The Grateful Path to Business Success: A Tale of Gratitude and Growth.

"When eating fruits, remember the ones who planted the tree." - Vietnamese proverb.

In Bavaria, Germany, Adolf "Adi" Dassler began designing and cobbling shoes in his mother's washroom.?

Looking for a niche in the enormous and well-established shoemaking industry, Dassler opted to target athletes to create the most comfortable and efficient shoe wear sustainable for training and performance.

Looking for a niche in the enormous and well-established shoemaking industry, Dassler opted to target athletes to create the most comfortable and efficient shoe wear sustainable for training and performance.

To differentiate himself further, he went directly to his target customer, athletes, asking for their pain points; what their dream shoes would look, and feel like, and how he could improve his current designs.

This feedback allowed Dassler to craft the shoes the athletes needed, boosting customer confidence and market share.

The cumulation of his efforts was evident in 1954 when using Dassler's shoes, Germany beat Hungary and won the World Cup.?

This exposure boosted his business credibility even more.

This company is called Adidas.

6 Brutal Truths that Unleash The Power Of Gratitude For Business Owners.

"When it comes to Life, the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude." - G. K. Chesterton.

"No man is an Island" is a popular line attributed to John Donne which encapsulates the idea that we are social animals who belong to a wider community.?

No one is ever truly self-sufficient, and we have to rely on the company and comfort of our community to thrive and be at our happiest. We are all interconnected, no matter our stations in life.

The key to sustaining the fragile interconnectivity of our community is simple; "gratitude", which is synonymous with thankfulness; thankful for the people who supported you in the beginning; thankful for the trials and tribulations you've faced; thankful for the people who gave you a helping hand to get to where you are today.

In the business world, the success of a thriving enterprise heavily depends on the relationships between the business owner and employees, the business and customers, and the business and the community at large.?

These connections are crucial for overall relevance and prosperity.

So how can Sam, a tech entrepreneur who through blood, sweat, and tears, established a successful tech business in the heart of Lagos, express his gratitude to those around him?

1. Employee Appreciation:

Sam recognised that the core of a successful business was its employees.

He believed that recognising their commitment and hard work was critical to developing a motivated and engaged team.

Every month, Sam organised a "Team Appreciation Day," during which he congratulated each employee for their contributions and honoured exceptional achievements.

The positive energy from these activities permeated the workplace, fostering a strong sense of community and a shared vision for success.

2. Putting Customer Satisfaction First:

Customer satisfaction was non-negotiable for Sam.

He understood that consumers were the lifeblood of the business and deserved nothing less than the best service possible.

He urged his team to aggressively listen to consumer feedback and make changes based on it.

In times of triumph, Sam would write a handwritten thank-you note to loyal customers, expressing genuine thanks for their faith in the company.

3. Relationship Development:

Sam's business's success depended also on excellent partnerships and collaborations.

He realised the importance of suppliers, partners, and stakeholders and regarded them as valuable members of the team.

Sam stressed the development of genuine relationships built on trust and mutual respect, understanding that their support was critical to the company's growth.

4. Others' Empowerment and Recognition:

Sam believed in encouraging his employees to take responsibility for their work within the business.

He encouraged them to suggest fresh ideas and projects, which he seriously evaluated.

When someone reached a big milestone, Sam acknowledged their accomplishments by publicly recognising their hard work and effort.

This culture of appreciation and reward spurred the team's desire to excel and reach new heights.

5. Contributing to the Community:

Sam's gratitude extended far beyond the boundaries of his business as he acknowledged his company's responsibility to the communities it served.

Sam initiated several charitable activities, with the team actively contributing their time and money to address local issues.

This act of giving back not only brightened the lives of those in need but also enhanced the business's ties with its community.

6. Long-Term Vision and Humility:

Despite his commercial success, Sam remained humble and open to criticism.

He valued his team members' and stakeholders' viewpoints, understanding that collective wisdom led to better decision-making.

He saw the company's success as a long-term journey, realising that sustained growth required strong relationships and a culture of gratitude and respect.

Conclusion;

"He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things he does not have, but rejoices for the things he has." - Epictetus.

Sam's business grew over time, and it became known not just for its creative products and services but also for its great appreciation culture.

Customers remained loyal, and partners enthusiastically collaborated because employees felt valued and dedicated.

The beneficial influence the enterprise had on the community was noted, leading to even more support.

Finally, Sam's experience revealed the unmistakable link between gratitude and business achievement.

He had unlocked the true power of gratitude by recognising and appreciating the contributions of everyone involved, from employees to customers and stakeholders, establishing a harmonious and successful business that stood the test of time.

As a result, Sam's journey of gratitude stands as a timeless reminder that thankfulness is undeniably a cornerstone of a thriving and enduring business.

What can you learn from Sam's experience?

My answer can be condensed into one phrase: Happiness and success do not bring us gratitude; rather, gratitude provides us happiness and success.