What does success truly mean? Honestly, I feel that the definition is continually changing (especially in today’s digital, remote, advanced, and ever-growing age). In the past, success was defined primarily by money, and in all honesty, to some extent it is. But that’s not the only measure of it.
Today, success is determined by many factors—growth, adaptability, engagement—just to name a few. Depending on what your business or message is, you may consider yourself successful based upon influence, change, or even something with no monetary value at all, like personal or customer happiness.
Regardless of how you define success, however, the root of it begins with intentionality.
If you want to have a strong business, or be a person others look to for guidance or support, you have to be intentional—intentional about the way you interact with others, intentional about your communication, intentional about your products and how you market or sell them, and intentional about what matters and what your plans or goals are.
What does it mean to be intentional?
Being intentional means at the core of you/your business, you are putting your clients first. You care about the well being and happiness of the people who use your service/buy your products and you want to see them have results or improvement.
When it comes to customer service or communication, you make strides to really work with people, not trick them or treat them as numbers instead of people.
In truth, intentionality is all about putting a face to your brand and showing that who you are is real, genuine, and invested in what you’re doing.
Why is intentionality important?
If you want to create something—product, brand, service, company, idea—that has longevity and value, you want to be intentional so that people can see this isn’t something fleeting or a quick money scheme. You want to start with a platform in which you can grow, and if that starting point is genuine and strong, you will ultimately see more success in the end.
When we are intentional, we form better relationships and when it comes down to it, that’s what a successful business is all about—making relationships. If someone feels as if he/she knows you personally, they are more likely to entertain your ideas, listen to your perspectives, or invest in your services. If you are removed or trick people into purchasing something/subscribing/etc. you will lose trust, which ultimately loses your client base. Without trust, there’s no reason for someone to pursue (or even listen!) to what you have to say.
How can you be intentional?
Start by taking the time to present your true self to the people around you. Whether you are an employee or a business owner, freelancer or CEO, start by putting who you are out there. This can be as simple as sending an email, or sharing a behind-the-scenes story of your life.
Work to be as personal as possible. Can you send back a note that isn’t formulated? Can you offer discounts or freebies to subscribers? Can you create an open forum for people to connect or contact you directly? Showing that you are there is essential for both a foundation, and sturdy growth.
For true success, start small. In each step, each moment—move with intention. This will create an empire that sustains.
Featured Image Credit: rawpixel
