It's the little things.

So, apparently my beloved mini van (I never thought I'd say those words back in my cool days) needed a new transmission. 

We got the bad news a couple of weeks ago. 

After some debate over repair or buying new, a run in with an overly aggressive sales agent, lots of stress and tears, a phone call telling me the tech damaged our axel, a nearly two week delay waiting for parts, a drive to idaho to pick up a rental car....and not having enough seat-belts for everyone...

 I finally picked my "baby" up this morning and wrote out a check for almost $3700. Tears welling up. 

And what do I notice when I'm about to pull out on the freeway... Yup. I am COMPLETELY out of gas. Thanks guys. Customer service at its finest I guess. 

Here's hoping this thing lasts me another 100k. 

Answer the phone!!!

Okay, this is one of the most simple business strategies I know, but on that is not used enough in business these days! I mean, how often do you call a business and get recording after recording... and if you leave a message, does someone actually call you back? Probably not!

If a prospective customer or client is calling your business it usually means they've already visited your website and they: 1) Are interested, but have a few additional questions, or 2) They are ready to BUY from you!! 

And if no one answers the phone, chances are they will move on and find someone who will! As a business owner who's goal it was to GROW my business, I ALWAYS answered the phone! I've registered clients, while in the cosmetic aisle at Walmart, writing their info down on a crumpled up napkin I found in my purse. But I got the client that day... because I answered the phone! 

Here's an insider's secret: Your competitors probably STINK at answering the phone. By doing this one thing well, you are miles ahead of similar businesses around you! Give it a try. 

Yes it can be a pain trying to answer calls while grocery shopping, working out, or trying to catch up on projects. But remember... if your goal is to GROW your business, you have to do some uncomfortable things sometimes. When you're not in the office, forward calls to your cell phone. 

If you can afford it, have a receptionist or assistant take calls, or use an ansering service. 

Seriously. You will see real growth when you open up the phone lines and let your future customers in. They will love you for it!

Go Chris!!

I {HEART} this speech from "Chris" Ashton Kutcher at the 2013 Teen Choice Awards.   Seriously.  Amazing.  Lessons learned....

YOU

Does your summer break look like this??

Well friends, we're offically 2 weeks in to summer vacation.  Is your summer looking like this yet? Are you trying to run a small business, with a "few extra employees" thrown in to the mix?  Been there.  Done that.  Doing it right now.  In fact as I write this... this dude is crawling all over me!

Well, here are a few tricks I've learned over the years to keep your business moving... even when the kids are out of school!

1.  Have a routine.  Schedule your work for the same time every day, so that you and the kids know what to expect.

2.  Give the kids something to do.  You can't just expect kids to entertain themselves because you have things to do.  Give them a project.  Chores.  A Craft.  Something that will keep them busy so you can focus. Obviously I failed in this area today.  LOL. :)

3.  Take some time to ENJOY your kids.  Do something fun with your kids every day, so that they can see the fun side of mom.  And when you're enjoying time with them... focus on them 100%.  No laptop or cell phone allowed!  Go swimming, get some ice cream, or go for a hike.  Work on the "business" that really matters.... YOUR FAMILY!!!