David Grau Sr.

Second, you start to build something that the phraseology I like to use is makes a real difference.

We all like to, you know, we want to make a difference some way with our work and our world and our thoughts.

But all of a sudden, you know, when you lay out your why and you start to focus on your stakeholder groups,

and you literally operationalize helping all of your stakeholders, your partners, your employers, your suppliers, your community, the environment.

When you help make them better,

They make you better.

And all of a sudden, you've got a business now that in that community where you live and work, it's respected.

And with that respect, you're the leader.

That feels even better than running on that treadmill.

So when you get to that real business, it's got to be growing.

If it's growing, it's got to stand for something.

And if it's growing, it stands for something.

You'll attract great people, great talent who will help you do whatever you want to do with that business.

It's your story to write.

You get to decide how the story ends.

But it's wonderful to have options and choices.

And that's what you get when you have a real business, in my experience.

It's a question I ask every single group I consult with.

You know, I'll say it this way.

Most of the small businesses I work with, and I think I mentioned this before we started, so I'll say it out loud now.