The 3 M's of Business

In this time of economic crisis it is causing many businesses to retool and restructure to survive. Those that survive will be much stronger. During this time of assessment it is also important to assess a companies “core values”. Whether you are the owner/manager of a business or you are an employee of a company or organization, you must believe in what you do. I recently evaluated what we do and codified it in the 3 M’s:

Message
Method
Motivation

Message
What is the message (product) of your business and do you believe in it and have a passion for it? This applies to you whether you are the CEO or the delivery man. I couldn’t run a radio station that had a message that I didn’t believe in. I remember reading an article about the CEO of a large broadcasting company. The reporter asked him about the morning show that aired on many of his stations and whether he listened to the program with his family (it was a shock jock show filled with vulgarity, disturbing commentary and sexual misconduct). He responded that he wouldn’t allow his children to listen to the show. Although he had no remorse about pumping this filth into the minds of young people all across America, his family was safe behind their gated walls and his kids carefully educated in their private school. What about the single mom working two jobs and trying desperately to raise her children with a moral compass in a sea of corruption. Her family is fair game to this amoral media mogul. What about your companies message (product) is it something you believe in enough that you consume the product or use the service? Is it good enough for your family and friends?

Method
What is the method that you use to sell and distribute your product? The Bible references business conduct throughout its’ 66 books. Things like “the Lord detests unequal balances and scales”, “owe no man anything except the love of Christ” or “let your yes be yes and your no be no” abound in the scriptures. Jesus gave us a tremendous example when He washed the disciple’s feet to demonstrate to them what a servant leader is all about. He told them if He would wash their feet, that they should do so to one another. The idea of foot washing may not mean much to us in the 21st century. But in the 1st century it meant a lot. People traveled by foot and wore sandals. Their feet would get very dirty and it was customary when you entered someone’s home that the servant would wash your feet. Do you serve your customer Jesus style? Do you put them first and your needs second?

Motivation
What motivates you to do what you do? I was talking to a friend of mine a few years ago that had inherited his fathers business. I asked him that question and he responded “money”. He told me that he had little interest in the business and just wanted to build it and sell it. I believe that if that is your attitude that you will not be recompensed in the way you imagine. The most successful people that I know have a passion for what they do. They would do what they do, whether they made any money or not. Consequently they have more money than they need. Because if you believe in your message (product) use ethical and moral methods to sell and distribute your product and you are motivated to see people’s needs met by you and your product, you will be very successful. The by product will be that you will also be content.