The Business Triangle: Create, Connect, Community
When I say the word triangle, what is the image that comes to mind?
The shape.
Was the shape the only thing that came to mind?
Sure, why not?
Truth be told, a pizza slice also came to mind but that’s beside the point.
In brief, a triangle is defined as “a plane figure with three straight sides and three angles.” (Obviously I like to define words - call me a basic writer.)
We all learned our shapes at the ripe young age. In fact, I bet a triangle was one of the first shapes you learned. Shapes of varying sizes were introduced to us, such as a square, rectangle, circle, so on and so forth.
When talking about different shapes, these were usually compared to various objects that we saw in everyday life. Like a circle was related to the shape of a basketball, baseball or tennis ball. A square looked similar to a house or other buildings, a wallet or a typical window. We most likely compared a rectangle to a TV screen, a door inside a building and a book.
Imagine sitting in an elementary classroom and the teacher asks a simple question, “class who can tell me about this shape?” *holds up a generic card template of a purple triangle* A small child in the back of the room quickly raises their hand, wiggling out of their seat with anticipation. “Mrs. Teacher, Mrs. Teacher!” The teacher overlooks the child and in response, they become even more animated to catch her attention. Before the child combusts with excitement, the teacher finally caves and calls on the child. “Yes, my child. Please share with the class.” With so much pride they say, “it is a triangle! And you can see it on the playground.” The teacher pauses with curiosity, “oh yeah? And where do you find this shape on the playground?” The child states matter of factually, “it is the shape that holds up the teeter totter and the shape that holds the swing together.”
Similar to a child, one must find the shapes within the world.
So as always, how does this shape relate to business?
It has 3 sides: create, connect and community. When combined together, this ensures a support unlike any other. With the right angle combined with strong sides, anything is possible.
Let’s examine each side even further in relation to your business.
The left side is to create. Which in brief, is the service or product you offer within the business.
The bottom side is to connect or as I like to call it, “the bridge.” This is the communication between that creation and connecting it to your ideal client.
The right side is community. The community is built from loyal, repeat customers who choose your business due to the impact you had on them.
A triangle pointing upwards demonstrates strength and power. This is only possible with the three sides and angles supporting the structure.
The peak of the shape, this represents the ultimate mission of the business. Whether that mission is to make a meaningful impact, help others or to simply produce revenue, every business owner knows the importance of a mission statement.
But that’s a topic for another article at a later date.
What can you do now as a business owner to maintain the strength of the triangle?
Create an experience unlike any other. Think to yourself, what makes your business stand out from the rest? Why should customers choose you over other competitors? Because your product or service is so rare that they need your business! Take that idea similar to a grain of sand and polish it into a shiny pearl.
The business has a creation so beautifully unique, now what? We connect it to your ideal client through the power of the written word (hint, hint, I can help with that, just email me!) This can be achieved by sending monthly newsletters, creating a blog or even building a social platform to share your services with the world.
Once we connect with those clients, we want to welcome them to the community. These are the clients that choose your business nearly every time and could be considered as fiercely loyal. How do we keep the community growing and strengthening? By offering exclusive offers, discounts or sales. Start a Facebook group where other customers can connect. And always remember the power of the written word.
Using a blank piece of paper, draw a triangle with your business written in the very center. Start from the left side and list each action that coordinates with the proper C and ask yourself the following questions:
Looking at The Three C triangle and your business, how do they compare?
Is one side stronger or longer compared to the others?
Which C needs a little more attention?
Let’s work together to maintain the integrity of the shape. Please email me at writer.kwdavis@gmail.com and let’s chat. I look forward to building that triangle!
