“Business Lessons” Are Not Your Typical Mother’s Day Tribute

This past weekend, we all celebrated Mother’s Day. Some of us celebrated by remembering their mothers who are no longer with us. One of the things I remember the most about my mom is her sensibility. She had a philosophy for life that was kind, inclusive, smart and at the same time funny. That’s why I can remember some of the bits of wisdom she both repeated and modeled to me as a child, and have used them as business lessons in my career.

While most of these were not given to me in the business context, I have been able to apply these 5 life lessons as 5 business lessons. Moms sometimes have a very clear vision for what makes a successful brand, company, or business. And now I can say that my mom was my first business consultant. So I’m going to share some of her wisdom with you in honor of Mother’s Day.

Close enough for government work.

We might all just stop trying to be perfect. You are good enough just the way you are! My mom would always say “close enough for government work” when something didn’t come out exactly as I expected it would. And instead of being upset, we’d all laugh. And we’d move on. And we’d try again.

Because heck, if a giant business like the government doesn’t do it perfectly the first time, then how can we be expected to do so? Do your best and that will be good enough. It’s our effort and perseverance that counts.

Not what I would have done, but just as good.

As a business leader, recognizing that your colleagues or direct reports might not solve a problem exactly as you would have, evaluate others’ work through fresh eyes. Weigh their solutions against the brief or the client ask, and if it works (even if its not what you would have done) then it’s good.

This simple and valuable business lesson will go a long way toward building trust and loyalty within your team. After all, you hired these people and they are experts at what they do, so treat them as such.

Take care of everyone smaller than you.

When I was very small, this meant if a friend falls down on the playground go help them up and make them feel better. Or if a kid younger than you seems like they need a friend, be one. Share your snack with kids who don’t have one. That sort of thing.

As I got older, the meaning became less literal and more figurative. “Smaller” could mean less access, fewer resources, more burden. Anything that made someone’s life smaller than yours.

So now as an adult, if you have access to something that others don’t, share your access. Hire a non-traditional intern who might never have had the opportunity. Bring a younger colleague to an industry event or dinner. Give public kudos and rewards to your team. Create and support programs in your company that create a more equal, diverse and inclusive environment for everyone.

Practice what you preach.

If you say one thing, but do the opposite, what message are you sending about yourself? You’re damaging your credibility said my mom. When you demonstrate this business lesson — that you know what you’re talking about — then people will believe that you are an expert.

For example, if you are a digital marketing agency that handles social media for your clients, but your own agency doesn’t have social media channels, how can potential clients know that you’re an expert?

If you need help, ask.

This was one of the most important lessons that I learned from my mom, that I’ve applied to my entire career as a business lesson. It’s ok to not know how to do everything. It’s ok to say in a meeting “Well, I don’t know the answer, but I will go find out.”

Leaders, surround yourself with people who are better at things than you are, and ask them when you need help, and you’ll always be successful. We are all over the “fake it til you make it” mantra. Be vulnerable, ask for help. In the process, you’ll be giving someone else a compliment by asking for their expertise. And you’ll probably be learning something new.

My Business Lessons From Mom Made Me a Successful Business Person

I hope you’ve enjoyed some of the wisdom that my mother shared with me. She always said that if you can do something that might help someone, take that opportunity. I’ve tried to follow that advice my entire career. And I would consider myself successful in that regard…and to me that’s the aspect of business acumen that matters the most.

It’s the time of year for another Mother’s Day story, this one about a business forgetting their core brand promise and letting me down as a customer and new mother. I missed a mother’s moment when a business failed to deliver on their customer experience promise.

In the early days of managing new parenthood and a corporate career, it was all about completing the day’s responsibilities while making precious time for holding, feeding, and rocking a new baby. Each moment seemed critically important, and a focus on executing one was key to optimizing the next.

I learned that promises delivered are critical for optimizing each moment.

During those years, one of my favorite brands was a luxury car company and dealer known for superior customer service. I appreciated the dealer’s great reputation, professionalism, and attention to detail. Then, on a busy day, a customer experience led me to realize they were beginning to focus on things that had little to do with their core brand promise of superior customer service.

After missing the normal morning time with my son to drop off my car for repairs, I was looking forward to the evening, having returned from days of business travel and ready to get back to maximizing the next moment. When I arrived to pick up my car after work, I noticed a new waiting area for customers with beautiful furnishings, food and drink, and merchandise displays. Fancy!

The waiting process was longer, as the staff spent time offering food, chit-chat, and everything but my car. During the delay, a shift ended as it was late in the day, and no one was available to bring the car. I waited while noticing employees cleaning windows, sweeping, and offering cookies. They had the fancy extras but were late with the delivery and failed to meet their brand promise of great customer service. An hour later, I got stuck in traffic and missed the evening with my son.

Forget fancy! Get me home in time for moments and I am a customer for life.

In our quest to have the best image, be the best known, and achieve the highest ratings, are we forgetting the most critical deliverables? Please don’t let yourself get so sidetracked and focused on a new shiny, sparkly-self as you may end up losing customers. Find your brand promise, stick to it, pinky swear it!

Years ago I left that dealership. My current dealer has some nice perks, but they are obsessed with getting customers in their cars and on the road. They have stayed focused on their brand promise around the driving experience, versus too much focus on a beautiful waiting room space.

I value businesses that help me deliver on my purpose of being a mom, volunteer, and porch rocker. Although my moments are now spent driving to practices and tournaments vs. holding and feeding, and I am rockin’ the front porch vs. a baby and corporate career – every. single. moment. still. counts.

Happy Mother’s Day! It doesn’t have to be fancy for you to enjoy the moment.