It has been a crazy week. Firstly, there has been all the catch-up required after being away on leave. But secondly, we have had a ton of new client enquiries and an unexpected business opportunity. All of this makes for exciting times in the practice. I try not to dwell too long on where all these opportunities have come from, probably because we are too busy doing the work rather than speculating about the origin of the leads. But I do have a theory.
A few years ago, I decided to always say “Yes,” no matter the opportunity. Whether it was for a networking coffee, to be an online webinar panellist, to be a small business mentor or even just saying “Hi” to someone new in the elevator at Xerocon. If I could fit it in my diary, I would say yes. Being scared was no longer a good enough excuse. This does not mean I am a pushover. It just means that I have changed my mindset, so I am now open to new and exciting opportunities. And it has worked. The last few years have been amazing. So, it got me thinking. Is that all it takes to build a successful business? So, I did a little research.
In the early 2000’s, there was a little coffee shop based in Seattle, called Starbucks. They were facing financial adversity and needed something to change so decided to embrace the “Yes” mindset. They made a commitment to saying "yes" to innovation and customer feedback. With visionary leadership, they actively sought opportunities for growth, introducing new products, and expanding globally, Starbucks transformed from a local coffee shop into a global phenomenon. Today, Starbucks stands as a testament to the transformative power of positivity in the business world. Impressive stuff, even if I am not too keen on their product.
But saying “Yes” appears to be not the only way to harness positivity in business . Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, is a trailblazer who infused his company culture with affirmations of growth and success. Starting in a garage as an online bookstore, Amazon faced scepticism but remained rooted in a positive vision. By repeating mantras such as "Work Hard, Have Fun, Make History," Bezos cultivated a culture where innovation thrived. This positive outlook not only propelled Amazon to become an e-commerce giant but also revolutionized the way people shop globally. Of course, it is not as easy as “If you say it, you’ll be it.” But a good dose of positive affirmations to yourself in a mirror never hurts.
Finally, building a positive work environment can sure attract success. Check out Google. From its inception, Google embraced a workplace ethos that encouraged creativity, collaboration, and a "can-do" attitude. By providing employees with a supportive environment and celebrating innovation, Google became a magnet for top talent. The positive company culture at Google has not only driven its meteoric rise but has also set new standards for organizational success.
The stories of Starbucks, Amazon, and Google stand as living proof that positive thinking is a powerful catalyst for business success. These companies did not just navigate challenges; they turned setbacks into springboards for growth, embraced affirmations, and fostered positive company cultures.
OK, I am not getting carried away. I know that running a Brisbane bookkeeping practice is totally different from running a global enterprise, but it does not hurt to take a cue from these successful industry giants. It has worked for me. I encourage you to get out there and infuse your business with the magic of positive thinking. Embrace the "yes" mindset, repeat affirmations of success, turn challenges into opportunities, and cultivate a positive company culture. The business landscape is waiting for those who dare to dream positively and turn their dreams into reality! You can do it. It starts by just saying YES.
Stay ‘Appy!
