Throw It Back Thursday

On this Thursday as Summer has evaporated so quickly that it's a distant memory and the cold rushed in literally overnight it is clearly a time of change.  As the Expose song goes Seasons Change and some changes are obvious and even expected but most creep in when we were too busy focused on something else.

In this age of mindfulness take a moment and really take stock. Physically what's shifting.  Mentally what's taking up space.  In your business is your time being sucked up in a particular area.  

I'm a firm believer that CHANGES Give Warnings but are you AWARE.  Are you paying attention?  Are you proactive or reactive? 

How are you measuring your life in order to be able to assess your current status and thereby note when things are shifting?  Most changes don't really happen overnight.  Your weight doesn't increase 10 pounds overnight.  You got stressed, started snacking and skipping workouts but you were focused on the stress and didn't notice until you couldn't fit in to your favorite jeans any more.

Well TODAY stop just taking whatever life sends your way and take back your power.  You get to decide but YOU HAVE TO DECIDE.  You have to set goals.  You have to live an intentional life.  You have to go beyond dreaming...to planning...to taking action to make those dreams a reality.  

So while I love lemonade it's not always what I want.  If you have enough lemons then stop just accepting the bitterness of them and simply THROW THEM BACK and go get the chocolates that you really want. 

Shirley E. Crawford

Small Business Whisperer * Speaker * Lecturer

The tools and resources that your business needs  to succeed

2nd Chance Consulting

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Alaska Is For The Birds

Back in VA for a little over 24 hours and still adjusting to that crazy thing called a different time zone.  And while one imagines that getting 4 extra hours is somehow sublime you simply do not understand or your body doesn't understand and so the end result was getting up early (which I never do) and being too sleepy to stay up for the Northern Light show on most nights/mornings.  Please also note that you lose those hours QUICKLY upon your return.

So, for my first trip to the other coast and to Alaska (Congrats again Sergeant Murphy) I was amazed at the Ginormous Ravens.  They congregated around the trash bins, they boldly trolled the streets and one even flew smack dab in to the window pane of my room (just like the Windex commercial) and flew away.  After the "only in my life" window moment I started asking questions and the answers surprised me because while the menu at The Banks Alehouse offered elk, reindeer and buffalo (buffalo burger was pretty juicy) you did not find anything resembling the bigger than your baby chicken Raven on the menu (not that I think they'd be tasty but just thinking of the principle).

Well turns out that for the Alaskan Inuit tribe the Raven is a spirit/god that is known as a hero sometimes and a trickster at others.  It is therefore ILLEGAL to kill the birds even if they are killing your small animals and apparently many newcomers learn this with the hefty fines that they receive.  And before you think that the Alaskans are crazy, which there might be other reasons to think that - like living some place that just this year had -50° weather, my research showed that it's ILLEGAL to kill ravens in all 50 states and a few other countries as well.  It's all about Migratory Birds and a treaty created just for them and they even have their own holiday in May.

Now, why do you care.  Well, other than the fact that I might have just saved you from one of the many court cases out there against companies and citizens for harming these migratory pests there is also something to be learned.  Is your business a Raven?

Are you the hero or the trickster or any given situation?  Do you promise to provide their completed website by COB Wednesday and then call them Thursday morning to say oops technical errors?  Do you over deliver and under promise as I always tell my clients to do?  Unfortunately to the naked eye all ravens, that is, all small businesses look alike.

If someone knows someone who knows someone who had a HORRIFIC experience with an trickster entrepreneur in your field YOU now are in that same category just because you too are a small business owner.  So, while the Raven/Small Business is protected by law and required by state agencies to use they don't have to use you.

So now armed in the understanding that you fight the battle of the guy doing "business" out of his trunk and the one who just swindled someone's money be prepared to share the benefits of doing business with Ravens R'Us.  When making your pitch emphasize the customizable features that only your boutique business can offer.  Highlight the pivotability of a small company rather than a big box.  Share your passion and stellar customer service skills where you actually do know your clients name and not just because it's in an Excel spreadsheet.

So, Ravens it's time to fly now don your superhero cape and show the world why you're different, why you're special and why they will never regret that their business has gone to the birds.

Let Go: Open For The New Year

I'm a workaholic and when I am in the midst of a task I could easily end up on the next episode of Snapped if you disturb me when I'm "in the flow."  So much so that I don't even let my own body interrupt.  Last week this unfortunate habit came in to play as I had to go to the ladies room but I wasn't at a stopping point and so I worked some more until I REALLY HAD TO GO.  

I could take no more and so I  ran to the ladies room, jerked open the bathroom door, quickly flipped up the toilet lid and then began to feverishly fight with my belt buckle.  Stupid lost weight means that I HAVE to wear belts.  Finally, as I finish torturing myself with the idea of walking back in to the lobby with the water stain of a two year old ornamenting my slacks, Jesus heard my cries and the buckle opened but then I couldn't get the button on the slacks open.  

I was literally visualizing the Clorox commercial and thinking I'm too old to be "having a situation."  Then when my frustration reached an all time high I threw my hands up in surrender and my pants fell down.  I was saved from disgrace because I simply let go.

In our business we often find ourselves in "situations."  A client is sucking the life out of us.  A project requires more from us that originally anticipated.  Our to-do list is so long that nothing gets done.  All of this simply means that it's time to LET GO.

Every client isn't a good client for you.  Every project isn't meant for YOU to do it all.  Some of the items on your to-do list should really be don'ts or at least not right nows.  As we approach the end of 2016 and prepare to enter a New Year it's simply a great time to reevaluate.

What are your preconceived notions about your business?  When's the last time you looked at your business plan (please tell me that you have a business plan)?  Are you clients a part of your target market or have you strayed to anyone and EVERYONE who needs some type of product or service that you COULD do?  Do you think that no one can do it like you and so you do EVERYTHING.  LET GO!

For 2017 I wish for you productivity, purpose and peace of mind.  Productivity to accomplish your goals and thereby MAKE MONEY.  Purpose to maintain the proper focus of what your productivity should be directed towards and Peace of Mind from keeping your life in balance and understanding what's truly important.  Let Go of the negativity and negative people.  Let Go of preconceived notions  and assumptions because you've grown and changed and so have others.  Let Go and let others help you to the finish line.  Let go of 2016 the ups and downs and prepare for a bigger, better 2017.  Happy New Year!!!  

Shirley E. Crawford

Small Business Whisperer * Speaker * Lecturer

The tools and resources that your business needs  to succeed

2nd Chance Consulting

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804-426-1515

The Perfect Fit

With this new phase in my life I, inadvertantly, lost some weight...over 30lbs and probably more (I no longer weigh every day).  It has now become essential that I invest in a new wardrobe.  Today, as I continued to tug my jeans up, which now ALL display a baggy crotch, no waist and no curvature of buttocks, I reflected on another ill fitting outfit.

I once owned a red gown.  It was only worn twice and at present I have no real idea of where it is.  It was a lovely gown that clearly belonged at the GEFA Christmas event hosted amongst the artwork of the Virginia Museum of Fine Art.  But one could only feel pity for it when you saw it on my figure back then.  I don't think that there's much sadder than living beneath the potential of a siren red dress.

Eons later I had another formal event and pulled the siren from the mothballs and figured I'd try it on for giggles.  Oh my what a difference a few pounds make.  I transformed from Olive Oil to Jessica Rabbit so much so that I was concerned in wearing it to the church gala that I was set to attend.  That amazing transformation was all because of a few pounds in the right place and finally wearing what fit me...what was RIGHT FOR ME.

So, in your business how do you know what doesn't fit you and what do you do when you realize it. What do you do when an idea, partner or client doesn't fit your culture, target market or your business.? 

These misfits are costing you.  My general equation is D=eETt.  Explained my D(ecisions) are based on the amount of e(nergy) E(ffort) T(me) and t(thought) that must be applied.  If  I have to use so much energy that I couldn't possibly have the Time to complete the task then I nix the idea in the bud immediately.  But if I can find  the proper balance of eETt then it's a winner.

Having a client that doesn't fit always cost you energy that you don't have to spare, Effort to work with someone that is outside of your normal flow, Time to have to do something different just for them and entirely too much thought of how to do what they need done.  It's so much easier to either put the idea, partner or client on mothballs and then circle back to it later.

In the future it might be a perfect fit or you can determine that it simply wasn't meant to be.  The real rule is to know your business, be true to business and don't try to fit where you don't.  Just excel at being you and you will succeed.

Shirley E. Crawford

Small Business Whisperer * Speaker * Lecturer

The tools and resources that your business needs  to succeed

2nd Chance Consulting

Your 2nd Chance at a first impression

804-426-1515

Addressing Your Fears

I am saddened to admit that, like SuperMan, I too have my kryptonite. Somewhere in the past 15 years I went from leaping from the attic to my father's arms to be petrified of heights. I don't know when it crept up on me I just know that one day it was there, this sickening feeling in my gut accompanied by this unstable dizzying sensation as if I'm having my own personal earthquake.  

This feeling makes me feel weak.  It's not logic or reason based.  The quadratic equation will not give me the answer for "y."  Even though I know there is nothing to fear but fear itself that now means to me that I'm now afraid of being afraid.  

So, every year I do something that makes me sick or at the least EXTREMELY uncomfortable.  I crossed, like a turtle mind you, the CLEAR glass bridge at the Grand Canyon.  I hike up hellaciously tall mountains and go to the edge to look over and this year I saught the wind.

I got in to the line at Kings Dominion to once again alert my fear that I wouldn't let it rule me.  It was a September day at the end of the season so very light lines at the park.  I watched others go up and it looks kind of innocent like a merry go round at the top of a 30 story building.  30 STORY BUILDING!!!!

I calmed myself, said prayers, sang songs and spoke to no one else in the line.  When you are dealing with that much anxiety other people can't help no matter how they try.  Only you can conquer your fears. Finally, I am directed to a seat but as I go to put my bag in the container bin (because of the nature of the ride no items are allowed on with you even hats and glasses are suggested to be removed).  As I approach the bin with their warnings in my mind I contemplate just exiting by the gate so very close to the bins BUT I persevere.

I buckle in to the seat and test it to see if it will pop up.  I'm questioning the safety of it all and discussing how stupid this is to be doing anyway.  I have several conversations in my head but when the attendant approaches me to BARELY tug on my seatbelt I don't cry LET ME OUT (not aloud anyway).

The ride rises and it seems innocent enough until the seats start expanding out into a larger circle.  Ok, I can do that but then I look down and it was all I could do to calmly wrap my arms around the lap brace on the empty seat next to me.  I shut my eyes so tight that I started to develop a headache but finally I remembered that if I'm going to do it I'm going to do it right.  That was a lovely speech until the ride reached the top where you can truly view the entire park and started spinning faster and faster and faster and OH MY GOD what have I done.  So, this is why this stupid ride is called the Windseeker.

I maintained my lunch and it eventually slowed down and started to descend.  With eyes wide open and stomach on alert I gazed upon my surroundings as we finally began to approach Planet Earth again.  The view is so serene and settling and I would have easily allowed fear to keep me from ever seeing it.

In our lives we often do the same.  We allow fear and doubts to keep us from our dreams and aspirations.  So, you want to quit your 9-5 to become your own boss or you want to start a weekend cupcake business.  Well, the only thing stopping you is YOU.  Don't let fear, or other people's fears, keep you from having the best vision of your life possible...the vision of you being happy.

I will never say that the fears go away but I will say they have no control over you.  So, Go Get IT and as always Live Better, Do Better, Be Better!!!

Shirley E. Crawford

Small Business Whisperer * Speaker * Lecturer
The tools and resources that your business needs  to succeed

2nd Chance Consulting

Your 2nd Chance at a first impression
804-426-1515

Grow Right or Die

Grow Right or Die

My great nephew, Jeremiah, is only 2 years old, (pictured left as a baby) but is the size of a very solid 5 year old.  But he still has the communication skills and comprehension of a 2 year old.  He has the same inclinations of a 2 yr old to throw things and that strong temperament often aligned with the "Terrible Twos."  So, he has all of this strength and height and therefore can get in to SO MUCH trouble but people see him and assume that he's mentally challenged because he doesn't really talk but not realizing that he's younger than he looks.  Fortunately, as he ages his mental abilities will catch up with his body but can your business say the same.

Our business babies that we nurture and grow can also have growth spurts.  The concern isn't the growth but how prepared are we to handle and manage it.  Did we know a growth spurt was coming?  Can we keep our quality to match our increased production?  Have we priced our products and services accordingly or are we undercutting ourselves?  Do our employees understand our culture?  Do we need more employees?  Is it time to switch from jack of all trades to delegating and specializing?

For children it's pretty easy to see if they're on track.  Grab your ruler makes some tick marks on the wall and talk with your pediatrician to make sure they are growing as they should.  For your business the formula gets a little more tricky.  So, yes the business down the hallway started at the same time as your business but does that mean you should expect the same rate of growth or success.

While industry data does assist you in understanding how you stack up your real measurement of success is a bit different.  Frankly what's most important is not that you are growing at the same rate as another business but are you able to grow healthily.  As a consultant I've worked with companies that have been around for more than a decade but because they've never planned but only reacted they are only a crisis away from having to shut their doors.

The simple truth is that many businesses have never written a business plan, established what kind of culture they want for their office, developed policy and procedure manuals or developed a training procedure.  So, there is no need to be amazed that the business that has been in your neighborhood forever has all of a sudden shut it's doors because you either Grow Right of Die.

Shirley E. Crawford

Small Business Whisperer * Speaker * Lecturer
The tools and resources that your business needs  to succeed

2nd Chance Consulting

Your 2nd Chance at a first impression
804-426-1515

I'm Just A Bill...or AM I

School House Rock.  I'm Just A Bill

Even after all of these years I still love this video.  School House Rock gave us more than just a mini education on how a bill becomes a law. We were also taught that to become a law is not an overnight process. We see the idea being developed, supported, written out, marketed, sidelined, modified, killed, resurrected and when least expected SUCEED.

As an entrepreneur this PROCESS is all too familiar.  Every day as we strive to obtain the brass ring, reach the end goal, and live out the promise BUT in order to get there we must deal with TODAY.  Quite often where we are doesn't match up to where we know that we will be or even where we think we should be.  This means that we have to have not only vision but faith through every up and down.  We have to make it through the process.

I often hear new entrepreneurs or wannabe entrepreneurs declaring how they will be an overnight success.  They are all looking for the light at the end of the tunnel to beam and shine upon them cementing their instantaneous success.  But as the saying goes the light at the end of the tunnel is a train.

So today you might be "Just a Bill" or just starting or just growing or just working from home or just have one employee but one day your business will be the law.  If we take our idea, write it out and find support for it, advertise and adjust it according to the market...If we are properly prepared then our potential can be converted to a successful, completed product.  Be okay with where you are but always be ready for what you are to become. 

Shirley E. Crawford

Small Business Whisperer * Speaker * Lecturer
The tools and resources that your business needs  to succeed

2nd Chance Consulting

Your 2nd Chance at a first impression
804-426-1515