Since you’re a small business owner, it’s likely you’re communicating and talking to other people all of the time. Because most of your communication is through words – whether they are written or spoken – they have the capability to damage your business and bring it down. However, they also have the ability to bring you success without any extra marketing or help from outside sources.
Staying true to your word is both one of the most important things for your business as well as one of the most difficult ones to honor. It isn’t about complimenting people into liking you, and apologizing when you say something stupid. It’s about stopping and making a conscious decision on what you’re going to say to someone. The decision you want to make, even if it takes some effort, should be to be kind with your words.
Don Miguel Ruiz, author of The Four Agreements, says it nicely: “The word is a force, it is the power you have to express and communicate, to think, and thereby create the events in your life.” This applies to your business, too – your thoughts and words that come with them have the force to make or break your business.
Why? Because of several things:
You’ll make much better decisions. Exasperation is a common feeling when owning a business. The key to surviving these moments is holding true to your word – to yourself as well as others.
Your business will start to bloom. People will trust you when you keep your word, and this will build your reputation in your particular niche in a good way.
And most importantly, you’ll be happier. Happiness is ever elusive, and if you can grab a little of it just by holding to your word, then you should seize the opportunity.
photo credit: R. Hisks