M&T Bank’s Post

Kindness is strategic.

Charting the course to success is a team effort. At M.E. BOLD Consulting, we're here to help you steer your business right and reach your goals! For entrepreneurs and small businesses alike, it's time to grow and win. #BusinessGrowth #SuccessNavigation 🚀📈

In #Cleveland and beyond, factors like inadequate capital have historically contributed to low Black business ownership rates. Today, small, local businesses like Flava Catering turn to the Urban League of Greater Cleveland for entrepreneurial support and guidance. https://lnkd.in/dJnb7jNF #SignalCleveland #BlackBusinesses #FlavaCatering #ClevelandBusinesses

Why It Matters:

How much better would our businesses be if we paid attention to the little people, those in most organisations who are sometimes seen but seldom heard? A great example is the catalyst that catapulted Nando’s into the UK market. Bruce McInroy, who worked in the central kitchen at Nando’s, approached co-founder Robbie Brozin with an idea. Instead of getting brushed aside, he was taken seriously. “You need to meet family friends of my parents. You share similar values. If you are thinking about expanding to the UK, you should talk to them, they are South African but are there now,” McInroy told Brozin. It was thanks to this very conversation with McInroy that Brozin set up a meeting at outlet number 3 in Savoy, ultimately leading the founders to Dick Enthoven, who made a speedy commitment to funding its growth. As McInroy predicted, their values, passed down through generations on both sides, were strongly aligned. And, over three decades later, there is still no written agreement between the families whose association is based on trust. Kindness is strategic. Being generous with your time, attention, and resources can open doors you didn’t even know existed. That’s why it’s my 7th Rule of Success. For more insights into the power of strategic generosity and other transformative business principles, discover my series of keynote talks below. https://lnkd.in/gdgADEhV #Kindness #BusinessStrategy #PositiveMindset #Opportunity #BruceWhitfield

Kindness and generosity, of heart and soul, are linked to various neurobiological processes in the brain, primarily involving neurotransmitters such as oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine. Oxytocin: Often called the "love hormone" or "bonding hormone," oxytocin plays a crucial role in social bonding, trust, and empathy. Acts of kindness, such as giving or helping others, can trigger the release of oxytocin in the brain. This hormone promotes feelings of connection and enhances social interactions. Serotonin: Serotonin is known as the "feel-good" neurotransmitter and is associated with mood regulation and well-being. Engaging in kind and generous behaviors has been shown to increase serotonin levels, leading to a sense of satisfaction and happiness. Dopamine: Dopamine is involved in the brain's reward system and is associated with motivation and pleasure. Acts of kindness and generosity can activate the release of dopamine, creating a positive feedback loop that reinforces these behaviors. Endorphins: Kindness and generosity can also trigger the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers and mood enhancers. This can contribute to the "helper's high" phenomenon, where individuals experience a sense of euphoria after performing acts of kindness. Additionally, engaging in altruistic behaviors has been linked to reduced levels of stress hormones such as cortisol, further promoting overall well-being and psychological resilience. Overall, the neurochemistry of kindness and generosity involves a complex interplay of neurotransmitters and hormones that contribute to positive emotions, social bonding, and overall mental health.

Great Resource for Entreprenuers at all stages.

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill Dear SACC Members, let these words resonate as a guiding light on your journey. In the dynamic landscape of business, remember that success is an ongoing journey, and setbacks are part of the process. It's the courage to persevere, learn, and adapt that defines true success. Connect with other business owners and entrepreneurs here -->

It’s important that lawmakers understand the impact their policies have on franchisees, who are small business owners. That’s the top message from the conversation between Zaxby's Franchising LLC CEO Bernard Acoca’s and Punchbowl News Anna Palmer this week. Acoca also shared his perspective on the impact of the FAST Act in California, where he’s seen firsthand how the new law is not only arbitrarily adding new costs to his franchisees, but leading to higher prices on Californians. Acoca also focused on how private equity investment in Zaxby’s by Goldman Sachs has helped scale the brand under his leadership, opening new restaurants, and invest in initiatives to support their employees. Check out the link below for all Bernard had to share, and a great conversation with Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp & American Investment Council (AIC) CEO Drew Maloney about what makes Georgia one of the top states for small business formulation (and the home of more than 200 International Franchise Association member franchise brands!). #franchising #privateequity #franchisees

Exciting news! A new restaurant, The Black Whale, has recently opened its doors in Old Lyme, Connecticut. As Business Owners and Entrepreneurs, it's essential to recognize the growth of new ventures and the economic opportunities they bring. This is an illuminating example of the entrepreneurial spirit sparking in regions like Old Lyme. However, navigating business growth or expansion, like The Black Whale's, brings a set of unique challenges. One common area often overlooked is strategic planning, effective management, and impactful marketing. Questions like how to gain a competitive edge or how to maximize operational efficiency can sometimes leave you with doubts. As a Business Consulting Professional, I can provide strategies, solutions, and insights - tailored for your business. So, how about turning these uncertainties into growth opportunities? Let’s chat about how we can optimize your business strategy and unlock your company's full potential. Looking forward to bringing your vision to life! #businessgrowth #strategicplanning #businessconsulting