May 2006

My former journalism professor asked me to make a presentation to his class on being a small business owner in the real world. After the awe shucks, what does ‘lil ole me know ‘bout nothin’ phase passed, here’s the advice I offered.

Remain persistent
My marketing and communication firm, in some kind of incarnation, has been in business for over 14 years. I’ve had gravy years, salad years, and slim years where the gasoline tank of our company engine was running on fumes.  Through it all, I’ve never given up.  I win and lose proposals.  Last week I lost a bid on a usability project for the State of California’s web portal.  This high profile project would have raised our firm’s visibility to another level.  Man, was I bummed out.  I hate to lose.  However, I won’t be packing my bags anytime soon, because I have tenacity and persistence.  I believe that somewhere out there is another client that values our services enough to give us the work.  Until that time comes, my nose remains glued to the grindstone and I persevere.

Create an action plan
Every Monday morning I plan the week’s tasks.  This action lays the foundation for a proactive offense instead of a reactive defense.  Each project is broken down by tasks allowing me to see real-time progress and offering structure to my day.  A favorite Weight Watchers saying applies to business: if you fail to plan, plan to fail.  I love checking off completed tasks.  Review San Francisco nutrition website: check.  Meet with Gwen at the SIDS Program: check.  Finish writing small business advice story: double check.

Take responsibility for your actions
I believe people have good intentions, but life happens.  Hard drives crash, illness strikes, cars don’t start.  Oftentimes people shrug their shoulders and say I’m sorry, it’s not my fault.  Take responsibility. Be prepared.   Have a backup plan. Another favorite saying is, lack of planning on your part doesn’t constitute an emergency on my part. Sometimes I don’t take my own advice. I accepted a client’s rush job.  My front yard was overdue for a landscape remodel and the lure of a quick buck turned my head.   Sure enough the rush job turned out to be a nightmare.  Facts weren’t checked.  Version control wasn’t on track.  The Mayor of La Habra received mail intended for the Mayor of Laguna Beach.  Oh vay.  Let’s just say that I won’t be getting repeat business from that client.  

Pursue your passion
It’s okay to perform work that doesn’t interest you short-term to pay the bills.  I worked as a secretary for California Smoke-Free Cities.  The job was engaging, but not work that would sustain my entrepreneurial spirit.  I stayed there long enough to get laid off and collect unemployment.  During the six months of being on the dole, instead of trying to find another paying job working for the man, I established my own business.  I began by taking in pro bono work to build a portfolio and clientele.  I knew that future clients would want a business owner with a proven track record.  Even though for six months I didn’t get paid for working, it didn’t matter.  I was energized for love of writing, editing and designing. It filled me with passion and fueled my future dreams.  

Be yourself
If you don’t know who you are find out.  Try therapy.  Get a business coach.  Take workshops.  The more you know and understand yourself, the more confident you will become.  In turn, you will have more to offer your clients.  A healthy person in mind and heart holds an attractive quality. Remember, who you are is a blessing to the world.  As Marianne Williamson says, “For any one of us who finds our wings, the whole world is lifted.”