ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND THE 5 LOVE LANGUAGES
You might be wondering what does this have to do with entrepreneurship???
One of my biggest mindshift was understanding that entrepreneurship is more about relationships than anything else. For me it’s about knowing how I can connect with people and build a relationship with them. From that relationship, they can get to know me, how I can support them best and trust that the process I use can serve them.
Which is why thinking about the love languages intrigued me. I saw this post from a FB friend and she mentors high profile clients. Her question was “what is your client’s love language?”
For those not familiar with the 5 love languages, this is based from the book The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate is a 1995 book by Gary Chapman. It outlines five ways to express and experience love that Chapman calls “love languages”:
- receiving gifts,
- quality time,
- words of affirmation,
- acts of service (devotion), and
- physical touch.
RECEIVING GIFTS
Dr. Chapman says for some people, what makes them feel most loved is to receive a tangible gift. It is a visible symbol of “oh I was thought of” and it is not the thought implanted only in the mind that counts but on how it is expressed by securing a gift and giving it as the expression of love. The receiver of gifts thrives on the love, thoughtfulness, and effort behind the gift.
QUALITY TIME
Expressing affection with undivided, undistracted attention. It means being in the same space, being fully present, and being there for each other. Being there for this type of person in full presence and attention is critical.
WORDS OF AFFIRMATION
Words hold real value within this language. Verbal compliments, or words of appreciation, are powerful communicators of love. They are best expressed in simple, straightforward statements of affirmation.
ACTS OF SERVICE
For these people, actions speak louder than words. It means lending a helping hand, showing up and volunteering. The words he or she most wants to hear: “Let me do that for you.” Laziness, broken commitments, and making more work for them gives a signal that their feelings don’t matter.
PHYSICAL TOUCH
Before we get into unpleasant and creepy territory, in relational setting physical touch is about expressing love through hug, pats on the back, holding hands, and thoughtful touches on the arm, shoulder, or face. They can all be ways to show excitement, concern, care, and love.
How does this translate in the work environment? In some cultures certain physical gestures are deemed important. If you don’t consider the implications of your physical interaction, you may accidentally offend a customer or colleague. Forgoing an important physical gesture may signal that you’re cold and unwilling to do business.
These are definitely areas to think about when we think of our clients and how to establish that deeper connections with them. I am curious to know what you think of your clients’ love languages.
