What Matters Most To You Really Matters!

Over the past several blogs now we have been looking at some "proverbs" - wise sayings from successful people.  Today's proverb comes from Jeff Henderson.  For over three decades Jeff has provided wisdom and leadership to for-profit and non-for-profit businesses such as Chick-fil-A, the Atlanta Braves, and North Point Ministries. Jeff has also been named by Forbes magazine as one of the twenty speakers you shouldn't miss. And, here is a quote from Jeff:

"When you compete on price, eventually your margins get smaller. But when you compete on purpose, more than price, your profit grows."

Let's break down this quote and apply it to our businesses.  We live in a time where most consumers want to connect with businesses that have a greater purpose and impact.  When you develop and refine a powerful purpose for your business, and then allow that purpose to drive what you do, you will have created more than just a business. You will have created a legacy and legacies far outlive us.

But here is the problem.  If we are being honest, most of us tend to run our businesses focused on profit - and profit has only one thing in mind... us!

Are you ready for a little challenge? Go back and look at the last 15-20 social media posts you made for your business and ask the question "If someone were reading this, what would they think matters most to me?"

For many years, businesses grew by self-promotion.  "Look what I can do!" or "Look how great I am!"  These tactics tend to accomplish little more than one company trying to shout over another company about great they are.  Think about this: "If a business was a person, many businesses would be considered narcissists. And narcissism is bad for business."(1)

What I am not saying is that money doesn't matter.  Of course it does! It's vital to live! But if the sole purpose behind your business is your own pocketbook, this will become abundantly clear to your clients (and what would have been potential clients). 

When you develop a greater purpose for your business and lean into it, it shows! 

Let me give you an example.  My family loves Chick-fil-A.  Now, I am not a huge chicken fan, but nevertheless, I am impressed with their customer service.  So, every now and again we will stop by Chick-fil-A and grab some lunch or dinner. My family is not alone in their thoughts on Chick-fil-A.  Did you know that in 2020, the franchise celebrated 6 consecutive years of being named America's Favorite Fast Food Chain? (2).  The franchise is growing at a rate of over 15% each year for the past couple of years and has been dominating the food market industry, despite the fact that they are closed one day a week. 

Why?

Because they lean into their purpose instead of leaning into their profit.  They aren't concerned with offering a sandwich a little cheaper than their competitors. Nor are they concerned about cutting costs by utilizing as few employees as possible so they can make better margins.  Rather, they are concerned about competing with their own purpose and it shows!

Chick-fil-A’s core values comprise “customer first, personal excellence, continuous, improvement, working together, and stewardship.”

That is what matters most to them, and it's obvious! It's obvious by every single thing they do.  From greeting the guests with "my pleasure", to running the most efficient drive-thru system the fast-food industry has ever seen, to giving back millions of dollars in charity work, it is clear that they have a greater purpose. 

So here is the question - what is the purpose of your business?  Are you running your business for profit only? Or, do you have a greater purpose? 

If you are trying to establish a purpose for your business, start by taking 5 minutes and write out the answers to two questions:

1) What matters most to me?

2) What do I want to be known for? 

By simply taking 5 minutes to invest in these questions, you can begin developing a deep purpose for your business that will far outlive your life!

Now, on to our resource for the week:

1) "This New School Year Doesn't Have To Stink - Letting Me Help You With Your Real Estate Needs Just Makes Good Scents" Popby Tag - Whether you pair it with a candle or poo-pourri, it is a great back-to-school opportunity to connect with clients!

2) "The Secret To My Success? I Chalk It Up To Great Clients Like You." Popby Tag - Let your clients know they matter to you when you pair this tag up with sidewalk chalk for a great opportunity to connect with clients.  Ideal for families with young children! 

Hey - did you know that one of our core values is equipping YOU with the best resources possible to grow your business?  So, if there are resources you would find helpful that are not already in the PYRE Membership, let us know! We would be happy to create what you are looking for!

And, as always, we are cheering for you!

1. Know What You're For: A Growth Strategy for Work, An Even Better Strategy for Life. Henderson, Jeff. Zondervan, 2019, pg 35. 

2. https://www.forbes.com/sites/aliciakelso/2020/06/30/chick-fil-a-named-americas-favorite-restaurant-chain-for-the-sixth-straight-year/?sh=7799ad695d7a