In our lifetimes, computers have gone from requiring their own buildings/rooms to desktop and laptop. Where once a computer was unique and formidable, now they are so commonplace that many of us have several in our homes. Technology keeps changing and those changes seem to come faster. Most of those changes are for the better: faster computers; more memory; less expensive, higher quality digital cameras; medical breakthroughs; communications breakthroughs; etc. Generation X has grown up trying to keep up. So, what has happened to loyalty and constancy?
As our socio-economic environment seems to have joined the high-speed world of change, loyalty and constancy in character become ever more powerful. For nearly five years now I have been a member of BNI, Business Network International. I have seen some truly incredible people come and go. I have seen some truly incredible people come and stay. The ones who have come and gone have been like meteors. Often, they have lit up the sky with brilliance; but their lack of loyalty and constancy made them a temporary fixture in our network.
In contrast, I have seen business people come and stay. They didn't necessarily announce themselves with fanfare. They came in often quietly and looked for ways to prove their loyalty to others. They took time to get to know the needs of the other businesses to see what they could do to promote other businesses. They took time to learn who the business person truly is. The loyal members respect the other members of integrity. The loyal person returns loyalty with more loyalty. They have remained constant in our chapters. In season and out, they are there, loyal and constant in both their attitude of "Givers Gain" and in their personal and business ethics.
Though quite often there are no parades in their honor, I believe that loyal and constant people always reap the rewards of their diligence. Eavesdrop when their names are mentioned -- all you will hear are kudos. Mention their names to perfect strangers and see the stranger open themselves to you because of your acquaintance with someone of such quality.
Be Bright. Be Brilliant. Light up the Sky. Just do it with an attitude of loyalty and constancy. The more things change, the more they stay the same. A reputation is easy to acquire and hard to change. So in all things -- personal and business -- be sure your ethics are in play at all times and stay loyal to the good people that come into your life.
