Choices

A young Ivy League Professor told me many years ago that business, like life, is about choices. This has been one of my guiding principles now for over two decades.

Over the years I have learned that excellence is never an accident. It is a manifestation of passion, integrity, value creation with a purpose and an eye towards taking care of your customers. The one question I ask my executive staff on a consistent basis is: “What do I have to do to be the very best?”

As a small business owner:
I choose to spend money to ensure our facilities look immaculate.
I choose to reward the staff for a job well done.
I choose to take my staffs’ livelihood very seriously.
I choose to do whatever is necessary, within reason, to be the best in my market in my industry. All these choices cost money — from my pocket.

Unfortunately, too many companies choose to line their pockets, to cut corners, to operate at minimal standards and compromise consumer safety. The truth is that compromising on the wrong things just costs more money in the long run. Greed is an ugly 5 letter word. Making money should never be the focal point of business, or the reason for your existence as an organization. It should be the reward for a job well done.

Next time you are at a crossroad of choices, choose wisely.