a little kindness goes a long way {be savvy}
If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em!”
That HAS to be my least favorite saying… ever! Maybe thats my stubbornness talking but I feel like as christians especially, this should never be on our tongue. As a Christian business owner, you should absolutely never think about that saying! Goodness, I do get how hard it can be to be kind and do the right thing when it seems like that would be going against the grain. Remember that we were just called to be IN this world, not a part OF it.
Where am I going with this? Well recently I’ve faced some choices, choices to join in on gossip between certain “photography cliques” or other photographers, or choosing words of kindness when a client is being irate and ridiculous with their requests. I realized quickly the choice is mine, and however I chose to act would say a lot of my character.
You have two choices when you’re faced with words of kindness or words that can hurt.
1. Lay it at the feet of Jesus and praypraypray that your words are NOT yours but the Holy spirit speaking through you.
2. You can act on that wild hair we all have and let people know what you think, which probably isn’t very nice things.
whether this is to your community or customers I want to tell you a few reasons why just a little bit of kindness can go a long way!
1. Its your brand, its representing you!
I cannot tell you how it makes me cringe when I see a business page on Facebook post a hurtful rant about another photographer or client. Even if you try to keep it anonymous this is so unprofessional and you are dragging your own brand through the mud because remember this: What you say of someone else says a lot more about you than that other person!
1. It will last.
Going that little extra mile to show a little but of kindness will benefit you and your business in the long run. A follow up email, remembering to ask how your clients sick dog is, sending a thank you card. These are all things that let people know you care. Maya Angelou remind us why this is so important in one of my most favorite quotes of hers;
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
3. They will notice.
Ive been faced with situations in my business when clients are truly being unrealistic and what it seems like trying to get a rise out of me. When you respond with poise and professionalism, they notice that you passed on the chance to partake in what they though could be a heated conversation. Trust me, sometimes thats all people want.
So remember what cinderella says, “Have courage & be kind.”
