We are all familiar with the line, “If it bleeds, it leads.”  The theory is that negative stories capture our attention more than cheerful ones do.

But Jonah Berger and Katherine Milkman, both Wharton School professors, studied this theory and found it not to be true.  In fact, they found that the most viral stories on social media are happy ones.

Seth Stephens-Davidowitz, author of Everybody Lies, agrees. He says, “Content is more likely to become viral the more positive it is.”

So my question to you is – can this also work with the way you treat others?

I decided years ago to run my business from a place of giving back.  And I have found that it not only works but is a lot more fun.

Try being overly nice and willing to go out of your way for your customers and neighbors. What you might find is that they will refer you more customers.  What you will definitely find is more happiness.

And that alone is worth the shift.