I was reading a blog by Peg Fitzpatrick, “12 incredibly inspiring quotes from Mister Rogers.” All of a sudden, I could hear him singing:

It’s a beautiful day in this neighborhood,
A beautiful day for a neighbor,
Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?

It’s a neighborly day in this beautywood,
A neighborly day for a beauty,
Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?

I have always wanted to have a neighbor just like you,
I’ve always wanted to live in a neighborhood with you.

So let’s make the most of this beautiful day,
Since we’re together, we might as well say,
Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?
Won’t you be my neighbor?

Won’t you please,
Won’t you please,
Please won’t you be my neighbor?

If you go back and look at some of his shows, not only was he teaching the children how to be good neighbors and stewards, he was also teaching them how they should conduct themselves as business professionals.

Fitzpatrick reminded me of several quotes from Mister Rogers that resonate as a business owner:

Often when you think you’re at the end of something, you’re at the beginning of something else.

Has there ever been a time when your focus has been on one thing and then you think of something else – but because you started on the first thing, you don’t want to move on to the next thing? Well… you may need to stop what you’re doing and start the next thing – that next thing might be the key to whatever you are trying to achieve.

There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.

No matter how hard or difficult it is to transact business – always be kind. Never let the other side see your frustration or anger. It’s difficult to hold it – but it will be worth it in the long run.

Try your best to make goodness attractive. That’s one of the toughest assignments you’ll ever be given.

Goodness, always show the goodness in yourself to others. First impressions are lasting ones. The goodness you show now will definitely be worth it in the end.