NOV NIBJ: Gratitude is good business

Doing business in North Idaho is different. 

In a big city, you might do business with someone once and never see them again. Here? You may see your customers at the grocery store, sit next to them at a fundraiser, run into their spouse at a chamber event, and discover that their neighbor is your next potential client.

Small towns are wonderfully connected that way. Which means your reputation matters. A lot. Of course, reputation starts with doing good work. Deliver what you promise. Treat people fairly. Provide excellent service. But I believe the businesses that become truly valued members of a community do something more. They give back. And I’m not just talking about writing checks.

Giving back can mean sponsoring the local youth team, donating a gift certificate to a nonprofit fundraiser, volunteering at an event, mentoring a young business owner, serving on a board, or simply sharing your expertise when someone needs help. Sometimes it means buying from another local business when it would be easier — or cheaper — to click a button online.

It also means being gracious. Say thank you. Recommend other businesses. Celebrate someone else’s success. Make introductions. Share another business owner’s social media post. Send customers to the person down the street when they offer something you don’t.

That last one can feel counterintuitive. Why would I help another business get customers? Because community isn't a zero-sum game. When our local businesses are successful, they employ people. They support nonprofits. They sponsor events. They purchase goods and services from other local companies. They help make North Idaho a place where people want to live, work, visit, and invest. We all benefit.

There is also something powerful about practicing gratitude in business. It is easy to become so focused on the next sale, the next customer, or the next problem that we forget to appreciate the people who already support us.

When was the last time you thanked a longtime customer simply for being a longtime customer? When did you last tell an employee how much you appreciate what they contribute? How about the person who keeps referring business to you? Don't assume they know. Tell them. And then ask yourself another question: How am I making this community better because my business is here?

You don't need a huge budget or a formal charitable program. Start small. Choose one organization to support. Volunteer a few hours. Mentor someone. Buy local. Make a referral. Thank the people who help your business succeed.

In North Idaho, people remember how you treat them. They remember who showed up. They remember who helped.

Build a business that people are grateful to have in their community.

And never forget to be grateful that the community allows you to build it here.

Mickey Hemingway is the founder of MK Hemingway Consulting, LLC www.mkhemingway.com and also of Group Level Up — GroupLevelUp.com — a networking group in Sandpoint. Contact Mickey at [email protected].