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What I’ll Never Take for Granted as a Business Owner

April 3, 2020 by Julie Austin

With the latest COVID-19 pandemic, many business owners went from business as usual in a great economy one minute to a screeching halt the next. I heard from many business owners and their stories were really touching. It goes to the heart of what it means to be a business owner and how we are so much more connected than we think. Here are their responses:

“When your business is busy and people have more downtime, most businesses tend to receive reviews pretty regularly. But recently, especially during the last few weeks since the lockdown began, we noticed a significant downturn in the number of reviews we were receiving.. It’s understandable as people have other things to worry about.

So now since the lockdown, whenever we get a review I’m amazed that someone has taken the time amidst all that is happening to take the time and write it. I’ve now grown a real appreciation for this, and we’ve made sure to thank every reviewer personally.”

Sam Williamson, owner of CBDiablo, www.cbdiablo.co.uk

“As a small business owner, one thing I’ll never take for granted again is hope. In a growing economy we all have dreams that the next big thing could be us. Now it’s hard to even have dreams.”

Michael Mason

Owner, Perfect Chaos Films

www.perfectchaosfilms.com

“I miss being able to pick up my Starbucks order in-store and working from Starbucks. I can still get my order from the drive-thru, but it’s not the same as having the in-store experience — saying hi to my favorite baristas and checking in with how their day is going, sitting in my favorite cozy chair as I use the store WiFi to answer work emails, and being surrounded by the quiet hum of conversation from other individuals from all walks of life. That’s one moment I can’t wait to savor all over again once we have found our footing.” — Deborah Sweeney, CEO, MyCorporation.com

“The flexibility and ability to travel. As a business owner, you are no longer tied to vacation requests for time off or an inability to take work with you. We have a dedicated team in place, the technology to work from any location and can finally travel when the itch hits…until Corona Virus. We have a vacation planned for June to the UK and France to celebrate our 2 graduates (one from College and one from high school). As the corona virus numbers go up, that dream vacation slips farther away.

Secondly, concept delivery is not the same. So much communication is lost online. Two dimensional images, budgets and even spacial references in the design industry can be difficult to convey through technology. While we are accustomed to using every tool available for remote project delivery, it won’t ever be a true replacement for a face to face client to architect interview. “

Jennifer Carlos, CFO Business Manager
Carlos Architects, Inc.

www.carlosarchitects.com

There are a few things I’m realizing that I take for granted:

1. That revenue will continue organically. That is clearly not the case as this pandemic continues to hurt businesses. You have to prepare for the unexpected.

2. To relish the good times. Businesses have ups and downs. You really should enjoy the ups as the downs will inevitably happen, whether it’s within your control or not

3. My employees and contract staff are amazing. They are willing to take deferred payments to support the business, even if there is a possibility they might not be paid for their work.

4. Nothing beats face to face. Zoom has been great to stay connected, but nothing compares to the energy and productivity of physically working alongside someone.

5. Everyone balances family life. You often don’t notice this in the office, but you certainly see if when children are popping their faces in video meetings. When we go back to normal, I want to be more thoughtful of this.

Neal Taparia | Solitaired

“I took for granted the fact that people were searching for search terms that seem so normal in everyday life, and I never dreamed these everyday terms would be searched less for any reason in the future. After the lockdown started, people have been searching much less for terms that involve going outside, going to restaurants, and living normal lives, which has impacted the SEO and traffic of many sites I work on. I know realize how fragile even something as stable as search volume is and am doing my best to provide new content that diversifies the risk in some of these areas, so there will be less future risk for something like this happening.”

Stacy Caprio
Founder, Growth Marketing
www.acceleratedgrowthmarketing.com

“The one thing I took for granted was time. We all have the same amount of time but how we use it is different. When times are good, I pay less attention to it because it feels as if everything is perfect. Now, I have an increase in time and am realizing the holes I need to fill. One of them is prioritizing my time. I need to always focus on the money generating activities that will expand my business and then investing in apps and resources that can take care of the mundane tasks.”

Al Wisnefske

www.landandlegacygroup.com

“While work and life might seem more mundane when you’re just an employee, and while you have less flexibility and control over your time, the good news is that you are not responsible for everyone else.

When you’re a business owner, it’s obvious that the fate of the company lies in your hands at the end of the day. Plus, there’s minimal options for disconnecting from work, especially when it comes to driving revenue, keeping the business afloat, and making sure your operating procedures are still in place.

While owning a business gives you much more pride of ownership, accomplishment, as well as security and overall fulfillment… it also makes you much more vulnerable to excessive working hours, and experiencing overwhelm and a decline in other areas of your life..

In times of high distress, business owners sometimes wish they could just collect unemployment checks, sleep in, and take extended time away like everyone else.

It’s even tougher when business owners notice friends and family members enjoying “unemployed life” for months at a time, while still collecting paychecks, with minimal responsibility.

When the economy gets tough, business owners have to make tough decisions like cutting costs, or letting go of employees, and doing other things that nobody else wants to do.

Obviously, a bad economy still means business owners are personally responsible, year-round, for keeping a roof over their heads and feeding mouths at home.

And while business owners are typically the highest paid in the company, they usually have limited access to getting unemployment paychecks, low income health insurance, and things of that nature.”

Alex Savy

CEO and Founder | Sleepingocean.com

“It sounds simple, but really I will never take for granted the ability to be around my team in close proximity. Actually going into to the office, being surrounded by people daily that I consider my extended family and be able to collaborate with them in person. Having our team breakfasts and lunches. Spoiling someone on their birthday. I will never take all of that for granted. Although we are all still connected through technology, it’s just not the same and I truly miss them.”

Nellie Akalp, CEO and Founder CorpNet.co

“I started a global branding and marketing firm 19 years ago in Cambridge, MA. I am very concerned about the spread of this virus and the short and long term impact it will have on the economy. I didn’t think I took anything for granted but I do have to admit now that we are on lockdown I really miss all the people who are part of my daily flow and routine like the neighborhood restaurants and coffee shops we go to every day or so, gym/exercise class people, etc. I am in great contact with close friends and family now but I miss the folks who I just see regularly who are no longer part of my week. My work is getting done it is just not as fun without the cast of characters who brighten my day who I now realize I took for granted.”

Paige Arnof-Fenn, Founder & CEO

Mavens & Moguls

Because Marketing Matters^TM

paige@mavensandmoguls.com

“As a business owner, the biggest thing I took for granted was the ability to communicate with others. As a business owner and baker, I take pride in the items I create and I really enjoyed seeing what customers thought about their custom cakes and treats. Since we are now social distancing and only shipping items out now, we started to be more digital focuses to try and gauge our audience better and see how they feel in different ways.”

-Katherine Coyne

CEO, 12 Oaks Desserts

“I believe, ironically, the things I took for granted from the “old days” were the very things I used to not look forward to – leaving my comfy home to go networking. Get dressed up, drive to new locations, and walk into a room where you mostly know no one. Lots of “hi, I’m Susana….” and shaking stranger’s hands and exchanging business cards. Shaking hands! Something we did all the time without a scrap of thought in our heads is now considered to be dangerous and life threatening!

A stranger’s smiling and nodding as you explain what you provide in your business – at the time you wondered how badly you were boring them with your intro – and now I will swear to appreciate every smiling face before me! Sitting down next to strangers at a breakfast, lunch or dinner meeting may have caused nervous shyness – now I can’t wait to sit with strangers sharing a meal once again. What a wonderful human connection we had! I look back on days when I looked at my crowded calendar and thought, “I just want to skip this and stay home”. I look forward to a crowded calendar again and won’t take a single event for granted!”

Susana Fonticoba

Clear Path Marketing

What Some Creative Mom and Pop Shops Are Doing

September 28, 2017 by Julie Austin

The term “mom and pop shops” usually refers to small, independent brick and mortar stores. I know the term well. I grew up in one. My grandparents ran a small gas station/grocery store and I stayed there as a baby while my parents worked. All the free candy and ice cream I could eat!

Everyone in the small town stopped by on a regular basis to sit for a while and have some snacks and strike up a good conversation. Who needed a newspaper when you could hear all of the latest news at my grandmother’s store.

So, it was kind of sad when the mega chain stores started going up downtown. But it really never changed her level of business at all, because there are some things the big chain stores simply can’t compete with. She had learned from the time she opened her business at the tender age of 17 that business is about relationships. Sure, you could buy those snacks and groceries cheaper at Walmart, but you could never get the camaraderie and personalized service you got from Mama Parney.

When she died almost everyone in the whole town showed up for the funeral. It was a testament to how well she treated all of her customers. Even when people didn’t have the money to pay, she would run a tab. I heard pretty much everybody paid her back.

With more and more customers seeking a good customer experience, mom and pop shops have a great opportunity to compete with the big box chains, doing things they aren’t able to do. Here are some mom and pop shops who are rising to the occasion:

SitStayGo – SitStayGo™ invites you to come out for a special trunk show event at the D Pet Hotels in Chelsea showcasing the recently launched PET DINETTE & Leash. This unique all-in-one system allows pet owners to conveniently pack all of their walking essentials so that they can grab n’ go with ease. On Saturday, Pet parents will have the opportunity to learn more about this innovative product firsthand, meet the inventor, Michelle Glasser, enjoy some wine and cheese, have a treat tasting with Fido, and shop for SitStayGo™ products just in time for the holiday season! The Trunk Show is FREE and open to the public and little dogs. Guests will experience the luxurious D Pet Hotels, enjoy delicious wine and snacks, mix and mingle with other pet lovers, all while learning more about the innovative PET DINETTE & Leash from the inventor herself, Michelle Glasser. Best of all, this is the perfect opportunity to get your paws on some awesome pet gifts for the holiday season!

Michelle and the SitStayGo™ team are devoted to giving back to the animal community. Through their launch and the holiday season, a portion of each sale will be shared with Houston SPCA to help the most vulnerable victims of Hurricane Harvey thanks to their Give 2 Get program. [Read more…] about What Some Creative Mom and Pop Shops Are Doing

Would You Buy Products Made in the USA?

February 3, 2017 by Julie Austin

When I posted the question “Would you buy products made in the USA?” on social media, I got a flood of responses. As a manufacturer, we have to deal with many different issues, and one of those is price. Americans have gotten used to paying low prices for products that are made in other countries, mostly China.

I got a quick lesson in importing when the company I was licensing my product to went bankrupt only weeks before we were to sign our contract. I didn’t have time to wait, and realized I was going to have to do it myself. I had never even run a business before, and here I was searching for international manufacturers, and learning about freight brokers, ports, and ocean shipping. I also have to deal with regulations and taxes in the other countries I ship to. Plus, you have to allow about 30 days for delivery and usually have to buy in large quantities.

I have hope that we will soon be bringing cheaper and better manufacturing back to the U.S. through innovative manufacturing systems like robotics and 3-D printing. Right now robotics in manufacturing is still new. They are limited to one task, and aren’t yet suitable for assembling small items. But new models currently being developed will be able to assemble any kind of product, and will be able to work alongside humans without danger of injuring them.

Since wages have soared in China, they have also begun to invest heavily in robotic manufacturing. The small, family owned factory I use there is constantly increasing my prices. Hopefully, robotic manufacturing used here to lower prices will mean the end of manufacturers always having to chase the lowest wages.

Buying products made in the USA is something many Americans feel strongly about. In fact, about 80% of the people I polled said they would rather buy American made. And it’s a completely bi-partisan issue. Everyone knows American-made products, for now, will be more expensive. The question is, how much more?

Here are some of the answers I got when I asked about buying “Made in USA” products:

“Yes I would and here’s why: I don’t actually know what’s in my cleaning agents, for example, if I import from China. They recently had a huge bust over there with a sophisticated operation selling industrial salts as food grade. Happens all the time in that country. In American I know what I’m getting. That I’m supporting people outside my own company is karma in the bank that will come back to my business if we all pitch in.”

Sean Desilva, owner of http://EveryLastSpot.com

5 Reasons to Attend Face to Face Meetings

December 11, 2016 by Julie Austin

A Forbes Insight survey revealed that 8 out of 10 executives said they preferred face to face meetings as opposed to online or videoconferencing to build more meaningful business relationships. This proves what I’ve always believed to be true, that no matter how much technology we have, nothing beats a good ‘ole fashioned face to face meeting for putting together a strong business network.

A friend of mine who runs one of the most successful concert promotion businesses told me that he started his business with the idea that he would always make a point of meeting a potential customer or partner in person no matter where they were in the world. And he has stuck to that to this day. He’s racked up millions of frequent flyer miles and traveled to almost every country in the world.

His extensive phone book isn’t just for show. Because of his years of using this business tactic, he can literally pick up the phone and get almost anyone on the phone. And if he doesn’t have their number, he knows someone who does. But he accomplished that by building his network one person at a time and meeting them face to face.

A recent survey by the Meetings Mean Business Coalition found that 96% of small business owners got a return on investment with face to face meetings. For this reason, over 90% of those same small business owners say they plan to continue going to live meetings and events. This is good news for anyone who works with small business owners. Make sure you find out what conferences and events they attend and arrange to meet them there in person. This is also true if you want to work for a small business. Many say they prefer to find potential employees at a live, face to face event.

Here are some reasons why small businesses should have face to face meetings: [Read more…] about 5 Reasons to Attend Face to Face Meetings

Do You Mix Business With Pleasure?

April 24, 2016 by Julie Austin

As a business owner I spend about 95% of my time working. I’m sure I’m not the only one. It’s well known that business owners almost always put in more time than salaried workers. So, with all of that work, how does a business owner get a break? We’ve been told that you can’t mix business with pleasure. But is that true?

These days business owners are having to find more creative ways to sneek in some fun and relaxation, even if you don’t leave the office. Taking the family along on a business trip is becoming quite popular. There’s even a word for it. “Bleisure”.

Here are some examples of business owners who are combining business and pleasure:

“I own a small business designing, making, and selling chainmail jewelry. I have a booth and sell at a number of craft shows and conventions. I’m established enough to do well at shows, but not profitable enough to employ staff to help. I always invite a few friends or my mother-in-law to help or even just to visit. It’s a great opportunity to chat between customers, they get to attend the show, and I have someone I can trust with the booth when I need to step away to powder my nose or check out the competition.”

Gwendolyn Kestrel

http://mythictreasure.com/

Promote a fun -but professional- environment. Example: At our office, we play ping pong religiously. Employees often partake in games two to three times per day. We have a professional style table, tournament brackets and a plethora of balls. The one thing that everybody owns is their own personal racquet.

Find methods to detox: Work in stressful. What outlets are you providing for your employees to burn off some stress and relax? Sponsoring a group lunch? A nice 5à7? We’ve done both of these every month.

Productivity and exercise: Have business meetings while on a light jog with your employees. This kills two birds with one stone. Why? An elevated heart rate moves you away from laziness, and the things that you see outside spark thinking and curiosity. More than that, you can actually iron out some major points without overthinking things. On Mondays, I run with my Marketing Director. Wednesdays it’s two of the web developers. On Thursdays, the logistics people fill me in during the run about inventory and such. Guess what? We’re all much fitter, happier and healthier…and we’re being efficient while becoming those things!

Sebastien Dupéré

Owner, President and CEO of Dupray

www.dupray.com

We sell steam cleaners and steam irons in six countries.

Are You a Charismatic Leader?

April 1, 2016 by Julie Austin

Charisma. It’s hard to define, but you know it when you see it. Think of some of the most charismatic leaders you can remember throughout history. Many are probably politicians, successful business owners, religious leaders or activists. They have a combination of personality, power, charm, and many unique skills that make up the whole charismatic persona as a leader. And we’re drawn to them like moths to a flame.

It isn’t a class that’s taught in college, but it’s one of the most important traits you can have as a leader. Some people are born with it, but many are not.

Some charismatic leaders, like Ghandi and Churchill, were just average students in school. Some, like Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates, prove that even introverts can transform themselves into leaders that people want to follow.

So, what if you aren’t a natural charismatic leader? How can you sharpen your skills and up your game?

Exude confidence – Being confident means knowing your stuff. If you want people to follow you, you have to really know what you’re talking about. Become an expert in something. And know every single thing you can possibly know about it. If you’re a leader in a company you should know how the entire organization works, from top to bottom. Know as much as you can about every job in the company. Be ultra prepared and confidence will come naturally.
Be a great listener – Charismatic leaders become that way because they understand people and what makes them tick. They can quickly size people up and adapt to what they need in a compassionate way. Richard Branson said “To be a great leader, you must be a great listener”.
Be passionate about your vision – Again, think of all of the charismatic leaders you’ve known. What did they all have in common? They had a strong, unwavering vision and they were passionate about it. Being excited about a vision causes others to become excited about it too. Enthusiasm is contagious.
Be an articulate speaker – Speak clearly and use concise language. Lose the words “like” and “um”. Say what you mean, and mean it from your heart. Charismatic people don’t analyze what they say. It comes from a place of being sure of what they’re doing. Also, adding a little humor goes a long way.
Be curious – The day you lose your curiosity is the day you lose your zest for living. Being curious about the world around you opens you up to people and gives you something to talk about. The most creative and innovative people are also the most curious and are willing to take creative risks.
Be positive – This should be common sense, but people are drawn to leaders who are positive. They seem to have an energy that you just want to get next to. You want it to rub off on you. If you aren’t feeling positive, think about something you can feel grateful for. Sometimes that’s enough to turn your mood around. Even faking it will sometimes get you in a better mood.

The #1 Reason For Being an Entrepreneur

January 24, 2016 by Julie Austin

After watching the documentary “Burt’s Buzz” I was reminded about why I have to be an entrepreneur. Everyone talks about passion, but the real reason for being an entrepreneur is freedom.

This was the running theme in the film about the unconventional life of entrepreneur Burt Shavitz, the icon and co-founder of Burt’s Bees. Before there was ever a billion dollar, all natural brand of personal care products, there was just Burt and his bees.

On the surface, Shavitz seems like an unlikely businessman. But if you trace his history, being an entrepreneur was really the only thing he was ever suited for. He had no interest in a 9 to 5 job, and ended up using his skills with a camera to pick up freelance photography work for publications like The New York Times and Life magazine. He was in the right place at the right time and capitalized on the turbulent times of the ’60’s in New York City. But as TV became more popular as a way of highlighting the emotion of the times, he saw that as his chance to move out of the city and reinvent himself in a small town in upstate New York. [Read more…] about The #1 Reason For Being an Entrepreneur

Why People Play the Odds

January 10, 2016 by Julie Austin

It seems that everything is getting harder these days, including the lottery. The recent Powerball odds went from 1 in 175 to 1 in 292 million. More numbers have been added, which means the odds have gotten tougher. It’s also gotten twice as hard to win that second prize if you are lucky enough to get all of the correct numbers except the Powerball number.

Even though we have a better chance of being killed by an asteroid strike, millions of Americans still play the lottery every week. Millions still play the odds. And it’s not just the lottery.

Every year eager young actors, writers, and directors flock to New York City and Hollywood for a chance to make it big. Even though the odds of actually getting on the A list are slim, there is never a shortage of talent that wants to prove everyone wrong.

According to Harvard Business School only 18% of entrepreneurs succeed in their first business venture. Yet every day new entrepreneurs enter the market. [Read more…] about Why People Play the Odds

Can Industry Awards Help Your Small Business?

December 13, 2015 by Julie Austin

Several years ago I entered my running product in an industry awards contest that was sponsored by NASDAQ and launched at a large, well-established fitness trade show. After a few rounds it finally ended up being one of the semi finalists.

Before the trade show we were an unknown company with a brand new product, and we were struggling to get some traction and recognition with retail buyers.

Because of the contest we had buyers visiting our booth, which was hidden in the basement floor of the trade show. And at the end of the show NASDAQ had a party for the semi finalists, along with a lot of publicity.

This happened again when we won the Toyman award for innovation and quality, as voted on by consumers, and then became a product of the year in Creative Child Magazine. We got an extra boost in traffic and sales after both of them.

So, is it a good idea for small businesses to apply for awards? Do they help? Here are a few responses from small business owners: [Read more…] about Can Industry Awards Help Your Small Business?

Book Smarts or Street Smarts?

October 20, 2015 by Julie Austin

A recent debate at the Eastern Correctional Facility in New York between prison inmates and the Harvard debate team had me questioning whether it’s better to have street smarts or book smarts. In the end the “book smart” Harvard debate team was defeated by the “street smart” prisoners.

But the street smart prisoners didn’t win simply by their street smarts alone. They had a lot of help…from books. Through the Bard Prison Initiative, which gives incarcerated men and women the opportunity to pursue a college degree while serving their time, the prison debate team put themselves through a grueling educational boot camp to prepare. They had no access to the Internet and had to wait for weeks sometimes for a book to be cleared by security.

And this wasn’t a one time fluke. They’ve beaten multiple college debate teams in the past.

Simply having a formal college degree isn’t the answer to everything. Yes, you need it if you want to practice law or medicine, but to succeed in life you need something else that the prison debate team had a lot of… intellectual curiosity AND street smarts.

I put out a request to hear from others about which skill was better. Here’s what I heard:

“I have a sixth grade education and I’ve owned/co-owned three successful businesses over the last 20+ years. I have college graduates wanting to come work for me at $10.00 an hour and they are struggling to pay of $60,000.00+ in student loans. I got my education at the local library for free. I’ve never had to worry about paying back a student loan. [Read more…] about Book Smarts or Street Smarts?