I get all kinds of insights while driving. While en route to the gym, I was creating and polishing a business manifesto. It’s based on values that I hold and things I have learned over the years about what I’ve appreciated that others have done when I have been on the receiving end of their services, as well as what I would have wanted them to do differently. It amazes me how folks are able to remain in business when they don’t provide good customer service. Here goes:

It’s All About Relationships.  Business really is about connecting heart to heart with folks I serve as I get to know them and their needs.’

Be available. My schedule varies from day to day, since I wear so many hats, but I make sure that I carve out time to meet with or speak to clients, colleagues and students.

Be reliable. Deliver what I promise on time. As a former magazine publisher (Visions Magazine) for 10 years, I am accustomed to meeting deadlines. Show up early for presentations in order to prep for the event.

Send thank you notes to those who hire me or interview me on their programs. Acknowledgement goes a long way toward maintaining those relationships.

Play nicely with the other kids. More often lately, I co-facilitate or participate in joint ventures with friends and professional colleagues. I want to share ideas with them, so as to enrich both of our treasure chests of tools that we have to offer participants.

Ask for what my services are worth, without stuttering. A wise coach with whom I worked a few years ago offered that instruction, since he felt I was far undercharging for my three decades of experience and education.

Think outside the box and allow my Muse to inspire innovation. Be willing to be silly and spontaneous. Many of the things I am doing now were unplanned at first, but once I had the first spark of insight, I could put form to them.

Give credit where it is due. If a concept about which I write or teach comes from another source, I always quote that person. As a writer, I appreciate when other people do the same.

Network openheartedly; sharing resources and ideas. I share mine because I can. This Rolodex brain of mine has a lot of stuff stored in it. Gone are the days of competition; opening the door for cooperation and mutual support. My wise father used to say “One hand washes the other.”

Be shamelessly self promoting. I know that’s a tough one for some of us who are in the ‘helping’ professions, but I remember that people can only benefit from what I have to offer if they know about it.

See myself as a thriving artist, rather than the stereotypical starving artist.

God/The Divine/Spirit is my employer. Since I work for that ‘company’, I accept that the salary and benefits are out of this world.