Be Human First

How to Conduct Business Authentically

I probably know what you are thinking…

“Uh, Britt, I am obviously a human - I am CLEARLY being a human first.”

And to that, I say, “well, yes, I know you are human by nature but do you lead with humanity in your business?”

[*Insert silent pause here*]

Here is the thing. Yes, we are all humans, but when it comes to business or our professional lives, being human first often falls short. And guess what? It’s not our fault. The business world was designed to separate personal and professional life. The only problem with that is we are not TWO people! I am not ‘Business Britt’ by day and ‘Personal Britt’ by night. I am both personas ALL the time. Therefore, why are we trying to separate our true identities?

Hey - maybe you are one of the fortunate few people who has this figured out. And to you, I applaud your knowing wisdom.

To those who might be facing a dilemma or identity crisis regarding how to act in your personal and professional life, this blog is for you.

Here are a few questions and reflections that helped me:

Why do I feel the need to act differently in my professional life?

Listen - I’ve worked in professional services most of my career. However, despite not always fitting in with my peers (I am the overly enthusiastic marketer in a room filled with CPAs and financiers) I have always been accepted.

The moments I felt out of place were usually self-inflicted. Instead of celebrating my uniqueness, I shamed myself for being different. As Theodore Rosevelt once said,

“Comparison is the thief of joy.”

And it really is. Once I realized that I didn’t need to be like my peers, even though I immensely respect and admire them, my professional experience went from striving to thriving.

Tip: Be you! I know, I know, over-done - but here’s the thing, this advice is true. If those in your professional life (and personal life for that matter) don’t appreciate your value then it’s time to say, “thank you, next.” I promise you there are hundreds and thousands of other organizations that will celebrate and appreciate what you bring to the table.

Is my environment nurturing a culture of creativity?

Holler at all my fellow creators out there!

By the way, I am so over with people saying, “well, I am just not creative.” Darling, the fact that you just fed me this line, tells me creativity runs in your blood.

Reality check - we are all creative! I know accountants who paint beautiful pieces of art and create stunning hanging wreaths. These are “numbers” people, folks, and also creatives.

Creativity and innovation go hand-in-hand. Suppose your organization does not foster new thinking. As my granddad would say,

“if things don’t change, they stay the same.”

You may consider finding new employment because eventually, competitors will evolve and then whoops, there goes your business!

Is the business I am conducting mutually beneficial?

We all know the used-car salesperson analogy - and hey, shoutout to all the honourable used-car salespeople because I know most of you are trying to help your clients but just like in ANY industry there is often one rotten egg that is only in it for themself.

Sidebar: if the person described above is you - hey, there is no shame in recognizing our faults and I commend you for wanting to evolve!

When conducting business always look for a win-win. If the deal is only good for you - well I promise karma will come back around. And I don’t just mean - “the client is getting a new car so - this deal is a win-win”. When in reality the car has a number of issues and will likely break down once it leaves the lot.

Be honest. If a client working relationship isn’t a fit - you are not wrong to move on. Always be kind and respectable but at the end of the day if a business dealing isn’t a win-win I promise resentment and guilt will likely follow you. Unless you don’t have a soul and for you, I suggest trying therapy.

The moral of this story…

The world is a beautiful place full of endless opportunities. When we shift our mindset from scarcity to abundance and be humans first - I guarantee positive outcomes will follow.

How to Conduct Business Authentically

Why do I feel the need to act differently in my professional life?

Is my environment nurturing a culture of creativity?

Is the business I am conducting mutually beneficial?

The moral of this story…

B R I T T M A R I E

Follow