I have read that Tina Turner didn’t really like the song. We know that it worked out pretty well for her. What’s love got to do with your business? Maybe nothing. Maybe everything.
My friend Bonnie Karpay said in a recent teleclass we did together that she only does business with people she LOVES (her capitalization), and that like isn’t good enough for her.
Leadership expert Steve Farber’s seminal quote is, “Do what you love in the service of people who love what you do.” If you are in the audience when he is speaking, you can hear the people who have never heard this gasp for air. You know that they are thinking: “That’s it! That’s what I want!”
Michael Port always says that his bestseller Book Yourself Solid is a love story disguised as a business book. (You can read more about that next week in my interview with him.) He and I had a long conversation once that there should be more hugging in business. (He gives great ones, FYI.)
Truth is, I get LOTS of business hugs from all the amazing people I surround myself with. As many e-mails are signed “xo” or “love” as “best regards.” I can’t imagine my business life without love – the love for my clients, the work I do, and my business partners.
The love in (and for) my business gives me the motivation to keep going even when I don’t feel like it. The e-mail notes and phone calls with support, thanks, and love I receive from clients and partners is my fuel. I know that my work matters and that I make a difference to the clients I serve. The boost is more powerful than a double espresso and lasts longer.
Our host Carol Roth often uses the phrase, “Tough love followed by a big hug.” If you have followed Carol at all, you know that she calls it like she sees it. No sunshine and puppy dogs here – but no meanness either. Thus the big hug part. It’s all part of her Spinach in Your Teeth® philosophy. And this blog is part of that.
What made me start thinking about all this was an interview I did with Jane Boyd of 45 Conversations last week. We were talking about the SOBCon Conference in Chicago in May. This conference attracts the most amazing group of smart people who come with an attitude of service. It’s a check-your-ego-at-the-door event where we roll up our sleeves and work on each other’s businesses. Whether you are new in your business, being entrepreneurial in corporate, or are “famous,” it doesn’t really matter. Everybody’s ideas are valid and considered.
I had a rosy glow of happiness all day after my interview as I thought about the amazing connections, friends, business partners, and clients that I got from participating in SOBCon. You can watch the video of my SOBCon interview with Jane Boyd here.
In fact, I had dinner last night with a SOBCon friend and I told her about this post. I asked, “What’s love got to do with your business?” She shouted enthusiastically, “It’s EVERYTHING!”
I agree. It is everything.
P.S. – If you want to join Carol, me, Steve Farber, and other great folks at SOBCon Chicago this year, register now before it is too late.
So what do you think? Do you love your business? Your clients? Do you think this sounds completely nutty? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
