What Have You Done For Me Lately

It’s not just a song title from Janet Jackson, it’s a question that needs to be addressed every single day, by businesses everywhere.

And not just in the way you’d think. Sure, you want to think about whether your relationships with others are worthwhile to you – but a relationship goes both ways.

1. Customers

First, think about your customers. Have you got enough and the right ones to keep your business not only afloat but thriving? Are you sure you’re going after the right ones?  But don’t just think about what your customers have done for you. What have you done for them lately – why should they continue to do business with you? Do they know these good things you’ve done? Are you communicating these things effectively? Could you stand to remind them of all you’ve done for them?
2. Suppliers

Second, are your suppliers. You probably already think about whether they’re treating you as well as they should. But what have you done for your suppliers lately? Sure, you pay them – but do you really make it worthwhile for them to do business with you? What would happen if their services/goods went away? Could you survive?
3. Employees

Third, and possibly most important, are your employees. Every employer I know thinks about whether their employees are delivering for them. But what have you done for your employees lately? Why should they care about your business? How have you made them feel invested in your company? Are they happy to work there, or will they leave as soon as another opportunity arises?

If you aren’t rewarding your employees – with both the choice projects and the optimal pay – they’re not likely to feel very loyal. In this economy, that may feel like a safe bet because, well, where else can they go? But rest assured, as soon as there is an opening available for them, they will leave. You need to treat your employees as if they truly are a valuable resource. (Unless you don’t consider them to be a valuable resource. Then, go ahead and treat them as a commodity. You can always find new people, right?)
4. Your friends and family

This is so easy to overlook. I hear people complaining about their spouses and children and parents and siblings and friends all the time. Because someone isn’t giving us what we want, we complain. But have you stopped to think about what you’ve given THEM?

It’s amazing what the smallest efforts can do.

So take some time today and review your own relationships. What have you done for me lately? And what have I done for you? Is it enough? Can I do more? The answers may make all the difference in the world.