How to adopt business karma principles for success

Is your networking philosophy based on give-and-take? Do you aim to hand out as many of your business cards as you possibly can and barely acknowledge those you receive in return? Do you wonder why even though you attend lots of networking functions, you never really seem to make inroads with anyone?

Here’s a tip that will either be an epiphany for you, or your eyes will glaze over and you’ll click the heck out of here: give-and-give.

Still with me? It’s not really a new philosophy. Successful business people are by nature, givers. Instead of asking themselves “What’s in it for me?” they ask themselves “What can I do for them?” All things universally considered, when you do for others, they naturally want to do for you. So all the referrals you hand out, recommendations you make for associates you know and appreciate, they all become paid back in some way. That’s karma. Ok, so not really the incense-veiled, meditation-at-daybreak, zen kind of karma. But business karma.
Karma, in today’s modern world, is basically the concept of doing for others what you would have them do for you … without expecting anything in return. The less you expect in return, the less disappointment you will experience, and the greater the appreciation when it comes.

Let’s put it another way. When you big-note yourself, when you promote what you do as the best that exists (without proving it by way of action), people turn off in droves. Businesses who quietly go about proving their worth – by going the extra mile, by offering outstanding customer service, by living up to and exceeding promises – enjoy the fruits that come with a golden reputation.

Even Pepsi is waking up to the goodness that is business karma. Rather than haemorrhage money into advertising during last year’s Super Bowl as they have done for 23 years, the cola superpower committed a massive $20 million towards grants to fund community projects. The grants, from $5,000 and as high as $250,000 are helping to retrain laid-off workers, provide free health clinics and support other very necessary community initiatives.

Cynics (and marketing gurus) might argue that Pepsi’s motivation was not entirely altruistic, but as long as someone benefits from cause-marketing, then it’s a win/win, right?
On a much less grandiose scale, we can all look to business karma to help us achieve our goals and harness success for our careers. Take note of the sales you may have lost which, handled appropriately by you, were ‘somehow’ replaced by other – perhaps even more lucrative – sales. How about the loss of a client who you just couldn’t seem to satisfy, and then the introduction to a new one who has become your dream client?

These things don’t ‘just happen’. What you reap, you sow. Graciously relinquish what you can’t repair and let it go. Seeking revenge or some other kind of misguided satisfaction does no one any good, least of all your business reputation. Look forward, aim towards your next, positive goals and let business karma take care of the rest.

Focus on what you do best. Live up to promises, follow through with past clients, continue chalking up your karmic good intentions and karma will, by definition, be very kind in return.

Author Bio: Gina Lofaro is the wordmistress, offering professional copywriting services. Running a successful online store has provided her with the expertise to know what sells. To find out more about Gina, read her profile or visit her online at www.wordmistress.com.au.

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