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The Better Business Bulletin

Excellence: The Mark of Distinction

by Ben Armacost

When you go to the supermarket, are you happy to find poor-quality food?

If you paid good money to attend a music concert, would you expect to hear sour notes?

Buying a new house, wouldn't you want it constructed in such a way that it will last a lifetime?

These are just a few examples of places where we expect excellence to be the standard. Anything less than that just doesn't make us happy. I have been very disappointed (even shocked!) by the lack of concern some merchants have in what they have to offer, and I‘m sure you have, too. Second best just doesn't make a very good impression, and a sloppy presentation will never win anyone's admiration.

Excellence sounds like a lofty goal. But don't be fooled into thinking that it means doing better than everyone else. Excellence simply means that you do your best according to your ability. That means anyone can strive for excellence. It is within your reach! Whatever your product or service, make excellence your standard. Do your very best. Excellence will give you greater respect, increased sales, and happy clients. But more importantly it will instill you with the inner satisfaction that you are offering your very best to your community. Vince Lombardi once said, "The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavour." Simply said, you'll be a better person for doing your best!

Here are some keys to excellence in business:

• Stop saying "It's good enough this way." Continually strive to do better and better.
• Become a pace-setter. Don't lag behind the competition. Be innovative and resourceful, and watch others follow!
• Let excellence be your standard for life and work. Don't settle for less than your best. Strive for the highest quality you can possibly achieve.

A few years ago I read this quote on a plaque: "Every job is a self-portrait of the one who performs it. Autograph yours with excellence." That saying has inspired me to make excellence one of my highest life values. Won't you make it one of your life values as well?

The Bible says that "every man's work will be made clear in that day, because it will be tested . . . and it will make clear the quality of every man's work." 1 Cor. 3:13 (BBE). God gave us the skills and abilities to do many things. Let's do the best with what we have, and fulfill our potential.

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