ALL CONTENT AND PHOTOS WRITTEN AND SUBMITTED BY NIALA RAMKALLAWAN
Love is in full bloom as we welcome Valentine’s Day 2020. The language of love is universal, and goes by ài, amor, amore, sa rang, liefde l’amour, liebe or pyar in some countries. These endearing terms all carry equal emotional sentiments, and the feeling of adoration, affection, warmth and joy that this exceptional day brings.
Valentine’s Day is an opportune time to share and spread moments of compassion, appreciation and happiness, along with the blessings of light and love. It is not only limited in the romantic sense of the word, but is a time to acknowledge everyone who matters to you within your personal and professional network. It goes beyond the bounds of your home and immediate surroundings and extends to your community, business and workplace as well.
Last week’s post focused on ‘Bringing Love To Your Business’, with the purpose of appealing to your customers in the month of February and at Valentine’s. Today, I aim to get a bit more up close and personal in this Valentine’s Edition, which I hope will inspire and enlighten you, a thriving entrepreneur with great ambitions, responsibilities and even bigger dreams, on the right technique to treat with this anticipated and celebrated occasion.
As entreprepreneurs we all possess that innate fundamental capability to prioritise. Due to the demanding nature of work, resources and relationships, it is a vital feature we must practice in order to efficiently manage our effort, time and money. With that in mind, I invite you to take a moment to participate in this activity.
If you were randomly asked to prioritise the following:
God, Business Partners, Children, Spouse, Friends, Customers, Employees
In what order would you list them? And why?
Keep in mind all options provided represent individuals from your inner and outer circle, and the list is in no way limited. If you participated in this exercise, you would know it’s a tough one and in some instances, a close call. If you were able to successfully complete this activity, congratulations! You have just been able to prioritise your relationships and set the order of precedence. The reason for this exercise is simple. It is useful to rate your relationships and how you prioritise those who meaningfully impact your life.
This week I assign you a simple task, instead of our weekly challenge. I would like you to:
Make a note of persons within your circle who you interact with throughout the Valentine’s period including those individuals who give meaning and purpose to your life.
Then do something special for that person.
(My suggestion: You can give an edible treat, greeting, compliment, gift or even a smile.)
Here are some recommended tips of what should be done at Valentine’s.
Valuable Tips For Entrepreneurs At Valentine
• Focus on building and strengthening new and existing relationships.
• Express your gratitude and appreciation for hard work, strength and support within your network.
• Warm the heart of your immediate family - acknowledge and appreciate their efforts by having a family dinner or planning an outing.
• Treat your business partners by expressing gratitude during the occasion, extend an invitation to a coffee outing or business lunch.
• Give love to your community through positive energy, smiles, greetings, extend wishes, pleasantries, compliments, humour, or even a kind word.
• Surprise and warm the heart of your employees - Keep it simple, low budget and professional. Treat your staff to sweet treats, host a potluck breakfast or cater lunch.
• Host employee recognition ceremonies - Distribute appreciative tokens and acknowledge the efforts of your staff.
According to Divine Ndhlukula (Founder and Managing Director of DDNS Security Operations Ltd.), "Success depends on employees. For me knowing and connecting with my employees is very important."
• Finally, treat yourself - tantalize those taste buds with a trip to the dessert bar or try out a new coffee flavour; experience paintball, archery, join in karaoke or indulge in more passive adventures like a visit to the spa, or attend a ‘Sip and Paint’ session.
The thought matters, there is no need to be extreme in your giving or over spend, but find things in their simplicity and make a mental note of individuals who meaningfully impact your life. Even though Valentine’s is originally associated with love, you can be appreciative, kindness, support or show you gratitude to individuals within your circle.
No matter what, do something special if even for a few minutes. Remember at the end of the day, the human capital, our people are the driving force, so it’s only fitting that we take care of them, so in turn they will take care of us, along with the well-being of the business.
For those of you who are single, don’t be disheartened, you’ll find that special someone. As entrepreneurs, our lifestyle may be a bit demanding and so is our schedule, but I urge you to not lose hope. Your special person is out there and when you least expect it, your paths will cross. Until then, put God first and focus your energy on other priorities, all things will fall into place.
A Valentine’s Day Message:
The joy of love is truly a blessing of light, hope, optimism and bliss. Entrepreneurs, find a way to express love in your own individual way by having an attitude of appreciation and gratitude. Love has no boundaries: be positive, inspiring, and kind during this time with your words, greetings and wishes as you extend them personally and otherwise. Spare a moment to give love, our country could use a bit more and the world can as well.
I wish you all a very Happy Valentine’s. Celebrate it with the ones who matter. Create new memories and generate love wherever you go. Don’t wait around for that remarkable moment, feel free to go ahead and engineer it.
Sources:
http://www.quotearts.com/d110.html
About Niala
I am a Freelance MSE & Social Media Advisor, the Owner/Founder of Gia’s Creative Studio and YBTT Mentor/Advisor providing ‘Insights from a Creative Entrepreneur’ on transformational leadership, strategy, forging a legacy, motivation and success.
Niala Ramkallawan, MBA, BSc.
You can find me on:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/niala-r-71b12742/
YBTT - https://ybcaribbean.skysthelimit.org/volunteer-profile/15317
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/giascreativestudio/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/giascreativestudio.868/
