How was your summer?
Maybe you didn't notice, but I’ve been on summer vacation since July, neglecting my regular Blog posts and the LearningEntrepreneurship newsletter. But Labour Day is behind us now, the kids are back at school, and it's time to get back to work.
It was a good summer for me – including a great cross country solo road trip, family visits with relatives I hadn't seen for years, and participating in several international writers conferences. My other projects in fiction writing, especially the Dale Hunter Thriller Series, also got sufficient time and effort for three more novels to be launched into the publishing, marketing, and distribution process this year.
More Random Ramblings from your Uncle Ralph
In my writing as your Uncle Ralph, I’ve been on a mission for more than twenty years to support and promote enlightened entrepreneurship and to generate more sympathy and understanding for those hard-working, ethical, responsible entrepreneurs who actually run a successful business while also respecting the people, the planet, the natural resources and infrastructure, and the society and communities around them that make their success possible.
Looking back over the past few months, however, they are not the entrepreneurs getting all the attention.
The entrepreneurs who dominate the news headlines reinforce the ugly stereotypes of ruthless, greedy, selfish, irresponsible capitalists and business leaders with the worst ethical and moral conduct, bad behaviour, and abuse of wealth and power. They're addicted to the attention, but apparently undiminished in their ability to enhance their wealth and influence.
Unfortunately, what is more disturbing is that they seem to have a cult-like following of adoring fans who buy whatever they’re selling and accept their bluffing, bullying, bragging, and bullshit. Yes, I’m thinking of the omnipotent Elon Musk, the former President Trump, and the entertainment mogul, P. Diddy Coombs, among too many others.
So, where do we find the unsung heroes of enlightened entrepreneurship?
I think they’re easy to find in every neighbourhood. These are the signs I look for:
· Smiling, friendly, helpful employees who are well trained and obviously enjoy their work.
· Clean, efficient premises that show respect for both employees and customers.
· Easy access to personal customer service that responds immediately, not “Sorry, I need to check with my manager,” or “Sorry, it’s against our policy.”
· Products and services that are clearly and accurately presented and priced. No misleading advertising; no sales gimmicks.
· Evidence of a corporate “personality” that sincerely reflects values and beliefs that are in line with mine.
You’ll find the signs of good management and enlightened entrepreneurship in local coffee shops, restaurants, retail stores, and small businesses every day. You’ll also see the same indications in large corporations at some of their local points of service. It’s harder for them to deliver consistently with thousands of employees spread around the globe, but good local management is the key. Principled, responsible, enlightened entrepreneurship at the top will be evident throughout the organisation.
Who’s on your list of model entrepreneurs?
Don’t forget to tell them you’ve noticed, then prove it by your loyalty to their business. That’s the best reinforcement for continuing to do good work and setting a better example.
And how was your summer? Did you have time to relax, think deep thoughts, recharge your batteries, fill your head with bright ideas, and make ambitious new plans to be better and do better?
Be an Enlightened Entrepreneur.
Del Chatterson, your Uncle Ralph
Learn more about Enlightened Entrepreneurship at: LearningEntrepreneurship.com
Read more of Uncle Ralph's advice for Entrepreneurs in Don't Do It the Hard Way & The Complete Do-It-Yourself Guide to Business Plans - 2020 Editions.
Read the most popular posts at LearningEntrepreneurship Blogs.
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