CAN YOU COUNT TO TEN?
(a.k.a., HELP YOUR COMMUNITY GROW)
First, I would like you to take a minute to think about companies such as Apple and Amazon. These two highly respected organizations are arguably the definition of vision and innovation followed by success. Now before we go any further I get the sense that some of you are probably asking the question, “What does this have to do with me?” Well, if you think about the humble beginnings of both companies, then you would realize……to answer your question…Apple and Amazon have everything to do with YOU.
It may be hard to believe, but Apple began as a three person business operating out of a garage in a modest California home. While Amazon, also a reference to the largest river in the world, began with a business plan and a vision to be the largest company in the world.
The point is these once small businesses had major impacts on their local communities and have since CREATED CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR MORE THAN A QUARTER MILLION PEOPLE.
I am a firm believer that, from a business perspective, your personal interest(s) have the potential to create opportunities (business/career) to economically uplift your community. But taking those steps toward entrepreneurship involves a lot of energy, effort, time, capital, creativity, dedication and elbow grease, among other things. Being an entrepreneur requires a complementary combination of skills. At least ten essential “ingredients” for small business success are identified below:
1. Vision: Choosing the right business opportunity for you
2.Finding the money, capital, partners, etc.
3. Select and secure a venue or location
4. Build out your spot to suit your needs
5. Coordinate with suppliers who support ongoing survival
6. Advertise to increase awareness so people know how to do business with you
7. Reorganize life, time & family to prioritize a focus on “your customer”
8. Be available: Hanging out that sign that says “Open for Business!”
9. Open your doors and commence to coordinating items 1 through 8
10. ALWAYS satisfy your Customers
Numbers 1 and 2 have squashed the squeamish.
Numbers 3 and 4 have stumped the serious.
Numbers 5 and 6 have stalled the sharpest.
Numbers 7 and 8 have pulverized the most persistent.
Number 9 has threatened the toughest.
But it is Number 10 that has destroyed the most dedicated.
So, what is stopping you from taking a chance? First, let me try to ease some of your apprehension by stating, NO BUSINESS gets EVERYTHING right ALL the time, EVERY time. That’s called perfection. Far be it from you or me to cast the first stone.
Second, communication, an integral element in the success of any business, is a two-way street in which business owners and the respective customers with whom they interact learn from one another. The bottom line is that THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILTY OF THE BUSINESS OWNER IS TO SATISFY THE NEEDS OF THE CUSTOMER. As a business owner, you should take every negative customer experience and treat it like an opportunity to improve your business. Following this simple rule can minimize a significant amount of headaches.
Now, if you’re just not cut out to be a business owner, and you fall into the CUSTOMER category, your role is just as important. If the BUSINESS represents a seed, you, THE CUSTOMER, REPRESENT THE FERTILIZER THAT HELPS THESE SEEDS GROW. The business owner can’t satisfy your needs if he doesn’t know what those needs are. If you’re a customer that has never tried to run or maintain a business, go through the list and COUNT TO TEN. Then, bring that level of understanding to your interaction with your local small business.
COUNT TO TEN!! Share in the growth of your community. Be part of the solution. It’s as simple as that!