By Shara Lawrence-Weiss
I recently wrote a post related to the idea that December ought not be the “Season of Giving.” http://www.mommyperks.com/vip/?p=15777
The same might also be said for those who consider themselves Champions of Small Business. I’ve been working with small business owners for a few years now and there’s one topic that doesn’t come up all that often but it’s there, buried underneath much resentment and frustration:
“I would love to support others more but I need others to support me first.”
When the holidays roll around I see more of these women supporting other businesses, buying holiday gifts from their fellow business owners and so on. After the holidays are done, sales fall short. Now, this is very typical for many businesses: the holidays bring an uptick in traffic, promotions and sales, sure. We all know, though, that spending continues throughout the year, right? From birthday parties and Easter to summer time crafts and Fall gatherings – people continue to spend money but generally speaking they seek purchases outside the small business realm at this point. They figure, “I supported someone at Christmas time – I’m done now.”
No doubt this is their right. We have every right to spend our money where we please. It’s interesting to note, however, that the small business owners I work with who continue to support small biz year round, seem to have a more successful run.
Some might chalk this up to “what goes around comes around” while others would credit a Spiritual way of thinking: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Luke 6:31). Whatever you believe you have probably seen it for yourself at some point: that the givers get more back.
From my perspective, working with so many small business owners, there appears to be something in common with the moms who truly succeed long term:
- They have giving and generous hearts and an outgoing nature
- They typically welcome people into their lives
- They chat openly about things and don’t keep the emotional doors closed
- They maintain a good sense of humor and are capable of laughing at themselves and their mistakes
- They enjoy what they are doing and they want to support others, even when others do not support them in return
I certainly cannot say that these observations are based on scientific research or $10,000 studies, using tax payer money to find the answers. The observations are based on my own experiences over the years. The women who do well in small business seem to have this overall package personality: a Givers Gain mentality. That’s not to say that all givers do succeed because they do not. I have seen far more of the givers succeed than the takers, though – I can tell you that much. When the givers seem to be struggling, others surround them and help to pull them back up; as though a fleet of warriors are there in the waiting. Those who have continually taken, asked for things, waited on others to support them first and so on… find that their boat is quite lonely when the ship begins to sink.
Givers gain more than Takers? I would say yes.
Shara Lawrence-Weiss has a background in education, early childhood, special needs, freelance and marketing. She owns various websites including: Mommy Perks, Kids Perks, Personal Child Stories, Early Childhood News and Resources and Pine Media (co owner). Shara is an active member of her town charity group and a Library Board Member. Learn more about her at Mommy Perks.