More than likely, somewhere on your resolution list, you vowed to get healthier. However, family, work, and other commitments seem to be blocking your effort. Don’t beat yourself up; you can start today, and, not only can you get a healthier heart, you can also get a healthier business.
It’s almost February, and that means cupid is in the air, love is celebrated, and the heart becomes the universal symbol for the month. Did you know it’s also American Heart Month? It makes sense if you think about it. It is a call to action to love yourself. According to both the Centers for Disease Control and the American Heart Association, today is the day to get heart healthy for you and those you love.
According to the CDC, “cardiovascular disease (CVD)—including heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure—is the number one killer of women and men in the United States." As part of the Better Communities Initiative, ParadoxLabs is dedicated to helping raise awareness about heart disease while also offering some advice on how to keep the heart of your business healthy as well.
For some important information on how you can prevent heart disease, please check out the Mayo Clinic site. If nothing else, just get up out of your chair and move.
We all know that small businesses are the heart of a community; but, the community is also the heart of every small business located there. Together, they represent the lifeblood of the local economy.
From the beginning of American history, small businesses have been at the heart of community growth, stability, and pride. When this country was founded, the heart of every community was the general store, the blacksmith, the barber, the cobbler, the silversmith (like Paul Revere), the tavern, and the printer (like Benjamin Franklin). Although the businesses have changed, your strength as a small business is rooted in participating in your local community. By remaining close to your customers and taking a role in your community, you stay in touch with what is going on and can offer a helping hand when needed.
As a small business, you have a vested interest in supporting the community that you’re part of. After all, a healthy and happy community is one that gives back. However, a small business doesn’t empower the community alone - the community also empowers the small business. Recognizing that your small business is part of your community’s heart is key to maintaining its momentum. Embracing and nurturing the relationships you build within your community will play a major role in ensuring your business succeeds.
You probably already know that actively volunteering in your community makes you feel good; but, did you know it can make your heart stronger as well? According to an article on Forbes, there is reputable research finding that “charitable work literally makes the heart grow stronger.” Furthermore, the article indicates that “individuals with coronary artery disease who participate in volunteer activities” see a reduction in mortality and add years to their lives.
As we have pointed out in past blog posts, businesses that give back to their community stand out among their competitors. Today’s consumers place value in the fact that you give back and they want to know about it. Combine that with the fact that volunteering can contribute to healthier employees, and you have a recipe for a healthier business. With that said, we highly recommend considering adding community outreach to your current business plan.
While you’re moving around to keep your heart healthy, take the time to build relationships within your community. Find out what is going on and what you can do to help. Then, get your employees out there with you. Encourage them to connect as well. Working collaboratively can be inspiring. Remember, if your employees love what they do, they will do a better job! As they become better leaders, your business reaps the benefits as you see increased productivity, enjoyment, and sales.
Next, implement a volunteer plan that puts all of you out there giving back. It can be one event where everyone attends, or it can be individual events that utilize individual strengths.
Finally, get the word out. Inform your clients and prospective clients about the work you are doing and invite them to come on board. For ParadoxLabs, we have learned that when it comes to helping our community, everybody wins.
So, put on your red shirt to raise heart healthy awareness, get moving, and start making a difference - you will feel better and your business will thrive.