Small Business Edge Newsletter

1) Gratitude as a Sales Strategy

2) Apple Intelligence and Productivity Hacks

3) Podcast Wisdom

Hello Friends and Fellow Business Owners,

My word for this week’s newsletter is GRATITUDE! Below is a quick conversation I had with my assistant about this week’s focus.

“Wait, Brian, didn’t you write about gratitude back in July?”

I did, but some topics are worth revisiting more than once a year.

“But aren’t you writing about (spoiler alert) ‘Thankfulness’ later this month for Thanksgiving? What’s the difference between the two?”

Great question.

To me, thankfulness is a response to a specific event or kindness, often shown in words or gestures. Gratitude, on the other hand, is a mindset—an appreciation for the good in life, big or small.

For example, I’m thankful for your help today. I am grateful for the good, the bad, and the ugly that have brought me to where I am today. I’m happy in the present moment, and I realize that changing even one negative experience from my past might alter everything.

I am grateful for my challenges because they’re part of my journey, helping me appreciate the small, everyday things in life. And I’m thankful for each one of those things. That, to me, is the difference between gratitude and thankfulness.

Which brings us to today.

November marks the beginning of the holiday season. In the next eight weeks, we’ll celebrate, give thanks, exchange presents, and embrace life. But for many, the holidays also bring anxiety, stress, and reminders of those no longer with us. You’ll likely encounter both joy and sadness among family, friends, and colleagues this season.

Be mindful of those who may be struggling during the holidays. If you feel grateful for what you’ve been given and what you’ve earned, there is no greater expression of gratitude than sharing your good fortune with those less fortunate. This can take many forms, from donations and charitable work to simply spending time with someone over coffee or a meal.

The season ahead reminds me of the African term "Ubuntu," which translates to “I am because we are.”

Peace to you all,

Brian

1. Gratitude as a Sales Strategy

Whether you call on customers yourself or you rely on your sales team, it’s important to incorporate gratitude into your sales strategy.

In this thought-provoking piece, the author suggests that the next time you’re on a call, “Visit them with the intent of expressing how much you appreciate their business.” Once you express your gratitude, ask how you can improve the service you’re providing.

As your company grows, the author continues, “It’s the relationships you develop with others, both within your company and outside of it, that create long-term success. And one of the cornerstones of building relationships is being intentional in letting people know how much you appreciate them.”

Read more about the other ways gratitude can impact your small business.

2. Apple Intelligence and Productivity Hacks

The much-anticipated Apple Intelligence just launched amidst a lot of buzz, but what can it really do for your business?

Apple Intelligence is rolling out in stages—and the first phase is part of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS 15.1. The updates are available, so check your devices to make sure your devices are updated.

Fast Company pointed out some of its favorite features in a recent post. One of them helps those who have trouble expressing themselves. Apple Intelligence can “refine your writing,” says Apple, and “help you find the right tone.” You can choose the writing style you want and rewrite texts, emails, and documents in three various styles: friendly, professional, or concise.

There’s also a built-in editing option that will proofread your work. And Apple Intelligence can summarize the key points of your document which makes it easier for the recipient of your document to see what it contains. You can even do so in list or table form. 

Apple Intelligence can also check your email in the Mail app and “surface those it believes are time-sensitive and need your immediate attention.

Learn more about the many other things Apple Intelligence can do.

Other Things to Know This Week

• Restaurant trends for 2024
• The Department of Everything
• Busted: 5 Myths About Coaching

3. Podcast Wisdom

Click HERE to listen to the podcast