Editorial: The Zen of Being On Page One

When one customer mentioned to me how great a feeling it was to see the family business on the first page of Google, I had to reflect on her excitement.  Certainly, this was what we had promised and indeed what they had expected. So what added that extra edge? Her reaction sent me searching for an underlying message.

In listening to her, I realized that beyond the prestige of this business achievement, she was alluding to a bold new business persona, confident, proud and preeminent. Apparently as the new visibility had brought their business to the forefront, not only had the business arrived on the scene, but they as the business creators, had likewise arrived.

Curious, you may say, but no. For as you think about it, this is how closely we link ourselves to our businesses; that our work is really an extension of our selves.  And, isn’t this what makes our businesses successful; that they are an expansion of the best, the most creative and industrious, and enthusiastic parts of us. It follows then that it is really not too amazing that we should receive this added benefit from them.

When our businesses succeed we as individuals succeed, and making the right decisions, not only enlarges them but ourselves as well, and this is what being first page visible on Yahoo and Google does; So, when we see ourselves foremost where others see us.  Is as an achievement that not only speaks to our business acumen but also to our sense of self-pride.

Who would ever figure that something so good for the bottom line would make us feel top dollar as well?