How Happiness Can Boost Your Business

All businesses build their companies on foundations known as core values. These foundations represent what they stand for, both for their clients and employees. However, these values are often sidelined and forgotten. If you think money has replaced these values, then you are correct.

Monetary gain is often considered the cornerstone for every business entity, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. But a business with money as its only goal leaves very few people satisfied, especially the workforce.

Currently, entrepreneurs are adopting a new business model and remarkably, these companies are succeeding in both profit and personal satisfaction. In the UK alone, startup businesses surged to an estimated 460,000 partnerships.

Could it be because they have a different business model in mind? As a matter of fact, yes. And it’s called happiness.

The Ones that Actually Did It

Okay, if you’re still not convinced that the happiness business model is for real, let me present you with some proof.

Moo.com

Moo.com is a company that helps people print business cards, postcards, and mini cards creatively. It was set up by Richard Moross in 2004 under the name ‘Pleasure Cards’. However, it suffered a lot of loss because of time, money, and bad branding.

In 2006, Moross came back with a new drive and revamped the business model, marketing plan, and called the company Moo. He also replaced the proud “We’re the new coolest thing!” tagline with a more humble: “Hello, we’re just a little printing company. We love to print.”

After its renaissance, Moo joined with Wee World, an avatar company, and made £2m! Today, Moo.com works with the likes of Etsy, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Moross changed the company’s vision and established a company culture built on happiness. He believed that happy employees make happy customers, and everything else falls into place.

He ensured this by innovating a few things:

• He ensured that every employee has a share in the company. This means that when all things fail, everyone will be financially secure.
• He emphasized workplace environments where employees work because they want to, not because they have to.
• Moo also hired for attitude before skills (because they believe that: “It’s better to have a hole in your team than an unpleasant person in your team.”)
• The team works in an open and collaborative way.

Zappos

If you really want to start your own business, or you’re already looking for benchmark company cultures, Zappos is a significant inspiration.

If you haven’t heard yet, Tony Hsieh, Zappos CEO, makes billions of dollars annually by making people happy.

So what are they doing right?

Anything worth doing is worth doing with WOW

That is Zappos’ core value. Doing things with WOW ensures that when a customer buys something, they’ll be buying a lifetime of purchases, not just one. It is this value that drives Zappos to go above and beyond customer expectations, often providing surprise order upgrades, free next-day deliveries, and VIP upgrades out of the blue.

Weirdness and Fun

Zappos hates being boring. They put great effort into making work hours fun rather than dull and serious corporate routines.

Growing and Learning

Zappos also believes that everyone should maximize their potential. This is why the company encourages personal and professional growth, offering classes on finance, well-being, and maintaining a balanced work and personal life.

Honesty and Communication

Zappos believes that trust drives business. This is why they open their doors to both clients and employees for concerns and suggestions.

Less is More

Zappos believes that success is the middle ground of casual relationships and operational excellence. This is why they continuously strive to improve work and fun, offering benefits like cab vouchers, massage chairs, nap rooms, free food in all company canteens, and more.

Tips for Adapting a Happiness Business Model

Operate for People, Not for Money

The philosophy behind this business model is simple. Your business exists because there are people who need you. As the main reason for your existence, you need to do everything to fully satisfy them.

If you want to adopt a model that attracts happiness, revamp your core values and target what makes people satisfied. In meetings, don’t ask yourself “Will this make us more money?” Instead, ask “Will this make people happy?“

Loosen the Tie

If you notice, the companies we mentioned have a common denominator: they make their clients happy. You operate because of people. This includes customers who pay you and employees who create the things you are paid for.

Remember to loosen the tie. Put aside the boring and monotonous aura and start redecorating your workplace. Remember that a happy crew means happy clients.

I suggest you start with a few in-office games, then maybe add a free-for-all pantry, and try to mimic the companies we have discussed.

Conclusion

The world is constantly changing, and this thought should push you to try new things. Get weird. Challenge the status quo and build your own culture. People might see you as deviant or maybe even crazy at first, but remember that people once thought the sun and stars revolved around the earth.

Every business’s cornerstone is the one that everyone lives by. More than a corporate motto, it’s a company way of life. Everybody is expected to follow it, including you. So if you want to rebuild your culture into the ‘business of happiness,’ then make sure you live by your words. After all, happiness is a need everybody desires. Good luck!