With 2012 a new year has begun. And we`d like to remind all of us about something that could make a big difference on our balance sheet at the end of the year!

The macro-economics don`t look very promising. In most parts of the world we are facing an economy that is slowing down. The financial crisis left burned soil behind. Competition in a global marketplace is getting harder than ever before. Not very bright circumstances, right?!

All of those factors could be labeled as macro-economics and yes, they have an impact on our business. The problem is that as a single business or business person you will probably not be able to change the game on this level. At least not all of us – as only a few are the head of states, leaders in one of the national banks or other leading positions which are directly linked to the macro-economics.

But what about this: Put the newspapers aside for a while and start focussing on what you CAN influence: let`s call it micro-economics. Our daily business is the people`s business!

4 things you can do as CEO:

• Make your customers and employees your priority no 1 (again)
• Define a meaningful purpose that touches the hearts of your team and customers
• Go beyond the numbers and follow a long-term and sustainable strategy
• CARE

4 things you can do as employee

• Choose the job that makes your heart beat: Do what you love and love what you do
• Don`t complain. Take leadership instead and change the things that need to be improved
• Act as if it is your own business. Become and think like an entrepreneur yourself.
• CARE

4 things you can do as customer/consumer

• Buy products and use services that deeply satisfy your needs and make you happy
• Don`t chase bargains and discounts alone. Look at the bigger picture
• Use social media to give feedback about your customer experiences. Spread the word
• CARE

Yes, we all can do something to make 2012 the year of LOVE (business). Those things might sound simple, but it`s the basic things that we need to get right. And it`s not easy to be human in a world ruled by money. Ask the Wall Street guys and what they think about their “occup(y)ation” lately.

We wish you lots of great experiences and lessons, stronger and happier relationships and last but not least LOTS OF LOVE in business and life. We`d be happy to hear your “love stories” of this year;)

Also check out our presentation “From Wall Street to Love Street” here and learn what it takes to become a business among friends. If you are interested in “Love Leadership” we recommend the book of John Hope Bryant which you can find here.