Before I begin, I’d like to clear up the meaning of the word love in this post. I’m not talking about romantic love (i.e. between two consenting adults/people), I’m referring to the feeling that is present in us all when all negative emotions (e.g. fear, guilt) are removed.
I’ve always noticed that there are many times in my work with clients when I seem to enter a place of deep connection and in that place, much of the best work gets done. It’s difficult to describe without using the word love, in fact, I’m not sure there is another word to describe it. I’ve been wondering lately whether this place of love/connection is the key to creating or attracting into our lives the things we want. In terms of your work with people, even if you work without any direct connection with your clients or customers, finding a way to love them in this way is good practice for a thriving business.
I’m not talking here about any contrived experience or relationship with them or a kind of trick to get more sales. If you can offer them that deep connection, you allow them an experience that very few others can provide them. It gives them the opportunity to be themselves without any judgement or another’s agenda getting in the way. If the business transaction or service you offer is going to provide them with a genuine improvement in their lives then the deal is done. If not, then because you are in the place of love, there is no need for you to feel disappointed in their decision, it’s the right one.
I’ve found often that if you connect with people in this way and then no purchase is made, they will go out of their way to suggest to others that they do business with you – most people understand the power of personal recommendation.
With existing clients and customers, if you can generate this deep connection you will open doors that were previously closed to you. They will think of you when they require something you sell and often it doesn’t matter if you are the cheapest. This love or connection creates trust – because you are putting them first, something that rarely happens in business transactions.
The first step is to begin working on your ability to listen deeply, letting go of your own agenda. It’s something that coaches have to learn in order to be successful – that’s pretty obvious, however to me it seems as though this is an incredibly useful tool in all walks of life. Do it with genuine integrity and you’ll begin to understand the connection/love that I’m referring to here.