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Inspiration
Be 'as good as spring itself'
here's something about spring. Longer days, in communication is essential for building rela-
tender buds and sunshine warming fresh air tionships in the payments industry. Be honest and
tend to lift spirits in many locales. Even when upfront with clients about fees, terms and services
T days turn dark and unpredictable, raindrops to build trust and credibility.
beading on bright petals and creeks gushing along famil-
iar trails can put a bounce in your step and a lilt in your • Provide exceptional service: Just as spring brings
voice. a sense of freshness and vitality, aim to provide
exceptional service that wows clients by exceed-
As Ernest Hemingway wrote in A Moveable Feast, “When ing their expectations. Be responsive to their
spring came, even the false spring, there were no prob- needs, offer proactive support and continuously
lems except where to be happiest. The only thing that seek ways to improve their payment processing
could spoil a day was people and if you could keep from experience. And do it with a genuine smile.
making engagements, each day had no limits. People were
always the limiters of happiness except for the very few • Be adaptable: Spring weather can be unpredict-
that were as good as spring itself.” able, requiring adaptability and resilience. Simi-
larly, payments professionals need to adapt to
Thinking about that quote, it occurred to me that merchant changes in the market, regulations and client de-
services providers could benefit by endeavoring to be "as mands. Flexibility and agility are key to thriving.
good as spring itself." I expect what that would mean when • Always be learning: Just as spring is a season of
put into action would be different for each individual. But growth, you can expand your knowledge through
I think it essentially boils down to embodying qualities continuous learning and development. Stay in-
like renewal, growth, positivity and rejuvenation in our formed about industry best practices, attend train-
professional interactions. ing sessions and seminars, and seek opportunities
for personal and professional growth.
Here are some ideas on how we can go about that.
• Community engagement: Like a vibrant sense of
• Embrace change and innovation: Just as spring community that blossoms in spring, engage with
brings about new growth and changes in nature, your local community and support small busi-
payments professionals thrive and help mer- nesses. Participate in events, sponsorships and
chants thrive by embracing technological ad- initiatives that demonstrate your commitment to
vancements and innovation. Stay updated with the well-being of your community.
the latest trends, payment solutions, and security
measures to provide clients with the most efficient Speaking of well-being, underlying all of your efforts
and secure services. must be self-care. Eat a healthy diet, get enough sleep, and
• Foster relationships: Spring is a time of renewal spend time with people you truly enjoy, doing things you
and growth, and similarly, industry professionals also enjoy so you will be constantly renewed and most
can focus on growing strong relationships with able to be "as good as spring itself."
clients and partners. Identify their needs and
goals, and, with enthusiasm, offer personalized
solutions that add value to their businesses.
• Be transparent in communication: Like sunny
spring days enable photosynthesis, transparency
Kate Gillespie, President and CEO
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