Tight Times & Priorities

Every business has ups and downs. There are times of the year when cash flow is wonderful and times when cash is very tight. In my world, the bridal business, September through December is usually tough. "Bridal season" is over for the year, and next year's brides are not buying in droves quite yet.

When running a debt-free, cash-only basis, it is absolutely necessary to prioritize your payables during this time. You cannot pay invoices based on which vendor is "yelling the loudest". When you have a great day and have some cash, you must be careful to thoughtfully manage the influx of money so that you can get through next week, when you may not have those sales.

I have a prioritized list that I follow when paying bills and invoices. I work through the list as the money comes in. At the top of the list is rent and utilities. Most of my inventory suppliers are paid on a COD basis, but those that send me invoices are next on the list. Advertising, office supplies, and other non-essentials follow.

During our "high season", I try to pay all my bills BEFORE they are due. In this way, I am building a relationship with my vendors that allows me to ask for extra time and grace when things are slow. They know that I will pay and will pay early when I can.

When is your "down time"? Do you have a plan for it?

Paying Cash & Buying Local

Being in the bridal business, I know that many customers will shop their local stores for the gown they want and then they will purchase that gown from an internet vendor. Of course, they have used the purchased inventory, time, and resources of the local store to make their decision. Obviously, this does not sit well with me.

So, over the past three years, I have re-evaluated my own purchasing habits. In my "old life", when I used credit cards for purchases, I was an impulse shopper (still am, a little). Now that I am careful to only spend what I have budgeted for an item, it is tempting to turn to an online vendor to find it "cheaper" than I can find it locally.

However, I have purposed not to buy anything online that I can buy from a local store. Sure, I may pay a little more, but I know that I am supporting my local economy, my neighbors, and the customers who will buy from my store. When I shop at my local yarn store, fingering the beautiful skeins in their inventory and asking advice from the manager, it is only right to reward them for their time and investment with my purchase. I feel it would be ethically wrong to go home and purchase the yarn from an online site.

Do you buy local? Imagine what would happen if all Americans supported their local merchants!

"just further in debt"

This weekend, we have been in Chicago for the National Bridal Market, buying gowns and accessories for our bridal store. As any of you who go to conventions or buying markets know, it's fun, but it's hard work, too.

As my assistant and I were finishing our day today, we shared an elevator with an older couple. The husband and wife looked as tired as we felt, and we shared some comments about making merchandise choices, being on our feet, etc.

I then said something like, "it's a lot of work spending that much money". The husband just shook his head and said, "it's lots of work to just get further in debt".

I found it so sad that they had to look at it that way. I never use credit to purchase merchandise for my store. I go to Market with a budget and stick to it. Sure, it's hard. But, it's fun to go home without buyer's remorse!

A Fresh Start & A New Direction

I started this blog this past spring with a general topic :: small business.

However, "small business" and "entrepreneurship" are such wide topics. I want a personal blog, so I've narrowed the focus of my blog to "running a debt-free small business". This is my accountability partner, but also my way to challenge conventional thinking.

Over 80% of small businesses fail within their first two years. I don't think this has anything to do with a lack of hard work, good ideas, or committment. I believe that most of the failures can be tied to poor money management and overuse of credit.

I will not borrow money or use credit to run my business. If I cannot pay for something, I don't purchase it. This committment helps me make good decisions and gives me a true compass for my business. Rather than being limiting, it is a freeing value!

Taking A Break

Sometimes business gets in the way of business. Prioritizing and making choices is a way of life for an entrepreneur.

Back in May, before bridal season really got started, I had time to sit and write about my thoughts and ideas. Lately, I've hardly had time to sit for supper.

This will change as summer turns to fall. I will have more business ideas to share and things to write about.

Enjoy the end of summer and know that busy is good!

Everyone likes to be appreciated!

When is the last time that you wrote a "Thank You" note to your customers?

Some of the business people that I follow on Twitter have been excited lately after receiving nice notes of gratitude from their clients. It is fabulous to know that someone appreciates your expertise and time.

However, we ARE in business to please our customers, and they do pay us in cold, hard cash (most of the time). So, let's thank them for their business.

When a customer visits my store for the first time, we send them a hand-written note as well as an e-mail note, thanking them for their visit, inviting them to return, and offering our assistance as they plan their weddings.

After a customer makes her purchase, we again send a hand-written thank you note. We usually send one more note in the months after the wedding, again thanking the bride and groom for their business and wishing them well in their new life together.

In these days of electronic communication, a "real" note in the "real" mailbox is always a delight!

Sharks

Last night, my husband and I watched part of the new ABC show "Shark Tank". In the show, hopeful entrepreneurs come before a group of investors, asking for money in exchange for a stake in their company.

The premise is interesting, but I doubt the American public is going to watch this show for very long. But...it did make me think about the way that most of Americans look at starting a business.

There is a principle taught in the Bible. When you have proven that you can handle small things, you will then be trusted with more and larger things. However, most hopeful entrepreneurs think that if they can get their hands on a large amount of cash, then they can start their business "the right way" and everything will be peachy.

However, if that person has never handled a $10,000 cash flow successfully, it is doubtful that they can handle an influx of $500K wisely.

Start slowly...avoid debt...use creativity...

Do You Tweet?

I am on Twitter - 9bride - but I'm not "obsessed". Here is a guest post from a fellow blogger about her obsession with Twitter. ...Tami

How to Explain to Your Spouse Why You Love Twitter

A good friend said to me: “Why would anyone be on Twitter?” Mind you, he’s never been on Twitter and he doesn’t know a thing about it. But he’s a successful lawyer and thinks he knows what’s what.

In reply, I’ve decided to come up with a list of answers for when someone asks you this question:

Getting news updates before the news media
Asking technical software/hardware questions and getting answers
Asking for referrals for a plumber in your hometown area
Getting book recommendations in 140 characters instead of rambling book reviews
Connecting with people you’ve met on LinkedIn or Facebook and want a quicker way to message them
Getting links to specific industry news
Sharing valuable blog posts
Sharing information about your own projects
Giving testimonials
Getting tips in all kinds of subjects
Getting help when you have a problem with, for example, your Sprint account
Connecting with higher-level people than you could through other communication channels

Perhaps the reason I like best is that I use my Twitter contacts as information filters. I certainly don’t have time to read everything I’d like to read. Thus when someone whose opinion I really trust tweets that this is a good article and includes the link, I’ll click through to take a quick look. More often than not, I’m glad I was alerted to the information.

Of course, it’s important when being on Twitter to be a giver and not just a taker. In other words, you have to share good info also – and not just info that you’ve written. For example, when I’ve read a particularly informative article in that day’s Wall Street Journal, I’ll tweet the link if there’s a public link available for that story.

Also, Twitter offers the ability to widen your own world – and to do this from the convenience of your computer. Most of us tend to stick to the people we know. But on Twitter we can have conversations with people all over the country (and globe if they tweet in English) – people we would never otherwise have the opportunity to meet.

For my part, I’m going to come up with a good “put down” line for when people say: “Why would anyone be on Twitter?” Something like: “You don’t know what you’re missing.” Or: “Try it, you’ll like.” Or finally: “If you try it and become a Twitter addict, don’t blame me.”

Phyllis Zimbler Miller’s company MillerMosaicLLC.com has an Internet marketing program at http://www.weteachwebmarketing.com/ that can help people promote their brand, book or business through Twitter and other online strategies. She is also a National Internet Business Examiner at http://www.internetbizblogger.com/ and you can follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/ZimblerMiller.

Summer Vacation!

My family and I will be leaving for a fun-filled, relaxing vacation in the morning!

As entrepreneurs and small-business owners, we all know how important it is to get away sometimes and enjoy some downtime. For me, I have a fabulous assistant named Rachel who is perfectly capable of handling things while I'm gone. What a great feeling!

So, I'll see you all back here the first week of August with some new ideas, posts, and guest bloggers, too.

Happy Summer!

Putting your customers to work for you

Almost a year ago, we began having the visitors to our bridal boutique fill out a "bridal registration" form, giving us their names, e-mails, wedding dates, and how they found our store.

This last peice of information has certainly helped me know where to put our advertising energy and dollars. Nearly 90% of brides who visit our store for the first time have heard about us from another customer!

So, we started both formal and informal "Referral Plans", to thank our customers who send someone our way. I still do some paid advertising, but I also enjoy finding ways to "pay" our customers for advertising for us, too.

Although we do not track this information at the dry cleaners currently, we will often reward a customer who refers someone to that business, too.

Remember, if your budget or business does not allow you to formally compensate your customers, an old-fashioned hand-written "thank you" note is always appreciated!

Will this work for you? Should you track this information? Should your referral program be formal or informal? perhaps a combination of both?

Weekend Wisdom

Still great business advice ::

Underpromise and Overdeliver!

Visit Me

A quick note...

I was featured on Pink Like The Color as "Working Mom of the Week". Come visit and leave me some love!

...Tami

Book Review :: Just Do Something

This is not necessarily a business book, but a book for life.

Written from a Bible-believing perspective, this book by Kevin DeYoung is a must-read for anyone who is searching for God's "will for your life".

Should I start a business? Where should I work? Should I look for a new opportunity? We've all asked these questions. As a Christian, I want to please God and follow His plan for my life.

Read this book!!! You will find it encouraging, liberating, and helpful in every area of your life.

Book Review :: The Six Common Small Business Failures

...and how to avoid them! is written by Frederick Jones.

Fred writes in a no-nonsense, pull-no-punches style. There is alot to digest in this book, and it is not a quick read. However, to the one diligent enough to work through the book, a reward of added wisdom awaits.

Fred shares personal examples of both success and failure. He works as a consultant for small businesses, and so has a wealth of experience to draw on; the book is full of great advice.

You can find more information on the book and Frederick Jones at http://www.donotfail.info/

Book Review :: How To Become A Great Boss

This book, by Jeffrey J. Fox, is sub-titled "The Rules for Getting and Keeping the Best Employees".

The short chapters make it an easy read. Some of the chapters are simple, common-sense ideas, like "You Get What You Inspect, Not What You Expect". Other chapters, such as "Listen to Phonies, Fools, and Frauds", draw you in to read what Mr. Fox really means.

It is a fun, easy book to read, just a chapter or two at a time. You will probably find a few ideas to put to work right away.

Weekend Wisdom

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches,

and loving favor than silver or gold.

Proverbs 17:1 KJV

Share :: How to Properly Store Fabrics

Through Blogger LinkUp, I connected with Denise, who writes a blog at www.sewingbusiness.com. She asked me to share some of my expertise on storing fabrics, based on my years in the drycleaning business.

Please visit her blog and leave me some love!

Jonny Says :: How to Dress

I have a VERY business-minded 10-year-old son named Jonathan. We call him Jonny.

This morning, we were discussing business and how to dress when you work in a retail store. Here are Jonny's thoughts:

1. Book Store :: Dress casual, but neat. This will encourage your customers to relax and read a book. In order to read a book, you first have to buy a book.

2. Bridal Store :: Men should wear tuxes because it will encourage other people to rent them. The customers will know that the store carries tuxes and that they look good on regular people. Ladies should wear dark, simple dresses that are a little "festive". Try to wear the jewelry that you sell at the store.

3. Candy Store :: Wear casual clothes. Candy can get messy sometimes, so don't wear your best clothes.

Jonny's summary :: Advertise your store with what you wear. Always be neat, even if you are casual. If you look messy, people might not want to shop by you.

Stay tuned..."Jonny Says" may become a regular feature on this blog.

Weekend Wisdom

As you celebrate America's Independence Day :: shop independent!

Celebrate the local business people in your community.

Share :: Everything Green Weddings

A week or so ago, I shared Blogger LinkUp with you. Since signing up for the service about 10 days ago, I have already connected with other bloggers and business people interested in sharing content and ideas.


Today, the Everything Green Weddings blog published a post that I wrote entitled "Enjoying Vintage Wedding Gowns". I would honored if you would visit the blog and leave some love in the comments!

Books & a Blog Contest

I love to read; I have ever since I learned to string letters into words. I have a son who is just like me in that way. You will never find either one of us without at least one book very close by, no matter what we are doing.

In the next few weeks, I'll be posting some reviews of books that I've been reading pertaining to Small Business; perhaps you'll find your next read!

For now, I want to GIVE AWAY the MOST influential book to our personal and business finances, The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey.

Here are the rules: comment on this post and leave the name and author of a good business book that you think I should read and review. The winner will be chosen by a random pick, so everyone has a chance to win this awesome book. You may post more than once if you have a few books to recommend, and thereby increase your chances of winning. (only one comment per book, please) The contest will close at 8 am EDT on Thursday, July 2.

I can't wait to read your recommendations AND give away a life-changing book.

Weekend Wisdom

Sometimes, the best way to find out the right way to do something is to do something the wrong way first. Don't let your mistakes become failures; let them become lessons.

The Glam Life ?

I have to secretly giggle when someone comments on "how glamourous" it must be to own my own business. Sure, there are some glam moments, like when perfectly cleaned and pressed designer clothes are handed back to their owner at the drycleaners; or I see one of our brides ready to walk down the aisle on her wedding day.

But, most days are like today. Over the weekend, our area had some significant flooding. Due to that, the cleaners has been very busy with water-damaged household articles. Right now I have two drapes in my bathtub from which I am trying to remove dried raw sewage - gross! Later today, I have 12 wedding gowns to press for this weekend; I'll be pressing them in 95 degree heat and 100% humidity. NOT so glam.

But, I don't do what I do for the glamour. I do it because this is what God has gifted me with; the ability to clean difficult items; to serve customers well; and to enjoy completed product.

It is the satisfaction of a job well-done and a happy customer that keeps me going; not any glamour moments I might enjoy.

Enjoy your work today; do your best to please your customers; and find joy in a job well done, whatever it is. Good for you, you're a small business person!

Great Idea :: Blogger LinkUp

Through one of my "Daily Reads", The Small Business Idea Generator blog, I found a new service called Blogger LinkUp.

What a great concept, especially for those of us whose blogs are not about our businesses, but just a way to share ideas and encourage others with similiar interests and businesses.

With Blogger LinkUp, you can network with other bloggers by offering your expertise to their blogs, and by requesting guest bloggers for your site.

How could you use this in a business environment, however? I have signed up with this service as an expert in clothing care and special ocassion wear, citing my experience as a drycleaner and bridal store owner. I expect to be contacted by other bloggers who are looking for an expert in these areas for various reasons. This will give my businesses greater exposure, too!

Plus...it just sounds fun!!!

Check it out for yourself by clicking one of the links above.

Dressing for Success

Having been in the clothing care industry for most of my life, I have seen the business-wear trends swing from suits to khakis and golf shirts. Right now, we seem to be settling in the middle.

My best advice :: Look around your industry and see what others are wearing to work and to meet their clients, then step it up a notch. If you are a photographer and you see your colleagues working in jeans and polos, think about dressing more fashion forward...your potential clients will notice! In our family business, most customer service reps wear casual pants and a simple top. Our best CSR, and the customer's favorite, dresses up a little more, though. She almost always wears a skirt and jewelry, just to handle other people's dirty clothes! But...she also commands respect and our customers feel that she is to be trusted with their expensive clothing.

Clothes don't make the man...but they can say alot about you!

Weekend Wisdom

"We cannot become what we need to be by remaining what we are."

Max De Pree - former chairman, chief executive officer Herman Miller, Inc.

Networking makes the world go 'round

Photo by JK Photography

It's been said that "no man is an island". In small business & entrepreneurship, this is entirely true! You need to network and build relationships to grow your customer base and gain referrals. Plus, it's just fun to meet others and make friends!

The photo above is of me, providing Couture Service to a bride who purchased her gown at my bridal salon, September's Bride. The photo was taken by a fabulous photographer who I met through the loose network of bridal professionals in the West Michigan area.

My family has owned a drycleaners for over 30 years. We network with local clothing stores, tailors, and shoe repair professionals.

These relationships allow a business to exchange customer referrals, skills, and advice. For example, when a drycleaning customer has an important event and realizes that not only is their suit rumpled, but their dress shoes are scuffed, we can refer them to another local business. The customer's needs are met, another business gains a customer, and we are the hero!

What other businesses can you network with? Perhaps you will gain more customers, and some new friends for sure.

Sharing your Passion

In previous posts, I've talked about having a vision for your business and a Mission Statement. I don't want to be a company that stops there, though.

It is important to me to continue to inspire my employees and to share my passion with them. After all, they probably interact with my customers more than I do. In fact, they ARE the company to my customers. If I do not adequately share my vision, passion, and ideas with my employees, those very important parts of "who" my business is never make it to my customer. What a shame!

Most businesses have some type of "staff- or team-meeting". This is the traditional place to share your vision. I would love to hear from readers who have some ideas for making these meetings fun, interactive, and profitable.

Lately, I have been choosing a few of the books that have shaped my business values and gifting them to my employees. The books are not boring business books, but short, easy-read, "life" books. The response has been overwhelming from my team!

What can you share this week?

Weekend Wisdom :: Constant Change

In any area of our lives, but especially in small business and entrepreneurship, change is constant and necessary.


Yes, for the past few weeks I have been in a nice schedule of managing, blogging, working, and taking care of my family. This week, however, my sons started Summer Vacation and my husband was ill at home for six days. I think it's time for a new schedule!


How do you adapt to change? Does it frustrate you or do you thrive on looking at things in a new way?


With that introduction...here is this weekend's "Weekend Wisdom" ::

Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next. Delicious ambiguity.

Gilda Radner

hire & fire

Someone once told me, "Be slow to hire and quick to fire"


What do you think??

Fresh-Start Day

Don't you just love getting a fresh start? Well, today is "Fresh-Start Day". It's a Monday AND the first day of a month. At our house, it is also the first day of Summer Vacation.


So, I am spending this morning thinking about the day, week, and month ahead; what do I want to accomplish? "If you aim at nothing, you'll reach it every time!"


Here is one of my goals at my business this month :: Compliment at least one employee each day for a specific task that they performed well. Will you accept this challenge and join me? If so, please comment on this post and share your e-mail address. We can share tips and progress along the way. At the end of the month, we are all going to have more profitable and loyal "team-members"!

Weekend Wisdom

"Not to decide is to decide."

Harvey Cox, an American theologian and author

Profile :: Andrew Heuer

Andrew Heuer and I went to kindergarten together. Of course, he was "Andy" back then, and I was a natural blonde.

Andrew's parents were missionaries, so I would occasionally hear of his family through church and school. I thought of him often, as we all do with former classmates. Through the wonders of Facebook, we reconnected a few months ago and were able to catch up on each other's families and work. Andrew is launching a new business, Heuer Imaging & Productions; and he was gracious enough to answer a few questions for this blog.


Tami :: When and how did you first open your own business?
Andrew :: I started my business in February 2009 after completing twenty
years as a Navy photographer. I started to receive phone calls
requesting everything from weddings to an exercise DVD. I felt as if
this was the direction God was leading me and decided to take a leap
of faith and purchase some higher end video equipment.


Tami :: How did you decide what to name your business?
Andrew :: I originally wanted to go with CIA, Central Imaging Agency, but
decided that was a little corny. HIP, Heuer Imaging & Productions,
pretty much covers what we do. My company can do both still and video.
If it involves an image I can do it, from slide scanning to producing
corporate training videos.


Tami :: If you could travel back in time and speak with yourself as you
start your business, what is the most important peice of advice you
would give yourself?
Andrew :: Since it wasn't all that long ago I'm still learning from my
"mistakes". Right now I 'm not even sure if I've made any mistakes.
One thing I know is that I should have started a better way of
organizing business files before I started, not while in the midst of
it all. A good organization system, that about sums it up.


Tami :: What is the most influential book you have read on small
business?
Andrew :: I have read so many books over the years that it would be difficult
to pin down one. Time will tell what book had the most impact. I do
have a verse from the Bible that I have on my favorite coffee cup,
Joshua 1:9 "Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid, for the Lord
is with you..." Fear and doubt are a constant battle.


Tami :: It's 10:00 am on a Monday morning, what are you doing?
Andrew :: Monday is my "networking" day, so I'm usually out and about meeting
business owners and discovering their needs.


Tami :: It's 6:00 pm on a Friday evening; where are you and what are you doing?
Andrew :: Friday night is usually reserved for the family.


Heuer Imaging & Productions is still developing their website. If you would like to contact Andrew about what his company can do for you, please contact him at ::

Andrew Heuer
Heuer Imaging & Productions
Serving the Midwest
989-714-6987
andrewheuer@mac.com

An Open Letter to My Customer (or...how to complain)

Dear Customer,

Yesterday, you came into my business and you were unhappy with the product and service. For that, I am truly sorry. My employees and I work very hard and enjoy our work; we do not want to disappoint our customers, for you are the reason we are in business.

I rebated you the money you had spent on the product, and you left the building. However, I do not think that either of us felt any satisfaction about how the problem was resolved.

So, next time...

Please do not personally attack my employees or myself. Name-calling is not nice in 2nd grade, and it's not nice as grown-ups, either. We addressed you respectfully and quietly. We are human and have feelings, too. Let's discuss the problem like mature adults. It goes without saying that swearing at me or my employees is crossing the line and we do not have to listen to that.

Also, I would appreciate it if you did not refer to my product as "junk" or "cr*p" because it does not fit you or look good in your room. I offer that product because I believe in it; and you chose it in the first place for a reason. Perhaps your body, your tastes, or your motivation for the purchase has changed. That's OK; let's talk about how we can resolve that and make you happy again.

Please let me know what resolution would satisfy you. I really cannot read your mind. If you want your money back, let me know. If you want a different product, let me know. If you want me to "try again", let me know. I may not be able to do exactly as you wish, but open discussion will get us much further in the process than my trying to guess what would satisfy you.

Once we reach a solution; smile, say "thank-you", and move on. It is rude to stand and talk to your companion about where you "should have gone" while I am writing you a refund check. I am truly sorry that you were not delighted with your experience at my business. I have many customers who are delighted, and I would like to spend my time with them; but I do not inform you of this, so please give me the same courtesy.

Again, I am sorry that you were disappointed for one reason or another. I promise you that my employees and I will discuss your experience and learn now we can become better through the situation.

Yours Truly,

Business Owner

Good Read :: Monkey Business

This past Saturday, I picked up an interesting-looking book from the local, independent, bookstore's business section. The book is called Monkey Business, 7 Laws of the Jungle for Becoming the Best of the Bunch; authored by Sandy Wight, Mick Hager, and Steve Tyink.

What a fun, easy read it was for this long weekend! In parable form, the books stresses the fundamentals of customer service and developing a fun, productive workplace.

At times, I felt the book could be construed as somewhat condescending to females, but another reader may not make that connection.
.
There are a few principles in the book that I will be putting into place at my store this week.

Weekend Wisdom

"Hire the best people and then delegate."

Carol A. Taber

American Magazine Publisher

Profile :: Amanda Brown

I met Amanda Brown of Lila Couture in March, 2007 at the National Bridal Market. We were both there as exhibitors and I made up several excuses to leave my booth and walk by her booth so that I could gaze at the wedding gowns!

Amanda was so gracious and when I purchased my bridal store, she was one of my biggest supporters. She answered my "silly questions" and encouraged me each step of the way. Now, we call each other for advice and enjoy our working relationship.

I recently interviewed Amanda for Business By The Blog.

Tami :: When and how did you first open your own business?

Amanda :: I purchased a business that was five years old in December of 2006, I have worked in retail and for several ladies apparel lines and designers. I wanted to take the next step and start at the manufacturing and designing side of the business.

Tami :: How did you name your business?

Amanda :: The name already existed and was currently in many boutique so I felt it was important to keep what existed going.

Tami :: If you could travel back in time and speak with yourself as you start your business, what is the most important peice of advice you would give yourself?

Amanda :: Do as much homework as possible. Have your own business model, you don't have to follow the standard or what is suggested. Look at "business for sale" websites. If there are several similar business for sale than the market may not support your idea. Look at all your competition. See how you can set yourself apart!

Tami :: What is the most influential book you have read on small business?

Amanda :: Small Giants and Bag the Elephant

Tami :: It's 10:00 in the morning on a Monday...where are you and what are you doing?

Amanda :: In my office, Monday is typically production updates and shipment information day, orders from the weekend are faxed in and emails and messages to return.

Tami :: It's 6:00 on Friday evening...where are you and what are you doing?

Amanda :: Every Friday is different, this past Friday, made a deposit at the bank, then hit Fed Ex before they close at 7pm.... where I shipped 10 gowns to customers, talked to a new store about a trunk show on my cell. Stopped to pick-up take out for my family, no time to cook dinner tonite~

Team Building

I have many people that I admire, especially in business. One of my heroes is Dave Ramsey. Yep, I'm one of "those people". My husband and I have followed his financial principles in our personal finance, and I find great freedom in following his financial and business teachings in our business, also.


On the Dave Ramsey website, you'll find this advice on building a team:


Wouldn’t you love to be paying people who are actually unified toward one common goal? Few companies have that, but it’s well within reach.

A leader builds unity by fighting the five enemies that tear it apart: poor communication, gossip, unresolved disagreements, lack of shared purpose, and sanctioned incompetence.

1. Poor communication is when the right hand doesn’t know what the left hand is doing. Most companies use “mushroom communication”—leave them in the dark and feed them manure—as a growth strategy. That won’t work. Winning organizations must have a culture of communication. Without it, team members are detached and insecure.

2. Gossip is discussing anything with anyone who can’t solve the problem. Gossip is degrading and destructive. People need a place to express themselves, but it should be to someone in a position to do something about it. In our company, negatives go up and positives go down—period. We’ve made gossip a fireable offense, and we’re crystal clear about that in the hiring process and in staff meetings. The team loves it!

3. Unresolved disagreements destroy unity. Sometimes the leader doesn’t even know they exist—that’s poor communication. Other times the leader avoids confrontation—that’s denial. Either way, the team loses. With hundreds of people working together, some will inevitably lock horns and bump into each other. A leader should act quickly and decisively when that happens by pulling the splinter out, cleansing the wound, and allowing some time to heal. Sometimes it’s messy, but the alternative is to act like nothing has happened and later wonder what went wrong.

4. Lack of a shared purpose is caused by the leader not restating the goal, vision and mission early enough or often enough. At our company, new team members memorize the mission statement and our leaders constantly review it with the team. Everything we do is measured by that mission statement. And, since our company has a unified purpose, every team member knows exactly how he or she fits into the grand scheme.

5. Sanctioned incompetence is when someone has a destructive attitude and no one addresses it. That demoralizes everyone. Team members will eventually become de-motivated when they see a leader who will not take action when someone on the team cannot, or will not, do their job.


A leader will go to battle early and often with these five enemies of unity. There is going to be a lot of drama in any workplace, but leaders must invest the time and energy to deal with issues instead of blindly writing paychecks and hoping for the best.

Don’t be scared to address these problems in your workplace whenever and wherever they appear. That’s called leading. It’s not easy. It’s not pretty. And it’s not going to be your best day in the office. But, it could just be your best day as a leader. Wouldn’t you love to be paying people who are actually unified toward one common goal? Few companies have that, but it’s well within reach.

Twenty months ago, I had one employee. Now, I have six employees. Each employee is fantastic, but personality conflicts do arise. It is my goal to follow the above principles to promote unity among our team.

Does this make sense?

*the following story is true; names have been changed to protect the "innocent".



Back in December, Maggie retired from her job at Company A. She had worked there as a customer service rep for about 5 years, clocking 20-30 hours per week. During that time, she had also been a seasonal worker at Company B, where she planned to continue working in the new year, 10-15 hours per week.



Tragically, in February, Company B's building burned to the ground and all the employees were left without their jobs.



Maggie then filed for unemployment benefits with the state's unemployment agency...and she was granted the benefits...from Company A.



Yes, Company A, from which she voluntarily retired, is now being charged for Maggie's unemployment benefits.



Does the government really support small business??

Weekend Wisdom

"Nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely"

Auguste Rodin

Profile :: Jack Groot

Across the street from my business is a coffee shop called JP's Coffee. This shop is as involved in my family's weekly life as my own kitchen. For the past 16 years, we have had breakfast nearly every Saturday morning at JP's with my husband's dad. I've laughed and cried with friends at JP's; my husband and I have ended several date nights with something sweet and a cup of coffee at JP's.


I've long admired JP's owners, Jack and Tracy Groot, for having a dream, seeing a need, and working hard to fill that need and serve our community in the process. They are raising a great family and fulfilling more dreams along the way.


Along with JP's Coffee and Espresso Bar, Jack also owns the Midwest Barista School. It appears to me that Jack is the kind of business person who is willing to take a risk, try something new, and then back off if it's not working. But, so many of his ideas work!


Each Friday, I plan to profile a small business owner for the blog. Thanks, Jack, for being the first and for all the memories from JP's Coffee!


Tami :: When and how did you first open your own business?
Jack :: 1993

Tami :: How did you name your business?
Jack :: Was going to be a partnership (Jack and Paul)

Tami :: If you could travel back in time and speak with yourself as you start your business, what is the most important peice of advice you would give yourself?
Jack :: Pay off debt, stay out of debt and build reserves (Editorial Comment :: "YES!")

Tami :: What is the most influential book you have read on small business?
Jack :: "Growing a Business" by Paul Hawken

Tami :: It's 10:00 in the morning on a Monday...where are you and what are you doing?
Jack :: In my office, connecting with my manager, answering emails, working on my current project.

Tami :: It's 6:00 on Friday evening...where are you and what are you doing?
Jack :: Home with my wife and kids, getting ready to go out on a date night or hang with friends or stay in and have pizza and watch a movie.

Have A Great Weekend!

Why I Need A Mission Statement

So, you have your thoughts and goals written down for your business.


What now?


Let me tell you a little about why I need the mission statement for my business in front of me each day:


As I mentioned, I own a bridal store and I really love running my bridal store. I also have lots of other things that I like to do. One of my "hobbies" is collecting vintage wedding gowns. I probably own 8-10 gowns of varying age and style. Occasionally, I will put a few of these gowns on display at my store; they are great conversation pieces! However, pretty soon I'll find myself accessorizing these gowns, fussing with these gowns, and starting to shop for more vintage gowns! THAT is when I have to read my mission statement again and refocus my energy.


I use my mission statement as a reminder of where to spend time, money, and energy in my business. It reminds me of WHY I am doing what I am doing.


So, be encouraged to put your mission statement somewhere where you can see it easily and regularly. Memorize it; share it with your employees; and refer to it often!

Why Do You Do What You Do?

Why do you do what you do?

Small business owners operate their business for many different reasons…

“I love to serve people”
“I want to be my own boss”
“I want to provide jobs to my community”
“I want to build something for my family”
“I truly believe in my product or service”

The mission statement for my bridal boutique reads as follows:

We will offer beautiful, quality special-occasion wear in a manner that delights, serves, and blesses our customers, our co-workers, and our community. We will operate our business in a God-honoring way; bless our employees and community as we are blessed; and treat each customer as they want to be treated.

Do you have a mission statement for your business that keeps your goals in front of you? It doesn’t need to be flowery or pithy; just a concise statement of the reasons that you are in business and your goals for that business.

I know of a business owner, we’ll call him “Ray”, who gets very nervous when the words “mission”, “vision”, “goals” and their synonyms are mentioned. He thinks these terms require long full-day meetings of people sitting around a table and discussing; Ray doesn’t like to discuss, he likes to do!

I challenge Ray and others like him to take 5 minutes a day for the next week and just jot down some thoughts about why he is in business and what he wants that business to accomplish. What excites him? Is it offering a flexible job to a single mom, is it donating to a local charity, is it the feeling he gets at the end of a good day?

Everyone's mission statement will be different, because everyone is different, and so are our businesses and our goals. That's OK. And...your mission statment may look different in a few years as your business changes and grows.

Next...what to do with this Mission Statement...

Weekend Wisdom

"Business is like Tennis;

The one with the best service wins!"

Dave Ramsey

Beginning Monday...

Mission Statements?

What?

Why?

How???

Coming Soon...

Are you a small business owner? Hoping to be one some day? I invite you to follow and read my brand-new blog...check back soon!