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.

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

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

And Miles To Go Before I Sleep

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,   

But I have promises to keep,   

And miles to go before I sleep,   

And miles to go before I sleep.

Robert Frost and Will Smith might seem like strange philosophical bedfellows but the essence of their message is the same. EVERY entrepreneur knows this message and shares this sentiment with this excerpt from Frost's Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening and the quote from Will. To succeed you must sacrifice.

As an entrepreneur we sacrifice family time, vacations, financial security, MONEY, time, our sanity and lot and lots of sleep.  At this point in my journey as an entrepreneur even in my most frustrating moments I CAN'T GO BACK.  This means that my options are now limited.  I essentially succeed or die.

That death is not necessarily literal...but do you remember.  Do you remember someone else being in charge of your day?  Do you remember the dumb assignments that you were given?  Do you remember the stupid conversations that you had to be a part of?  Do you remember all of that hard work for "acceptable" pay but no real ownership in the success of that company?  Do you remember office politics?  Do you remember all of the reasons that you pulled the plug, or are thinking about pulling the plug, on your cushy gig? 

So, now going back after having lived even momentarily in the space of freedom - yes, there is fear - but now you can not remove the taste of freedom from your tastebuds. To return to the confines of someone else telling you whether or not you can take your daughter on her field trip or your mother to her doctor's appointment....well it's like death isn't it.  It's a death to your spirit.

So, this is why we jointly sacrifice knowing that a wonderful reward awaits us.  Some of us entrepreneurs might never be millionaires.  Some of us entrepreneurs may never do a TED Talk.  BUT you can be there for your family.  In my case I can run errands for my mother, even the stupid ones.  I can be there for a friend whose car has broken down.  I can attend the conference at my church August 1st and not have to fight about the time off.  I CAN...and so can you.

Always remember why you do what you do.  Enjoy the benefits of being your own boss.  While we might not sleep.  While me may stress.  In the end we have the greatest boss in the world although mine is an arduous taskmaster :).  Life has never been this good, so enjoy.

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

Happy Birthday to Me!...CheckPoint

There are points in our lives where we all stop from just grinding and reflect on where we are and where we wanted to be.  I call these checkpoints.  For some of us it only happens on New Year's Eve when we have a "come to Jesus" meeting with ourselves and make false promises of changes to come in the new year.  For others it might be certain points in your life like your 16th birthday, your first day of college, when you got married, had a kid or even your first home.

My checkpoint for the status of my life are my birthdays.  It's my annual evaluation which allows me a lot of time to pivot or plunge full steam ahead if desired.  But this year for the first time ever I felt, and still feel a little, melancholy.

I've been bold and I've been brave and I KNOW without any doubt that an amazing future lies before me but during the process I'm just feeling the aches and pains.  I miss my steady, nice paycheck.  I miss...okay that's what I miss.  (Just kidding I love all of my former members at BizWorks). 

I've chosen this point in my life to fully believe in me.  To offer me the advice I offer to so many others.  Frankly, I'm amazing at what I do.  I elevate people's ideas to a sustainable reality.  I console and cajole entrepreneurs who would otherwise operate in a silos.  I bring brands to life.  I help entrepreneurs value themselves and their business.  I educate and inspire with seminars and speeches.  I DO IT.

Yet, today as I've deleted a document that was due today.  Today, as I have yet to make the final changes to my website (www.2ndChanceRVA.com - please visit on Friday).  Today, as it's my birthday I'm reflecting on my life and the people in it. Today, like every other entrepreneur out there I pay myself on the back for my accomplishments, I kick myself in the butt for my failures and I go back and do it again until I've done it right.

If we don't love our businesses like a newborn child we may as well quit now.  And I'm not quitting I've only just begun.  So, if not for you then in honor of Shirley E. Crawford Day shake the dust off your feet and get moving until you arrive at Your Best.  I'll see you there.

Don't Rain On My Parade...The Entrepreneur's Mantra

The Funny Girl is clearly belting the tune of our collective entrepreneurial hearts.  People in their well meaning ways try to keep you from taking the leap.  They want to provide your safety net but instead weave a net of negativity.

On this rainy day my reflections seem to revolve around my first parade. We practiced for weeks until the day but, since I was an orchestra gal rather than band, I'd never done a parade before.  So, there in the midst of my early twenties I joined my fellow steppers to be on display for thousands upon thousands of people and those at home watching the tv broadcast.

All of the work finally led up to the day and the sky was overcast.  The news predicted rain and I assumed that the parade would be canceled but, like a dutiful soldier, I showed up just to wait for the word to go home. Well I arrived to a bustle of activity.  I located my group and waited for the word...that never came.  

We were given basic instructions and placed in our order.  Did no one else feel the cold in the air? Did no one else know that people wouldn't come out in the rain?  Did no one else realize the safety hazards?  What was wrong with these people?

I asked a lot of internal questions but surely went along with the program. We assumed our positions and before we had walked two steps the heavens opened and do you know what happened.   The parade captain said move out...not go to our cars but "GET GOING."  No one cared that it was raining.  No one worried about the hazards.  This was the opportunity.  This was an honor.  This was our moment.  It was to be taken or to be lost and so we took it.

Years after I still received accolades and comments from people who saw me as they were OUT IN THE RAIN or who watched the live broadcast or rebroadcast of that Richmond Christmas Parade over two decades ago.  Logic says that when rain falls that our activities have to cease or be downgraded.  Logic says that no one will participate or care about your activities when it's inconvenient.

But Life says that you work hard for your moments and no matter what the temperamental weather brings you are to TAKE YOUR MOMENT.  Your business is not your fair weather friend and you can not be a fair weather friend to your business.  If THIS is what you are truly about then it is what you must be about at all times.  Rain or not this parade is going down!

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

Time to Make the Donuts but Who Makes The Donuts When You Can't

It's Time To Make The Donuts.  This famous line from Dunkin Donuts' Fred the Baker commercials of years gone by still remains my favorite.  When I am trudging along and want to take a break or to stop I pluck myself, literally, and state aloud, no less, it's time to make the donuts.  Like Fred I want the practice of putting in quality work to be such a part of who I am that sometimes I too might forget that I've already done the work.

Fred was seen getting up at the crack of dawn to go make the donuts no matter the weather.  Nothing stopped Fred from getting the job done but I wonder what failsafe, what backup plan do we have for our businessses when we can't be there.

Unfortunately for the past 3 weeks I've been ill.  I've trudged through and I've still made my donuts but my production levels were low or things totally fell off my plate.  I met the needs of my clients but I haven't done a Periscope post  in all of that time and a lot of other business building activities were abandoned as well.  

Now I feel a little better but the mountain of things to do makes for a depressing start and so I ask, What Now.  So, I slip in to consultant mode and treat myself the way I do my beloved clients.  Here goes: 
1.  Accept the fail.  Accept the fact that you loss money and it's not coming back.  Enjoy your momentary mourning period but then recognize that if you don't move on your business can't either.  Shake the dust off your feet but REMEMBER this experience.  Remember the stress of monies that you expected, wanted and needed but did not receive because you couldn't do the work and had no backup plan to get it done.  Remember this pain as a motivation to NEVER do it again
2. Develop a plan for your reinforcements.  Partner with someone who does like business.  Hire an intern (mine starts Tuesday). Hire a contractor as it's better to get a percentage than to get none at all. Even consider hiring a sales rep.  This person is motivated to sell your business products/services and can be set up on a commission only basis thereby costing you nothing up front
3. Don't ever get sick or take a vacation or have an emergency.  Oh, that doesn't sound realistic.  Well then it's time to put in place better time management.  For my vacations it's easy for me to plan my appointments around them or allocate time first thing in the morning (normally 2-3am) to knock out my daily tasks and then sleep in until the vacation day really begins after 10am.  Your scheduling techniques might be different than mine and since you're a different person that's great but create a process that works for you.  

I wasn't ready for a 3 week bug to hit me but it helped me because I'll never not be ready again.  What about you?  Because it's Time To Make The Donuts.

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 Dating For My Business

As most of you know I am single and since I finally feel settled with how things are going in my very CRAZY entrepreneurial life I've begun dating again.  My dating companions don't seem to last very long.  Many potentials don't make it past asking me out.

Why, one might wonder, would I not be falling out of my seat for men who compliment me and tell me I'm beautiful or who are offended if I want to pay (hey new business owner here, I'm on a budget) or seem to think I'm perfect in every way.  Why, one might wonder, would I not be flattered by the individual today who calls me gorgeous but whose mother is only 5 years older than me.  Why, one might wonder, am I not impressed with his bank account, looks or Swiss Patek Philippe (which has symbols that I don't even understand).

At this point I KNOW MYSELF.  In most instances I know almost immediately if I'm attracted to or interested in someone.  For those who make it past the initial impression one date tells me all else that I need to know with regard to the longevity of our time together.  I know what I'm looking for.  I know my flaws.  I know my strengths and what I have to offer.  At this point I know what doesn't work for me even if I don't know where to find it.  I am prepared and so when opportunity presents itself I am ready.

Part of that knowledge is also in knowing my business.  If we each applied our "quality" dating rules to our businesses we would be at an entirely different level.  New entrepreneurs, in particular, are wowed when someone compliments their work.  They often give it away for a kiss of kindness or a compliment of confidence.  Then they wonder why there being tossed over for the cutie who played hard to get.  But, if you don't know what your business is really about, what you provide, what you need and what external elements "fit" then you are destined to always be a bridesmaid and never a bride.  

Opportunities surround us everyday.  Networking is your "speed dating" business opportunity.  Go to these events with the knowledge of how your business and business ideas sparkle like a beautiful smile.  Enter the room knowing the wisdom that you're sharing is refreshing like the sparkling beverage they hand out as you enter the room.  Engage others knowing that your mere presence will have them begging for a meeting to hear more about your product/service or business plan.

But be vigilantly aware.  If you begin with self awareness then you will hear it when someone doesn't share the same values.  If you are aware of your business' needs you'll know when someone has nothing to offer your business.  If you are paying attention you will notice when someone is engaged in learning more about you and your offerings. 

Yes, just as in dating politely respond to those who ask you out but if they aren't a fit then let them go and do so quickly.  For those who are worth pursuing allow them the opportunity to show you all of their attributes so that it can best be determined how you can work together.  If it  turns out that everything will be about them and you and your products will start collecting dust then clearly that's not the best relationship for your business.  Partners, Ambassadors, Vendors and Clients should all fit in to your circle to take you to the next level.  So feel free to apply your dating rules to your networking and connecting for your business because it will save you hurt feelings and a possibly painful divorce (partner dissolution).  So Happy Dating and Happy Entrepreneuring!!!

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