Contact Me

OUR BLOG

3 Things Stakeholders Really Want from You

Sometimes business coaching leads us to focus on some very simple things.  So simple, in fact, that we might forget sometimes just how important they really are … like going the extra mile to make sure you’re treating people really well. 

Who would those “people” be?  Anyone you interact with … your clients, customers, employees, independent contractors, vendors, alliance partners … in other words, your “stakeholders.”

Case in point …

Last week, I was approaching my favorite Italian restaurant in Puerto Aventuras, Mexico … my home away from home … when I see Marco, my favorite waiter, running up to me to give me a hug!  As we chat, I ask him how long he’s been working at O Sole Mio now.  Three years … and he’s clearly very happy!

I don’t know if you’re seeing the same phenomenon, but I’ve noticed folks like waiters and other gig-type workers in the service industry moving around a lot, especially in this time since COVID.  And as a business coach, I couldn’t help but think about what’s kept Marco in that position as long as he’s been there!

Last winter, as Tom and I sat in this same restaurant, I watched the waiters and waitress perform this beautifully executed dance, serving customers with ease and grace.  They clearly had all been there long enough to know the system, know each other, and know what worked and what didn’t.

As we were leaving, we stopped to talk with Fabrizio, the owner.  I commented on how wonderfully trained, coordinated, and choreographed his staff was and asked him his secret.

He said, “I treat them well.  I pay them well.  And I feed them well.”

 Those words have stayed with me and become a bit of a mantra for how we, as business owners, want to behave.

The bottom line:

Are you treating your stakeholders well … with fairness and respect?

Are you paying them well … so they feel valued and appreciated?

Do you feed them well … with words of appreciation?

Notice a couple of things.  It’s not all about money.  That’s not to say money isn’t important.  It is.  But working in a pleasant environment where you’re treated well and your efforts are valued is often just as, if not more, important to stakeholder satisfaction and loyalty than straight monetary compensation.

Survey after survey shows how highly folks value these intangibles.

So, be nice, be kind, be thoughtful, be generous, and be appreciative whenever people are deserving.

And, while I get that’s not always, that’s most people most of the time.  So, why not adopt it as your default way of being … if you haven’t already … adjusting on a case by case basis, as needed?

You’ll not only feel good about it, it’ll win you a ton of appreciation, loyalty, and support.

And in today’s crazy world, that goes a long way.

Warmly,

 

I’ll Treat You Well … Pay You Well … and Heck, I’m Italian … I’ll Even Feed You Well!

Do you know someone who’s …

  • Up-beat, self-starting, and looking for an opportunity to work independently in a friendly and casual office?
  • Someone who has excellent computer skills on Mac?
  • Looking for a side hustle with a wide degree of flexibility and independence?

This PART-TIME job in Hendersonville, NC has a solid starting salary, working in an environment that’s fast moving but fun – every day brings a new challenge.

Here’s what you need to do this job:

  • Proficiency on a Mac and with Microsoft Programs for a Mac: Word, Excel, and Microsoft Office.
  • Ability to troubleshoot basic technological issues, learn quickly, and manage complex projects with minimal supervision.
  • A comfort level with technology and an eagerness to learn new things.
  • Excellent verbal and writing skills.  Being a good listener helps too!
  • Ability to represent the “Denise Hedges” brand with integrity, diplomacy, and tact
  • A good sense of humor and easy-going manner that still allows for urgent stuff to be dealt with expeditiously.

I know many folks have found it difficult recently to fill open positions.  But I just know my perfect person is out there!  So, if you know someone who could be a good match, please forward this to them.

 They can contact me directly at Denise@DeniseHedges.com or 828-693-9573.

 

###

If you’d like to subscribe to my newsletter

Request Time With Denise

Meet Denise: Denise Hedges is a Business Development Coach and Speaker Coach for small business owners who want to be more comfortable, confident, and successful with their sales and marketing efforts. She specializes in helping them use speaking as a way to dramatically improve their results!

COMMENTS: