Applying Lessons From Martin Luther King To Your Business—From Using Industry Sources To Finding Working Capital Loans

Martin Luther King Day celebrates the work and contributions of one of the country’s finest activists. His legacy of dogged perseverance as well as working to combat inequality through nonviolence are something that we can all be proud of. Not only that, but the legislation passed in the wake of the Civil Rights Movement that he was a major part of has led to a better and fair America for all people. When I talk about King as a role model for your business, it is this determination that you may think of as a defining trait. Yes, every businessperson needs to be a hard worker, and be willing to put passion into creating the finest product or service. Perhaps you want to use his empathy to be a better boss. Indeed, you would be hard-pressed to do better than King in this regard.

However, I would say that if there is one underrated trait of Martin Luther King Jr. that more business owners could stand to use, it would be the man’s ability to bring out the best in those around him. Because of the history of discrimination in the U.S., many of the central figures of the Civil Rights Movement did not have the resources that you think could propel something of its size. However, King and his contemporaries were both very shrewd and excellent at leveraging their passion for garnering hard-working volunteers and powerful allies.

Applying King’s Lessons To Business

It’s one thing to be hardworking and passionate, it’s another thing to channel that energy to the benefit of yourself and others. As a result, this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we’re talking about making the best of the resources around you to succeed, even when things are hard. From working capital loans to the hidden skills of some of your best employees, there are many items around you designed to support your business into becoming all that it can be. Here are some of the things you may want to look for in the business community and beyond.

Free Knowledge

King and many other figures of the Civil Rights Movement were excellent at using what they had in terms of resources. Without much, they became a force for change and organize and empower others to do the same. As a business owner, one of the best things you can do is to seek out programs and resources. The government is a great place to start. Federal resources are about more than just grants. You may also be able to find knowledge both about your niche and other funding option. These could include microloans or working capital loans.

Sometimes you want something more hands on. A great option here is a business mentor. There are several programs out there that can connect small business owners to people in their niche. This insight can be invaluable if you are looking to navigate certain challenges. Best of all, these can sometimes be completely free!

Forging Connections

King was smart enough to know that for all his devotion, he could not achieve goals on the national level alone, or even with just the support of his community. To help him reach those goals, he became a master of strategic alliances. One of the best examples of this was his relationship with President Lyndon Johnson. Johnson was known for a tough approach to politics and for being shrewd. King’s many dialogues with him enabled some of the voter rights protections that were a major initial benefit of the Civil Rights movement. On the smaller level, he also made symbiotic alliances with local leaders, essential to reach some of the populations he was trying to motivate.

As a businessperson, you may find yourself in a situation where you can’t service every need. For example, a party planner will need a whole list of contacts to be effective at their job. You want different caterers, entertainers, and more in your contact list to provide your services effectively. Another example is a manufacturing company. On top of what they offer, they also need to work with suppliers to get materials. After completion of the final product, they need transport services to get their product out of the factory and to their destination. Always be open to talking to other businesses. Also, be sure to nurture relationships with them if you feel like you can help each other out.

Leadership

Above all, King was a leader in every sense of the word. You likely won’t be fighting the same forces he did to meet your goals. However, the odds may seem difficult, even insurmountable to succeed. One thing you can do to start is to not be afraid to mix up your approaches to get what you need. King tried out many different social activists measures, from boycotts to protests, to even using celebrities. In time, he found a mix of tactics that suited him best. Flexibility is great, just measure your risks.

Perhaps King’s greatest lesson to a business person is handling setbacks. Did you know that he was jailed 29 times just during his work in Birmingham? But he never faltered, understanding that adaptation was a natural part of the process. By communicating these feelings to those who worked with him, he had a team that always stayed motivated. Employees like that are a boss’s dream. Just realize that they are created, not born that way.

Part of being a leader is being able to use items outside the box to reach your goals. At eBusiness Funding, we offer alternative funding solutions that you can get within days. These working capital loans are an excellent option to continue to expand your business. Contact us today to learn more quickly.