We have all heard that the single most important criteria
for a "bricks and mortar" enterprise is "location, location,
location".

And yet, I have seen businesses with the best locations
and with the most sought-after products "here today" and
"gone with the wind" tomorrow.

I'm sure you have too.

Certainly there is more to any endeavor than the location,
and having exceptional products doesn't necessarily assure
success.

What then, IS at the "heart" of a successful business?

In people, the "heart" has been called the "innermost part
of their being". It's also been called the "soul of man".

The "heart" is what makes you, well... YOU. Your dreams,
desires, passions and beliefs are all things that make
up your heart - that which you REALLY "hold dear".

Legendary football coach Vince Lombardi said:

"The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to
their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen
field of endeavor." --Vince Lombardi

Coach Lombardi understood that if a person was "committed to
excellence", meaning that they "put their whole heart into
their efforts", regardless of the task, then the quality of
their life would rise above the ordinary.

The same holds true for any business. Businesses are run by
people. The extent to which the people running any business
are committed to excellence in every aspect of that
business, will greatly affect the quality, or the measure of
success that business will enjoy.

Is that all, then? If you are committed to excellence in
your business, are you assured of success?

Not necessarily. Of course, we all WISH it were as simple
as that, don't we? After all, what serious business owner
or professional is not "commie to excellence in every
aspect of his or her business"?

Unfortunately, it takes a bit more than a good location,
excellent products and a "commitment to excellence" to
be successful.

If you're like I am, the "wisdom of the years" just might
be "starting to shine" in the hair on top of your head.
(My wife says the silver in my hair just means I'm getting
older. Ha! What does she know? - I think it's wisdom!)

I mention that because I'm old enough to remember the time
when many business deals were concluded with a handshake.
A man's (or woman's) word was their "bond".

Sadly, times have changed. Now we have to get it in writing
to keep our lawyers and accountants happy.

In biblical times, a man's words were sometimes said to be
"salted", meaning you could trust whatever he said. Whenever
he spoke, you knew that he would always say exactly what he
meant, and that he would mean everything he said.

We call that integrity.

Just like commitment to excellence, integrity can be
found at the heart of any truly successful business.

Whether in dealings with your customers, your suppliers or
even your employees, your integrity, your willingness to
mean what you say and to say what you mean, will greatly
determine the success or failure of your business.

Lord Byron said, "There is no instinct like that of the
heart." and from the Bible we can see...

...For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
Matthew 12:34

People are not easily fooled, and they have an amazing
ability to see where you are "coming from". My experience
has shown me that most people would rather work with
someone who will stand behind their promises, rather than
someone who simply offers a "lower price".

Measure for measure, the success of any business will
greatly depend upon the integrity of the people who lead
the business.

By all means, strive to offer the best products, from an
excellent location, using outstanding advertising campaigns
and only after hiring the most wonderful employees.

But most of all, insure that integrity, and a commitment
to excellence, are at the heart of your business and you
will ultimately succeed.

Ralph Moore, Editor - Eagle Flyer Newsletter - Get
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