I had a conversation with one of my best friends recently. We talked about a lot of things, but mainly we talked about joy. Those things that we do that genuinely makes us smile. The things that we’d do whether we’re paid or not. The things we think about all the time and love to talk to others about.

Joy.

joyThen on Halloween, while we were trick-r-treating, I thought about it again. It was pretty warm this year in Georgia (still is) … not sure the exact temperature, but it definitely wasn’t your typical cold or even wet (as we’ve also had in recent years) weather Halloween. It seemed like this year, there were a LOT more people outside enjoying themselves. People were in chairs at the end of their driveway… it was SO MUCH fun enjoying the evening. There was a lot of joy in people who were walking around with their kids, and those who were giving candy out.

Joy.

Why would we do things that we don’t want to do?

I left agency work a few years ago because I didn’t have joy anymore in what I was doing. The people were fun, the clients were fun, in general, the projects were fun, but there were a few projects that just sucked the life out of me. They burned me out. I lost my joy because we were doing things that I didn’t personally believe in, but also hated to do. I dreaded work, because I dreaded those few projects.

Can I get an Amen to anyone who’s ever heard of and worked with SharePoint? I mean… There’s no Joy in that at all.

It doesn’t matter if your business is selling bbq seasoning, doing IT/database support,  or offering chiropractic services to your community, do what you love. Do your passions. Do the things that bring you Joy! Why would you do anything else?

Alright, I’m about to go all Bible on this Blog Post…

I say to all my marketing clients, to blog… part of what I’m doing with this new site is taking my own medicine. I’ve told people time and time again, to be transparent, to personalize their businesses, show themselves for who they are, show your passions, show who you are. So, here I am. I’m a believer of the Bible and am not ashamed of the truth that is found in it. When I balance work/life, I can only do so God is at center and head. If my eyes are off him, I got nothing… So, here we go!

The Bible says a few things about Joy.

One of the Fruits of the Spirit is Joy (Galatians 5:22.) If we have the light of Christ in our lives, if we have forgiveness for our sins, then Joy is going to be a fruit that is evident in our life. We’re gonna walk around with a different kick in our step and definitely should have a different outlook on things.

The Bible also tells us that even if we have been forgiven of our sins, we’re going to experience trials… things are going to frustrate us and possibly persecute us… But we’re supposed to count that as Joy too (James 1:2.)

Our life should show evidence of this joy, but we should also guard our joy and keep it from being robbed. The Bible says to “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. – Proverbs 4:23)

We should closely watch out for those things that will compete for or rob us of our joy.

Back to your Business

I get it. It’s scary business mixing personal stuff and business. You’re probably not going to throw your personal testimony of your faith on your business’ facebook page. You’re probably not going to invite people to your church from your brand’s instagram account… But what you do need to do is show yourself for who you are. I think the rewards are great.

I think our world is tired of perfection in marketing. I think people see through the perfectly produced video or filtered pictures. When was the last time your food looked anything like it does on the menu or the restaurant’s instagram account?

BUT if we are more transparent with our faults and our dirt and our sweat… if we show folks our passions and are more real with them on the day to day difficulties of small business… I believe our message will be better received.

Today’s Homework for you is simple. What’s your Joy?

Once you have that answer, just tell someone. You’ve got PLENTY of ways to tell folks. Pick the platform where your tribe of followers are and tell that story.

If they’re your fans and love what you do, then they’ll tell others the story of your Joy for you!