This has been a year filled with many ups and downs for me and my business. In the beginning of 2013 I was celebrating major growth and was laying out plans to purchase my location in 2014. Then 2013 ended with closing my store location and transferring to an online business. Things seemed to start out really good and people were starting to become regular shoppers. I was laying out changes and making improvements at a rapid speed. During the middle of the year we had some growth in the valley and 2 new stores opened and one was on the horizon to be completed by the end of 2013. I guess you have to change with the flow if you are a survivor and since they had some influence on my growth and sales, I decided to close. It has been very emotional especially the last 3 months while I have been closing down and saying goodbye. It's very challenging, as you watch everything you have worked for going out the door for half price and not sure exactly which direction you are heading to, I have never felt so lost. We joked that we should have held a regular 50% off sale just raise the prices and reduce to half price because people do not always think about what they buy. They see a bargain and just buy, I saw many people who never shopped in my store before. I realize that is only a gimmick and only lasts for a short period before you would be discovered as a regular 50% off sale, plus I am not that type of business person. My best personal traits are compassion, honesty, and customer service and that is a big draw for my business. My online store has not taken off as I planned mostly because I have not gotten organized yet. I thought I knew how much stuff I had in that building but I quickly realized I had much more than I realized and moving locations can be crazy. I am still closing out some loose ends from closing a larger location but I am looking forward to things slowing down after the holidays and spending the much needed time to lay out my business for 2014. I am sure it will be great and give me more flexibly at home. Something I am looking forward to, is getting out and seeing those friendly faces I have missed in the coming months. I have really changed how I am thinking and what kind of products I plan to carry since it is not practical to deliver a 25 cent item. This has been a challenge for me and I know that I'm going to make some mistakes as I try to adjust. I look forward to setting up several categories on my online fronts so that I can set up times to do pick ups and drop offs as well as look for other new items to carry. I want to thank everyone who has helped support my business in 2013 and look forward to serving you again in 2014. Wishing you all a safe and blessed New Year!
"Whatever you do, or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius and power and magic in it."
~Goethe~
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Changing Directions
I know my latest news has shocked many people. The personal messages and people that have stopped by to say goodbye have been overwhelming. It is great to know you have been so well excepted and loved. Please know I feel the same way in return and will miss you all too. At every place I have worked and moved on, my customers are the ones I miss the most. It is awesome to see them out and about and catch up. I look forward to seeing everyone in the future.
In my last blog I expressed that I was not giving up on my dream only makes many changes. I am proud to say the transition has already started and is falling into place nicely. My new contact information is updated and I will be able to take my website with me. Only changes are phone number and address which I have set up but are not live until November 10th.
I have already updated my Ebay Store and my store on Facebook and I will post items on Craigslist. After I am done building these sites, I plan to build my Esty site and Pintrest pages as well.
For those that are regular shoppers at my store, I plan to operate my Facebook site as a yard sale site by posting photos of items for sale much like I carried at the store. If you post under the photo that you are interested and send me a personal message to set up a meet location and time. Items will be first contact first serve. I will gather items from week to week and give you a total. Sorry no layaway or payment plans. Cash and carry only or I can accept card cards via Pay Pal on site or send and invoice with receipt. Larger items may have to be a pick up appointment only at my home. My current meet times and locations are: Tuesdays 9:15am to 9:30am at Giant in Shippensburg; Tuesdays 11am to 11:15am at the former Lumber Barn location in Spring Run; Thursdays 9:30am to 9:45am at Chambersburg Mall; Thursdays 11am to 11:15am at South Gate Mall in Chambersburg. Additional appointments can be made by request on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
As for my Ebay store I am obliged to the rules and regulations of Ebay but can offer the items listed with a meet place instead of shipping if you purchase or have the winning bid. Items are listed at a higher rate as I compete with competitors and the items listed are usually a higher quality.
I also plan to set up at a few local events like flea markets and craft shows during the year. If you would like to be on my mailing list to get my schedule please email me or sign up at the store this week before I close. I have much to do before the holidays this year so I will not set before 2014 but plan to have an active year ahead. I will also post updates on my sites throughout the year.
In my last blog I expressed that I was not giving up on my dream only makes many changes. I am proud to say the transition has already started and is falling into place nicely. My new contact information is updated and I will be able to take my website with me. Only changes are phone number and address which I have set up but are not live until November 10th.
I have already updated my Ebay Store and my store on Facebook and I will post items on Craigslist. After I am done building these sites, I plan to build my Esty site and Pintrest pages as well.
For those that are regular shoppers at my store, I plan to operate my Facebook site as a yard sale site by posting photos of items for sale much like I carried at the store. If you post under the photo that you are interested and send me a personal message to set up a meet location and time. Items will be first contact first serve. I will gather items from week to week and give you a total. Sorry no layaway or payment plans. Cash and carry only or I can accept card cards via Pay Pal on site or send and invoice with receipt. Larger items may have to be a pick up appointment only at my home. My current meet times and locations are: Tuesdays 9:15am to 9:30am at Giant in Shippensburg; Tuesdays 11am to 11:15am at the former Lumber Barn location in Spring Run; Thursdays 9:30am to 9:45am at Chambersburg Mall; Thursdays 11am to 11:15am at South Gate Mall in Chambersburg. Additional appointments can be made by request on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
As for my Ebay store I am obliged to the rules and regulations of Ebay but can offer the items listed with a meet place instead of shipping if you purchase or have the winning bid. Items are listed at a higher rate as I compete with competitors and the items listed are usually a higher quality.
I also plan to set up at a few local events like flea markets and craft shows during the year. If you would like to be on my mailing list to get my schedule please email me or sign up at the store this week before I close. I have much to do before the holidays this year so I will not set before 2014 but plan to have an active year ahead. I will also post updates on my sites throughout the year.
Monday, October 14, 2013
End Of The Road
I keep replaying the movie " You've Got Mail" and the conversation between Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks about business. Tom Hanks tells her to "Go to the mattresses" because it is not personal, its business. And while I am a business women, I know that it is true all decisions must be made from a business perspective but as Meg Ryan says towards the end of the movie. That it is personal and what is so wrong about being personal anyway. People who say it isn't personal, just means it isn't personal to them. I sadly inform you that I am closing my current store front and while I know it is business, it is very personal to me and maybe for some of my customers. For those that are worried that I am giving up my dream, please do not worry for I am not, just turning the page to the next chapter. Some things have changed in my personal life and some things have changed in the Path Valley area over the last few months. I have not thrown in the towel yet. I am taking some time to make some adjustments and I am not certain where that will take me next. For now Suzy's Treasure Chest will still conduct business but it will be online only. I may never get another store front, but if all conditions are right, I may. To many things are left uncertain at this stage of the game. I do look forward to seeing my current customers again at local events, locations and maybe from completing a business transactions. I am excited to experience the next step and look forward to catching up in my personal life. Before I sign off this posting, I sincerely wish to thank many people who have supported me the last 2 years those who stop by to shop; those who drop things off to sell; those who stopped by to play tickets; those who have helped me get supplies I have needed; those who helped advertise; those who have supported my creativity and fueled ideas; those who picked me up on my bad days; and my family that has helped with more than I can list. I could not have taken this journey without you see you in the next chapter. Thank you!!!
"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard" Winnie The Pooh.
Friday, October 4, 2013
Purpose
Every time we face great change or growth, we often reflect and make adjustments to enable us to move forward again. I know I am no longer the same person who began my journey in entrepreneurship 2 years ago and I am re-focusing on my purpose and in doing so healing some older wounds. The first time I faced this type of challenge was when my oldest daughter was born. She was my pride and joy; but helpless as all babies are. I was a young mother and many people criticized me for that. I was fresh out of high school and had a steady employment history but gave up my secondary education because nothing was more important than being her mom. As most moms do, I hated going back to work and leaving my angel with anyone other than me. I had great sitters over the years but no one does it like mom. With the criticism I faced, I had to grow a strong backbone quickly. While I was not exactly ready to do this, being a mom gave me purpose and nobody and I mean nobody was going to hurt my little girl. Face no furry like a scorned mother I have heard time and time again and now I realized it. So I did what I had to do and continued to push forward when it came to challenges with my girls and now it just comes naturally without the second guessing and anxiety experienced when I started almost 16 years ago. As I continued to grow and expand my knowledge I found purpose and I tried to share my experiences and knowledge to inspire others. Most of my career choices have been about helping others and that is who I am. Several years ago I was actively helping many people in my community when my superior in the workplace expected me to do something that did not help people and in fact hurt those I had been working with over the past several years. In my years of management, I have had to lay people off and even fire people; and while those were both extremely challenging to me, I totally understood the rationale. Rules were broken or we had sales to ratio of employees goals that had to be met. The actions expected of me at this time was not for the benefit of anyone involved or so I felt. Knowing my purpose and values in my life, I chose to leave this employment and search for something new. A choice that cost me personally in many ways. I felt inadequate and wondering if I had made a good choice; because I was putting so much at risk. Maybe just maybe I was not the valued employee I thought I was. Most people who know me say I have been going through the healing process of a loss, being withdrawn, angry, depressed and trying to move on. I believed I had found purpose again when I started the store and I was able to maintain that purpose even though I have not completed everything I expected to when I started my business plan. My current store location and set up created a "safe zone" for me to learn to live, work, and interact with people again however, I am no longer content in the safe zone I created for myself as it stands now. I am reevaluating and believe I am ready to face the next growth period of my business, making it everything I expected it to be. Before I can do this, I know I still have some healing to do, accepting things in my past and letting go. I have done a lot of healing this past year and I think I am ready to do what I have to do to go to the next level. In business those who truly succeed don't give up. There have been several times in the last year that I considered giving up, but I keep going and making changes to make it work.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Crossroads in Business
Coming to crossroads in your business plans is never an easy time period. Businesses will always have up and down periods and you have to make adjustments to things that change around you. I am coming upon my second year celebration and making plans for the coming year so it is review and reflect time and starting goals for upcoming year.
Recently a bigger box store opened down the road from my shop and it has affected my business some, not much but I do notice some changes and I am making adjustments accordingly.
I have much to ponder as I am trying to expand to the next level by adjusting my inventory to include more top selling items, expanding my online sales, considering options for a permanent location, expanding the size of my location for storage, and adjusting my plan for processing new items alone or if I am stable enough to hire staff, and increasing my marketing. As my store grows and changes my older ways of completing these tasks are becoming more a challenge so now I must find a way to expand yet remain stable. Biggest challenge is having the capital to make the choices I need to make, but since having enough capital is always a challenge for small business, I have to find something that works for both and that requires creative thinking.
I have gotten a lot of inspirational words today to help in my planning for the upcoming year so I want to share them. All entrepreneurs are searching for the opportunity to prove to themselves they are something more than they believe. I do this each day and may be my worse critic which can be self sabotage if you allow it. I am now in the researching phase of this planning and it is much like the research for a business plan. Each business must grow and have slower periods to reflect and grow again. They only continue to grow when you continue to make choices that allow for growth. So review your original purpose on your business plan, refocus your thoughts, surround your self with positive business owners like your self and push on through the crossroads as I plan to do in the next few weeks.
Stop by this weekend and check out my two year celebration with my famous Treasure Chest of prizes and Rummage Sale outside where you can pay what you want to pay for overstock items outside only!!!
Recently a bigger box store opened down the road from my shop and it has affected my business some, not much but I do notice some changes and I am making adjustments accordingly.
I have much to ponder as I am trying to expand to the next level by adjusting my inventory to include more top selling items, expanding my online sales, considering options for a permanent location, expanding the size of my location for storage, and adjusting my plan for processing new items alone or if I am stable enough to hire staff, and increasing my marketing. As my store grows and changes my older ways of completing these tasks are becoming more a challenge so now I must find a way to expand yet remain stable. Biggest challenge is having the capital to make the choices I need to make, but since having enough capital is always a challenge for small business, I have to find something that works for both and that requires creative thinking.
I have gotten a lot of inspirational words today to help in my planning for the upcoming year so I want to share them. All entrepreneurs are searching for the opportunity to prove to themselves they are something more than they believe. I do this each day and may be my worse critic which can be self sabotage if you allow it. I am now in the researching phase of this planning and it is much like the research for a business plan. Each business must grow and have slower periods to reflect and grow again. They only continue to grow when you continue to make choices that allow for growth. So review your original purpose on your business plan, refocus your thoughts, surround your self with positive business owners like your self and push on through the crossroads as I plan to do in the next few weeks.
Stop by this weekend and check out my two year celebration with my famous Treasure Chest of prizes and Rummage Sale outside where you can pay what you want to pay for overstock items outside only!!!
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Nightmares with taxes!!
I realize I have not posted much lately. Not many changes with my business but I am now nearing the 2 year mark so I am beginning the phases of becoming an established business and no longer wet behind the ears as older people say.
I can not stress enough to keep all your tax info from all types of taxes close by and organized. I received a letter from collections about a month ago for very small amount that I owed on back sales tax and employee withholding tax. First, I do not have any employees yet other than me so I do not owe any withholding tax. As a self employed person, I pay a self employed tax which is similar but not the same. I also keep all my tax documents for many years even over the 7 year requirement since I have needed to go back before on my personal taxes for my local office and I think it was at 7 year mark or older. But I file them with all my year end stuff since I know I paid it and everything is filed. This request was for the 2nd quarter that I paid in right after I opened so I had to dig out everything and find out what document was missing or misfiled. After some research, I found that I spoke with someone about resigning my employer withholding and was told not to file since I did not qualify at this time, so I called and asked who I need to work this out with and I was given the run around but we came to an agreement and I filed 00 to clear it from the machine and they dropped the fee attached. The other discrepancy I have a check number and date it cleared so it was taken care of immediately. The hardest challenge was finding the tax info among all other end of the year stuff so I am suggesting keeping all tax info in a safe spot to its self. We think that our local, state, and federal IRS do not make mistakes with all there paperwork but in my two times of having to review, one time was my error and the other was theirs. I always recommend calling and working out any problems right away.
Another suggestion that someone gave me once and I really like it is, using a different checking account for taxes. I collect sales tax each day at my store but only pay it quarterly. That couple of dollars each day really adds up after 3 months and for a newer business that dos not have the large cash flow to pull from it can sometimes be overwhelming to come up with. This goes for any taxes, like withholding and ect. When you make your deposit, pull aside the amount of taxes and deposit into the separate account then you know you can make the payment on time after filing. The tax agency will tell you that is their money not yours and you collect it from employee or customer directly so it should be paid directly. It is not coming from your sales and was never your money so that helps keep it that way. I really like this system and it works well if you use it properly.
Some of the most important paperwork you have is proof of sales, tax forms, and proof of payments. Keep and organize these well so you can tackle anything that comes your way.
I can not stress enough to keep all your tax info from all types of taxes close by and organized. I received a letter from collections about a month ago for very small amount that I owed on back sales tax and employee withholding tax. First, I do not have any employees yet other than me so I do not owe any withholding tax. As a self employed person, I pay a self employed tax which is similar but not the same. I also keep all my tax documents for many years even over the 7 year requirement since I have needed to go back before on my personal taxes for my local office and I think it was at 7 year mark or older. But I file them with all my year end stuff since I know I paid it and everything is filed. This request was for the 2nd quarter that I paid in right after I opened so I had to dig out everything and find out what document was missing or misfiled. After some research, I found that I spoke with someone about resigning my employer withholding and was told not to file since I did not qualify at this time, so I called and asked who I need to work this out with and I was given the run around but we came to an agreement and I filed 00 to clear it from the machine and they dropped the fee attached. The other discrepancy I have a check number and date it cleared so it was taken care of immediately. The hardest challenge was finding the tax info among all other end of the year stuff so I am suggesting keeping all tax info in a safe spot to its self. We think that our local, state, and federal IRS do not make mistakes with all there paperwork but in my two times of having to review, one time was my error and the other was theirs. I always recommend calling and working out any problems right away.
Another suggestion that someone gave me once and I really like it is, using a different checking account for taxes. I collect sales tax each day at my store but only pay it quarterly. That couple of dollars each day really adds up after 3 months and for a newer business that dos not have the large cash flow to pull from it can sometimes be overwhelming to come up with. This goes for any taxes, like withholding and ect. When you make your deposit, pull aside the amount of taxes and deposit into the separate account then you know you can make the payment on time after filing. The tax agency will tell you that is their money not yours and you collect it from employee or customer directly so it should be paid directly. It is not coming from your sales and was never your money so that helps keep it that way. I really like this system and it works well if you use it properly.
Some of the most important paperwork you have is proof of sales, tax forms, and proof of payments. Keep and organize these well so you can tackle anything that comes your way.
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Mixing Family and Business
The month of July has been quite a challenge for me when it comes to mixing Family and Business. One reason for starting my own business was to allow me more flexibility with my family. Working retail management often trumps events due to long hours and lots of weekend work. Plans change often when employees call off, you have to cover the shifts, and handle deliveries that are ahead or behind schedule. So when I planned my hours of operations I planned time with my family but still weekend and evening hours. I also put in time after operation hours gathering items, marketing, and accounting but I schedule that when it best suits me. Since I am owner and operator at this point (when I reach my next financially goal employees will come) I must close my shop for vacations, family emergencies, and other things that may pop up along the way.
I am beginning to think balancing my business and family is like searching for a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. I wonder if it really exists. I have been struggling with this as a career mom, stay at home mom, and now entrepreneur and I still haven't found the time to do it all yet. Something always gives so I try to make the best choices and live with the consequences. Knowing that my career supports my family and I can not live without it that but my career will not love me in return and everything I do, I do for my family because they are my number one. I am very blessed to have a large well blended family and I would never want to compromise them.
What describes a good enough reason to close my business? This month, I have closed down for 3 days connected with my 2 days off so that I could take a much needed vacation. I have not taken a vacation except for 2 days close to Christmas since I have opened the store. I know that the longer I am in business the easier it gets because you maintain your business but I am still in the building blocks stage of my business. I closed early a day last week for a family emergency concerning a family pet and I may have to close a few days next week to help out a group that I support in need because it directly affects my kids. Those all have been concerns that I have needed to address personally and when it comes to my family it is a no brainer of what to do. Today is another example, my daughter got to do a once in a lifetime event and cheer with the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders but I did not close to go since I knew my mom had her all day and would make it special. I would get to see her perform at the game after I close. As I worked all day, I really wished I would have closed to join her but I realize the more often I close the less reliable I am for my customers and that will have a negative effect on my building blocks that I keep placing trying to grow my business. As a rule of thumb my plans are to close for a vacation each year and concerns that require my direct attention and I can not plan another route. Unfortunately these many be more negative concerns than the positive ones like today. I have closed before for positive events like field trips just not as often. I try to address things via the telephone if it is not an extreme emergency but sometimes I need to find a better balance of phone calls too, since it hurts my bottom line of productivity at work.
I am searching for others like myself and what they do to balance family and business. I know everyone has to balance work and family but being an entrepreneur has more demands. So please share your tips.
I am beginning to think balancing my business and family is like searching for a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. I wonder if it really exists. I have been struggling with this as a career mom, stay at home mom, and now entrepreneur and I still haven't found the time to do it all yet. Something always gives so I try to make the best choices and live with the consequences. Knowing that my career supports my family and I can not live without it that but my career will not love me in return and everything I do, I do for my family because they are my number one. I am very blessed to have a large well blended family and I would never want to compromise them.
What describes a good enough reason to close my business? This month, I have closed down for 3 days connected with my 2 days off so that I could take a much needed vacation. I have not taken a vacation except for 2 days close to Christmas since I have opened the store. I know that the longer I am in business the easier it gets because you maintain your business but I am still in the building blocks stage of my business. I closed early a day last week for a family emergency concerning a family pet and I may have to close a few days next week to help out a group that I support in need because it directly affects my kids. Those all have been concerns that I have needed to address personally and when it comes to my family it is a no brainer of what to do. Today is another example, my daughter got to do a once in a lifetime event and cheer with the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders but I did not close to go since I knew my mom had her all day and would make it special. I would get to see her perform at the game after I close. As I worked all day, I really wished I would have closed to join her but I realize the more often I close the less reliable I am for my customers and that will have a negative effect on my building blocks that I keep placing trying to grow my business. As a rule of thumb my plans are to close for a vacation each year and concerns that require my direct attention and I can not plan another route. Unfortunately these many be more negative concerns than the positive ones like today. I have closed before for positive events like field trips just not as often. I try to address things via the telephone if it is not an extreme emergency but sometimes I need to find a better balance of phone calls too, since it hurts my bottom line of productivity at work.
I am searching for others like myself and what they do to balance family and business. I know everyone has to balance work and family but being an entrepreneur has more demands. So please share your tips.
"Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving" Albert Einstein
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Women in Business
Most days I do not feel inferior to men in the business market place but in much of my career I have had to face it head on. I have done more or better quality work and not been rewarded as equally as my peers that are male. This continues to be a slap in the face for women who are top in their field of choice. When I am faced with it head on, I rise above it, move forward in some way, and come out better for it. This is why I am where I am now being self employed striving to be top in my field.
In some ways, I think we set our self up for this behavior and wish we could stand together to move forward and walk beside our fellow men as equals. I have come upon this working towards updating some of my training to grow as my business grows. I have been searching for someone I can relate to and I would love a women role model since so far most of my teachers have been male. So I ordered a magazine about women in business hoping to be inspired. I just got my first edition and I am sadly disappointed. If I wanted to know about parenting tips or gardening tips, I would have ordered one of those magazines. I want to hear issues other women like me come upon in business. I do agree with health tips but they should be business health issues like stress relief or insurance options with new health care laws geared toward business owners. As a mother, I know it is hard to be the all star mom, business women of the year, and all the other roles each of us play in our lives. Sometimes as business women we need a break from all the roles we play at home and be looked upon for the business woman we are and we need to support each other, not cripple ourselves. My mom cuddled me when I was a kid and fell off my bike. She doctored up any boo boos that I had but my dad told it to me straight and encouraged me to get back on and ride. If we want equal rights to men we need to be able to offer tough love sometimes and play both roles. Having said that we can not go out there trying to prove such a point that we push everyone away and sometimes as women in business we do this so we can have personal success. It needs to be balanced.
There can be no excuses in business and as women we have lots of examples. If you did not send the mailing list out because your daughter had a chorus concert. Your business will not get the extra sales for that period of time. Do not allow yourself to fall victim to excuses but find solutions. The key is to find time for both, just as many men are finding they have to work harder to be more active in their children's life. As we adapt to both women and men helping in both areas we find it is harder to do but if we work as a team and stop fighting against each other the results are limitless.
I am hoping this inspires others like me to chase their dreams and not give up even when it feels like you are climbing uphill. Please share any resources you have found that are equal tothose available to men in the business world today or if you are searching too, contact me and maybe we can create the answer that others like us are trying to find. It does not matter what type of business you choose to do, just do it well.
"I didn't get there by wishing for it or hoping for it, but by working for it."
In some ways, I think we set our self up for this behavior and wish we could stand together to move forward and walk beside our fellow men as equals. I have come upon this working towards updating some of my training to grow as my business grows. I have been searching for someone I can relate to and I would love a women role model since so far most of my teachers have been male. So I ordered a magazine about women in business hoping to be inspired. I just got my first edition and I am sadly disappointed. If I wanted to know about parenting tips or gardening tips, I would have ordered one of those magazines. I want to hear issues other women like me come upon in business. I do agree with health tips but they should be business health issues like stress relief or insurance options with new health care laws geared toward business owners. As a mother, I know it is hard to be the all star mom, business women of the year, and all the other roles each of us play in our lives. Sometimes as business women we need a break from all the roles we play at home and be looked upon for the business woman we are and we need to support each other, not cripple ourselves. My mom cuddled me when I was a kid and fell off my bike. She doctored up any boo boos that I had but my dad told it to me straight and encouraged me to get back on and ride. If we want equal rights to men we need to be able to offer tough love sometimes and play both roles. Having said that we can not go out there trying to prove such a point that we push everyone away and sometimes as women in business we do this so we can have personal success. It needs to be balanced.
There can be no excuses in business and as women we have lots of examples. If you did not send the mailing list out because your daughter had a chorus concert. Your business will not get the extra sales for that period of time. Do not allow yourself to fall victim to excuses but find solutions. The key is to find time for both, just as many men are finding they have to work harder to be more active in their children's life. As we adapt to both women and men helping in both areas we find it is harder to do but if we work as a team and stop fighting against each other the results are limitless.
I am hoping this inspires others like me to chase their dreams and not give up even when it feels like you are climbing uphill. Please share any resources you have found that are equal tothose available to men in the business world today or if you are searching too, contact me and maybe we can create the answer that others like us are trying to find. It does not matter what type of business you choose to do, just do it well.
"I didn't get there by wishing for it or hoping for it, but by working for it."
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Business vs Children
May seem like a strange title but in may ways a is business just like having children.
The first stage of having a child is when they are in the womb. You monitor what you eat and drink so they grow healthy. Get regular check ups to monitor any health problems. And you start to communicate with them as they grow to develop a healthy relationship. All this is work you do to have a healthy baby.
The first stage of a business is the planning mode. It is inside your self and all your actions at this phase directly affects how healthy your business develops. You research about licenses, taxes so you do not have any issues with government, you save or apply for money to make your business grow, and you communicate with those around you to help meet your needs.
After birth your baby is in the first stages of infancy and they grow very quickly but have constant needs like changing, feeding, cuddling, and comforting them. This is always a big change for parents and is often not what they expected. You can sometimes become exhausted from just maintaining their daily needs and getting into a new routine.
After a lot of planning comes the execution part of owning a business. This is the part when things happen very quickly and you invest a lot of time, money, sweat, tears, and more into building your business. This is often the 1st cut of survival of a business. It is not always what you expect and obstacles come up that you are not expecting. You become exhausted just trying to keep up or wish you could clone yourself to get it all done.
The next steps are the toddler years. This is one of the first steps of independence your kids take from you. Although they can not be left alone. They begin to dress themselves and feed themselves. This allows you more time just after you have gotten used to the constant flow and demands. Now you can start to develop relationships with other parents and have play dates or have time for a small hobby.
Your business after start up begins to become a working routine. It is still young but no longer in the beginning phases. This is first steps of independence for you. You would not want to just allow staff to make all choices since small issues could come up that you need to adjust but you could get away for an early afternoon or a whole day off. You may have to work extra hard the day before or after but the time away will allow you to take on the everyday tasks with a better mind set. You can start to meet other business owners and become active in more community events.
My business is currently in the toddler years and things are becoming more routine for me. I still have things that come up that need tweaking and it continues to grow as I make choices to continue that growth. If I was an absent owner those choices may not happen. The next phases of raising children I am familiar with and I can speculate the next phase of my business will remain similar to rearing children since I have managed other businesses in these phases.
The school age children is next phase and they often leave their parents for the first time during this phase. They quickly gain some independence and skills but continue to look at their parents for support and reinforcement that they are doing the right thing. This happens all through elementary school as they begin to learn things from others around them. They also begin to try many new things some that work out and some they do not like as much.
Your business is much the same as you can hire someone to manage your business now and delegate people to do the things that need done instead of wanting to clone yourself. Your business continues to take shape influenced by you and your staff and it grows to better fit your customers needs because more people have influenced your choices kinda like the kids at school.
The next phase is middle school and high school children. Kids at this phase start to have their own personality and like and dislikes. This is often when parents hold back and try to protect their kids from growing up and the kids push to gain their independence causing friction. They do not seek the approval they used to and often communicate more with their peers than their parents. They are learning many life skills of how to care for themselves.
This can be considered growing pains in a business, maybe if it is a family business it can be the time a child takes more effort into making choices for the business or the owner stepping back a little more but the business has become much more than the seed of an idea. The business changes based upon actions of those who operate it as well as the owner's choices but is more largely effected by those who are there day in and day out. It could be a make it or fail stage for a business and you may experience this many times over the course of ownership unlike teenage children.
The next phase is adult children and as I am just beginning that phase of parenthood. I am still learning but I am seeing some of the skills that I thought my kids would never learn being used in day to day activities and I am proud of who they are becoming. They no longer need my time but remain a part of my day to day life.
I imagine your business in this phase would be much the same. It no longer demands all of your time and you can see the outcome of all your sweat, love, tears, and hard work. You look back and may think if I could do it over again I would change this but who knows maybe that would have taken you a whole other direction so enjoy and be proud of what you accomplished.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
What Does Networking Mean To You?
Today, I was sharing my free weekly tip on my Facebook Page and I realized how large my networking pool is. So I chose to talk about Networking and what it means to you.
Networking is a group of like minded people that serve or create social activities or business opportunities that help one another.
When you start a business or manage a business, networking can be extremely important to help your business grow. There are several different ways to network. Some can be done completely online, some can be face to face, some can be at trade shows or other general business trainings, and some can be local, like your Chamber of Commerce.
Online networking can be done by Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Blogging, and etc. This opens up your networking circle to people outside your local area and can help you discover new ways to boost sales from tips and experiences. Things done online can often be limitless. This may open doors you never evened dreamed of. This can also be much like cold calling people to boost sales since it needs to be maintained regularly and takes time to build followers. Networking online can be very affordable but if you fall into schemes can end up being very expensive. Remember the best things in life are free, except sometimes you get what you pay for.
Face to Face networking can be very uplifting, energizing and can often have better quality relationships between businesses. You develop contacts that help discover ways to boost sales and overcome obstacles. You can also interact with people in your area that may be able to share the best contacts for your State or County regulations. F2F networking can be done anywhere. You can meet people at trainings, trade shows, meetings, and even your children's events. F2F networking often has hidden fees but can be very beneficial. Some fees include training costs, entry fees to shows, or membership dues. Please do your research before you join any of the above. Does it help you communicate with your target market? Nothing worse than attending a candy convention when you sell handcrafted jewelry. Weigh out the membership dues to what you expect to gain. Is it a profitable decision?
The best Networking is to balance both F2F and Online Networking. I strive to do this my self. I also have a great network outside my business. I have spent years building and maintaining it. I volunteer for several organizations each year and I am an active mother of my 4 girls and 2 grandchildren so I meet new people all the time and continue to grow my network. Sometimes my network is not business related but even some of those contacts have come in handy with an out of the ordinary business issues. Think about how many people you call for services each year. Now strive to have a resource for each one. Services may include, hair dresser, plumber, car salesman, pastor, travel agent, doctors, ITT technician and so much more. I have someone I could call outside of office hours in those categorises if I had a concern about something other than the direct issue. Most of these people are my family, friends, or someone I have met from my volunteer service. I would do anything I can to help them in return. Time, service, and trust are the best ways to build a great network and tell everyone what you do. You never know when you may meet the next person to help you with your next concern or accomplishment.
I want to close with this quote since I think it covers what networking means to me and the value of my network.
" The real measure of our wealth is how much we would be worth if we lost all our money." Benjamin Jowett.
My network is worth more than any amount of money and I think they would help me as much as they could if I lost all my money and that is priceless!!
Networking is a group of like minded people that serve or create social activities or business opportunities that help one another.
When you start a business or manage a business, networking can be extremely important to help your business grow. There are several different ways to network. Some can be done completely online, some can be face to face, some can be at trade shows or other general business trainings, and some can be local, like your Chamber of Commerce.
Online networking can be done by Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Blogging, and etc. This opens up your networking circle to people outside your local area and can help you discover new ways to boost sales from tips and experiences. Things done online can often be limitless. This may open doors you never evened dreamed of. This can also be much like cold calling people to boost sales since it needs to be maintained regularly and takes time to build followers. Networking online can be very affordable but if you fall into schemes can end up being very expensive. Remember the best things in life are free, except sometimes you get what you pay for.
Face to Face networking can be very uplifting, energizing and can often have better quality relationships between businesses. You develop contacts that help discover ways to boost sales and overcome obstacles. You can also interact with people in your area that may be able to share the best contacts for your State or County regulations. F2F networking can be done anywhere. You can meet people at trainings, trade shows, meetings, and even your children's events. F2F networking often has hidden fees but can be very beneficial. Some fees include training costs, entry fees to shows, or membership dues. Please do your research before you join any of the above. Does it help you communicate with your target market? Nothing worse than attending a candy convention when you sell handcrafted jewelry. Weigh out the membership dues to what you expect to gain. Is it a profitable decision?
The best Networking is to balance both F2F and Online Networking. I strive to do this my self. I also have a great network outside my business. I have spent years building and maintaining it. I volunteer for several organizations each year and I am an active mother of my 4 girls and 2 grandchildren so I meet new people all the time and continue to grow my network. Sometimes my network is not business related but even some of those contacts have come in handy with an out of the ordinary business issues. Think about how many people you call for services each year. Now strive to have a resource for each one. Services may include, hair dresser, plumber, car salesman, pastor, travel agent, doctors, ITT technician and so much more. I have someone I could call outside of office hours in those categorises if I had a concern about something other than the direct issue. Most of these people are my family, friends, or someone I have met from my volunteer service. I would do anything I can to help them in return. Time, service, and trust are the best ways to build a great network and tell everyone what you do. You never know when you may meet the next person to help you with your next concern or accomplishment.
I want to close with this quote since I think it covers what networking means to me and the value of my network.
" The real measure of our wealth is how much we would be worth if we lost all our money." Benjamin Jowett.
My network is worth more than any amount of money and I think they would help me as much as they could if I lost all my money and that is priceless!!
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Myths About Thrift Stores
There are several myths and opinions about thrifts stores but with our world changing all around us more people are checking them out. It does not matter how much you have, everyone is into saving money these days. So what is stopping you from checking it out?
Maybe you have heard:
Clothing is torn or stained. (why else would anyone get rid of it)
Clothing is out of date, or only good for Halloween.
Thrift stores have that funky smell and it stays with the items you buy.
Only lower income people shop thrift stores.
The employees get all the good stuff
Thrift stores are dirty and unfriendly
To answer these questions you need to look at the reason behind thrift stores. Most stores are here to benefit a non-profit organization or they send a percent of their sales to local non-profits (like Suzy's Treasure Chest) or they are a consignment shop that offers you money or trade for your items. This gathers interest of many people to donate or consign items of value for tax deduction, extra cash or trade. This insures getting some great quality items, maybe the person changed sizes, someone passed away, moved to new location, redecorated their living room, or just didn't need that item anymore.
Do thrift stores get clothing that is torn or stained? Yes they do get some, but the best stores find a way to recycle these items and they are not used directly on the sales floor. Many people use unfit clothing for making rugs, purses, quilts, and limitless other uses. But thrift stores get many brand new clothing that just didn't fit correctly when you got it home, or slightly worn from the teenage daughters that refuse to wear that again this season. Maybe they came from someone who can no longer wear them since they lost 20lbs. Think how fast children out grow items. Either way there is some wonderful new and slightly used items for work, play, church, and other events.
Is clothing out of date? Thrift stores have such variety that this is a catch 22 question. They may have items that you may see as out of date but they have the best section on the market. They can outfit your grandma, teenager, and yourself. What other shop can you do all three? Also who decides what is out of date? I remember dressing in the 80's in neon colors, stretch pants and large sweaters, legg warmers, and long necklaces. I have seen items in my store that I wore in the 80's and guess what it is the same thing my kids are wearing today. What difference does it make if they bought their legg warmers at American Eagle or an original pair from 1984. Kids today want to be different and a thrift store allows them to do that and you can make it a family trip for everyone.
Thrift stores have that funky smell! I have to say that I have found the occasional store that has that smell but most of them go to great measures to mask it. With candles and new items like Febreze it has become easier for stores. This is another thing that you can donate to help them out. Some even launder clothing as it comes in. My recommendations are, laundering items you buy before use and donating clean gently used clothing.
Thrift stores are only for lower income families. This is far from the truth. In my 6 plus years experience of operating thrift stores I have seen people from all income levels. If I had to put a target market on who shops the most it would be middle class families. Some very well off families shop to save money and help out the organization. Some lower income families struggle to buy clothing for about 6 dollars an outfit. Thankfully there are programs with thrift stores to help those families out. So that leaves the middle class to make up most of the difference. Plus it helps them buy items they maybe wouldn't be able to otherwise afford like set of bunk beds or something else large. Thrift stores are also great for families just starting out with new babies. Both large expenses in short amount of time. Upgrade as life goes on and remember the thrift store that helped you in the first place.
The last two myths concern staff so I am going to address them together.
Most thrift stores are staffed by volunteers and very few paid staff people. This helps the organizations they support with funding. The people who work or volunteer at thrift stores are usually very selfless people since it can be a dirty job sorting used items and making them presentable to sell, but it can be very rewarding as well. Helping that person find that toy they had as a child, helping someone get everything they need to move out for the first time, seeing someone get ready for prom or helping an organization you believe in. Whatever their reason for doing it is very personal I am sure. My intent is not to make it sound like a bad job because it can be like Christmas everyday when you open a surprise package and I find that to be fun. Never a dull moment! But now to my myths, the employees get all the good stuff and they are dirty and unfriendly. Most thrift stores have a cleaning schedule just like the big box stores. Dust gathers much quicker than Walmart so they actually do twice the work. As for them being unfriendly, I think they can be the most helpful people in retail but they have bad days just like everyone else and they have policies they must uphold to maintain the safety of customers and staff. Some of these policies include allowing items to be on the shelf for a 48 hour period before they can purchase them. This encourages them to ask a fair amount of money for the item but something they are willing to pay when it becomes available for purchase. As for clothing, thrift stores get so much clothing in so many sizes it would not put a dent in the variety to allow staff to purchase their style of clothing.
I hope this clears up your thoughts about thrift stores if you have never been to one stop in and check it out. I love to stop at new thrift stores as I travel. Items change from location to location and you never know when you may find that item you can not live without.
Maybe you have heard:
Clothing is torn or stained. (why else would anyone get rid of it)
Clothing is out of date, or only good for Halloween.
Thrift stores have that funky smell and it stays with the items you buy.
Only lower income people shop thrift stores.
The employees get all the good stuff
Thrift stores are dirty and unfriendly
To answer these questions you need to look at the reason behind thrift stores. Most stores are here to benefit a non-profit organization or they send a percent of their sales to local non-profits (like Suzy's Treasure Chest) or they are a consignment shop that offers you money or trade for your items. This gathers interest of many people to donate or consign items of value for tax deduction, extra cash or trade. This insures getting some great quality items, maybe the person changed sizes, someone passed away, moved to new location, redecorated their living room, or just didn't need that item anymore.
Do thrift stores get clothing that is torn or stained? Yes they do get some, but the best stores find a way to recycle these items and they are not used directly on the sales floor. Many people use unfit clothing for making rugs, purses, quilts, and limitless other uses. But thrift stores get many brand new clothing that just didn't fit correctly when you got it home, or slightly worn from the teenage daughters that refuse to wear that again this season. Maybe they came from someone who can no longer wear them since they lost 20lbs. Think how fast children out grow items. Either way there is some wonderful new and slightly used items for work, play, church, and other events.
Is clothing out of date? Thrift stores have such variety that this is a catch 22 question. They may have items that you may see as out of date but they have the best section on the market. They can outfit your grandma, teenager, and yourself. What other shop can you do all three? Also who decides what is out of date? I remember dressing in the 80's in neon colors, stretch pants and large sweaters, legg warmers, and long necklaces. I have seen items in my store that I wore in the 80's and guess what it is the same thing my kids are wearing today. What difference does it make if they bought their legg warmers at American Eagle or an original pair from 1984. Kids today want to be different and a thrift store allows them to do that and you can make it a family trip for everyone.
Thrift stores have that funky smell! I have to say that I have found the occasional store that has that smell but most of them go to great measures to mask it. With candles and new items like Febreze it has become easier for stores. This is another thing that you can donate to help them out. Some even launder clothing as it comes in. My recommendations are, laundering items you buy before use and donating clean gently used clothing.
Thrift stores are only for lower income families. This is far from the truth. In my 6 plus years experience of operating thrift stores I have seen people from all income levels. If I had to put a target market on who shops the most it would be middle class families. Some very well off families shop to save money and help out the organization. Some lower income families struggle to buy clothing for about 6 dollars an outfit. Thankfully there are programs with thrift stores to help those families out. So that leaves the middle class to make up most of the difference. Plus it helps them buy items they maybe wouldn't be able to otherwise afford like set of bunk beds or something else large. Thrift stores are also great for families just starting out with new babies. Both large expenses in short amount of time. Upgrade as life goes on and remember the thrift store that helped you in the first place.
The last two myths concern staff so I am going to address them together.
Most thrift stores are staffed by volunteers and very few paid staff people. This helps the organizations they support with funding. The people who work or volunteer at thrift stores are usually very selfless people since it can be a dirty job sorting used items and making them presentable to sell, but it can be very rewarding as well. Helping that person find that toy they had as a child, helping someone get everything they need to move out for the first time, seeing someone get ready for prom or helping an organization you believe in. Whatever their reason for doing it is very personal I am sure. My intent is not to make it sound like a bad job because it can be like Christmas everyday when you open a surprise package and I find that to be fun. Never a dull moment! But now to my myths, the employees get all the good stuff and they are dirty and unfriendly. Most thrift stores have a cleaning schedule just like the big box stores. Dust gathers much quicker than Walmart so they actually do twice the work. As for them being unfriendly, I think they can be the most helpful people in retail but they have bad days just like everyone else and they have policies they must uphold to maintain the safety of customers and staff. Some of these policies include allowing items to be on the shelf for a 48 hour period before they can purchase them. This encourages them to ask a fair amount of money for the item but something they are willing to pay when it becomes available for purchase. As for clothing, thrift stores get so much clothing in so many sizes it would not put a dent in the variety to allow staff to purchase their style of clothing.
I hope this clears up your thoughts about thrift stores if you have never been to one stop in and check it out. I love to stop at new thrift stores as I travel. Items change from location to location and you never know when you may find that item you can not live without.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Goals for the New Year
As my business continues to grow, I have to keep adjusting my goals. If I did not make adjustments my business would become stagnant and stop growing. The more familiar I become with my business the better decisions I can make. Things did not grow as fast as I expected when I first opened and that was disappointing and I thought I was doing things wrong. I am finding out that I was not wrong, it takes more time for the seeds that you plant to mature. As I am now in my second year of business, I am becoming a stronger business woman and my business is maturing. I have lots of education and experience but even they did not prepare me for the adventure this business has been so far. So now I am making plans for the upcoming year.
I have gathered data from last years sales and continue to compare to new sales. I am gathering items for tax filing and I just boxed up 2012 paperwork to start with an empty filing cabinet ready for 2013. This is only small stuff to finish up except taxes of course. I have reviewed my business plan and I am working on the list of improvements set for the upcoming year. I am ready to make some strong investments. So far this has been all cash investment. We took all our liquid assets and some from close family to start the shop. All the improvements so far have been funded from the sales at the store. I continue to carry new products trying to best serve my customers but I am getting to the point that improvements require much more.
One of my goals this year is to start expanding my payment methods. I am really looking at accepting cards by the fall. The route I want to use at the moment is not available with my current service so I am preparing for the adjustments. For now please bare with my cash or check services and paypal for online purchases.
I also want to expand my online sales. I have been researching a online store and may decide to go that route. I continue to maintain social media advertising and sales on Craigslist, Facebook, and Ebay. I have a weekly goal to try and maintain to reach my full potential on my online sales. Hoping to get a better turnaround and maybe be able to hire employees.
I have until June to complete the handicap ramp that I have been saving for to meet state requirements and look forward to breaking ground on this project in warmer weather.
A few other goals are mostly cosmetic or inside improvements. I have a few ideas and plans laid out but my savings will determine how much can be done this year and how much must wait another year to complete. One of these improvements is refrigerators and freezers and food license to carry milk products. This is at the top of the list but storage is as much as a concern so not sure how it will all work out yet but praying I can address both and then several much smaller improvements.
My other goal is to start establishing credit for the store. Right now anything I borrow is personal loans, but as the business grows it should be able to establish credit on its own. After that happens and if it continues to grow at the steady pace it has my options become limitless. A longtime goal is to own the location and several expansions to help the community.
Here is my toast to another great year of growth.
Please share my blog to help others who are just starting out in business. Let us be the support for each other.
I have gathered data from last years sales and continue to compare to new sales. I am gathering items for tax filing and I just boxed up 2012 paperwork to start with an empty filing cabinet ready for 2013. This is only small stuff to finish up except taxes of course. I have reviewed my business plan and I am working on the list of improvements set for the upcoming year. I am ready to make some strong investments. So far this has been all cash investment. We took all our liquid assets and some from close family to start the shop. All the improvements so far have been funded from the sales at the store. I continue to carry new products trying to best serve my customers but I am getting to the point that improvements require much more.
One of my goals this year is to start expanding my payment methods. I am really looking at accepting cards by the fall. The route I want to use at the moment is not available with my current service so I am preparing for the adjustments. For now please bare with my cash or check services and paypal for online purchases.
I also want to expand my online sales. I have been researching a online store and may decide to go that route. I continue to maintain social media advertising and sales on Craigslist, Facebook, and Ebay. I have a weekly goal to try and maintain to reach my full potential on my online sales. Hoping to get a better turnaround and maybe be able to hire employees.
I have until June to complete the handicap ramp that I have been saving for to meet state requirements and look forward to breaking ground on this project in warmer weather.
A few other goals are mostly cosmetic or inside improvements. I have a few ideas and plans laid out but my savings will determine how much can be done this year and how much must wait another year to complete. One of these improvements is refrigerators and freezers and food license to carry milk products. This is at the top of the list but storage is as much as a concern so not sure how it will all work out yet but praying I can address both and then several much smaller improvements.
My other goal is to start establishing credit for the store. Right now anything I borrow is personal loans, but as the business grows it should be able to establish credit on its own. After that happens and if it continues to grow at the steady pace it has my options become limitless. A longtime goal is to own the location and several expansions to help the community.
Here is my toast to another great year of growth.
Please share my blog to help others who are just starting out in business. Let us be the support for each other.
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