Being Proud to Make a Profit!
01/13/04
Thomas Sowell, author of Basic Economics and noted columnist, points out something that people tend to forget: "Those who rail against profits and 'greed' seldom stop to think through what they are saying, much less go check the facts. Most of the great American fortunes-Rockefeller, Ford, Carnegie, etc.-came from finding more efficient ways to produce a product or service at a lower price and attract more customers. If making a fortune represents greed, then greed is what drives prices down."
We come out of a season of family and good cheer and move into the season for strategic kickoffs, a time where business goals are established and communicated. Some people see a disconnect between gift giving and goal setting. I see a synergy that is inspiring to my new year. By refocusing and driving my business goals I get to bring cheer and gifts of a different kind to my customers--new programs, new books and new insights people can use. View your business goals in the same way--you get to help your customer by providing a service or a product that helps them do things better, cheaper, more effectively or in a new way. By making a difference for our customers, we get to make a difference for ourselves--we get the satisfaction of serving and the opportunity to make a good profit for our efforts.
The ongoing pursuit of excellence is never done. You don't want leaders and teams who settle for a good year; you want to be part of a team that isn't happy until you have built a dynasty that keeps winning year after year. A profit isn't what you take from your customers; it is what you earn by making a difference for them. May this be a year of focus, service, meaning and reward for you, your team and your organization.
A PAULSON QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"A profit isn't what you take from your customers; it is what you earn by making a difference for them." --Terry Paulson, Ph.D.
MONDAY'S MIRTHFUL MOMENT
Loren Ekroth (www.conversation-matters.com) provides this week’s mirthful moment—A Washington Post Style contest to come up with unwise things to say in given situations. Note that these should not form the basis for your business or personal goals for the year. So enjoy these comments, but don't plan on trying any of them!
In Traffic Court: "Ooooooh, big, bad traffic court judge. What are you going to do, FINE me?"
To your Best Client: "You're not wearing a wire, are you?"
At Traffic Court: "I couldn't stop because the coffee I was drinking would have spilled on the newspaper I was reading to a friend over my cell phone." "Omigod, could you possibly talk any slower? I haven't got all day. "I was a little depressed that night, your honor. You know, the way you must feel about being a judge in traffic court." "Your honor, when I entered the intersection the light was the color of this $20 bill, if you get my drift."
To a Car Salesman: "So what's it gonna take for me to drive off this lot today in one of these babies?" "Options? Just give me whatever you think I need."
In a Job Interview: "I dunno. What did I claim in my résumé?" "Do employees get their own gun lockers?" "I like to think of myself as a secretary AND a poet." "Am I correct you are not allowed by law to ask me if I have a prison record?" "So, what games are pre-installed on your hard drive?"
To Saint Peter: "It's a pleasure to finally meet you! And how are Mrs. Claus and the elves?"
When you keep your eyes open for mirth, you just may find it! Hope this kicks off your morning and helps get your mood adjusted for the week. Now, get busy MAKING CHANGE WORK and have some fun along the way!...