President Trump has used Twitter as his 'Social Media Bully Pulpit." Whether you think he is being successful using it or not I am sure it has made you look at your own use of social media for your business and wonder how you appear to your customers.
Here are a few tips on how to make sure your use of social media enhances your business.
1) Choose the right media. There are many options for people to use in order to promote their business. One of the biggest mistakes I see a business tries to do them all or take on too many. Use the social media that your customers use. If they are on Facebook then you should be on Facebook. If they are on Instagram then so should you. There are various software available that will help you manage all your social media. Hootsuite is a good example. But even using a software management system takes thought.
2) Focus your message. People have short attention spans. Each post to social media should have just one simple message. Promote a sale, an event, a product and leave it at that.
3) Ask for feedback. Customers love to be heard. Ask them what they think about your business. Pay attention to what they tell you. You will get some positive feedback that you may be able to use as a promotion. You will also receive some negative feedback. Addressing that can improve your business and your relationship with those customers.
4) Address complaints - Immediately! The beauty of social media is it gives a very public voice to anyone who take the time to write or record. You will hear from unhappy customers. If you don't you aren't trying. When they complain listen to them. They care enough to let you know. Here is what to do: 1) Thank them for their feedback. 2) Apologize for the problem and do not make excuses for it. 3) Fix the problem if possible. 4) Tell them what you are doing to make sure problems like that do not happen in the future. 5) Thank them again.
5) Use proper English. Edit your work, better yet, have someone else edit it. If you post something with a lot of grammatical errors and incorrect word usage you come off as someone who just does not care. Worse, you come off as someone who is just plain stupid.
6) It is all about connections. Good business is about building relationships. Treat your customers well on social media and you will build good relationships with them. They will like and share your posts so more people will know about you and your business.
Cheers!
Monday, May 1, 2017
Monday, April 3, 2017
Know your weaknesses, play to your strengths
Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. I do. You do.
The question is not do you have weaknesses. The questions are:
1) Do you know what they are?
2) What do you do about them?
If you are brutally honest with yourself you will acknowledge those things where you are not that strong. In my work with budding entrepreneurs one area they are consistently lacking is... wait for it... Finances. Oh, they are great at their craft. They are passionate about their idea and their business. They KNOW it will help save the world, or at least make it a little better.
But when asked about the numbers they become meek and unsure about their business. Sometimes they will admit this, but often they ignore it as an area where they need help. The advice I give them is two fold. First, learn how to understand the numbers. Develop that weakness so it is not so weak. Look at the numbers every day until you can speak and listen to what they mean intelligently.
Second, build a relationship with a good, trusted accountant. Get to know that person and understand their language. Learn how to talk with them.
For some people, the numbers are their strength. To them I say, Awesome! But, I then ask, what are your growing edges? Where do you need help? Could it be marketing? Could it be people skills? Could it be recognizing new opportunities?
Know what your area of need is and find a way to strengthen it. Build up your own skill, and build a relationship with someone who can assist. Hire them if necessary.
Ultimately, this is about self understanding. Self Knowledge. Successful entrepreneurs are very self aware. If you are not sure what your are ask a trusted friend. As your business associates. Ask people you trust where you need help. Also ask them what they perceive your strength to be. Ask them to be honest with you.
But do not only trust them. Go to an objective source. Below are two books I recommend. They can help you go through a process in which your strengths (and conversely, your weaknesses) are highlighted. Once you understand what you are good at, you can focus on that and have other people take care of those things where you can use a little help.
The question is not do you have weaknesses. The questions are:
1) Do you know what they are?
2) What do you do about them?
If you are brutally honest with yourself you will acknowledge those things where you are not that strong. In my work with budding entrepreneurs one area they are consistently lacking is... wait for it... Finances. Oh, they are great at their craft. They are passionate about their idea and their business. They KNOW it will help save the world, or at least make it a little better.
But when asked about the numbers they become meek and unsure about their business. Sometimes they will admit this, but often they ignore it as an area where they need help. The advice I give them is two fold. First, learn how to understand the numbers. Develop that weakness so it is not so weak. Look at the numbers every day until you can speak and listen to what they mean intelligently.
Second, build a relationship with a good, trusted accountant. Get to know that person and understand their language. Learn how to talk with them.
For some people, the numbers are their strength. To them I say, Awesome! But, I then ask, what are your growing edges? Where do you need help? Could it be marketing? Could it be people skills? Could it be recognizing new opportunities?
Know what your area of need is and find a way to strengthen it. Build up your own skill, and build a relationship with someone who can assist. Hire them if necessary.
Ultimately, this is about self understanding. Self Knowledge. Successful entrepreneurs are very self aware. If you are not sure what your are ask a trusted friend. As your business associates. Ask people you trust where you need help. Also ask them what they perceive your strength to be. Ask them to be honest with you.
But do not only trust them. Go to an objective source. Below are two books I recommend. They can help you go through a process in which your strengths (and conversely, your weaknesses) are highlighted. Once you understand what you are good at, you can focus on that and have other people take care of those things where you can use a little help.
Saturday, March 18, 2017
Top Ten Reasons to NOT Start a Business
Last post I gave my top ten reasons for starting a business. There are a lot of other reasons, but these are the ten that keep coming up in my work with entrepreneurs.
Now let's look at the other side. What are the reasons for NOT starting a business. Here are my top ten?
10) It is demanding on your time. When I speak to budding entrepreneurs I tell them if they want to start a business the need to be prepared to work 28 hour days, 8 days a week.
There is usually silence after that comment as I see them trying to calculate what I just said. Starting a business is demanding and can literally suck all the time out of your day.
9) You have to deal with people who are not as committed to your business as you are. They can be employees, contractors, suppliers, or any number of people you need for your business to be successful. They are not as invested in your business on the same level you are. In fact, no one will be as committed to your business as your are. This can change your personality into someone others do not like.
8) You have to make difficult decisions. Yes, you get to make decisions for your business and take it in any direction you want to. You also have to decide to do things that are not popular. You may have to reduce your employee base. You may have to change suppliers. You may have to discontinue a relationship with a partner, who is also a friend.
7) Your business is your reputation. Bad things happen. You may have an employee or business partner who does something that goes against the culture you want the business to have. Worse yet, they could do something illegal. And it reflects on your business. It reflects on you.
6) You have to pay taxes etc etc. Business is not cheap. There are some taxes you just cannot get out of. You also have to pay employees, utilities, loans, and more. You will get paid last, after all those other obligations are fulfilled every month.
5) You have 5,000 bosses. You have to listen to your customers. You may want to take the business in one direction. But your customers are telling you, in many ways, they will do business with you if you go in a different directions Customers can be demanding. You are taking their money, they want what they want.
4) You will experience extreme frustration. You will be pulled in 73 directions at once, will need to fund the business, NEED MORE HERE
3) You have to do things you just do not like to do. There are many facets to a business. You may be the best at what you do, but you may suck at the business side of things. You have to know marketing, customer service, accounting, finance, forecasting, operations, organization, and a lot more. And you may simply hate doing those things.
2) You may get divorced. The business is demanding on your time, your energy, your personality, your love. At the end of the day (1 am) you have nothing left. And that person who has been your spouse, partner, lover, needs some of you. There is nothing left to give and the alarm will go off very soon starting another demanding day.
1) You can lose all your money. When I discussed the top 10 reasons to go in to business for yourself I mentioned money as the last reason. #10. Here it is #1 because starting a business is a HUGE risk and does take a lot of capital. If the business does not succeed you , and your investors, can lose everything that was put in to the business. Sure, there are ways to reduce and minimize the risk, and you should do all you can to do just that. But there are no guarantees.
Now let's look at the other side. What are the reasons for NOT starting a business. Here are my top ten?
10) It is demanding on your time. When I speak to budding entrepreneurs I tell them if they want to start a business the need to be prepared to work 28 hour days, 8 days a week.
There is usually silence after that comment as I see them trying to calculate what I just said. Starting a business is demanding and can literally suck all the time out of your day.
9) You have to deal with people who are not as committed to your business as you are. They can be employees, contractors, suppliers, or any number of people you need for your business to be successful. They are not as invested in your business on the same level you are. In fact, no one will be as committed to your business as your are. This can change your personality into someone others do not like.
8) You have to make difficult decisions. Yes, you get to make decisions for your business and take it in any direction you want to. You also have to decide to do things that are not popular. You may have to reduce your employee base. You may have to change suppliers. You may have to discontinue a relationship with a partner, who is also a friend.
7) Your business is your reputation. Bad things happen. You may have an employee or business partner who does something that goes against the culture you want the business to have. Worse yet, they could do something illegal. And it reflects on your business. It reflects on you.
6) You have to pay taxes etc etc. Business is not cheap. There are some taxes you just cannot get out of. You also have to pay employees, utilities, loans, and more. You will get paid last, after all those other obligations are fulfilled every month.
5) You have 5,000 bosses. You have to listen to your customers. You may want to take the business in one direction. But your customers are telling you, in many ways, they will do business with you if you go in a different directions Customers can be demanding. You are taking their money, they want what they want.
4) You will experience extreme frustration. You will be pulled in 73 directions at once, will need to fund the business, NEED MORE HERE
3) You have to do things you just do not like to do. There are many facets to a business. You may be the best at what you do, but you may suck at the business side of things. You have to know marketing, customer service, accounting, finance, forecasting, operations, organization, and a lot more. And you may simply hate doing those things.
2) You may get divorced. The business is demanding on your time, your energy, your personality, your love. At the end of the day (1 am) you have nothing left. And that person who has been your spouse, partner, lover, needs some of you. There is nothing left to give and the alarm will go off very soon starting another demanding day.
1) You can lose all your money. When I discussed the top 10 reasons to go in to business for yourself I mentioned money as the last reason. #10. Here it is #1 because starting a business is a HUGE risk and does take a lot of capital. If the business does not succeed you , and your investors, can lose everything that was put in to the business. Sure, there are ways to reduce and minimize the risk, and you should do all you can to do just that. But there are no guarantees.
Saturday, March 11, 2017
Top Ten Reasons to Start a Business
You may be thinking of starting a business. Below are ten reasons why that could be a good idea for you. Ultimately it is your decision, but it should be an educated decision. You are in for a lot of hard work, late nights, and frustration. It is not easy, but it can be worthwhile. Here is why.
10) You can make a lot of money. OK, some people would put this as #1. Not me. Making money is the RESULT of all the other reasons. If you start your business because you only want to make a lot of money you will eventually fail. But, business ownership can lead to financial independence and security. Please do it for the right reasons.
9) You can hire who you want. There is a saying in business, Hire slowly, Fire quickly. You will have people work for you. There will be a team of people who work with you (think accountants, lawyers, bankers). They will help run and grow your business - maybe. It is critical you have the right people doing that work. As you business grows you will need to rely on and trust your employees to provide the customer service you want and need for your company to grow. You will need your team to help you make good decisions. So take your time in bringing in the right people. And if you learn the fit is not right then cut ties as quickly as you can.
8) You make the decisions. You wake up Monday morning and discover there is a problem at work. You deal with it. You do not have to go to a boss or committee to get permission to take action or to decide what the best action to take might be. You deal with it, or delegate who you want to deal with it.
On the other hand, you wake up Monday morning and see an opportunity. You can jump on it. You do not have to go to a superior and make your case. Just do it.
7) You can set your own hours. I played in a charity golf tournament a while back. One of our foursome had played golf the day before, and he was going to play the next day. He loved golf so much he played five days a week, more some weeks. When the weather got cold, he went south. He would periodically be on the phone with the office and provide direction to one of his employees. He had built his business to the point his employees took care of 95% of what needed to be taken care of. And he played golf. Now this did not happen on day one, it took time. But he was able to do what he wanted.
6) You can be respected in the community. Most business owners I know want to give back. They want to be involved in their local community and contribute in some way. By being involved they make a positive contribution and also make connections. They help other businesses, organizations, and families. Some serve on the local chamber. Some coach a youth league sport. Some volunteer for charity events. There are countless opportunities to share their expertise with others.
5) You are your own boss. This does relate to #8 above, but it is more than about making decisions. You can be the boss you want to be. Remember those bad bosses you have had? You do not have to be that way. Remember that one good boss you had? You can emulate how she treated you and other employees. Your business is an extension of you. It expresses your values. You create the culture of the business.
4) You receive tax benefits. This is a very practical reason. The car you drive, the trips you take, the dinners you buy, the home office in which you work, and more, can all be provided by the business and/or be a tax write off. (Disclaimer - I am not an accountant or an attorney. Please consult with a reliable CPA regarding these benefits.)
3) You can do good for society. Look around. There are a lot of problems in the world. Choose one, it does not have to be a big one like world hunger, and develop a solution for it. If you can solve one problem, and if people will purchase your solution, and if enough people will purchase your solution, you have done two things. You have bettered their lives. You have made money doing so.
Another benefit you are providing society is you are creating jobs for people. They work for you, you compensate them. They spend and save that money. That contributes to the economic engine. Even if they do not work for you directly you are still helping provide jobs. When you do business with a supplier that supplier is able to pay employees.
2) You can be proud of what you have done. Your business is your baby. You have conceived of the idea, You have nurtured the idea and felt it develop. Finally, you have delivered your product or service - and it is beautiful! Step back and admire. You have contributed to society and have helped make people's lives better (including your own!).
1) You can do what you love. This is the number one reason to take this step. If you have a passion for something and want to spend a lot of time doing it, why not get paid? I know people who love to bake - and have started successful bakeries. I know people who love computers and analytics - and have started successful technology companies. I know people who are really in to health and nutrition who have started successful businesses around those. What would jazz you every day if you had to do it? That is not work.
___________________________________
I recently read a book by Simon Senek called Start with Why. It is an easy read, and a profound book. His message is clear - know and understand WHY you are doing what you are doing. I highly recommend the book. You can read it in one sitting, but will want to refer back to it.
Here is a link to it on Amazon: Start With Why
Friday, March 3, 2017
Listen to your Customers!
Hello Entrepreneurs!
So, you want to be successful.
You want a lot of customers.
I have a question for you - What are your customers telling you? Is your service exemplary? Do you WOW them?
A little background on me. I managed a customer service department for over five years. We improved our service to our customers. It was not easy. Some days our motto was, "We put the CUSS in Customer Service." But, we realized how important our service was to the bottom line and we worked hard to do a better job.
Let me tell you about a recent experience I have recently had with a local retailer.
We were having a new bathroom floor installed. There were a lot of errors in how and what was communicated to us.
First, the sales person told us we would make a down payment on the job. Then when the material arrived we would make the final payment and schedule the install. We made the down payment with the cashier and was told the same thing.
The next day I received a call that we needed to finish the payment before they would order the material. I explained what I had been told and their response was that was wrong. When I spoke to the sales person about this he told me he never said that. I explained it was in my notes. He still denied it and said they would "do what I wanted this time." I explained they were not "doing what I wanted" that they were "doing what they had promised." His response was we would just agree to disagree. (I said no more, but you can probably imagine what I was thinking.)
Part of the process for this install is that I would pick up the quarter round molding and have it painted prior to the install. When I went in to get it they had it ready to go. I also went ahead and paid the balance knowing it would be a hassle. When I explained it to the rep she called here manager over and had me explain what had happened about the payment. He apologized and said I should have never been told that.
Another part of this process is I agreed to take out the old floor and the toilet. This would save time and money on the install. We scheduled the install for Saturday the 11th. I ripped up the old floor. On Thursday I called and asked if everything was in order for our Saturday install. They said yes and that I would receive a call on Friday telling me what time to expect the installer.
On Friday I received a call stating the installer would be at my house between 7am and 11am the next day. Friday night I removed the toilet and my wife and I emptied the closet. We put all our clothes on our bed and had to sleep on the pullout in the living room.
At 7am the next day, Saturday, the phone rang. It was the installer. He told me they were at the store and the material was not there.
The material was not there.
I asked where it was.
He did not know.
Who did know?
He did not know.
Was there someone at the store with whom I could speak?
Mark. (Then he gave me the number)
With out getting into the gory details of the conversation here are the highlights.
1) They did not know where the material was
2) They could not call the delivery company because they are closed on Saturday
3) The material was to be delivered early this morning
4) I was called confirming the install because they thought the material would be delivered Saturday morning
5) It is impossible for the material to be delivered to another store because of the electronic order (remember this one, we will come back to it)
6) There is nothing Mark could do until Monday
7) He apologized for the inconvenience (see photo of bathroom above)
Monday morning I receive a call from Amanda. They found the material. It had been delivered to another store (See #5 above). When I explained what Mark had said Amanda brushed it off.
We were scheduled for a Wednesday install.
I am not available on Wednesday. I can do Tuesday afternoon, Friday, or Saturday. She would see if they would push it to Tuesday and call me back with the material was on hand. (I had told her I was not going to schedule anything until they actually had the material in the store).
Monday afternoon I get a call from Betty (now the third person I had to deal with since Saturday). The material was on hand and they would schedule for Friday. I asked about Tuesday. She said there was nothing in the notes about a Tuesday install.
Friday it would be. I arranged to be off work.
Toilet still out of bathroom.
Thursday I receive a call from the installer. They cannot make it on Friday but can on Saturday.
He knew they had missed the last week and was apologetic. I explained I had rearranged my schedule to accommodate a Friday install. Now I would at the last minute have to rearrange everything again.
He apologized and thanked me. Please note the install company is not the same as the company where I purchased the floor.
Saturday morning - the installer arrives about 11:30, was very polite, did a good job, and finished by 4:30. The floor looks great.
Both Mark and Amanda had promised a discount for our troubles. I went in the next day to discuss said discount. No one was there that could speak with me but Mark would be in 10 - 8 on Monday.
I went in about 4pm on Monday. No Mark. But Amanda was there. She offered a discount. I said it was not enough. She immediately turned around and made a call. The manager would go up to another amount. I said it was still not enough and started to tell her all we had been through.
She would not listen.
She told me they were dealing with the delivery company who was still charging them full price. How that is my problem is beyond me.
She told me a bunch of other stuff that proved it was not her fault, or the company's fault. It is the delivery company. I told her I had paid her company and the delivery company was not my issue. I asked to speak to the manager she just spoke with.
She is not in.
I did not ask to see her. Just to speak with her. Call her back please.
Amanda said the manager would not change. I asked her name and when she would be in.
______
It has been over a week. I have called the manager three times. Have left messages to call me.
Crickets
I received a call to complete a 'customer satisfaction survey' regarding our recent floor install. The scale is 1 = Very Dissatisfied; 5 = Very Satisfied. For the installation itself they received a 5 on everything. The installer (an outside contractor) was very polite and did an excellent job. He communicated with me regularly during the four hour install.
Regarding the sale itself and the process of ordering they received a 1 on everything. I told them I would be happy to discuss this poor rating further. I have heard nothing.
As a result I have told many people about my bad experience with Home Depot in Annapolis, MD. I will NEVER use their installation or other service. Sure, I will purchase the occasional washer or other small item from them. They are convenient to my house. But, when ever possible I will plan my repairs and go to other stores for anything I need. I am about to paint a room. I will not purchase paint, brushes, etc. from Home Depot.
________
Finally, I know Home Depot will not go bankrupt because they lose my business. They can treat customers poorly and in the long run they will still be profitable.
But you, young entrepreneurs and small business owner, cannot afford to give bad service. Good customer service is the foundation of good business.
________
A while ago I read a book by Tony Hsieh, "Delivering Happiness" and it shows how making customer service a priority can lead to business growth and profits. I recommend it.
Here is a link to the book on Amazon: Delivering Happiness
So, you want to be successful.
You want a lot of customers.
I have a question for you - What are your customers telling you? Is your service exemplary? Do you WOW them?
A little background on me. I managed a customer service department for over five years. We improved our service to our customers. It was not easy. Some days our motto was, "We put the CUSS in Customer Service." But, we realized how important our service was to the bottom line and we worked hard to do a better job.
Let me tell you about a recent experience I have recently had with a local retailer.
We were having a new bathroom floor installed. There were a lot of errors in how and what was communicated to us.
First, the sales person told us we would make a down payment on the job. Then when the material arrived we would make the final payment and schedule the install. We made the down payment with the cashier and was told the same thing.
The next day I received a call that we needed to finish the payment before they would order the material. I explained what I had been told and their response was that was wrong. When I spoke to the sales person about this he told me he never said that. I explained it was in my notes. He still denied it and said they would "do what I wanted this time." I explained they were not "doing what I wanted" that they were "doing what they had promised." His response was we would just agree to disagree. (I said no more, but you can probably imagine what I was thinking.)
Part of the process for this install is that I would pick up the quarter round molding and have it painted prior to the install. When I went in to get it they had it ready to go. I also went ahead and paid the balance knowing it would be a hassle. When I explained it to the rep she called here manager over and had me explain what had happened about the payment. He apologized and said I should have never been told that.
Another part of this process is I agreed to take out the old floor and the toilet. This would save time and money on the install. We scheduled the install for Saturday the 11th. I ripped up the old floor. On Thursday I called and asked if everything was in order for our Saturday install. They said yes and that I would receive a call on Friday telling me what time to expect the installer.
On Friday I received a call stating the installer would be at my house between 7am and 11am the next day. Friday night I removed the toilet and my wife and I emptied the closet. We put all our clothes on our bed and had to sleep on the pullout in the living room.
At 7am the next day, Saturday, the phone rang. It was the installer. He told me they were at the store and the material was not there.
The material was not there.
I asked where it was.
He did not know.
Who did know?
He did not know.
Was there someone at the store with whom I could speak?
Mark. (Then he gave me the number)
With out getting into the gory details of the conversation here are the highlights.
1) They did not know where the material was
2) They could not call the delivery company because they are closed on Saturday
3) The material was to be delivered early this morning
4) I was called confirming the install because they thought the material would be delivered Saturday morning
5) It is impossible for the material to be delivered to another store because of the electronic order (remember this one, we will come back to it)
6) There is nothing Mark could do until Monday
7) He apologized for the inconvenience (see photo of bathroom above)
Monday morning I receive a call from Amanda. They found the material. It had been delivered to another store (See #5 above). When I explained what Mark had said Amanda brushed it off.
We were scheduled for a Wednesday install.
I am not available on Wednesday. I can do Tuesday afternoon, Friday, or Saturday. She would see if they would push it to Tuesday and call me back with the material was on hand. (I had told her I was not going to schedule anything until they actually had the material in the store).
Monday afternoon I get a call from Betty (now the third person I had to deal with since Saturday). The material was on hand and they would schedule for Friday. I asked about Tuesday. She said there was nothing in the notes about a Tuesday install.
Friday it would be. I arranged to be off work.
Toilet still out of bathroom.
Thursday I receive a call from the installer. They cannot make it on Friday but can on Saturday.
He knew they had missed the last week and was apologetic. I explained I had rearranged my schedule to accommodate a Friday install. Now I would at the last minute have to rearrange everything again.
He apologized and thanked me. Please note the install company is not the same as the company where I purchased the floor.
Saturday morning - the installer arrives about 11:30, was very polite, did a good job, and finished by 4:30. The floor looks great.
Both Mark and Amanda had promised a discount for our troubles. I went in the next day to discuss said discount. No one was there that could speak with me but Mark would be in 10 - 8 on Monday.
I went in about 4pm on Monday. No Mark. But Amanda was there. She offered a discount. I said it was not enough. She immediately turned around and made a call. The manager would go up to another amount. I said it was still not enough and started to tell her all we had been through.
She would not listen.
She told me they were dealing with the delivery company who was still charging them full price. How that is my problem is beyond me.
She told me a bunch of other stuff that proved it was not her fault, or the company's fault. It is the delivery company. I told her I had paid her company and the delivery company was not my issue. I asked to speak to the manager she just spoke with.
She is not in.
I did not ask to see her. Just to speak with her. Call her back please.
Amanda said the manager would not change. I asked her name and when she would be in.
______
It has been over a week. I have called the manager three times. Have left messages to call me.
Crickets
I received a call to complete a 'customer satisfaction survey' regarding our recent floor install. The scale is 1 = Very Dissatisfied; 5 = Very Satisfied. For the installation itself they received a 5 on everything. The installer (an outside contractor) was very polite and did an excellent job. He communicated with me regularly during the four hour install.
Regarding the sale itself and the process of ordering they received a 1 on everything. I told them I would be happy to discuss this poor rating further. I have heard nothing.
As a result I have told many people about my bad experience with Home Depot in Annapolis, MD. I will NEVER use their installation or other service. Sure, I will purchase the occasional washer or other small item from them. They are convenient to my house. But, when ever possible I will plan my repairs and go to other stores for anything I need. I am about to paint a room. I will not purchase paint, brushes, etc. from Home Depot.
________
Finally, I know Home Depot will not go bankrupt because they lose my business. They can treat customers poorly and in the long run they will still be profitable.
But you, young entrepreneurs and small business owner, cannot afford to give bad service. Good customer service is the foundation of good business.
________
A while ago I read a book by Tony Hsieh, "Delivering Happiness" and it shows how making customer service a priority can lead to business growth and profits. I recommend it.
Here is a link to the book on Amazon: Delivering Happiness
Saturday, February 18, 2017
Creating an Online Store
It is almost impossible to find a business that does not sell its products or services online. The internet has opened the world to everyone who wants to sell new, used, or not yet created products.
So many options it is hard to decide.
I have to admit I do not know a lot about creating websites. I do not know HTML, Java, or any of those other foreign languages. But I want to start a website. This blog you are reading was simply set up through my Google account on Blogger. It was simple, but it is limited.
A website has to be simple. inviting, easy to understand and navigate, maintained. For me, setting it up has to be intuitive.
I am the type of person who will simply jump in and give it a try. With all the website creating websites there are surely there is one that this "I've never coded in my life" brain can handle. Drag and Drop. Click and Shoot.
WordPress came to the top of the list when I started looking. So I thought I would try it. I created a website based on the theme of "health and fitness over 50." My idea was to research topics of health and fitness issues and publish them on the site. I would also share my own experiences of health issues (I am over 50).
I created the site, put in some photos, wrote a little, tried to format it. It seemed pretty easy. The advice I received from more than one person is to create the site, live with it a little, make it what you want, and then make it public. Somehow, and I do not know how, I made my site public.
Without any advertising, search engine optimization, or promotion of any type, I have had four visitors and seven views. I think that means those four people went to different pages. Wow, if I tried a little I could get 40 visitors and if a few of them shared it I could get that up to 400.
I was told about a website that helps people learn WordPress: Learn Wordpress
Someone mentioned Wix as a good host for a website. They make it easy and intuitive. So I went there. I was so confused I went on YouTube and look at a couple of videos. Found one that actually gave good information. I started a different website, I figured the more I did and worked with different hosts the more I would learn. This time I did not publish it. When it is ready I will, if I can get it to do what I want.
Here is the YouTube I watched: How to use Wix
That is all I know so far. I am going to the library to see what books there are that can help. In the meantime, here are a few book available that I have looked at. Use them as a reference and take what helps you.
So many options it is hard to decide.
I have to admit I do not know a lot about creating websites. I do not know HTML, Java, or any of those other foreign languages. But I want to start a website. This blog you are reading was simply set up through my Google account on Blogger. It was simple, but it is limited.
A website has to be simple. inviting, easy to understand and navigate, maintained. For me, setting it up has to be intuitive.
I am the type of person who will simply jump in and give it a try. With all the website creating websites there are surely there is one that this "I've never coded in my life" brain can handle. Drag and Drop. Click and Shoot.
WordPress came to the top of the list when I started looking. So I thought I would try it. I created a website based on the theme of "health and fitness over 50." My idea was to research topics of health and fitness issues and publish them on the site. I would also share my own experiences of health issues (I am over 50).
I created the site, put in some photos, wrote a little, tried to format it. It seemed pretty easy. The advice I received from more than one person is to create the site, live with it a little, make it what you want, and then make it public. Somehow, and I do not know how, I made my site public.
Without any advertising, search engine optimization, or promotion of any type, I have had four visitors and seven views. I think that means those four people went to different pages. Wow, if I tried a little I could get 40 visitors and if a few of them shared it I could get that up to 400.
I was told about a website that helps people learn WordPress: Learn Wordpress
Someone mentioned Wix as a good host for a website. They make it easy and intuitive. So I went there. I was so confused I went on YouTube and look at a couple of videos. Found one that actually gave good information. I started a different website, I figured the more I did and worked with different hosts the more I would learn. This time I did not publish it. When it is ready I will, if I can get it to do what I want.
Here is the YouTube I watched: How to use Wix
That is all I know so far. I am going to the library to see what books there are that can help. In the meantime, here are a few book available that I have looked at. Use them as a reference and take what helps you.
Monday, February 13, 2017
Teaching Entrepreneurship at Saint Mary's College of Maryland
More and more colleges are offering entrepreneurship programs, classes, and degrees. Entrepreneurship and new business start up is becoming main stream.
This is a good thing.
Saint Mary's College of Maryland, #SMCM #Seahawks, is now offering a class in entrepreneurship. What, you may ask, does a small liberal arts honors college know about entrepreneurship?
I know people who have graduated from SMCM and have a bit of a relationship with the school. In response to this new development of a "Shark Tank" type class I have four words to say.
It is about time.
SMCM is just the right place to develop innovative thinkers. Sure, there is a military base in the county and opportunities for technology development. That is not what makes it a great place for this opportunity. What makes SMCM a great place for entrepreneurs is that this college THINKS DIFFERENT. It can unleash creativity and different type of thinking that is essential for innovation.
I have never taken a class there, but I have been to the campus a number of times. The students and teachers I have met there look at the world a little different; and I mean that in a positive way. We need people who are unique in how they view the world. In fact, I think this class should be required for every student at SMCM. It does not matter what your career is going to be; we need people to think different in every sector. It does not matter if you are an accountant, a doctor, a mediator, a nurse, a politician, a teacher, a psychologist, a mathematician, a biologist, a social worker, a banker, or any number of careers that people can enter. We need innovative thinkers.
Kudos to you Saint Mary's College of Maryland. And to you Professor Elizabeth Osborn. Stay out of that box.
I just did a quick search and found this book by Professor Osborn. I have to admit I have not read it, but it looks like an interesting read.
Here is the link to the book, Open for Business
Enjoy!
This is a good thing.
Saint Mary's College of Maryland, #SMCM #Seahawks, is now offering a class in entrepreneurship. What, you may ask, does a small liberal arts honors college know about entrepreneurship?
I know people who have graduated from SMCM and have a bit of a relationship with the school. In response to this new development of a "Shark Tank" type class I have four words to say.
It is about time.
SMCM is just the right place to develop innovative thinkers. Sure, there is a military base in the county and opportunities for technology development. That is not what makes it a great place for this opportunity. What makes SMCM a great place for entrepreneurs is that this college THINKS DIFFERENT. It can unleash creativity and different type of thinking that is essential for innovation.
I have never taken a class there, but I have been to the campus a number of times. The students and teachers I have met there look at the world a little different; and I mean that in a positive way. We need people who are unique in how they view the world. In fact, I think this class should be required for every student at SMCM. It does not matter what your career is going to be; we need people to think different in every sector. It does not matter if you are an accountant, a doctor, a mediator, a nurse, a politician, a teacher, a psychologist, a mathematician, a biologist, a social worker, a banker, or any number of careers that people can enter. We need innovative thinkers.
Kudos to you Saint Mary's College of Maryland. And to you Professor Elizabeth Osborn. Stay out of that box.
I just did a quick search and found this book by Professor Osborn. I have to admit I have not read it, but it looks like an interesting read.
Here is the link to the book, Open for Business
Enjoy!
Monday, February 6, 2017
Wow, I started this blog as a class project. My students were to research Entrepreneurs and report on them here. I did not edit or filter what they wrote.
After the class ended it was put aside. My teaching went in another direction and I moved on to some other things. Now I am privileged, to again, work with students who have business start ups. We support them in what ever way we can: Mentoring, Scholarships, Academics, Networking, Experts come in and speak.
We recently had Johnny Earle (aka Johnny Cupcakes) come and tell his story. If you would like a great and entertaining story about a young, and successful, entrepreneur go to:
Johnny Earle
Johnny Cupcakes
Enjoy the Show!
Steve
After the class ended it was put aside. My teaching went in another direction and I moved on to some other things. Now I am privileged, to again, work with students who have business start ups. We support them in what ever way we can: Mentoring, Scholarships, Academics, Networking, Experts come in and speak.
We recently had Johnny Earle (aka Johnny Cupcakes) come and tell his story. If you would like a great and entertaining story about a young, and successful, entrepreneur go to:
Johnny Earle
Johnny Cupcakes
Enjoy the Show!
Steve
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Jennifer Delaye JDK Catering
I set out to do some research on the catering. My thought process was, wouldn’t it be cool to write about the first documented catering company and who started it. I typed “History of Catering” in Google and came across JDK Catering.
Upon reading the website, I found the person to be interesting, and as I read more it became more interesting.
Jennifer Delaye is the Chef/Owner of JDK Catering, a catering company that operates in the Harrisburg, Pa area.
Ms Delaye started in the foodservice industry at a young age. She started out operating seasonal food service kiosks with her brother and sister at Harrisburg City’s Recreational Center. In 1988, they all opened a restaurant in Harrisburg. While operating the restaurant, Ms Delaye noticed that a lot of their clients were ordering food take-out and delivery. Around the same time, she developed an interest in catering. She decided to transfer full ownership of the restaurant to her brother and created JDK Catering on her own.
She operated the business solo for many years and treated obstacles like opportunities. JDK now boasts a roster of 3,000 clients. Sales have grown from $25,000.00 in 1992 to $3.4 Million in 2007. They boast a staff of 20 Full Time and 250 Part-Time employees.
As a smart and ambitious entrepreneur, Ms, Delaye decided to restructure the company in 2007. She created the JDK Group which is an umbrella company over four independent event service companies. JDK Catering, Essential Party Rental, Imagine Event Design and Weddings by JDK are the individual companies.
I believe this move was smart and it has made me rethink the future and direction of The Spice Rack. I think that accidentally coming across Ms Delaye was probably one of the best things that could have happened.
Submitted by Jamaal Fuller
Upon reading the website, I found the person to be interesting, and as I read more it became more interesting.
Jennifer Delaye is the Chef/Owner of JDK Catering, a catering company that operates in the Harrisburg, Pa area.
Ms Delaye started in the foodservice industry at a young age. She started out operating seasonal food service kiosks with her brother and sister at Harrisburg City’s Recreational Center. In 1988, they all opened a restaurant in Harrisburg. While operating the restaurant, Ms Delaye noticed that a lot of their clients were ordering food take-out and delivery. Around the same time, she developed an interest in catering. She decided to transfer full ownership of the restaurant to her brother and created JDK Catering on her own.
She operated the business solo for many years and treated obstacles like opportunities. JDK now boasts a roster of 3,000 clients. Sales have grown from $25,000.00 in 1992 to $3.4 Million in 2007. They boast a staff of 20 Full Time and 250 Part-Time employees.
As a smart and ambitious entrepreneur, Ms, Delaye decided to restructure the company in 2007. She created the JDK Group which is an umbrella company over four independent event service companies. JDK Catering, Essential Party Rental, Imagine Event Design and Weddings by JDK are the individual companies.
I believe this move was smart and it has made me rethink the future and direction of The Spice Rack. I think that accidentally coming across Ms Delaye was probably one of the best things that could have happened.
Submitted by Jamaal Fuller
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Matthew Cain - Yellow + Blue Wines
Matthew Cain is the Founder and President of Yellow+Blue Wines, an Organic Wine company that imports from South America and Spain. Not only are the wines 100% Organic, but they are sold in TetraPaks, a universal packaging for liquid goods that need to remain fresh, such as juices and stocks. This packaging eliminates the expense and waste caused by using glass bottles for the wine, something that Cain found to be unnecessary with most wine drinkers consuming the wine soon after purchase, as opposed to years after the purchase. “Eighty percent of wine is drunk within a week. It doesn’t make sense to put nine liters of wine in a 40 pound box and ship it thousands of miles.” Cain stated that “in other countries people are using alternative packaging to bring down the cost of wine. It’s not just for poor wine but for good wine. Here in the US, it’s only been used as a gimmick.” Cain has worked in fine wine his entire life, in various countries, and says he has “no interest in bad wine.”
Instead of bottling the wine at the source, he has the wine transported in large “flexitanks” to Toronto, where the TetraPak materials are housed. The TetraPak packaging facility is certified organic to meet the standards of Yellow + Blue Wines. The wine sells for about $11 and the container holds about a third more wine than a standard bottle.
The process of growing, shipping, and packaging the wine already leaves about half the carbon footprint of traditional wines, but through carbon offsets and renewable energy credits from Renewable Choice Energy, Yellow + Blue Wines is carbon neutral. In addition to keeping it green, Y+B also contributes 1% of all its proceeds to www.kiva.org, an organization that helps entrepreneurs in developing countries.
Cain dedicates his company to “finding a 21st century solution to an outdated business model.” Blending a traditional process with modern practices is what makes Y+B a new, fresh take on wine. Matthew Cain took something old and made it new again, wine has always been around, but now it is current and growing with the times. He found a solution to what he and many others perceived to be a problem, and he didn’t have to create anything new in the process, all of the tools required were already in existence and he put them all to practical use.
References
Schnuer, Jenna. Entrepreneur Magazine. May 2011. May 2011.
Shannon, Chiara. K&L Wine Merchants. 15 February 2011. May 2011.
Y+B Wines. Y+B Wines. 2010. May 2011.
Submitted by: Kathleen Maurer
Instead of bottling the wine at the source, he has the wine transported in large “flexitanks” to Toronto, where the TetraPak materials are housed. The TetraPak packaging facility is certified organic to meet the standards of Yellow + Blue Wines. The wine sells for about $11 and the container holds about a third more wine than a standard bottle.
The process of growing, shipping, and packaging the wine already leaves about half the carbon footprint of traditional wines, but through carbon offsets and renewable energy credits from Renewable Choice Energy, Yellow + Blue Wines is carbon neutral. In addition to keeping it green, Y+B also contributes 1% of all its proceeds to www.kiva.org, an organization that helps entrepreneurs in developing countries.
Cain dedicates his company to “finding a 21st century solution to an outdated business model.” Blending a traditional process with modern practices is what makes Y+B a new, fresh take on wine. Matthew Cain took something old and made it new again, wine has always been around, but now it is current and growing with the times. He found a solution to what he and many others perceived to be a problem, and he didn’t have to create anything new in the process, all of the tools required were already in existence and he put them all to practical use.
References
Schnuer, Jenna. Entrepreneur Magazine. May 2011. May 2011
Shannon, Chiara. K&L Wine Merchants. 15 February 2011. May 2011
Y+B Wines. Y+B Wines. 2010. May 2011
Submitted by: Kathleen Maurer
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Brian LeGette- “Serial” Entrepreneur
Brian LeGette is a philanthropist and entrepreneur responsible for starting companies in several fields. His first company, 180’s, a consumer apparel company makes 180 degree ear warmers. It was once Inc. Magazine’s ninth fastest growing privately held companies in the U.S.
Originally called Big Bang Products, the company was started by LeGette and his Wharton School friend, Ron Wilson. They both started out as engineers and knew they wanted to be entrepreneurs. They were both interested in athletics and decided to start a business together.
Their first idea, a made in China, a CD rack that rotated fell through. Wilson hit on the ear warmer idea as he had been thinking about it since his college days at Virginia Tech. He used to have to walk across its Quad every day and said it was like a big wind tunnel.
They went through a hundred different designs and finally had a prototype. Wilson started hawking them on campus. Their breakthrough came when they got a spot on QVC. LeGette sold zero the first few minutes on the air, the next few minutes he sold 5,000 ear warmers. He then became a regular on the show and the company took off.
They then decided to move the company to Baltimore and were joined by Wharton classmates and two toy designers from Milton Bradley and started trying to come up with other products. They started making sunglasses, beach towels, pool flotation devices and a line of collapsible beach chairs that turned into back packs which became the most successful.
The ear warmers, however, produced the most revenue, jumping from$1 million in sales in 1999 to $7.4 million in 2000. Staffing rose and the next year revenue went to $15.2 million and staffing increased to 36.
LeGette decided to start making some changes. The name then changed to 180s, he also changed the sales structure of the product. The success had come from selling the ear warmers in large department stores where they were available to everyone and were selling as fast as they could be produced. His new plan was to move the product to specialty running and skiing shops. It was then that the company decided to sponsor a team of nonprofessional athletes, Team 180s.
The shift in model affected the growth of the company and the need for more financing and more problems, including Wilson’s departure. Ultimately, the company was turned over to a private equity firm which bought out the investors and took over controlling share of the stock. The company had grown too quickly and needed significantly more capital.
LeGette left 180s and has since been involved in numerous ventures such as, an international medical laboratory accreditation, Big City Farms, which has set out to create a network of city-wide urban greenhouse operations in cities across the U.S. and ZeroChroma, a company that makes cases for mobile electronics.
Brian has an MBA from Wharton School and BS in Electrical Engineering from University of Maryland. He has received numerous awards, one of which is the Ernst and Young’s Maryland Entrepreneur of the Year award for consumer products. He also holds numerous patents and patents pending in many countries all over the world. He serves and directs on boards of several educational and philanthropic institutions. He is also the co-founder of the b4students foundation, a mentoring program that targets inner city youth in Baltimore and is currently considering ex-offender reintegration issues.
Submitted by
Lisa C. Lawson
Monday, April 11, 2011
Jerry Edwards - Chef's Expression
From humble beginnings, Jerry Edwards has successfully grown his catering business to one of the most successful in the region while still maintaining those key principles that helped him climb his way to the top. In 2010, Chef’s Expressions earned the prestigious “Caterer of the Year” award from the Restaurant Association of Maryland and the “Event of the Year” from the National Association of Catering Executives.
How it all started - Jerry had worked in the food business, but found himself selling alarms. He wasn’t particularly thrilled about his profession and knew he wanted to find passion in a career. In 1982, he had the opportunity to purchase a sandwich shop. With a mere $2,ooo in hand, Jerry purchased what would become Gourmet by Chef’s Express. The sandwich shop drew customers from the above office complex, but there wasn’t enough to sustain the business. He knew he needed to create a delivery business and expand his market reach in the area in order to build his customer base.
Jerry put an ad in the Towson Times seeking attractive women to wear old fashioned cigar trays and walk around Towson selling his sandwiches at lunch time. The delivery business grew with just Jerry, a staff of two part-time employees and Towson students making deliveries. He started to build a reputation in the area, and within two years opened Gourmet Shop in Timonium.
In 1985, one of Jerry’s customers asked if he would cater her son’s Christening - and at $6/person, a catering business had been born. Years later, the same woman would ask Jerry of Chef’s Expressions to cater her son’s graduation from the Naval Academy in Annapolis.
In 1991, Jerry realized he needed to create a steady flow of catering customers and hired his first salespeople. By 1995, Chef’s Expressions was was growing to be more than Jerry could handle alone, and brought on business partner, Vito Piazza. Four years later, the catering business started to take off and Jerry Edwards, Executive Chef John Walsh, and the Event Design Consultants were instrumental for setting the standards for the catering industry.
Jerry is active in many charities for children’s issues and adult diseases. Among those is Meals on Wheels where he spearheads a Chef’s Dinner that has raised over $40,000 in the past five years. Jerry hosts a fundraiser for St. Vincent’s Center which has raised $70,000 to date; but his favorite time is when he goes to the center to work and play with the children. As a Chef he teaches at Baltimore City Schools for the “Days of Taste” program, which directs children toward healthy eating and food preparation. Each year, Chef’s Expressions donates food, labor and personal time to the following Charities and non-profit organizations: Cystic Fibrosis, Healthcare for the Homeless, March of Dimes, Meals on Wheels, and many others.
Jerry is active in various local and regional organizations, and sits on the board of The American Institute of Wine and Food; The National Academy Foundation where he hires culinary interns from the Academy to work in his company; National Association of Catering Executives, where he is one of eight people to be inducted into their Hall of Fame, and the Food Editor for Catersource Magazine. Jerry’s achievements are impressive and endless. His honors include being recognized by Special Events Magazine as a top 20 industry leader to watch; by Catering Magazine as Wedding Caterer of the Year 2000; by The Academy of Tourism and Travel as Caterer of the Year 2000 and nominated as Industry Leader of the Year 2004. He was the first Catering member of the Year for NACE in 1992 and 1993. In 2004, he won the Nation’s Capitol “Iron Chef” competition and also won the Baltimore NACE Iron Chef competition. He has won over 30 industry competitions including three ACF Gold Medals and the prestigious “Best Chef” for the Meals on Wheels Culinary Extravaganza.
His recipes and accomplishments have been seen in the following National Magazines: Food Arts, Special Events, Catering Magazine, Catersource, Culinary Trends, Restaurants and Institutions, Restaurant Hospitality and Chef.
Jerry lives in Baltimore with his wife Julie Brown-Edwards and his two daughters Amanda and Stephanie. He recently completed a 1 year stint as host of "Talk Cuisine", a radio program that focuses on the pleasures of entertaining and cooking.
Jerry Edwards is a successful entrepreneur because he continually watched the trends and he knew that by filling a niche for high end catering in an area where there was a need to fill was a recipe for success.
I had the pleasure of meeting jerry and Julie Edwards and was thrilled to do a large scale landscaping project for them at their lovely home in Timonium, Maryland.
www.charmedmag.com/.../jerry-edwards-owner-of-chefs-expressions/
www.jerryedwards.com/chef.shtml
How it all started - Jerry had worked in the food business, but found himself selling alarms. He wasn’t particularly thrilled about his profession and knew he wanted to find passion in a career. In 1982, he had the opportunity to purchase a sandwich shop. With a mere $2,ooo in hand, Jerry purchased what would become Gourmet by Chef’s Express. The sandwich shop drew customers from the above office complex, but there wasn’t enough to sustain the business. He knew he needed to create a delivery business and expand his market reach in the area in order to build his customer base.
Jerry put an ad in the Towson Times seeking attractive women to wear old fashioned cigar trays and walk around Towson selling his sandwiches at lunch time. The delivery business grew with just Jerry, a staff of two part-time employees and Towson students making deliveries. He started to build a reputation in the area, and within two years opened Gourmet Shop in Timonium.
In 1985, one of Jerry’s customers asked if he would cater her son’s Christening - and at $6/person, a catering business had been born. Years later, the same woman would ask Jerry of Chef’s Expressions to cater her son’s graduation from the Naval Academy in Annapolis.
In 1991, Jerry realized he needed to create a steady flow of catering customers and hired his first salespeople. By 1995, Chef’s Expressions was was growing to be more than Jerry could handle alone, and brought on business partner, Vito Piazza. Four years later, the catering business started to take off and Jerry Edwards, Executive Chef John Walsh, and the Event Design Consultants were instrumental for setting the standards for the catering industry.
Jerry is active in many charities for children’s issues and adult diseases. Among those is Meals on Wheels where he spearheads a Chef’s Dinner that has raised over $40,000 in the past five years. Jerry hosts a fundraiser for St. Vincent’s Center which has raised $70,000 to date; but his favorite time is when he goes to the center to work and play with the children. As a Chef he teaches at Baltimore City Schools for the “Days of Taste” program, which directs children toward healthy eating and food preparation. Each year, Chef’s Expressions donates food, labor and personal time to the following Charities and non-profit organizations: Cystic Fibrosis, Healthcare for the Homeless, March of Dimes, Meals on Wheels, and many others.
Jerry is active in various local and regional organizations, and sits on the board of The American Institute of Wine and Food; The National Academy Foundation where he hires culinary interns from the Academy to work in his company; National Association of Catering Executives, where he is one of eight people to be inducted into their Hall of Fame, and the Food Editor for Catersource Magazine. Jerry’s achievements are impressive and endless. His honors include being recognized by Special Events Magazine as a top 20 industry leader to watch; by Catering Magazine as Wedding Caterer of the Year 2000; by The Academy of Tourism and Travel as Caterer of the Year 2000 and nominated as Industry Leader of the Year 2004. He was the first Catering member of the Year for NACE in 1992 and 1993. In 2004, he won the Nation’s Capitol “Iron Chef” competition and also won the Baltimore NACE Iron Chef competition. He has won over 30 industry competitions including three ACF Gold Medals and the prestigious “Best Chef” for the Meals on Wheels Culinary Extravaganza.
His recipes and accomplishments have been seen in the following National Magazines: Food Arts, Special Events, Catering Magazine, Catersource, Culinary Trends, Restaurants and Institutions, Restaurant Hospitality and Chef.
Jerry lives in Baltimore with his wife Julie Brown-Edwards and his two daughters Amanda and Stephanie. He recently completed a 1 year stint as host of "Talk Cuisine", a radio program that focuses on the pleasures of entertaining and cooking.
Jerry Edwards is a successful entrepreneur because he continually watched the trends and he knew that by filling a niche for high end catering in an area where there was a need to fill was a recipe for success.
I had the pleasure of meeting jerry and Julie Edwards and was thrilled to do a large scale landscaping project for them at their lovely home in Timonium, Maryland.
www.charmedmag.com/.../jerry-edwards-owner-of-chefs-expressions/
www.jerryedwards.com/chef.shtml
Submitted by: Sharon Seborg
Monday, April 4, 2011
James McClintock - a True Entrepreneur
My father James McClintock is a true entrepreneur in my opinion. He works for Environmental Protection Agency, working to help stop pollution from ruining our environment. He also teaches science at George Mason University. On top of that, he owns his own business called DNA Diagnostics in which lawyers ask him to test evidence from suspects and victims in criminal cases. He has worked for the EPA ever since he got out of college. He got a doctorate degree in microbiology. He loves anything and everything about science.
He works for the EPA to help come up with ideas on how to go about saving the environment from pollution. For example, he is working on a project to help the Chesapeake Bay from pollution. His dream since he was young was to be in charge of the whole EPA but since he is close to retiring, he decided to take up teaching as a side job. The side job to help pay for bills became a secondary permanent job. He taught at AACC before receiving his job at George Mason University teaching microbiology. He teaches what he got his degree in so he is quite experienced in the field. He wants to help those in trying to get their degree in that field now so they can do well in the future with a job related to that field of study.
He had also always dreamed of doing something related to criminal justice as well. He started his business DNA Diagnostics so he could own his own business related to criminal justice and science. Lawyers will ask him to test evidence from suspects and from victims in such cases involving rape, assault, and murder. This way he is helping keep criminals off the streets but also doing something he enjoys related to science and criminal justice. He came up with the idea to start his business because he wanted to be his own boss so he could do things the way he wanted.
That is the meaning of being an entrepreneur by making a business from ideas of what you like to do. He worked doing what he wanted to do by going to college and studying what he enjoyed learning about. When he realized he couldn’t go any further in the EPA, he took what he knew about science and turned into his own business. He chose to make a business that will always be in need. There will always be evidence in criminal cases that needs to be tested to tell who committed the crime.
By: John McClintock
Harold MacDonald - Plumber
The entrepreneur I decided to write about is my father who has owned his own plumbing business for over 5 years now. My father started off in the plumbing business after coming back from a tour in the Navy when he was 21 years old. He joined the union and became an apprentice for a couple years as he moved his way up in the company he worked for at the time, Saia Plumbing. He eventually became a journeyman plumber, which is a licensed plumber who can complete jobs alone. He worked for Saia until around 1991 when he was laid off and got another job at W.L. Gary Plumbing company in D.C.
My father worked for W.L. Gary for over fifteen years and in that time became a Master Plumber, the highest skill and licensed level a plumber can achieve. Throughout his time with W.L. Gary my father became one of the company’s most trusted and hard working employees and was offered a higher paying job as a supervisor. My father declined the job offer because of his love for being hands on and actually doing the work instead of inspecting it.
Around 2005 my father left W.L. Gary to start his own plumbing business. He is now the owner of MacDonald Plumbing LLC where he is the main plumber for the company and basically runs a one man business. On larger jobs he will hire some of his old friends from the business and even me as his apprentice. My dad is a very busy man, taking care of all the customer jobs and while maintaining the legal documents and certifications he must have to keep his business legit. His philosophy on owning his own business is that if he can get paid by a larger company for doing the same work as he can by just being the sole profiteer of his own company. My father is his own boss, and still is one of the hardest working people I have ever met. His expectations and goals don’t stop, he only wants to make himself and his business more successful.
Dietrich Mateschitz - Red Bull
Dietrich Mateschitz is an Austrian entrepreneur, who cofounded the energy drink Red Bull. He didn’t even invent the product, he founded an existing Thai product called “Krating Daeng” and ran with it. He took that recipe and tweaked the formula, which soon turned into what is now known as Red Bull. Dietrich used his marketing and entrepreneurial skills to the ultimate. He targeted the youth and marketed to them in so many ways. He made a simple product stand out from all competitors. Simple but effective marketing, Red Bull, “it gives you wings.” It took Mateschitz about three years of hard work and experimenting to get it right, but when he did the product boomed.
He is currently a billionaire, and many successful events of his own. The Croation entrepreneur is known as a marketing genious due to the effectiveness of all of his advertising campaigns. Mateschitz has also dipped his fingers in the vast world of sports in various ways. He also owns a nascar team which is called, "Team Redbull", the successful business man also owns two soccer teams in Brazil and Germany. Another important fadct is that Mateschitz company Redbull, hosts many big time sporting events including, Redbull rampage, Redbull Crashed Ice, Redbull X-figthers, Redbull Air Race World Championship, Redbull Flugtag, and many more. Red Bull also sponsors many big time athletes such as Travis Pastrana.
Dietrich Mateschitz is the ultimate entrepreneur in my eyes, because he did not create a new product, he found an existing product and , stumbled upon the idea for Red Bull. He then used his great entrepreneurial mindset and advertizing expertise to seek out the best target market which is the, and focus on selling to them. This worked out very well because kids aspire to be like a lot of athletes they endorse. All of his success led him on a path to become one of the world's billionaires.
Submitted by: Dilan Desai
He is currently a billionaire, and many successful events of his own. The Croation entrepreneur is known as a marketing genious due to the effectiveness of all of his advertising campaigns. Mateschitz has also dipped his fingers in the vast world of sports in various ways. He also owns a nascar team which is called, "Team Redbull", the successful business man also owns two soccer teams in Brazil and Germany. Another important fadct is that Mateschitz company Redbull, hosts many big time sporting events including, Redbull rampage, Redbull Crashed Ice, Redbull X-figthers, Redbull Air Race World Championship, Redbull Flugtag, and many more. Red Bull also sponsors many big time athletes such as Travis Pastrana.
Dietrich Mateschitz is the ultimate entrepreneur in my eyes, because he did not create a new product, he found an existing product and , stumbled upon the idea for Red Bull. He then used his great entrepreneurial mindset and advertizing expertise to seek out the best target market which is the, and focus on selling to them. This worked out very well because kids aspire to be like a lot of athletes they endorse. All of his success led him on a path to become one of the world's billionaires.
Submitted by: Dilan Desai
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Bringing Dreams to Fruition
Hoping to own a clothing boutique in the near future I find myself privileged to have such inspiration within family. My cousin Chris Julian owner of Fruition and Monogram Las Vegas as well as co-owner of Stussy and UNDFTD Las Vegas which started from the ground up and continue to soar amongst his competitors. Chris attended UNLV and graduated a business major. At the age of 22 years old he decided to take what he has a passion for and turn it into a lifestyle. Starting off with just a vision opening Fruition at the age of 23 years old he never thought that would lead him to the opportunity’s that he’s had and will have in the future. Fruition is a clothing boutique in Vegas that offers vintage urban sheik such as vintage Nike, Polo, and Stussy to a higher end Louis Vuitton, MCM, and Fendi. Following that movement he was then offered a co –owner position of UNDFTD and Stussy Las Vegas.
His most recent projects B.A.R. (Born and Raised) a restaurant lounge and bar area overlooking the Vegas strip and Monogram a clothing boutique placed in the new Vegas Cosmopolitan makes a statement that he has taken Vegas by storm and I’m sure will take his brand outside Vegas in the near future. He is now in the process of helping star basketball player Lebron James open a store in Florida and working on projects with hip hop artist Kanye West.
Chris is my mentor and has helped me with numerous internships so hopefully one day I can bring my dreams into reality.
Submitted by: Roberto Julian
“The American Dream”
The wind has a way of defining Annapolis as a city for sailing. In June, this is a refreshing reminder, but in January, when locals cut through the wind like knives through ice, that air can feel a bit uncomfortable. So when a lawyer is finished with his trial and he walks back to his office on West Street, he passes by an almost invisible coffee shop, whose lingering scent can allure anyone in search of a warm place to stay. Inside Café Ole, one can greet the owner, a cheerful woman named Claudia Hassan: an entrepreneur whose ethics were never learned in a classroom, but always perfected in her business.
Upon initial entry her voice can be heard toward the direction of the door to greet her most recent arrival, but her shocking blue eyes will most likely be fixed on the soul of one of her regulars. She sparkles behind her cash register, including everyone in her conversation through her contagious laugh. If enough time is spent there, a customer can learn about her history before she offers another refill of a sixteen-ounce drink. Her Brazilian accent complements her story well. When it’s combined with her jovial tone her happiness seems immeasurable.
When she first moved to the United States, Café Ole was known as The Pony Espresso. Claudia was a barista there for eight years working hard to support herself and her family. “Everyone here knows everything about everyone. They always ask me about my boys, my house and my family in Brazil,” she told me on the first day I worked for her, “and soon they’ll know everything about you!” Her laughter turns into ecstasy when two elementary-aged boys skip into the store squealing for their mother’s attention. She showers them with love as they play with the register, count money and sip chocolate milk like they own the place (because of their ancestral right, they do). “Don’t forget to say hello to everyone who walks in the door,” she teaches the boys, “also say thank you very much for coming Miss Nancy, because we want her to come back! We love her!”
Over half of her customers are regulars, which is typical of businesses downtown. When regulars bring co-workers or a passerby stumbles upon the open doorway, they seem to make a connection with the 10-foot wide building. The familiar faces become a family, but even the out-of-towner can feel at home at either a barstool by the window or a table between the door and the register. Claudia’s shop is an oasis for her customers, whose spare time she values for it is spent drinking her coffee. Her presence distracts busy Annapolitans from the stressors of daily life, providing them with service so pure it doesn’t feel like service. It’s a small abode, humble at its’ worst, that generates gallons of coffee per day, filling West Street’s atmosphere with the seductive smell of a fresh brew.
A Brazilian smile, Seattle’s Best coffee and an American currency keep her business running. For nine hours of the day, every day (apart from weekends, which are reserved for her heirs), Claudia is like the best friend you never had. She intently listens to her customers, always giving advice and receiving favors in return. One of the first things she taught me upon my employment was not simply serve coffee, but to build a relationship. It’s a beautiful thing to see your customers as friends. She understands the exchange of service, not simply of money, and that is what makes Claudia Hassan a notable entrepreneur.
Submitted by: Sigrun Kalatschan
Ron Popeil
For the past 40 years, Ron Popeil has generated over $2 billion in sales with his unique and creative products. He was even voted as one of the 25 people who have changed the way we eat, drink and think about food by Self Magazine readers. One of his most successful inventions, The Showtime Rotisserie, at one point was selling by the thousands each week. Yet life wasn’t always this easy for Popeil, he would have to go through a lot of heartache and turmoil to get to the top. From a rocky childhood, to finding his true calling, to close financial ruin of his company, Ron Popeil would find his way through it all and come out on top.
Ron Popeil was born on May 3, 1935. He and his brother, who was just 17 months older, were constantly moving from foster home to foster home in upstate New York. His parents were divorced and rarely spent time with them. Even at Christmas, when all of the parents came to pick up their children from the foster home, Ron’s parents never came. By the age of seven, Ron’s grandparents took Ron and his brother to live with their aunt in Florida for about two and a half years. When he was 10, his grandparents moved to Chicago and he and his brother went with them. By the age of sixteen, Popeil was out on his own.
His father, Samuel Popeil, was also an inventor. He sold his inventions to different department stores and chains throughout the U.S. When Ron moved out on his own, he went to go work with his dad. He showed the different products at the store and convinced them that consumers would by the products in large quantities. Due to the significant sales of the products, stores would buy the products has fast as they could. However, the turning point in Popeil’s life didn’t come until a causal walk down Chicago’s Maxwell Street.
During that walk down Maxwell Street in Chicago, it came to him. He saw all of the people selling their products on the street and all of the money they were making. So he thought he could do what they can, but he could probably do it better. So he bought some kitchen products from his dad’s factory and went down to Maxwell Street to sell them. It was a success; he was putting more money into his pockets than ever before and that’s when he knew what his true calling was.
In the mid 1950’s television was on the rise and Ron discovered he could produce a 60-second commercial for $500 and he did. Popeil’s first TV product was the Ronco Spray Gun, a gun shaped hose nozzle that held different tablets of soap, wax, weed killer, fertilizer, and insecticide. By the 1960’s, Ron was selling most of his products on television, his father and he became very wealthy. In 1964, Ronco pulled in $200,000 in sales and by 1968, the company was raking in $8.8 million.
In the 1980’s Ronco faced financial problems. A Chicago bank went under and Ronco’s bank didn’t want to follow suit. So, the bank called in all the company’s I.O.Us. Ronco couldn’t cover them because of the certain time the bank wanted their money. So, the bank took over the company’s assets and decided to auction them off. When the bank was ready to auction off the assets, Ron offered the bank $2 million to buy it back. The bank denied his offer and went on with the auction. When the bid only came up to $1.2 million, the bank asked if Ron’s offer still stood. Keeping his word, Ron bought his company back and got it back on track.
These days, Ron is still inventing and keeping busy, but he always finds time for his favorite hobby, fishing. Ron always takes out one of his two boats and uses one of his inventions, The Pocket Fisherman, to help catch his dinner. Ron Popeil is a successful entrepreneur for many reasons. First, he has made a significant amount of money and he and his family are financially set for life. Second, he has brought the consumers useful and high quality products that have made their lives easier. Third, he followed his dreams and didn’t let anyone tell him otherwise, and has made a successful career of what he loves to do.
Submitted by: Alex Wright
Bibliography
"About Us." Www.ronco.com. Web. 29 Mar. 2011. <http://www.ronco.com/rco_aboutus.aspx>.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Tyler Balliet - Second Glass
Tyler Balliet (founder & president of Second Glass) felt the marketing of wine was inefficient to his generation. Thus, through his love for wine, Second Glass was created. Second Glass is mainly a source for wine information. It drops knowledge through weekly e-mails informing everyone about wines and encouraging them to enjoy more. It enriches knowledge of the readers of the different regions, styles, and techniques in a simple, yet slightly humorous, way.
Tyler discovered wine at college in the Pacific Northwest. He studied the culture surrounding wine while living in France. From there, he bettered his skills at a wine shop in Boston. Second Glass was born out of Tyler’s desire to create a fun, entertaining atmosphere when learning about wine. Second Glass started as an unpretentious wine print magazine, and then grew into an event company that ran on new media and technology. Tyler was instrumental in the use and development of new technologies to create and distribute wine information. He created a mobile application which is used at Wine Riots (a series of events that connects wine distributers to young consumers) and third party events and utilizes new social media techniques to make wine information more easy to obtain and more useful to the average consumer. Tyler became profiled as one of 2010’s most exciting young entrepreneurs in INC Magazine’s 30 Under 30 and crowned “prince of Boston’s wine revolution” by Stuff Magazine.
Submitted by: Ryan William Lynch
Monday, March 28, 2011
Harold Butler, Entrepreneur, founder of Denny’s Restaurant
Entrepreneurs are an integral part of my family history. Both my grandfathers were life-long entrepreneurs, but family member about who I am reporting is a cousin on my father’s side. My father had a cousin named Harold Butler, whom I have met. Harold’s mother and my paternal grandmother were sisters, so some of this report is anecdotal.
Harold Butler (1921 to 11 July 1998), born and raised in Buffalo, New York, was one of many children. Personal anecdote reports that Harold’s father disappeared when Harold was in his youth. The family reportedly counted buttons for money. Harold also sold donuts, which allowed him to purchase a row boat. He used this row boat, goes the family lore, to take paying customers out on Lake Erie for short rides. My mother was a little fuzzy about the donut connection, but apparently he eventually owned a donut shop in Buffalo. He decided he didn’t want to live the rest of his life in Buffalo, however, so he moved to California, which is where he started a donut shop he called “Danny’s Donuts”. (Schwartz, 2011)
In 1953, Harold founded the first of his donut shops, which he called “Danny’s Donuts”. The Denny’s corporate site reports that he used the name “Danny” because he felt that would have a large appeal to the general public. (Denny's Restaurant, 2011) I am guessing he used the name “Danny” because “Father Knows Best” was a popular TV show and Danny Thomas was the male lead of the show. According to Denny’s corporate site, it only took Harold a year to expand his donut shops and he decided to add sandwiches and other entrees to his menu (Denny's Restaurant, 2011) , again, I suppose, to increase the appeal of his shops to the general public, and this served to differentiate him from McDonald’s, which was a healthy and growing franchise, even then. By 1959, Danny’s Donuts had been renamed as “Denny’s Restaurants” and had become a 20 restaurant chain (Denny's Restaurant, 2011)
The differentiation from McDonald’s while still using the franchise model set up by Rae Croc was a critical factor in Denny’s Restaurant growth. Harold’s concept for Denny’s was to be a restaurant that offered decent food for low prices, in high volume with uniform menus and fast service. The difference from the diner model would then be the uniformity of the service and menu, giving people continuity wherever they went, as long as there was a Denny’s available. In fact, Denny’s occupies a unique niche, as it is a hybrid between a donut shop, a franchise and a diner. This is the crux of Harold Butler’s success in building this particular business. He did go on to build some other businesses, most of which were restaurant chains. “When one chain's fortunes failed or declined, Butler went on to another one.
"I love to feed people," is the way he once explained his dedication.” (Oliver, 1998)
Submitted by: Karen Schwartz-Mcgady
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Denny's Restaurant. (2011, March 19). Denny's Restaurants History. Retrieved March 19, 2011, from Denny's Restaurants: http://www.dennys.com/en/page.aspx?ID=31&title=History
Oliver, M. (1998, July 11). LA Times|Article Collections|Obituaries. Retrieved March 21, 2011, from LA Times Archives: http://articles.latimes.com/jul/11/local/me-2694
Schwartz, E. B. (2011, March 19). (K. Schwartz-McGady, Interviewer)
Denny’s Timeline (Denny's Restaurant, 2011) 2011
1953
Harold Butler founds the first Denny’s in Lakewood, California, under the name Danny’s Donuts.
Harold Butler founds the first Denny’s in Lakewood, California, under the name Danny’s Donuts.
1954
Butler opens additional Danny’s Donut shops and expands the menu to include sandwiches and other entrees.
Butler opens additional Danny’s Donut shops and expands the menu to include sandwiches and other entrees.
1959
Now a 20-restaurant chain, Danny’s Donuts name is changed to Denny’s.
Now a 20-restaurant chain, Danny’s Donuts name is changed to Denny’s.
1966
Denny’s makes its initial public offering on the American and Pacific Coast Stock Exchanges.
Denny’s makes its initial public offering on the American and Pacific Coast Stock Exchanges.
1977
Denny’s introduces the Grand Slam Breakfast in Atlanta as a nod to Hank Aaron. It went on to become Denny’s most famous, and still-popular, breakfast.
Denny’s introduces the Grand Slam Breakfast in Atlanta as a nod to Hank Aaron. It went on to become Denny’s most famous, and still-popular, breakfast.
1981
Denny’s continues to grow, now with over 1,000 restaurants across the country.
Denny’s continues to grow, now with over 1,000 restaurants across the country.
1991
Denny’s headquarters moves from Irvine, California, to Spartanburg, South Carolina.
Denny’s headquarters moves from Irvine, California, to Spartanburg, South Carolina.
1994
Denny’s becomes the largest corporate sponsor of the national charity Save the Children.
Denny’s becomes the largest corporate sponsor of the national charity Save the Children.
2005
Denny’s common stock is relisted on The NASDAQ Stock Market under a “DENN” ticker symbol as a result of the company’s sustained sales growth and continued improvements to its restaurant operations.
Denny’s common stock is relisted on The NASDAQ Stock Market under a “DENN” ticker symbol as a result of the company’s sustained sales growth and continued improvements to its restaurant operations.
2007
Denny’s ends the year with system wide sales of $2.4B and $1.72M average unit sales for company-operated restaurants.
Denny’s ends the year with system wide sales of $2.4B and $1.72M average unit sales for company-operated restaurants.
2010
Carolinas Minority Supplier Development Council named Denny's Corporation of the Year in Supplier Diversity
Carolinas Minority Supplier Development Council named Denny's Corporation of the Year in Supplier Diversity
2002
Denny’s parent company, Advantica Restaurant Group, Inc., is renamed Denny’s Corporation to reflect the one brand focus.
Denny’s parent company, Advantica Restaurant Group, Inc., is renamed Denny’s Corporation to reflect the one brand focus.
2006
Black Enterprise magazine ranks Denny’s at the top of its list of “Best 40 Companies for Diversity” in July 2006.
Black Enterprise magazine ranks Denny’s at the top of its list of “Best 40 Companies for Diversity” in July 2006.
2009
Denny’s remains the largest family-service restaurant in America, with 21,000 employees and 1,546 restaurants.
Denny’s remains the largest family-service restaurant in America, with 21,000 employees and 1,546 restaurants.
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