Is There a Place for Love in Business?
Love actually is the next buzzword in the world of business. However, many business individuals have conflicting views and standpoints about this. There is a growing school of thought, which accepts that love has a valid place in the business industry, even without hearing definite explanations, or being given solid proofs to turn their assumptions into fact.
Fear versus Love?
Each and every business is actually based on one of these two concepts: fear or love. Businesses that are based on love can now be readily identified. These businesses have greater missions in mind, whilst attracting more loyal, devoted clients and customers. Such companies are not afraid of experimenting; and are more capable of producing interesting, innovative services and products. These types of businesses are those that most people will look for when they are planning to make purchases or even planning to start their own enterprise.
Other businesses operate on a concept of fear. Examples would include the fear of reaching sales targets, staying within budget or attracting a certain number of customers. There are even businesses who literally thrive on ‘fear’, like the security industry or insurance services. Such businesses tend to suffer ‘fear’ themselves, and thus will not readily experiment or explore, given the belief that they may alienate their customers. These industries can exist for many years, limping along to a certain degree; some may equally suddenly close or be absorbed without warning.
Working for Love or Fear Makes All the Big Difference in this World
Those working with fear actually have a scarcity mindset on some level. This may be based on the belief that there are just few sales or customers available and that you must grab them instantly before your competitors. This scarcity mindset errs toward doing things that make sense or affords safety at times; however this mode of operation tends to negatively affect the business as a whole.
Working for love is on the contrary, linked to mindset of abundance. Those businesses choosing this mindset, actually adopt the view that their business has more value in sharing, and as a consequence their loyal customers will need them.
What’s love got to do with it?
Love seems to be a strange word to be used in the context of management and business, but in truth it should not be. Actually, this is more of a normal concept in the field of business. It may be that the term ‘love’ may seem too sentimental or emotive, so perhaps “spirituality and compassion” can provide better alternatives. These terms are perspectives in their own right, and actually represent love being applied to organizations and businesses.
Love, compassion and spirituality explain the quality of the human existence as well as personal values and beliefs, which may be displayed at work, via connection to others and the natural world. This compassion and consideration paves the way for a better working environment, as employees take responsibility for their organisation and colleagues. Decision-making and the way business is conducted are improved when employees care; or indeed love what they are doing. Love may simply represent compassion for others in business or the workplace. Individuals display love in their own way, or to a personal standard. Therefore, there is no set model for everyone.
Ultimately, Is there Really a Place for Love in Business?
Love definitely has a place in business. In fact, there are growing numbers of business individuals advocating greater compassion, spirituality and love in corporations or businesses. These viewpoints represent diverse interpretations of compassion, spirituality, business ethics and love. However, variety is a great asset in this respect, as you can never have too much positivity.
It has been quite a challenge for business leaders and managers to develop a clearer interpretation of love that will effectively work within businesses. However with the advent of social media, inbound marketing and branding are now considerations for all businesses. The old technique of waiting for customers to come to you is now longer viable, so marketing and advertising is changing relentlessly.
Signs that there is Place for Love in Business
Love in business can be seen in many different scenes and situations. These points will clearly demonstrate that there is really a place for love in any business:
- Many businesses now openly advocate and support the ideal of 'sharing and caring', which places ethics and people ahead of profits. Even more significantly, businesses are now adopting a caring philosophy to their competitive advantage for greater business performance.
- Customers are now being informed and are enjoying availability and transparency of information. Business is starting to serve customers and clients, in terms of being more sensitive and responsible. These acts clearly show love and care in the context of business.
- Business leaders and managers are no longer solely concentrating on making profits or extracting personal gain. They are realizing customers expect them to show care, whilst addressing their problems and needs.
- Corporations and businesses are also starting to realize that caring for people genuinely is the best proactive approach.
- More meaningful connections are being forged between customers and businesses where love is present. This in turn translates to more positive effects on business operations and transactions.
- Social media likes and follows are now key concerns for business, often employing staff specifically to ensure that they are "loved" on the web.
Love has indeed a vital part in business. Businesses that create a culture of love in the workplace, display better performance, happier employees, higher sales, greater profit and increased customer satisfaction. The more love that individuals experience translates directly to greater productivity and engagement. Studies have revealed that love in business plays a significant role in determining the wellbeing and performance of customers, as well as employees at the same time.
Compassion, love, consideration for others, or whatever you prefer to call it; love has indeed become a relevant philosophy in organizations and businesses. Even if you doubt the relevance, then perhaps you should look to the fact that we commit to love in our personal relationships, to give value and meaning to our lives. Clearly, those proactive brands have long realized this was fundamental to customer loyalty and business longevity. It would therefore appear that LOVE has everything to do with it!
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