the world what you know about them! I love to do this in introductions when we are starting a new cohort. Tell a little story about why they were selected to be on the team and what their greatest gifts are.
A Physical Token of Appreciation
This can be inexpensive and still heartfelt. Such as:
- a handwritten card that comes in the mail
- Surprise them with a gift card, or even a flower
- A monetary bonus for a project that exceeded your expectations
- Or be a great listener, and send them something specific that matches their needs at the exact moment
Beef Up Their Benefits
If you have employees, consider some extra time off. If a monetary bonus isn’t feasible, give them a half Friday off, or an extra day that they can take off. (Note: for IRS purposes, make sure this is only done if you have employees and NOT independent contractors)
Another benefit might be an equipment upgrade as a gift to bless and reward them for all of the time and attention they give you and your mission. Or you can also invest in some courses for them if they are on a learning and development path and/or some time on the clock to complete the course.
Don’t forget your family! Try unplugging from your business for a couple days and show them what it is like to be fully available to your family. They are your greatest priority! Show them what it looks like to have your complete attention.
“Create this culture of people who can expect that you will communicate how wonderful it feels when they go above and beyond.”
What ways are you going to show gratitude? Create a strategy, and put a reminder in your calendar to take action every single week. Make this a standard of your business moving forward.
“Who needs to be shown gratitude in my circle?”
Weekly Ops Activity
Make a list of who you are thankful for when it comes to your business, and identify how you will show them gratitude on an ongoing basis.
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