Strategies: All you need is love ... to run your business

— -- All you need is love, love; love is all you need. The Beatles weren't business consultants when they sang that, of course, and you certainly need more than just love to run a small business. But this Valentine's Day, let's look at 10 ways that love helps your business succeed:

1. Love what you do. Have a passion for what you do, and it permeates everything you do. It shows in the enthusiasm, energy, and caring you bring to your business. It carries you over the tough days when the paperwork's due or the deal falls through. It keeps you and those you work with motivated. Always remember why you love what you do.

2. Love your customers. Without customers you don't have a business, but most of us don't 'love' our customers enough. We don't want to bug them, so we don't stay in touch as frequently as we should, don't ask what they need, don't communicate with past customers. This month, find ways to regularly communicate with customers, and, hey, take one or two to lunch!

3. Love your employees. No, I'm not talking about crossing any lines into sexual harassment. I'm talking about respecting them, treating them fairly, recognizing their contributions, allowing them to take initiative, saying 'thank you' when they do. This year is going to be an especially tough year for your employees — the uncertain economy scares them, family members may be losing jobs. Meanwhile, you may not be in a position to give any raises. So respect and fair treatment are even more important.

4. Love your employer. If you're reading this and you're an employee of a small business, understand the pressures facing your boss. Small businesses — far more than huge corporations — do everything they can to hold on to their employees in tough times. But your boss is anxious about the economy, and going to have to make some changes in how business is done. Be supportive, flexible, and energetic. Do absolutely everything you can to help your company succeed — and keep your job.