Virginia Satir's approach to business

[Steven M. Smith]

I believe each member of this community could help themselves and the community as a whole by examining Satir's approach to business and exploring whether changing their approach to be more like hers would be beneficial.

I learned about Virginia Satir and her work through workshops led by Jerry Weinberg, Dani Weinberg, and Jean McLendon.

I came away from these workshops with deep respect for Satir's work but also for her business acumen. From what I gather, she helped people be more fully human while simultaneously running a healthy, profitable business.

Jerry Weinberg told me people who were meeting Satir for the first time constantly told her how much they respected her work. In addition to saying "Thank you," she also said "I'm holding a workshop next month. I would really like to see you at that event." I interpret that story to mean that she didn't expect business to fall in her lap: She realized that selling the things she offered was part of being a good businessperson.

What stories will you share with us about how Virginia Satir operated as a businessperson? What do you think is significant about the story? What might that recollection and its significance mean to your business today?

[Steven M. Smith]

Let me share a story: Jerry Weinberg shared with me his reaction to his first meeting with Virginia, which happened before a workshop in Crested Butte, Colorado. There was a receiving line where the dozens of workshop participants would renew or make first contact with Satir. Jerry told me when he arrived at the front of the line we was greeted in a fashion like he had never experienced before. Satir's skill at making contact with him and only him was so strong that he said, "I felt like the only person in the room."

I interpret his story to mean that Satir connected with clients so completely that they were eager to talk with her again. I feel that I can improve my skills at making contact. And I feel good about believing that I can improve my skills.

What simple first step can I take to put this lesson into action? Focus my eyes on the other person and filter out any distractions in a room, such as movement and sound.

What's that got to do with business? Without clients that isn't any business. They deserve to feel special. Connect with them so they do.

[Becky Winant]

Doing business with someone is another way to relate to that person.
Perhaps because Virginia could build relationships without compartmentalizing them, and she was passionate about her work, it follows that she was a good business person. No "sales" - simply here I am and this is what I do. Do you want to join me and support me?

[Anjez Winkler]

Is there a relation between Stephen R. Covey's "win-win" scenario in
business and Virginia Satir's way of business? (I am not yet
familiar with Virginia Satir's way of business..., so perhaps any
of you could come up with a case study?)