How you do anything is how you do everything.
Last week, I had the privilege of coaching incredibly talented kid entrepreneurs-in-training at Harvard-Westlake. It was an unforgettable experience that further highlighted the power of embracing the power of the heart in every aspect of our entrepreneurial lives, no matter how old we are.
During the one-week program, I had the opportunity to witness the incredible journey of a group of inspiring Harvard-Westlake students who participated in the HW Inc Pitch competition.
One of the judges said:
The pitches from the nine teams were better than most pitches we see from 34-year-olds.
I wholeheartedly agree.
The winning team was Snackletes an all-girl entrepreneur group (some were incoming seven graders) that provides power-packed snacks for student-athletes before they boarded the bus for their games.
From their fun Google slide deck to their matching color-coordinated outfits, they infused heart and attention to detail into every mini aspect of their new company.
Their success was not solely based on their yummy, thoughtfully curated product but on the Heart they put into HOW they did everything. They put effort into every touchpoint.
They asked judges beforehand about their allergies and even labeled their snack boxes with thoughtful messages that the judges could read while trying their nutritional and yummy snacks.
This level of care and commitment showcased their understanding that success lies in the tiny often mundane details and the heartfelt connection they create with their audience.
As we reflect on this experience, let’s be inspired by the Harvard-Westlake students’ unwavering focus on putting heart into every aspect of their entrepreneurial journey.
It’s a reminder that greatness lies not just in winning but in the process and the little moments that we often overlook.
In today’s newsletter, we delve into the Heart of the How concept and explore how infusing our businesses with heart, warmth, kindness, and resilience leads to extraordinary experiences.
I invite you to heart-fully reflect on the questions below
- How can you infuse every aspect of your business and branding with more passion and more you?
- What does it mean for you to put your heart into your work?
- How can you ensure that your actions align with your deepest values and purpose?
- How can you cultivate curiosity l, kindness, presence, and mindfulness amidst the busyness of entrepreneurship?
- In what ways can you embrace imperfections and see them as opportunities for growth?
Branding with Heart
“Wherever you go, go with all your heart.”
-Confucius
Branding is not just about capturing attention; it is about building trust, making connections, and leaving an indelible impression on our clients and potential clients.
Let us approach branding with the same level of wholeheartedness, ensuring that every touchpoint, from our email signatures to our visual identity, reflects our genuine values and care for our audience.
“The heart that gives, gathers.” – Lao Tzu
In our entrepreneurial journey, it is often the little things that define our success. How we treat our clients, the kind attention we give them, and how we onboard new clients all contribute to building long-lasting relationships and a strong reputation.
By infusing every often mundane moment, task, and interaction with Heart, we create an environment of trust, connection, and success.
Putting Heart into Action
“Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.” – Lao Tzu
As entrepreneurs, we can infuse every moment, task, and interaction with gratitude and intention.
By putting our hearts into even the smallest acts, we create a ripple effect that transcends the boundaries of our businesses. It allows us to make a profound impact on the lives of others while nurturing our own personal and professional growth.
The Power of Little Things
Remember, dear entrepreneurs, our essence is revealed in the little, often mundane things. Like the Harvard-Westlake students who paid attention to every detail, let us infuse heart into every aspect of our entrepreneurial journey. From how we craft our emails to, how we design our products, let’s put our hearts into the little things.
By focusing on the details and putting our heart into even the smallest acts, we create a sense of care, thoughtfulness, and authenticity. Through these insignificant moments, we build strong relationships, inspire loyalty, and leave a lasting impact on our customers.
The Harvard-Westlake students understood the power of infusing heart into every touchpoint of their business.
They showed us that success is not just about the result but about the passion and love we put into every step along the way.
Let their example inspire us to approach our entrepreneurial journeys with the same level of commitment and wholeheartedness. To help you with this, I’ve put together this worksheet that is designed to help you cultivate a heart-centered approach in your entrepreneurial journey, where passion, kindness, and authenticity are at the core of everything you do. By infusing your actions with heart, you can create a business that not only thrives but also reflects your values and positively impacts others.
As we continue on our entrepreneurial path, remember that the Heart of the How — lies in the little things. Embrace the details, cherish the process, and pour your heart and hustle into every aspect of your business.
By doing so, you will create a business that not only thrives but also touches the lives of others in meaningful and unforgettable ways.
Wishing you a journey filled with heart! ❤️
Kalika Yap
Founder, Citrus Studios
