To value is to consider the worth, excellence, usefulness, or importance of something or someone.
It is rather fascinating to me, once again I find that ideas formed to help improve businesses and how they operate, also improve life and your outlook.
I remember first noticing this about ten years ago, back when I was beginning my first company. I always made an incredible effort to be friendly and cheery to my customers. Then one day, after a surprisingly frustrating response to one of my family members, I realized that I was being more careful with how I treated my customers than how I treated my own family! How embarrassing! And yet I was grateful for the wake up call.
So I changed my perspective. I began making every effort to respond to my family as if they were customers. Even better than if they were my customers, because truth be told, I like my family best of all! Somehow, thinking of them as “preferred customers” really helped me improve my responses.
Increase the Value
Recently in the trainings I have been going through for work, I keep hearing about how a business should have something of value that they offer to their customers for free. These complimentary offerings let a customers know that they are valued and are important to the business.
I think this is a nice idea and I have been working on it for my shop! This idea also got me to thinking about how I could apply this to my family as my “preferred customers”.
How can I show my appreciation by offering them an increased value? This has become a new paradigm shift for me yet again! I want my family to know that I value them and that they are very important to me, just as I want my customers to know that my shop appreciates them!
The How To
What are some ways that we can add value to our relationships? A relationship doesn’t have to be the closest, deepest thing in order for us to increase its value.
Perhaps your next door neighbor is having trouble with her plants and you have a green thumb. Without needing to become best friends, you could share a hint or tip – “Oh, that plant needs full sun!” – and be a blessing to your neighbor at the same time!
Or maybe your sister needs a new car and doesn’t know what to look for or what to avoid. Meanwhile, you are car savvy! Help her out!
Increasing the value of a relationship doesn’t have to be big or fancy in order to be a blessing. Sometimes something as simple as a meal baked or a floor mopped can bring more value than something big and obvious!
Let’s remind our family of their incredible, irreplaceable value to us. Let’s recognize opportunities to help and encourage! Like I mentioned above, everyone needs to be valued – and we have the ability to give that gift!
In addition, this idea isn’t limited to just family members any more than it is limited to only businesses. Think outside the box! Use it with your friends and coworkers! Your neighbors and folks at the grocery store! Everyone needs to feel valued!
“Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full – pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” – Luke 6:38
Just think of it – because of your efforts people will be happier, more confident, encouraged, and valued! When you sincerely work to selflessly serve others and appreciate them, you will walk away encouraged and blessed!
So tell me, how will you add value to someone’s day?! I’d love it if you’d share below!
Until Next Time!
Hope.