One of my favorite places is the South of France, I wanted to share some of my observations that I think could really help your business from my trips to the region
Having driven from Paris to Grenoble, I couldn’t help but notice how different businesses are set up in the various regions I’ve passed through. From the hustle and bustle of city life to the quiet innovation centers nestled in the Alps, it got me thinking: How is your businesses set up?
How IS Your Businesses Really Set Up?
When I ask, “How are your businesses set up?” I’m talking about the mindset behind your operations. Are you simply going through the motions, just existing, or are you setting yourself and your team up to grow and achieve real success?
This thought first struck me when I spent a day in Paris, visiting some of the city's iconic locations, like the Arch de la Défense. The service there was impeccable—the people were dressed professionally, multilingual, and ready to do business. They exuded an air of confidence, and you could tell they were set up for success.
Contrast that with the experience at the Moulin Rouge. While iconic, it was located in a less-than-stellar area with service that didn’t reflect the level of professionalism you’d expect from such a famous venue. It made me think: some businesses are built to merely exist, while others are built to thrive.
How Are You Set Up?
Now, I want you to take a hard look at your business. Walk around your office, your store, your facility - whatever it may be.
Ask yourself: What is the energy here?
- Are your team members just going through the motions, putting in the minimum effort to get by?
- Or, are they geared up to excel? Are they empowered to make a difference each day?
Too often, businesses are stuck in the “existence” mindset. They follow the plan, do the job, and hope things will work out. But here’s the thing: You can’t hope for growth. You need to actively build for it.
Set Yourself Up To Grow
As I’ve continued my travels through France, I’ve seen businesses that are set up for existence and others that are set up to grow. And let me tell you, it’s a damn shame when you see businesses operating on autopilot, just getting by.
So here’s my challenge to you today: How are you set up for growth?
Take ten minutes—turn off your phone, stop for a moment, and ask your team: What can we do today to make this business better?
- Is it refining a product or service?
- Is it offering a little extra value to your customers?
- Is it picking up the phone and saying, “Hey, thank you for being our customer for the past year”?
These small steps can make a huge difference. It’s all about being proactive, not reactive.
Set Your Business Up for Affluence
Just like in Grenoble, where scientific research and innovation drive the local economy, your business needs to be structured to scale and thrive. It’s not just about surviving - it’s about affluence.
Are you ready to make that extra effort? It could be as simple as adding a new service to your existing offering or making an extra call to show your customers that you appreciate them.
But the key is to be intentional. Set yourself up to grow, and make sure your team is aligned with that vision. If you’re simply existing, you’ll miss the opportunity to truly scale and build something great.
Let me know what you think. What’s one thing you’re going to do to set your business up for growth? Leave a comment below, and let’s continue the conversation.
Always here to help you start, grow, and thrive. Let me know how I can support your next big move.
