Do You Want a Thriving Business? Focus on Loneliness!

I read an article some time ago about how the government in the UK is planning to help ease loneliness among the elderly.

So, it got me thinking about how technology has been mostly ineffective in meeting the needs of those feeling lonely in our society. Some say that all these digital technologies may add to the problem.

It’s surprising that despite all the digital and social media tools available, they still do not meet the basic needs of human communication, interaction and companionships. Some of these seniors may not use Zoom, Skype, WhatsApp, Facebook, etc.

What is Business Focus?

According to this article, it is about having an absolute laser focus on a particular goal. Most managers and owners like to think they have a good level of business focus. However, it’s easy to get distracted by the daily challenges and changes your business faces.

What Should Your Business Focus On?

Businesses need to focus on three things:

• Customer Service: Making customers feel valued and appreciated for choosing your company.
• Product Quality: Delivering high-quality products and services at competitive prices.
• Innovation: Constantly looking for ways to improve your products and services.

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Why Should a Business Focus on Loneliness?

According to this article, lonely people are at greater risk for developing diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, anxiety, obesity, cardiovascular disease and even early death. Lonely individuals also tend to be less healthy overall.

It’s important to note that loneliness is not always bad. Some lonely people enjoy their solitude. However, if you are experiencing chronic loneliness, it can negatively affect your life.

Think of it. With all our ATMs, self-scan checkouts, automated calls, Google Assistants, Alexa, Siri, Google Map, and so on, there’s little or no need for human interaction these days. We can even buy our food, flight, train and bus ticket online. Social media and online businesses lure us into focusing more on our online presence than our physical presence.

Google Map has replaced the need for asking passers-by for directions. Also, now that driverless cars are on the way, you can forget about any chitchat with a human driver! There are little or no social interactions anymore.

Gone are the days when you need to call a friend to ask about the recipe for a particular meal. Now you can search on YouTube and watch how to make it!

Many aspects of our daily lives are becoming digital by default. This trend has subsequently reduced our opportunities for regular social contact.

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Social media is supposed to allow us to connect with other people when we desire.

One would think that with a large portion of the world’s population on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter) and so on, our social bonds would be stronger than ever.

However, what do we have instead? People misuse it for utter rubbish and to stroke their egos.

What Does Loneliness Have to Do with Your Business?

Good question! For entrepreneurs, staying focused on starting and growing their business venture is often a lonely experience because they could be a one-person band. Beyond long hours, the financial stress of starting a business and waiting months or even years to become profitable can take a toll on your spouse and family, leaving you even more vulnerable to isolation and loneliness.

Moreover, your business deals with humans! You have humans as staff and customers. Whatever affects you, your team or your customers will eventually affect your business!

What Can Your Business Do about It?

Encourage open communication among your employees—foster team spirit in your organisation. There should be a good employer-employee relationship.

Employees should feel a sense of belonging. Make them realise that their input is essential to the growth and success of your organisation.

What about your customers? Also, encourage better communication with your customers. How often do you check up on your customers and even say hello?

A few weeks ago, a client invited me to lunch. It allowed me to discuss at length with them and discern how I could serve them better. I had a lovely time, and I’m equally looking forward to reciprocating the gesture.

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I know a business owner who urges their sales manager to constantly contact their customers, even if it’s just to say hello and chat.

This strategy works wonders and leads to many repeat customers for the organisation. Their customers realise that the organisation genuinely cares about them as individuals. It’s a sustainable business strategy that can be replicated in various organisations for achieving business success.

Over to You

In conclusion, we live in a world where technology has become so pervasive that it’s hard to imagine life without it. But this constant connection with others and the internet also means that we often feel lonely.

As a business owner, is there a way to use your digital and social media channels to help combat loneliness in your organisation? Share your thoughts. Let me know what you think.

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