We are surrounded by our creations!

When my daughter started dating, I can remember sharing with her a few words of wisdom. My main point to her was “be careful what you create”.

• If you start a relationship by being the driver….you will always be the driver.
• If you start a relationship by always being the one to pay at dinner…you will always pay at dinner.
• If you start the relationship by not holding hands…you will never hold hands.

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This is a great lesson for Entrepreneurs like yourself. Our Businesses may not have to do with intimate relationships yet…our Industry is all about relationships. Both with our team and our clients.

The #1 question we need to ask ourselves is “Are you creating something that serves a purpose or something which may eventually cause harm?

The phrase “be careful what we create” isn’t just a cautionary tale, it’s a reminder of the responsibility which comes along with it.

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What exactly do you mean?  You ask!

• If your client shows up late the first time…do you excuse it or address it?
• If your team member dresses inappropriately, do you address it or ignore it?
• If your client shows up with five nails peeled off…do you excuse it or address it?

Every decision we make as Business owners affects not just our clients nor our team….it affects YOU!

If you don’t take the time to ask the right questions and address the situation immediately, we may inadvertently contribute to the very problems we despise and are aiming to solve.

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You. may not realize, you create every day. Not just ideas, you create how people treat you, how they address you and how you will be looked upon for years to come. Every situation in one form or another, becomes a creation of you.

• How you dress – creates how others think about you
• How you communicate – creates how others think about you
• How you act towards others – creates how others think about you

How others think about you, is what YOU are creating.

Creation comes from purpose and intention.

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Always start with a clear purpose when you are creating. Whether that be an image of yourself, a product, a menu item etc.

Listen to feedback. Engage with your clients, peers and team members, if any. Feedback helps us to refine our ideas and creating something worthwhile and valuable.

As an example; When i’m creating classes, I just don’t rely on my own expertise, I listen to the needs of students, past and future.  If i’m creating an image, I want my image to be professional. Therefore, I try to dress professional, and always remember i’m in the Beauty Industry.  I fix my. hair, wear make-up and always try to look well put together.

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When creating your Business, in this Industry ground rules have to be established right from the start.

• What are your hours and are you willing to stay later?
• What are your policies regarding lateness, no-shows, children, cell phones etc?
• What is your dress code?

These are just a few. However, they are very important.

• If you stay late just 1X….are you creating a habit for your clients to take advantage of?
• If you excuse your client for being late, will you be wanting to fire her because she’s habitual?
• If you dress for success, do you require your team to do the same?

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Leaving a positive legacy is our ultimate goal. Everything we create leaves a legacy.

Hopefully what you create will have a thoughtful, intentional impact. Harping back to my article of last week….what is your why?. If you know what that is, you’ll build something not only successful but meaningful.

The next time you have issues with clients, team members, venues etc.  Think about how and what you created. Typically we are the source of our own problems.

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CJ Murray, President