Gratitude as a Business Strategy

John Ray: [00:00:00] Hello again. I’m John Ray on The Price and Value Journey. The science behind the beneficial effects of gratitude gets deeper and more compelling as more research is published and updated. Most of the studies which have been published on the effects of gratitude support an association between gratitude and an individual’s well-being.

John Ray: [00:00:25] The head of the Division of Biologic Psychology at Duke University Medical Center says that, if gratitude were a drug, “it would be the world’s best selling product with a health maintenance indication for every major organ system.” The benefits, it seems, span an individual’s physical, psychological, and social wellbeing.

John Ray: [00:00:49] According to Robert Emmons, a leading researcher in gratitude studies, people who practice gratitude consistently report benefits across the physical, psychological, and social spectrums.

John Ray: [00:01:04] Well, let’s expand that idea beyond us as individuals. What would your business look like if you made gratitude part of your everyday operating strategy? What would happen if the conscious practice of gratitude was as natural a part of your business as opening the doors every day, or checking email, or bouncing the cash drawer, or making payroll?

John Ray: [00:01:29] I’m not just talking about sending thank you notes to clients, although that’s probably a good baseline to start if you’re not doing that. But gratitude is more than just thank you notes or client gifts. I’m referring to cultivating an attitude of thankfulness, which is deep in your core as a business owner.

John Ray: [00:01:52] Maybe it’s writing a thank you note to someone who has helped you with a suggestion they’ve made, one which seemed insignificant to them at the time. It could be keeping a gratitude journal for your business, making notes about people and events which have made an impact on you and your business. Maybe it’s spending daily time and conscious reflection or meditation on something you’ve learned that day. Or maybe an event you attended from which you gained something that helped you in your business. It could involve stopping and pausing in a moment of thankfulness before you turn the key in the door to open up in the morning or before you turn on your computer.

John Ray: [00:02:37] Some time ago, I received a note from a business friend of mine who puts this principle into practice in quite a beautiful way. She writes, “This is a busy, busy time. I am exhausted, but we are very grateful. We have had long days and worked all week, including today, Sunday. I appreciate you so much. You were the first one that welcomed me, made me feel at home, and started helping me right away. And for that, I am forever grateful.” Wow, what a note to receive.

John Ray: [00:03:12] But most importantly, this business owner really gets it. This note wasn’t written to me to get my business. Although I’m a client of hers, I’m a tiny fraction of the sales of her business. This note was written from a deep sense of gratitude for life enjoyed, even the hectic, tiring life of a small business owner. Despite the exhaustion, the headaches, dealing with employees who flake out, and having days where everything seems to just go wrong, this individual is centered enough to express an attitude of joy and meaning.

John Ray: [00:03:54] I encourage you, and myself, as I speak these words – I’m more a student than a teacher, for sure – I encourage all of us to use this Thanksgiving season to reflect on adopting a practice of gratitude not only in our personal lives, but in the life of your business, as a strategy in your business. You might tap into a deeper vein of satisfaction with your business than you ever thought possible. Happy Thanksgiving.

John Ray: [00:04:27] I’m John Ray on The Price and Value Journey. Past episodes of this series can be found at pricevaluejourney.com. Or if you’d like to send me a note directly, feel free, my email is john@johnray.co. Thank you for joining me.