UpClose & Personal - Massage Today

The Golden Rule is based on the general law to do unto others as you would like to have others do unto you. That is the simple version if you can't remember the rest.

I would like to expand a little to include what I would consider
the Golden Rules for a Successful Business.

1. Love your work. Do something you love to do with a passion. It should not be just for the money. It must be the people, the industry and the love to make some sort of a contribution to life that will ultimately give you the most fulfillment in life. There is no such a thing as "time" when you are in love—and that includes your work. It is simply your sacred labor.

2. Hire the right employees. They become your family—make sure your employees have the same vision and passion; so choose carefully. They must be properly trained, valued, and kept in communication like a functional family. These choices can bring peace or misery. Keep your employees happy and they will be loyal.

3. Be a Giver. There are givers and takers in life. I remember the old saying " It is better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all". It does not take a whole lot more to graciously give more than is expected of you. True love has no strings attached. When you are in this mode you are constantly making deposits in your cosmic bank account (Good Karma). Your payback may not come quickly, but, quite often by surprise. So always give a little more than is expected of you to your customers and employees. Go the extra mile.

4. Be Gracious. This is like the grease—it keeps things lubricated and flowing between people. When problems come up, dance around them to come up with the right solution. If you can't flow you most likely will be stressed and that is not why you want to be in business. There are going to be challenges along the way so dance with them. Do the best structuring and planning you can and then let it go. Don't be attached to the results—it’s just like praying.

5. Keep the Vision. When things do get tough, fear will creep in—especially when cash is tight. Many times fear has been on my doorstep and the only solution that has gotten me through it besides pure faith has been my holding on to and remembering the bigger vision. Set your course for your goal and don't let anyone grab the steering wheel from you.

6. Use Positive Language. You very often will get what you speak—so be conscious of the words you choose. Positive affirmations will help raise your spirits. Negatives will only lead to depression and failure. So let your words be the mantras that will fulfill your dreams.

7. Surround yourself with positive people. If anyone says "it` can't be done" or "I'll try" don't expect much—they are mushy. Look for the "I will" people—those with passion and love for you and their work.

8. Commitment to quality. Whether it be product, services, education, or design always seek to improve the evolution of yourself and your industry. Set new standards and raise yourself, your staff, and all who follow up to a new plateau.

9. Focus on relationships. Good relations start with good communication and to maintain the connection you must keep the communication going. If you have a large customer or employee base and you cannot always talk, use email. Healthy relationships lead to happiness. Keep in touch on a regular basis.

10. Maintain a winning spirit. You are your own favorite team so always play as if you cannot fail and you cannot accept defeat. You know no words other than Victory. It is your game to win—so play to win. You can only be a success if you will it so.

In closing I wish you the winning spirit till next month and forever.

Only Victory,

John Fanuzzi

John can be reached for comments at john@goldenratio.com