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

They Smile In Your Face...Backstabbers

As the O'Jays would say: 
They smile in your face. All the time they want to take your place The back stabbers (back stabbers)

Yesterday I had the pleasure of participating in the Women's Business Owner's Conference hosted by Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity sponsored by some fabulous women owned business owners: Company B Communications, Superior Global Solutions, Inc., 2nd Chance Consulting (yay that's me) and Boomer3 Solutions, LLC.

Normally at these types of events I work my table and only have time to meet who comes to me.  This time I felt the urge to do it differently.  Instead when the participants went in to listen to the speakers I LISTENED TOO.  I just kept thinking that while I'm "experienced" and was even a panel participant there is ALWAYS more to know and learn.

I was not disappointed as first up after intros, from the fabulous Tammy Farmer of DSBSD, was Anne Moss Rogers of Impression Marketing.  Anne Moss spoke on how women can and should support one another.

She shared her own personal experiences and had us complete the exercise of only saying positive things about the images of high profile women that she displayed.  It was clear that it was hard for some to think of something nice to say about some of the women she shared.

What struck me especially in her personal story was the understanding that the qualities that we might admire in men we judge women negatively for.  And how we often sabotage our own.  While men are readily willing to hire other men statistics show that we, women that is, are far less likely to do so.

I'm sure my title has you wondering where the backstabbing comes in.  Sadly, it comes in every day with each and every one of us.  If you are truly looking for personal or business success then we have to start by looking at the success and not detriment of others.  Think first what positive attribute can I appreciate about the person who walks in to the room rather than automatically reaching for a negative comment.

Unfortunately the backstabber is often US and as Anne Moss so graciously put it while it's impossible to change the world we can indeed change ourselves and then see the changes happening in the world.

To quote Gandhi, Be the change you want to see in the world

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