Tomorrow is February 14th, a date celebrated around the world as Valentine’s Day. It’s the perfect day to, like the famous saying suggests, “wear your heart on your sleeve.”

Do you know the origin of that expression? Legend says it comes from the Middle Ages, when soldiers and knights would put the names of their sweethearts on their sleeves during certain jousting matches and festivals. It was their way of sharing their affection for another with the world.

Even if you aren’t entering the jousting arena this Valentine’s Day, and even if you don’t have a romantic valentine this year, it is still the perfect time to wear your heart on your sleeve. I encourage you to ask yourself the following question:

How can I utilize Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to pause and appreciate everyone I care about?

Everyone deserves to feel loved and honored, on Valentine’s Day and beyond. Here are a few ideas on who you can offer love to this week, and some special ways to do so.

Your Family

Regardless of what your family looks like, Valentine’s Day is a chance to honor everyone in it, starting with your spouse. We have talked before about the importance of supporting our partners, and Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to lift up those who lift you.

My husband, Mike, and I always make sure to appreciate each other in a special way on Valentine’s Day. We love to create a February 14 memory to cherish forever, like spending time with close friends, sharing an exceptional meal, or taking one of our long walks together. I’m very lucky to have a spouse who also happens to be an excellent cook, since he spoils me with homemade goodies on Valentine’s Day (and all year long!).

If you’re blessed to have children, take time to appreciate the gift they are in your life. Children may require more time, energy, and commitment than you ever imagined in your pre-parenthood days, but they are the greatest thing you’ll ever create.

For those of you still fortunate enough to have your parents or other aging relatives, treasure them. This point is especially close to my heart this year, since my mom passed away in October. Do not miss your opportunity to honor your parents and express gratitude for all they have given you.

• Be present with them. Busy professionals and entrepreneurs have sprawling to-do lists, but what is all of your hard work for if not to provide the blessings you share as a family. Whenever you get time together, turn off your phone, shut out distractions, and give each other the gift of time.
• Love your children unconditionally. That means making sure they know that they mean the world to you regardless of their grades, their successes, or the choices they make.
• Check in with your parents regularly. To ensure you maintain regular contact despite your hectic schedule, pencil visits and calls into your day planner. Accompany them to doctors’ visits when you can. Make sure they have what they need and they are taken care of.
• Encourage them. Regardless of age, everyone needs encouragement to reach their goals. Inspire them to dream big. If they fall, motivate them to get back up again. Obstacles and failure are part of life and family takes care of one another in good times and bad.

Your Team

Make sure that your employees or colleagues feel the love on Valentine’s Day and everyday. If you’re an entrepreneur, you know that a team allows you to accomplish more than you ever could on your own.

• Acknowledge their efforts. In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to take your employees or colleagues for granted. Words of recognition can make people feel more positive about contributing and motivate them to produce even greater results. Gratitude should be part of your daily routine.
• Seek their feedback. One of the best ways to make employees feel valued is by asking for their input and ideas. When you welcome their opinions, not only will they feel valued, but you’ll benefit from the feedback of people who play a hands-on role in your business. They can share a different perspective on how to drive sales, improve client relations, or increase efficiencies.
• Learn to let go. It’s your job to make sure you have the right experts on your team. Once you’ve entrusted someone with a job, learn to let them own it. Some entrepreneurs struggle to give up control and wind up doing everything themselves. However, it’s important to show your team that you trust them and value what they bring to the table.

Your Clients

Without customers or clients, you have no business. Although you should show your clients love and appreciation year around, this is a great opportunity to actively remind them. They most likely won’t expect it, which will make it all that much more meaningful.

• Serve them well. When people give you their business, you show them how much it means to you in the way you treat them. If you don’t put much value on them, it will show. On the other hand, when you value them greatly, you give them the best possible service. Remember that clients are your best source of referral business, and they can always choose to take their business elsewhere.
• Express appreciation. Do you have a way you express gratitude to clients? For some entrepreneurs, it’s sending a small box of chocolates to each new client. For others, it’s an annual holiday gift. (Why not an annual Valentine’s present?) For still others, it’s a token of appreciation when the client reaches a milestone. Whatever it may be for you, make sure you’re actively letting clients know how much you appreciate them.
• Honor commitments. One aspect of love is committing to another person. When you promise something to a client or customer, keep your promise above all else. Under-promise, over-deliver, and always show up with integrity.

Let Valentine’s Day be a reminder that unconditional love is a powerful force in both your personal and professional life. Show passion and compassion for the people who matter most to you and you’ll build a more fulfilling, prosperous life for yourself and your loved ones.

May your life be filled with love, prosperity, and blessing in all that you do.

Are you one of the thousands of people getting inspiration and encouragement from the Celeste Giordano Coaching YouTube, Facebook and LinkedIn pages? Follow us for positive ideas and motivation to improve your business and your life.

And if you’re ready to make 2025 the year you finally achieve what you’ve been hoping for, contact me today. We can create a plan that will allow you to build your legacy business and “double plus” your revenue this year.

 

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Celeste Giordano’s mission is to help business owners develop the skills, knowledge and attitude necessary to “DoublePlus™” their income and become effective and inspirational leaders in their fields. Whether it’s taking your successful business to the next level or starting a new venture, she will teach you the exact skills and strategies you need to enroll more quality prospects, build a rock-solid team, and break through obstacles to achieve real profit and lasting success. Celeste is a professional business growth specialist, a master sales strategist, and dynamic speaker with more than 40 years experience in direct sales and managing high-performing teams.

To learn more about Celeste, click here.

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