Welcome!

I'm Tami Parks, fourth-generation entrepreneur and small business person. I love small business and consider it the heartbeat of America's marketplace. My family has been involved in real estate, service, and retail; we're just regular people who have a passion for serving others and being our own bosses.

My husband and I have made a committment to run our business, Great Lakes Wedding Gown Specialists, LLC, as a debt-free business. This blog is our accountability partner!

Thursday, September 16, 2010

What Motivates You?

In my journey of running a debt-free small business, cash flow is always on my mind.   A few weeks ago, I realized to what extent my bank balance was affecting my mood.  Cash in the bank? Good; Tami's happy!  Cash a little low?  Grumpy Tam comes out.

Although understandable, this is wrong!  My life is to be controlled by the Holy Spirit, not my bank balance. 

I would begin to panic when the cash reserves dipped.  "Should I change my marketing techniques?  Advertise more?  Advertise less?  What are my competitors up to?  I've got to create some buzz..."  Pretty soon, my mind would be spinning and my focus would shift.

Now, do not misunderstand me.  I do believe it is important to stop occasionally and take stock of marketing, advertising, and the competitors.  But, it must be done in a purposeful way and at specific times.  Not willy-nilly, running around as a reaction to a poor sales week.

See, God has called me to bless my customers.  That phrase is even in our Mission Statement.  When I begin comparing myself to my competitors, obsessing over my bank balance, or countless other things that I begin to do when worrying; I am not doing what God has called me to do, or what my customers deserve.

Why am I sharing this personal attitude adjustment?  Because this blog is my accountability partner.  I want my team members, business accquaintances, and family members to call me out when I lose my focus.

How is your focus this week?  Will you join me in focusing on customers service, excellent products, and ethical business practices and let God control the cash flow?