Ever heard of the saying:
“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
And although I don’t know who said it first, it has been attributed to many great people over the years such as John Maxwell, Earl Nightingale, and Sir Theodore Roosevelt.
And, I do believe that it is entirely true.
Compassion is all about caring. And is particularly important for entrepreneurs and businesses.
Compassion In Business
What good will it do to have outstanding networking skills, to attend business events or e-commerce meetings, and to hand out business cards to hundreds of people if you don’t really care about them?
Sure, it might turn some heads. A few might even take the time to read your business card. But, will they make the effort to get to know your business if you seem like you are only interested in self-enrichment and not the impact you are having on people.
Why is it that a nation who consumes almost 25 per cent of resources in the world is facing the epidemic of depression, anxiety, and loneliness?
Well, let me tell you something. It is not an epidemic that comes from economic loss, but rather from the absence of meaningful social connection and the loss of compassion.
What does compassion have to do with business events and networking, you might ask?
In simple terms, compassion is the recognition of a person’s individual suffering that you can do something about it.
And what do businesses offer?
A solution to one’s problem.
Also, you will need to be extra diligent and ask how your clients are doing. Added with the right encouraging words when taking the xhibition stands, it can mean a great deal!
Now, that may be the one holding us back into showing compassion since we might start acting like Mother Theresa. The fear of giving more than we get or getting more than they can handle or deserve. Who wants that?
I get it, you’re an entrepreneur.
You need to get more than you give in order to survive. But does that mean you need to neglect to show compassion to your potential and loyal clients?
Of course not!
So, the next time you are attending a business event, here are 3 simple tips to add some compassion and show your audience and potential clients that you do care about them and not only about their money and investments.
1. Be Mindful of How You Show Up
Your entire presence matters. How you listen, how you connect with others and how you engage. Rather than coming to them with business cards on hand, get to know them first. Introduce yourself and your business. That’s it. Then listen to them. Start a casual conversation without becoming all business-like.
If it appears to them that you are an all-serious businessman who only wants their money, it will be their back you’re talking, too.
2. Your Mood Is Highly Contagious
As the leader, your employees will look up to you. They can easily pick up on your mood and go down the same lane. This is also true with potential clients and partners.
Don’t be gloomy and serious— brighten up and give out joy and laughter in every way. Be mindful of how you start off a speech or conversation. Your mood is highly contagious and it will ripple through the organization and at business events. So you better start it off in high spirits.
3. Give And Receive
Lastly, you will need to practice the Law of Reciprocity.
Don’t expect to receive something, when you haven’t even given anything. If your audience sees that you’re giving with care, you might just get whatever it is you want but twice the amount.
Conclusion
Compassion is the expression of empathy.
And when networking is combined with an act of empathy, it becomes so powerful that it lights up not only the brain but also the heart, resembling an emotion of caring and love.
And you probably know that when you feel loved or cared for, you feel really good.
So, how do you want to show up on business events?
A cold-hearted businessman just there to make a living? Or a warm-hearted person who empathize with your clients?
