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A sister-friend and I have been talking about journaling. She does it to capture how she is feeling or what she learned. My mom recently reminded me about my journal writing as a kid. She said, "We put that to an end right away." You see, she read my diary and "claimed" I wrote nothing but negative stuff about everyone. (Okay, I was in the fifth grade and had just discovered a few bad words. LOL!)
As small business owners, we are always looking for opportunities. (I know I certainly look around.) It is important to know and understand the possibilities. It’s even more critical to know what works and does not work for your company. You have to weigh the options. I recently had to examine a project and determine how it fit in with my vision.
I am writing my blog a little early this week. I ran across an interesting article about staying focused on your business during the summer. We all know there are so many distractions. For some, the kids are out of school. You may be going on vacation or spending time with family. Perhaps, business is slowing down just because it is summertime. How do you handle it? How do you handle the summer blues?
I’m sure you’ve heard over and over to always ask questions. Entrepreneurs, don’t be afraid to ask questions, even the tough ones, and expect answers when you are conducting business. It is always good to be flexible but know when to let your guard down and with whom. I want to continue sharing tips from fellow business owners. I believe it is so important that we share ideas on ways to grow and improve our companies and strategies.
Wow! It’s been a couple of weeks since I last blogged. I have been busy (that’s a good thing). Thank you for the support and the confidence. I enjoy sharing the unique business lessons that I learn along the way. I also like hearing from you. What is the best piece of advice you have received to help with your success? Do you know of any great training courses, seminars or workshops? It is good to hear how others have gotten to the top. It is also important for us to be willing to give that advice. So, let me hear it!
Small Business Week is coming to an end. The U.S. Small Business Administration set this week aside to recognize the nation’s top small businesses, entrepreneurs, small business advocates and champions. Have you patronized your top small business owner(s)? We all know these companies are the backbone of our economy.
I am so glad that tax season is over. I went to sign the paperwork for my forms last week and thought I was going to receive the best news ever. Well, I was disappointed. I have to pay. For the first time, I have to pay more than I ever thought I would have to give to the IRS. Now I understand why my dad always waits until the last minute to do his American duty. Uncle Sam is no joke. We all know it's been said that nothing is certain except death and taxes.
It doesn’t matter how long you have been in business, we all know there will be ups and downs. It can be tough sometimes getting that new client. But, after you make a connection, what are your next steps? How do you seal the deal? (I’m not asking for any trade secrets.) Follow up is key. I recently attended an event where a business owner said she followed up eight times with a company before she got the gig. (Wow!)
“Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.” I find this quote from Albert Einstein to be so true. Life is a continuous education. You must never stop learning. You can attend conferences that lead to professional development. But, sometimes just listening closely to others can be key to enhancement.
8261 Halls Hammock Ct.
Jacksonville, FL 32244
(904) 535-8862
angela@angelaspearscomm.com
