Starting A Business Is A Lot Like A Toddler Opening Gifts

Just what I always wanted and I will hug her and pet her and squeeze her...

You can imagine the excitement and chaos at my house on Christmas morning.  Three little ones all excited to see a sinful amount of presents under a well-lit Christmas tree.  They scramble about looking for the shiny boxes that have their name on them.  We make them take turns, so they can at least have an opportunity to appreciate what they are opening. 

Also, I have noticed, the younger the child, the more appreciative of the gift they have opened.  As they get older, they are more excited to open the next present.  And the next.  And the next.  When all said and done, everyone is content and ready to move on to the next event of the day.

This reminds me quite a bit of entrepreneurs, as they start their new business.  

For example:

·         The Toddler - The excitement of seeing the tree

·         The Entrepreneur - The idea of the business

·         The Toddler - Santa came! 

·         The Entrepreneur - The funding came through!

·         The Toddler - Oh, I have to assemble the tricycle?

·         The Entrepreneur - Marketing and selling?

·         The Toddler - Well, let me play with the box a little more

·         The Entrepreneur - Well, we can update our site and Tweet more

·         The Toddler - Eating cookies, watching A Christmas Story, and taking a nap

·         The Entrepreneur - Busy running the business, shuffling papers, and making one more post to Facebook

·         The Toddler - Let’s go to Granny’s to open presents

·         The Entrepreneur - Maybe there will be more customers at the new location!

·         The Toddler - The toy ends up at the bottom of the toy chest and broken into pieces

·         The Entrepreneur - Well this isn’t working, let’s move on to the next thing.

So what can we do as entrepreneurs?  I would suggest treating gifts like a 2 year old, instead of the 6 year old, i.e., focus more on one task at a time, get it working, and appreciate the process.

Social Media Digital Marketing Course

Social Media Digital Marketing Course 

Friday, December 12, 2014 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Location: Volunteer State Community College, Building 300

Fee: $99

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.

TSBDC at Vol State - QuickBooks and Social Media Training

QuickBooks Introduction for Small Businesses

Friday, December 05, 2014 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Location: Volunteer State Community College, Building 300

Fee: $45

Social Media Digital Marketing Course 

Friday, December 12, 2014 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Location: Volunteer State Community College, Building 300

December Seminars

A little help please

QuickBooks Introduction for Small Businesses workshop of Volunteer State Community College's Tennessee Small Business Development Center, 9-12 p.m. Friday, December 5, 1480 Nashville Pike, Gallatin, TN in Building 300. Registration is required. Reserve online. www.tsbdc.org. $45, payable at the workshop.

Starting a Small Business workshop of Volunteer State Community College's Tennessee Small Business Development Center, 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, December 9, 1480 Nashville Pike, Gallatin, TN in Building 300. Registration is required. Reserve online. www.tsbdc.org. Free.

Social Media Digital Marketing Course workshop of Volunteer State Community College's Tennessee Small Business Development Center, 9-4 p.m. Friday, December 12, 1480 Nashville Pike, Gallatin, TN in Building 300. Registration is required. Reserve online. www.tsbdc.org. $99, payable at the workshop. 

Let It Go, Let It Go, NO, SERIOUSLY - Let It Go!

It was November 27, 2013 and my life would be forever changed. No this was not a job promotion, spiritual awakening, or the birth of one of my 19 kids. It was the date that Disney released Frozen upon the world! What’s Frozen you say? Oh that’s right, I don’t have to explain it, because even if you live in Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland (yes, that’s a place) you know what I am referring to.

My wife took the girls to see it twice in the theater and they were hooked. Since then we’ve had a release party for the Frozen DVD, purchased Frozen dolls, the Frozen castle, Frozen costumes, Frozen stuffed animals, Frozen music downloads that are still played in the van, had a Frozen birthday party, been to Frozen on Ice, etc.

As they say in Frozen, it may be time to “Let It Go” and move on to the next Disney princess.  Or action figure.  Or anything else.

As for entrepreneurs, there are also some things they need to consider “Letting Go.”

Many times entrepreneurs get caught into the sunk cost fallacy.  In economics, a sunk cost is any past cost that has already been paid and cannot be recovered.  This will make you hang on to something longer than you should, because you have already invested time, money, or effort into something.

There is a great Freakonomics podcast on this topic too.  

For example, I had a client that was spending hundreds of dollars each month on Yellow Page ads.  They had been doing it so long, they were hesitant to quit that marketing effort, because of the thousands of dollars already invested.  Once we were able to transition them to more of an online presence, they saved money on advertising and their revenue jumped over 20%!

Other examples of sunk costs you may be hanging on to:

·   That sales person that has been with you since you started the business, but they don’t really sell anymore.  In fact, you’re not sure what they do.

·   That networking group that you have been going to for the last five years, but hasn’t brought you business in the last 3 years.

·    That CRM software you have paid big money for, but never really used. 

·    That bank you have always used, but that hasn’t really been open to giving you a line of credit.

·    That customer that has been steady, but has also been a pain in the neck.

Oh, and if you refuse to "Let It Go", the TV show Once Upon a Time is using Frozen for their theme this year.   Oh the joy!

November Seminars

Starting a Small Business workshop of Volunteer State Community College's Tennessee Small www.tsbdc.org. Free.

Business Development Center, 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, November 11, 1480 Nashville Pike, Gallatin, TN in Building 300. Registration is required. Reserve online.


5 Steps to Marketing Success workshop of Volunteer State Community College's Tennessee Small Business Development Center, 9-12 p.m. Thursday, November 20, 1480 Nashville Pike, Gallatin, TN in Building 300. Registration is required. Reserve online. www.tsbdc.org. $25, payable at the workshop.

TSBDC Upcoming Seminars - Time to Engage the Customer!

Ready to make some more money?  

If the answer is yes, check out these two seminars!

Social Media Intro for Entrepreneurs and Marketing Professionals  

Wednesday, October 22, 2014 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Free: FREE

Creating Clients for Life  

Wednesday, October 29, 2014 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Free: FREE

My Favorite Horror Movies and Their Entrepreneurial Advice

It’s that time of year.  Everybody is fired up and ready to go with crazy outfits, scary scenes, and too much too eat.   Yep, that’s the life of a Tennessee Titan’s fan.  Oh……….and Halloween too.    With that said, let’s take a look my favorite horror movies and their entrepreneurial advice.

1. Friday the 13th – Jason Voorhees manages to get resurrected every few years, and immediately
go on a slasher spree at Camp Crystal.  I could never figure out why people kept going to that camp.  I know this was before social media, but you would still think they learned their lesson.

Entrepreneurial advice – Do not do the same thing over and over and expect different results.  If that Yellow Page ad isn’t producing results or that employee never seems to make it to work on time, you should not expect to receive anything different over the next few months, unless you make a change.

2. A Nightmare on Elm Street – When I was a kid, this was the first movie we had with our brand new VCR ($600 Two-Head RCA).  We watched it, until the tape broke.  In this movie we learn that Freddy Krueger began his nightmare slashing, because he was a victim of vigilante justice from angry parents who locked him in a boiler room that was set ablaze.  This is what sets the wheels in motion for one good movie, then several bad ones.

Entrepreneurial advice – Do not take justice into your own hands.  Talking bad about a competitor, claiming excessive mileage on your taxes, or intentionally cheating a vendor will usually result in lost business and an IRS audit.  And, maybe a scary man with an ugly Christmas sweater will visit your dreams.

3. Texas Chainsaw Massacre – This is a movie based on true events about a family of fun-loving psychopaths that prey upon unsuspecting folks in rural Texas.  Leatherface is the ringleader with his brothers and Grandpa in tow.  Spoiler alert – Grandpa ends up being the weak link that leads to the clan’s downfall.

Entrepreneurial advice – Beware when hiring family.  It always sounds like a good idea to put Aunt Betty in charge of QuickBooks, because she was a receptionist at her church, but that doesn’t make her a bookkeeper.

• Bonus movie; Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1994 remake) – Okay, this is a terrible movie.  And yes, it stars Matthew McConaughey, but it’s still pretty bad.

Entrepreneurial advice – Don’t watch this movie.  And don’t watch “The Wedding Planner” (sorry Sarah), “Fools Gold”, or “Ghosts of Girlfriends Past.”  In fact, that goes for any Matthew McConaughey movie that is not an independent flick or released during Oscar Season.  If you do, you will lose IQ points, money, and sleep.  All bad things for a business owner.

October Seminars

Don't scare away  your customers!

Starting a Small Business workshop of Volunteer State Community College's Tennessee Small Business Development Center, 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, October 21, 1480 Nashville Pike, Gallatin, TN in Building 300. Registration is required. Reserve online. www.tsbdc.org. Free.


Social Media Intro for Entrepreneurs and Marketing Professionals workshop of Volunteer State Community College's Tennessee Small Business Development Center, 9-11 a.m. Wednesday, October 22, 1480 Nashville Pike, Gallatin, TN in Building 300. Registration is required. Reserve online. www.tsbdc.org. Free.


Creating Clients for Life workshop of Volunteer State Community College's Tennessee Small Business Development Center, 9-11 a.m. Wednesday, October, 29 1480 Nashville Pike, Gallatin, TN in Building 300. Registration is required. Reserve online. www.tsbdc.org. Free.

5 Steps to Marketing Success - TSBDC Seminar on September 18

5 Steps to Marketing Success Thursday, September 18, 2014 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM Fee: $ 25.00 Payment will be made at the workshop. Check or cash preferred. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER This workshop is designed to give you a real world approach for marketing your business! 1. Fine tune your focus 2. Who are your customers 3. Competitive advantage 4. Marketing message and promotion - (with over 30 different methods) 5. Schedule your activities and track your progress You will leave this workshop with a tangible plan to reach your customers on a consistent basis. To get here, take the GAP Blvd entrance to Volunteer State Community College. Then take your first entrance on the right into the parking lot. The 300 Building will located in the round-a-bout and it has a striped awning and the number 300 on the front.

4 MARKETING LESSONS FROM THE ALS ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE

           So, I get a text from my old college roommate, Matt Wilson.  It is simply a link to Facebook.  Keep in mind, I am one of seven people on planet earth not to have a Facebook page.  But I don’t need Facebook.  I know what it is.  The dreaded ALS Ice Bucket Challenge!  And, despite the backlash it’s received for slacktivism, vanity, and wasting water, it has raised an amazing amount of money and awareness for ALS research. 

Anyway, one cold bucket of ice water and a donation later, I see a few things as it relates to marketing small businesses. 

*Disclaimer - And yeah, I know this phenomenon is all but over and everyone has moved on to the next shiny object, however, it takes me this long to digest information and make something useful of it.

1.       MAKE IT ALL ABOUT THE PERSON MAKING THE PURCHASE (OR IN THIS CASE, A DONATION) – Yes, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge is supposed to be about raising awareness and money, but in reality, it became as much about the person donating, as it did anything.  This is how you should make your customers feel.  It is not about the features, advantages, and benefits of your product.  It is about the person or business buying from you.  Shower them with public praise, send them a thank you card, and find a way to support them.

2.       IT USED VIDEO - The Ice Bucket Challenge wouldn't have even happened if it used an elevator pitch, memo, or even a fancy photo.  Video has become much easier to create, is more engaging, and video has a much higher engagement rate than anything else.

3.       IT'S FUN AND EASY TO DO - Admit it.  One minute you are watching the Kardashians dump ice water on their heads and then the next minute your preacher is doing the same thing.  A simple and funny activity can get your customer’s attention. And if you can make it easy for them to sign up for your loyalty program or redeem a coupon (no awkward procedures or lengthy forms to fill out), they will follow you even more.

4.       THERE IS SPECIFIC CALL TO ACTION – When Peter Frates got the ball rolling with the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, he didn’t say, “so if you ever need to give a donation, make sure you consider ALS.”  He challenged someone specifically.  If you want customers to buy, tell them what specifically you are offering and give specific steps to make a purchase. 

QuickBooks Intro for Small Businesses

This QuickBooks workshop is designed for basic users and small business owners that operate a for-profit business.  

Register Here

Friday, August 29, 2014 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Volunteer State Community College, Building 300, Room 104

$45, payable at the workshop (cash or check preferred)

 

SPACE IS LIMITED, SO REGISTER SOON
Course Introduction:
This course is an introduction to QuickBooks. Its main objective is to introduce you to the basic features in QuickBooks and give you an opportunity for hands-on practice. You’ll learn about the types of information you need to track in your business, and you’ll see how to enter that information and track it in QuickBooks. By the time you complete the course, you’ll have a good idea of all that QuickBooks offers, you’ll be familiar with the most common tasks, and you’ll know where to find information about more advanced features.

Course Outline:
• Introducing QuickBooks
• All the accounting you need to know
• Working with lists
• Working with bank accounts
• Tracking credit card transactions
• Using sales forms in QuickBooks
• Receiving payments and making deposits
• Entering and paying bills
• Creating and customizing QuickBooks reports

Think Inside-the-Box

So, now that Lane is 1.5 years old (you quit doing months when you have three kids) he is big enough to play with his older sisters.  And by playing, I mean they rip his shirt off and stuff him in the toy box.  However, the last time they did this, he seemed to be fine in there.  He wasn’t interested in all of the toys outside of the box.  He had a woobm-woobm (that’s car in Lane speak) and he was quite content.

Sometimes entrepreneurs should consider this type of in-the-box mentality.  Why would anyone ever do that? Everyone else has jumped out-of-the-box.  CEO’s demand out-of-the-box thinking and even non-profits, churches, and schools think out-of-the-box. 

What usually works well is utilizing a different type of strategy than everyone else. That’s why everyone got out-of-the-box in the first place.  So, it may be the time to jump back in-the-box.

Also, the box has gotten huge!  There are all kinds of cool new toys in here.  So before you employ the next hip tool or technique, consider some of the following in-the-box thinking for your business.

• Before you go app or open source software crazy, look at Office 365 for $5/month.  It’s the same Microsoft Office you have always used and now it’s all online.  You could also use Google Apps for $5/month.  Now that they have gotten into world domination, they are not as hip as they used to be, so in-the-box they go!
• Before you implement a high end pay-per-click/super referral network/SEO wizard strategy to increase your sales, schedule at least 2 people each week to meet for coffee or lunch.  Do not go under the guise that you will faux listen to them for 10 minutes and then you get to make a sales pitch.  Simply have a genuine chat and find a way to help that person.  And do it, because you will enjoy doing it and because it matters.  The side effect will usually be more business in your direction.
• Before you look for crowdfunding, i.e. Indegogo, The Lending Club, or Kickstarter, to fund your next venture, consider visiting your local banker.  Lending has picked up, equity in homes is on the rise, and you won’t have to deal with investors. 

Video Newsletter - What is the Biggest Bang for Your Buck?

Let us know what you think of this new format.

What is the Biggest Bang for Your Buck?

   Being frugal (that’s French for cheapskate), I am always looking to squeeze the most out of every penny.

   For example, I have discovered the following: 

· Netflix – For $8 each month, we have been able to disconnect cable, choose which shows our kids watch (lots of PBS), and skip commercials.

· Aldi produce – Speaking of the kiddos, they have begun eating fruits and veggies. Lots of them. And you know what’s expensive? Fruits and veggies. Aldi has them for much less than most grocery stores and they have the stuff we eat.

· TVA energy audit – After living in our new house for a few months we noticed the energy bill was a little higher than expected. We decided to use the In-Home Energy Evaluation Program from TVA. They gave us a cash rebate for installing home energy improvements. In our case that was sealing a leaky duct system and we saw our electricity bill drop significantly.

   You know who else likes being frugal? Business owners! Let’s hear what two very successful and local business owners had to say about what their “biggest bang for their buck” has been.

   Quick tip; they’re both people related. 

  Julie Yant, owner of P.E.S.T. Inc. - My advice as to the best bang for your buck is to do as many processes "in house" for as long as you can. For example, we knew enough about most business processes that we did all accounting, software, HR, web, and even quarterly taxes & payroll in house, before we outsourced. Now, if you're not competent in something, then don't screw something up by trying this, but my advice is to take as many hands on small business classes and workshops that you can to save overhead costs. Don't get a nice, fancy office - use that spare bedroom if you can until you can afford to hang out your own shingle - again, if that suits your business. Grow, slow and controlled. Rapid growth often leads to too many problems to overcome and the demise of many small businesses. 

   Jason Duncan, owner of Future Vision Energy - Our best bang for the buck has been hiring good employees. Last year was a pivotal year for us. We were growing and I was getting overwhelmed with tasks that another person could easily handle without much training. Hiring a good assistant--even though we didn't know for sure if we could afford it--was worth every penny. As it turned out we couldn't afford NOT to. She was our first hire and we quickly moved her to full time status with a nice raise. 

   As she freed me up to do more tasks that directly created revenue, I turned my focus to hiring more people. We've since hired two full-time sales consultants, an operations manager, a technology director, and a full-time project manager. With each hire, our overall revenue increases because it frees us up to focus on sales and marketing-related activities. Hiring the right people at the right time has been our biggest "bang for the buck".

July Seminars

Starting a Small Business workshop of Volunteer State Community College's Tennessee Small Business Development Center, 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, July 8, 1480 Nashville Pike, Gallatin, TN in Building 300. Registration is required. Reserve online. www.tsbdc.org. Free.

5 Steps to Marketing Success workshop of Volunteer State Community College's Tennessee Small Business Development Center, 9-12 p.m. Thursday, July 10, 1480 Nashville Pike, Gallatin, TN in Building 300. Registration is required. Reserve online. www.tsbdc.org. $25, payable at the workshop.

Best Mobile Apps for Your Business workshop of Volunteer State Community College's Tennessee Small Business Development Center, 3-4 p.m. Thursday, July 24, 1480 Nashville Pike, Gallatin, TN in Building 300. Registration is required. Reserve online. www.tsbdc.org. Free. 

7 Phrases Entrepreneurs (Or Really Anyone) Should Stop Using

I’m avoiding a storied intro to prevent myself from accidentally using one of the phrases below.  Just

Tom Hanks agrees.  And everybody likes Tom Hanks.

sayin’.  Dang it!

1. I’m just not a computer person – This is not 1995 and we are not listening to dial up noises, trying to cancel AOL, or fighting the blue screen of death.  Technology has come a long way, so most businesses should have a decent looking website, accounting software and have most transactions automated.
2. People just don’t want to work anymore – Ughhh…..you are right that some folks are looking for a free ride, but most people are willing to earn a living.  We have turnover, when we hire someone at the last minute, don’t train them, or spend time praising them for the things they are doing correctly.
3. I don’t know about this next generation – Every previous generation sounds like Grumpy Old Man from Saturday Night Live.  For example, Gorat from the Stone Age says, “Plato, think he smart, with his wheel and philosophy.  In my day, we just had square and cave drawing.  And we like it.  No, we loved it!”  Millennials may be a little self-absorbed, however, they are more socially aware than previous generations, tech savvy, and they are not going away. 
4. It is, what it is – Translation, “I’m too lazy to find a solution.”  Or, even explain the situation, which lacks a solution.
5. Just sayin’ – A big one here in the South.  And 1^st cousin to “It is, what it is.”
6. Please advise – This is just a passive aggressive way to make someone else explain every, single step for you.  “Dear CPA, I just received my tax returns and it says I owe $3,000.  Please advise.”  
7. I must be doing something right, because I’m still here - Well, that may be true in part, however, just being here doesn’t equate to success.  Otherwise the post office and your appendix would be considered a roaring success.

June Seminars

Export Boot Camp for Small Businesses workshop of Volunteer State Community College's Tennessee www.tsbdc.org. Free.

Small Business Development Center, 9-11 a.m. Thursday, May 29, 1480 Nashville Pike, Gallatin, TN in the Betty Gibson Hall, Room 107C. Registration is required. Reserve online.

Health Care Reform, Preparing Your Business for the 2015 Mandates workshop of Volunteer State Community College's Tennessee Small Business Development Center, 3-4 p.m. Tuesday, June 3, 1480 Nashville Pike, Gallatin, TN in the Betty Gibson Hall, Conference Room 104. Registration is required. Reserve online. www.tsbdc.org. Free.

Estate Planning for Small Business Owners workshop of Volunteer State Community College's Tennessee Small Business Development Center, 3-4 p.m. Thursday, June 5, 1480 Nashville Pike, Gallatin, TN in the Betty Gibson Hall, Conference Room 104. Registration is required. Reserve online. www.tsbdc.org. Free.

Social Media Digital Marketing Course of Volunteer State Community College's Tennessee Small Business Development Center, 9-4 p.m. Friday, June 6, 1480 Nashville Pike, Gallatin, TN in Building 300, Room 104. Registration is required. Reserve online. www.tsbdc.org. Attendees are encouraged to bring their laptop or tablet.  $99 (payable at the workshop.)

Starting a Small Business workshop of Volunteer State Community College's Tennessee Small Business Development Center, 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, June 17, 1480 Nashville Pike, Gallatin, TN in the Betty Gibson Hall, Gibson Conf Room 104. Registration is required. Reserve online. www.tsbdc.org. Free.

Shark Tank winner starts with the SBDC

I totally missed this a while back.  I watch this show religiously and remember this guy well.  Mr. Tod, a client at the Small Business Development Center at Raritan Valley Community College is doing quite well too.

http://www.sbdcrvcc.com/2010/mr-todd-wins-2009-success-award/

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Mr. Tod's testimonial about the SBDC: “The SBDC at RVCC has been a blessing to my business. My recent SBA loan approval was a direct result of my involvement with the SBDC. I can’t say enough about the assistance I received. I would urge any entrepreneur who is serious about taking their business to the next level to explore the mentorship and counseling opportunities available at the SBDC.” Tod Wilson, Mr. Tod’s Pie Factory 2009 ABC Shark Tank Winner 

No Soup for You!

   One of my favorite TV shows of all time is Seinfeld.  One of my favorite episodes is “The Soup Nazi”.  Remember him?  The Soup Nazi had a tiny take out spot that only had three or four soups to choose from. He was best known for his strict regimen that he constantly demanded of his patrons.  Have exact change, move through line swiftly, and NO questions.

COME BACK ONE YEAR! NEX

  The Soup Nazi….

• Had a niche
• Knew what made him different
• Had an outstanding product
• Didn’t get caught up in all of the other things he could do: Sandwich Nazi, Coffee Nazi, Bread Pudding Nazi

   Conversely, I am often inundated by all types of consultants, i.e. business coaches, accountants, insurance agents, bankers, candlestick makers, attorneys, payroll companies, benefits specialists, financial advisors, etc., that "Would like to meet with me to see if we have the opportunity to partner together and leverage our resources." 

• When I ask them who their target is, it is anyone who owns a business. 
• When I ask them what makes them different it is their price, quality, experience, and blah, blah, blah. 
• When I ask them about their core product or service, they are so excited to let me know they have 28 specialty products and services.
• When I ask them who wouldn’t be a good customer they say, “uh, well, hmm, mumble, mumble, good fit, mumble, mumble.”

  They look, walk, talk, sound, and even dress like everyone else in their profession.  And that means there is no particular reason for me to work with them or direct any of my clients their way.

  So who do you want to be? 

A general handyman or a Restaurant Maintenance Guy

A regular clothing store or a Men’s Consignment store

A run-of-the-mill insurance agent or a Construction Policy Guru

  I know which one the Soup Nazi would be.

May Seminars

How to Write a Business Plan workshop of Volunteer State Community College's Tennessee Small Business Development Center, 9-12 p.m. Tuesday, May 8, 1480 Nashville Pike, Gallatin, TN the Betty Gibson Hall, Gibson Conf Room 104. Registration is required. Reserve online. www.tsbdc.org. $30 (payable at the workshop.)

Starting a Small Business workshop of Volunteer State Community College's Tennessee Small Business Development Center, 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, May 13, 1480 Nashville Pike, Gallatin, TN in the Betty Gibson Hall, Gibson Conf Room 104. Registration is required. Reserve online. www.tsbdc.org. Free.

QuickBooks Introduction for Small Businesses workshop of Volunteer State Community College's Tennessee Small Business Development Center, 9-12 p.m. Friday, May 16, 1480 Nashville Pike, Gallatin, TN in room 175 in the Ramer Administrative Building. Registration is required. Reserve online. www.tsbdc.org. $25 (payable at the workshop.)


Export Boot Camp for Small Businesses workshop of Volunteer State Community College's Tennessee Small Business Development Center, 9-11 a.m. Thursday, May 29, 1480 Nashville Pike, Gallatin, TN in the Betty Gibson Hall, Room 107C. Registration is required. Reserve online. www.tsbdc.org. Free. 

Did You Hear What She Said?!

 So as I have mentioned before, we have three little ones at home.  Ava is 5, Lilly is 2, and Lane is 1.  The two girls are very close, play well together, but have two totally different personalities.  Ava is our drama queen and Lilly is the comedian. 

   Just the other day, I asked Ava to stay in her seat while we ate dinner.  “Uhhhh, I ammm!” says Ava, while she is standing next to the chair.  She then rolls her eyes (yes, already) and mumbles something about being bossy and then takes her seat.  Lilly then proceeds to hop up and trot over to her little brother’s high chair for some entertainment.  I ask Lilly to sit in her seat.  “I am daddy.” says Lilly, grinning from ear-to-ear.  She then immediately heads back to her chair, plops down, and says, “see daddy, I in my chair.”  We were unhappy with Ava.  We had to hide our laughter with Lilly.  And I’m sure they will both be scarred.

  They did the same exact thing, however, they communicated it differently.  

 Communication breaks down like this:

55% is body language.

38% is tone of voice.

7% is spoken word.  Only 7% is the actual words.

  Here are three simple tips for you regarding communication in your small business: 

1.  When networking, make eye contact and do not look around the room when the other person is speaking.  And put your phone down, when you are having a conversation with someone.  Even though you may be listening, you seem disinterested. 

2.  Smile when you interact with a customer.  Okay, not every single second.  You don’t come off like Buddy the Elf.  But you get the point.  You can also do this, while you are on the phone.  It works.

3.  Be nice.  Sincerely nice, not weirdo, fake nice.  You can tell an employee “Please follow up with the customer after you repair their roof.  Thank you very much.” and still sound like a jerk.  Just because you covered your bases with “please” and “thank you” doesn’t make you a good communicator.  It’s all about how you say it.