Employees over Profits.

Two decades ago, a week before Christmas, I found myself at a crossroads. My company struggled, and I questioned its survival in the upcoming year. Despite my efforts – hiring new field reps, and acquiring a new office staff – the gross revenue lingered at a meager $300,000, far from the envisioned $1 million mark. Frustration and worry hung heavy in the air.

Late into the night, as I read over business notes and numbers in my office, I stumbled upon an unexpected gift. My office manager had left a token of appreciation on my desk. I thought to myself, "Oh how nice! Perfect time to find a treat!". I sat back eating the cookies she left and thought to myself, "How did she know these were my favorite?". She listened to a conversation we had a week prior. She picked up on that small detail. How thoughtful I reflected. I wish I could be more in tune with those around me. It was in that moment that a spark of inspiration ignited within me – a revelation that would transform not only my business but the lives of everyone involved.

For the first time, I contemplated a gesture of gratitude towards my team, a gift that would unite us and align our goals. A good paycheck was ok, but it wasn't enough. I always looked at it that way, but obviously, it involved more than that. Despite initial reservations, I settled on something profound – Napoleon Hill's Keys to Success: The 17 Principles of Personal Achievement. I got the audio version as we spent a lot of time in company trucks. We would discuss takeaways in the morning before everyone headed out for the day. Little did I know that this seemingly small act of generosity would pave the way for a monumental shift.

In essence, I aimed to cultivate a sense of unity, to create a mastermind within our ranks. Reflecting on it now, it may sound like a self-serving strategy, but the intent was genuine – I wanted my team to share a common vision. And oh, what a game-changer it turned out to be.

The impact was almost immediate. Those once struggling employees, including the office managers, blossomed into entrepreneurs in their own right. The shift was palpable, as we collectively propelled our sales from a stagnant $300,000 to a staggering $1.8 million within the first year. Breaking the coveted $2 million mark the following year felt surreal, achieved by May, a testament to the transformation that had taken place.

Looking back, the moral of this transformative story echoes loud and clear – running a business is more than managing numbers; it's about nurturing a team. I shifted my focus from the business to the individuals propelling it forward. Instead of periodic performance reviews, I engaged in monthly interviews centered on their personal goals. It was a paradigm shift that would redefine our work culture.

I became a facilitator of dreams, helping each team member map out their aspirations and offering support to achieve them. This one small shift in mindset changed everything. Instead of worrying about profits, I was helping each employee with their problems, dreams, and visions. The reciprocity was astonishing. As I assisted them in reaching their milestones, they, in turn, fueled the exponential growth of my business. The dynamics had changed from a conventional employer-employee relationship to a collaborative journey where everyone was invested in each other's success.

Mentoring Giants, we focus on fast-tracking that first $1M! One way is to empower your employees to achieve their goals, for in their triumphs lie the seeds of your success. It was a lesson that reshaped my business, turning it into a thriving entity where unity and shared aspirations became the driving force. So, as you embark on the journey ahead, remember – your team's success is intricately woven into the fabric of your business wins.