"If you're long-term oriented, customer interests and shareholder interests are aligned."

Thinking in the long-term means you're looking out for the best interests of your customers and shareholders at the same time. This idea is all about building a business that doesn't just chase after short-term profits but aims for sustained success. When you focus on making your customers happy and meeting their needs, they're more likely to stick around and keep buying from you. This, in turn, benefits the shareholders because loyal customers drive consistent and growing revenues. It's a win-win situation if you think ahead.

This approach to business isn't new. Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, often emphasized this perspective. He believed that by prioritizing customer satisfaction endlessly, Amazon would enjoy long-term success. This mindset helped Amazon grow from a small online bookstore to a global retail giant. Bezos always argued that if you take care of your customers, they'll take care of you. And that means shareholders will be pleased because the company will thrive and grow over time.

Think about a local coffee shop that decides to invest in high-quality beans and offers exceptional customer service. At first, this shop might not make huge profits because high-quality ingredients cost more, and good service means hiring and training excellent staff. But over time, customers will start to appreciate the quality and the friendly service. They keep coming back. They tell their friends. The shop builds a loyal customer base. Eventually, the business thrives. The shareholders—maybe the shop owner and some investors—see their investment grow. The focus on customer experience pays off.

So how can you apply this wisdom in your own life or business? Start by genuinely caring about your customers. Understand their needs, listen to their feedback, and continuously improve your products or services. Don't cut corners to make a quick buck. Think about how your decisions today will affect your relationship with customers tomorrow. Happy customers are your best marketing tool—they'll promote your business for you. Keep their interests at heart, and the shareholders will see the benefits.

Imagine you’re running a small software company. You could rush a product launch to hit a short-term revenue goal, but the software is buggy and not quite ready. Customers buy it, get frustrated, and leave bad reviews. Sales plummet, and your investors are unhappy. Instead, what if you took the time to perfect the software, perhaps even delaying the launch? Customers get a great product and are delighted. They stick with you, recommend your software to others, and your reputation grows. In the long run, you build a loyal user base and steady revenue. The shareholders ultimately benefit from a stronger, more reliable income stream.

By keeping the long-term in mind and focusing on customer satisfaction, you create a sustainable business. And that’s the real gem in this approach. It’s not just about making money today—it's about building something that'll still be around and thriving years down the line. So, next time you're faced with a decision, ask yourself: Will this make my customers happier in the long run? If the answer's yes, you’re probably making the right choice for your shareholders too.