As I've been following the services for Senator Edward Kennedy, I'm reminded of another popular saying from a Boston pol:  "All politics are local". 

The same holds true for business.  People do business with those they like.  Businesses are owned and run by human beings who have likes and dislikes.  In order to be successful in business or politics for that matter, people have to like you.  They have to believe you have something unique to offer them.  If you're a business owner, you must connect in some way with your customers and that connection has to be able to withstand the test of time.  If that connection is not established, you probably won't keep that customer for very long.  A good social media campaign can assist you with this.  A blog can help.  What's important is the establishment of a connection with your customers.

We can learn much from Ted Kennedy whether you agreed with his politics or not.  He was a giant because he connected with people.  He knew the importance of human relationships in spite of his colossal personal blunders.  He wasn't perfect, he didn't have to be.  He was human and not afraid to show it.  He connected with his "customers".  The political antithesis of Kennedy is Jimmy Carter.  Carter, an honorable man who never suffered from the human foibles of Teddy, never really connected with people.  He was never beloved and was swept out of office after one term.

Business owners would do well to take heed of this.  Your business is a reflection of who you are as a person.  The product is important, no doubt.  But the person behind that product is equally important.  The human connection will make the difference between a business that fails and one that thrives in the future.  Take the time to make that human connection.