I think that there is a misconception of what being of service actually means and how it looks.
There is such scarcity mindset out there right now with the economy, lack of time, and burn out. People and customers are tired of being sold to and are longing for actual connections with another human.
Here are a few things to think about.
Being of Service: The Foundation of Building Strong Business Relationships
In today's fast-paced and economically challenging environment, the concept of being of service to others without expecting anything in return often seems like a foreign idea. However, this principle is the cornerstone of building genuine relationships and ultimately growing your business. People and customers are tired of being sold to and want to feel like they matter and that they are appreciated.
Shifting the Focus
With the current economic climate driving many to desperately seek more clients, the mindset of scarcity is rampant. This can lead to a focus on self-serving actions rather than genuinely helping others. Instead, consider taking the focus off yourself. Think about how you can provide value and truly be of service to others. This slight shift in perspective can have a profound impact on your business relationships and opportunities. I promise you when you take the focus off of yourself your business will turn around.
The Power of Giving
It doesn’t take a lot of time to make this shift. By focusing on others and their needs, you create a ripple effect that brings more clients and opportunities your way. True leaders understand that being of service to others is not just a strategy but a way of life.
Observations from My Experience
Recently, I've noticed an influx of people reaching out to me, attempting to “sell me their service.” While they may think they are being helpful, it's often clear that their efforts are more about them than about me. Their communications are filled with more “I’s” than “you’s,” indicating a lack of genuine interest in my needs or circumstances.
Examples:
Podcast Requests: Business owners ask to be guests on my podcast without realizing that I haven't produced a new episode since February due to personal circumstances, such as the passing of my mother-in-law. This oversight shows they haven’t taken the time to understand my current situation or the state of my podcast.
Event Speaker Requests: Some business owners express interest in speaking at our upcoming Gather Society event without reading the itinerary to see that we aren’t having speakers at this next event. Additionally, they haven’t engaged with or supported our events in the past, yet they want to take the stage.
Going Above and Beyond
Being of service means going above and beyond for clients, potential business partners, and opportunities without expecting anything in return. When you genuinely serve others, opportunities naturally come back to you. It's about doing something that no one asked for but that you know will make a significant difference for them, both in business and in life.
Embrace the Giving and Receiving Cycle
The start of a new relationship cannot be solely about you. It’s time to embrace the giving and receiving relationship cycle – it’s a beautiful and mutually beneficial process. By doing something for someone else without expecting anything in return, you open the door to a world of possibilities and meaningful connections.
Take Action Today
Today, make it a point to do something for someone else without expecting anything in return. Share your experience – I’d love to hear how it went and the impact it had!
By adopting this mindset, you'll not only build stronger business relationships but also create a more positive and supportive business environment for everyone involved.
It gets to be easy when we take the focus off of ourselves (and that doesn't mean taking the focus off of your goals)!
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