More than 200 years after Abraham Lincoln's birth, our country's 16th president seems more popular than ever. He's the topic of an award-winning movie starring Daniel Day-Lewis, and Bill O'Reilly's "Killing Lincoln" is the most recent book in a string of bestsellers on the icon.
While Lincoln has been an inspiration to many generations, he can be particularly motivating for small business owners—because he was one. Lincoln owned a general store and later ran a law practice. Plus, he was the only U.S. president to receive a patent—a device to lift riverboats over sandbars. With that in mind, here are three ways to be like Lincolnto help your small business:
Prove your point with a story
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To the chagrin of some but to the entertainment of many, Lincoln always had a good story to tell. Alexander H. Stephens, who became vice president of the Confederacy, recalled Lincoln "abounded in anecdotes. He illustrated everything that he was talking or speaking about by an anecdote. His anecdotes were always exceedingly apt and pointed, and socially he always kept his company in a roar of laughter." More than just entertainment, storytelling was a social and political device for Lincoln.
Be like Lincoln and always have a story at the ready to accentuate your point, influence your audience or close a deal. Customize your story for each occasion.
Progress in the face of adversity
One of Lincoln's famous quotes is, "I walk slowly, but I never walk backward." The passage of the Emancipation Proclamation is a good illustration of that point. Lincoln first discussed the Proclamation with his cabinet in July 1862. A preliminary Emancipation Proclamation was announced Sept. 22, 1862, following a Union victory in the middle of the Civil War, but Lincoln didn't officially issue the Emancipation Proclamation until Jan. 1, 1863.
Be like Lincoln and set your sights on a goal and keep moving toward it. Good news is, the findings of The Hartford's 2012 Small Business Success Study indicate that's what many small business owners are doing in the face of a slow economy. The study showed entrepreneurs are finding ways to prepare their business for future success, with 76 percent strengthening client relationships and 65 percent refining their business strategy.
Protect what matters
We are honored at The Hartford to share a history with Lincoln. Shortly before his inauguration, he purchased a $3,200 fire insurance policy from The Hartford to protect his home near Springfield, Ill. Today, President Lincoln's insurance policy is displayed in our headquarters in Hartford, Conn.
Be like Lincoln and protect what's important to you. In addition to purchasing personal and business insurance, consider protecting your employees and their families by offering disability and life insurance as part of your employee benefits package. It can also help with your retention and recruiting. Keep in mind that six out of 10 small business owners offer their employees some form of benefits, according to our small business success study. The Hartford offers a number of benefit options including both employer and employee-paid insurance.
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