Details In Business Blog

Elizabeth Cusulas
Details In Retail

I just read a great blog post by Robert I. Sutton on the downside of what he refers to as “Big, Hairy Goals.”  It’s an interesting discussion of how a narrow focus on huge “distant horizon” goals can interfere with recognizing – and celebrating – daily accomplishments.   

This got me thinking about how small business owners often contribute to their own burnout by setting inflexible – and therefore unrealistic – goals. 

Yes, you’re in business because you have goals…you have dreams.  But sometimes the very best business strategy is to LOWER YOUR EXPECTATIONS. 

I’m not saying you grind to a halt and give up all your aspirations.  I’m saying sometimes you need to acknowledge those big reality slaps that the world provides and give yourself some breathing room.

I start each holiday weekend with a list of tasks that could only be achieved through superhuman feats.  Three whole days always seems like ample time to accomplish everything.  Of course it never works out that way.  In my younger days, this made me crazy.  Now that I am older and wiser – and slower – I’ve made a deal with myself.  If I accomplish anything – anything at all – on my list of things to do, then that’s a good day. 

The same applies to business.  Sure I have goals.  I also have deadlines to meet, clients to accommodate and “the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune” to dodge.  Speedbumps and impediments to success should be factored into your business plan.  The important thing is to not let your long-term goals overshadow your short-term achievements.  If you have only one measure of success, then you’re setting yourself up for failure. 

One longtime small business owner I know is always amused when people ask her how “how’s business?”  Her response lately is “well, it’s great…by today’s standards”.  The fact is, she’s generating less income than she did 10 years ago – and working harder to do so.  But she’s chosen to adjust her expectations to reflect the current economy.  If she didn’t, she wouldn’t have ANY good days where business was concerned.  Instead, she’s realigned her perspective for 2010.  By temporarily lowering the bar, she’s able to feel good about her current business achievements again.   That’s not to say she’s given up.  She’s added new products and ramped up her marketing.  She still has goals, they’ve just been adjusted and downsized to fit the current reality.  Her willingness to do this is one reason she’s been in business for so long. 

As you work toward your long-term goals, but be sure to relish each daily victory and success – no matter how small.  That’s what keeps a small business owner in love with their business – and loving your business is vital to your success.

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“An ounce of performance is worth pounds of promises.” ~ Mae West

Coverups, scams, cons - the world is full of intentional lies and liars.  Always has been – always will be. 

But lately I’ve noticed a massive upswing in a more subtle form of lying – people who just don’t live up to their promises; the ones who don’t put any value on being true to their word.  I know they’ve always been around but there used to be a stigma attached to being one of them.  Now it’s passed off as just the way things are in our busy world.  We all do it.  We’re all guilty.  That’s particularly dangerous thinking for small business, because the backlash can be just as subtle and stealthy as the lie. 

It comes down to this.  We’re becoming confused about the difference between promises and lies.  People hate to be lied to, so it’s important to know the difference.  It’s really simple.  If you promise to do something and you don’t – that’s a lie. 

Let’s review:

When you promise your customer that you will call them and you don’t – that’s a lie.
When you promise you will do something today, and don’t – lie again. 
When you promise an employee a new office, raise or some other perk and don’t deliver – another lie.

Many of us will try to retrofit lies back into promises by means of the handy and versatile tool known as “excuses”.  Yes, there are times when excuses are valid.  Life happens – even in business – and excuses to buy time to correct oversights or explain errors are dandy, as long as there’s follow-through and completion afterward.  Otherwise, excuses are just icing on the “lie cake”.  Covering lies with sugar does not make the steaming pile more delicious.  Do not think for a minute that your customers, employees and co-workers are not aware of this. 

What’s the antidote for promises that are really “lies in disguise”?  Small business owners – you set the tone for the way your business runs.  Follow through. Be true to your word.  Be accountable.  All day, every day.  You’ll find it’s contagious.  Your efforts really will pay off.  If you don’t think so, you’re lying to yourself.

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Elizabeth Cusulas
Details In Retail

We’ve already seen how the recession has provided some benefits for small business startups in Michigan through lower rents, a larger pool of talent available at affordable rates and good deals on advertising.  Now there’s more good news for budding entrepreneurs - a wealth of fantastic resources available at no cost or low cost. 

Here’s a list of eight organizations offering support, counseling and training for small business owners and budding entrepreneurs in southeast Michigan – especially the Metro Detroit area. (more…)

Mark Cory
FranNet

Special Event Coming Next Month…

Michigan Franchise Forum – Meet the Franchisors
Thursday, April 8, 2010 – 4:00-6:30PM

ONE Session Only
Headquarters of AFS Group of Franchise Companies – Warren
5523 E. Nine Mile Road (One block west of Mound Road, corner of Nine Mile & Pinewood)

This is your chance to learn about several of our premier franchise companies poised for rapid expansion in Michigan, and meet their franchise development executives! (more…)

Elizabeth Cusulas
Details In Retail

There it is again, the business version of  driving your car into a tree.  A small business owner announced a “major development” that now has been shelved.  He broadcast the “news” repeatedly, in fact, to anyone and everyone; so caught up in the excitement that he never considered whether it might be best to get further along before blurting out the details.  He spent months talking it up – and now it’s just “oops, never mind.”  (more…)

Mark Cory
FranNet

“Life is full of obstacle illusions” Grant Frazier

Some of the obstacles people tend to face in making big career decisions may be illusions and can be removed by getting the facts. At FranNet, we know that considering business ownership can be a frightful prospect, that’s why we offer so many educational opportunities. We want to help our clients eliminate the emotional barriers, and make a sound, fact-based decision for their future. Are you ready to make such a decision? (more…)

Mark Cory
FranNet

These “Careers in Franchise Ownership” seminars are great opportunities to get some franchising basics, including the array of categories and investment levels available (starting at around $50K), and how to go about defining your own personal vision, matching that up with viable choices, and conducting proper due diligence to make sure your selecting the RIGHT fit for YOU! (more…)

Mark Cory
FranNet

Web-based Seminars from the Comfort of Your Home or Office (more…)

Elizabeth Cusulas
Details In Retail

As a small business owner, you’re intimately connected with the daily survival of your business.  You make the decisions, you write the checks, your focus is the driving force behind your success. It can be wonderful having your life so tightly interwoven with your business.  But what if some important life event took you either physically or mentally out of the game for a while?  Would your business survive? (more…)

Mark Cory
FranNet

Special Event…
“Michigan Franchise Forum”

Meet the Franchisors Seeking to Expand in Michigan! (more…)