Stories of Kindness from Around the World

I spent my first 10 years of work life working in non-profits as a passionate, social change agent. Then, with a family to support, I moved into corporate life. During this time, part of me felt I had "copped out" on my values and principles. After another 10 years, my internal conflicts and stress pushed me to "bail out" and I started a home-based, private business.

This decision brought back my passions. Every day, I get up excited to share these passions. My former trepidation about selling a concrete product is gone. I integrate my passions for helping people, providing health education on the high toxicity of old lead paint, supporting the environment and sustainable remodeling, and fostering preservation of our American heritage by supporting historic restoration. I choose to spend the majority of my time on the telephone educating and developing trust with my customers. Making a living has become almost secondary.

Today, an anxious new mother remodeling an old house called with a simple question about how to best use our products. I took advantage of the opportunity to educate her. She shared the safety measures she was already using. I highly praised her for preventing her growing child from getting irreversible damage from the toxic lead paint she was stripping off her walls. She was so pleased that someone supported her. All her neighbors and contractors were telling her she was being obsessively compulsive in all the precautions she was taking. She was relieved to be reassured and shocked that I took the time to go beyond what she expected.

I was just happy to have had the opportunity to connect with her, and to share the knowledge that I know with her. From my own experience, I can honestly say that taking the time to care and share with customers not only helps business grow, but it also makes me more energetic, productive, and fulfilled from work.