Fairness

When considering money, equity, time and sweat/effort - what is truly fair? It has been an interesting last two days as work has taken me to our friends/clients home in Palm Springs. Man is it HOT here! I can see how this is truly the desert. What does come to mind is the issue of fairness and "even-handedness" in all relationships.

Not only do most of us work, many of us are in relationships with significant life partners. Over the course of our lives we both create and destroy capital and resources. How much do we each participate in each other's successes & failures? How can this be categorized? One thing is clear, if you have it in writing before you needed it, it likely will proceed most smoothly. If you are currently in a business relationship with someone - make sure you have a clear operating agreement or at least a outline of responsibilities and equity. Don't leave things to chance, or chance will tear you apart!

Balance of Power

It is always questionable in community and small business where the power lies. Is it with government? Residents? Business? Clearly not business, at least not in Seal Beach. Voters control the local politics and those who are most interested in what is happening tend to begin to steer the discussion. All components of community must act with some harmony in order for the societal contract and effective interaction of all of the triad to work. What does this mean? Any one of the three can cause harm to the other two, but only through cooperation are optimal results made. A perfect example of harmony was made last night about solar power. All speakers and council felt that solar was the way to go - by zeroing out fees for small residential systems. Thus, all benefit - small business, residents and even the government (in the form of positive press). In an example of disharmony, government is trying to control the types of businesses within the Main Street specific plan area. This governmental interference in free market does not benefit the community equally. It harms business growth and does not address the critical issues of noise and alcohol consumption that bothers some residents. Balance was not achieved and as a result, less than optimal results were achieved - poor staff direction and an uncertain community. Balance, harmony, results.

Social Networking - Web 3.0

What is the next step of the web? What social networking do you use to help keep your business afloat? Let me know!

The photo to the left represents a trap many of us look to - how to get the $ without being "snapped" - how do you keep ahead? I know I am always looking. . .

Luxury of Space

This is from my friend & client - David Jefferys' email and it seemed very apropos. If you need a brand check up, let me know, I will put you in touch with him!

One of my favorite stores is Barnes & Noble.

Yes, they have lots of books, music and movies. But what I love most is that it feels like I've been invited to hang out - big comfortable chairs, coffee and snacks.

Did I mention the big comfortable chairs?

Well it turns out, I love Barnes & Noble because they've created a "Being Space."
Sociologist Ray Oldenburg first conceived of the "Being Space" in his 1990 book The Great Good Place and described it as a place where people hang out, take it easy and "commune with friends, neighbors, and whoever else shows up." A place where you can enjoy a cup of coffee with friends, people watch, read a book or play a computer game.

Think about it. Starbucks, The Apple Store, the Laundromat where you can watch a movie while you wash. It seems like the retailers have caught on.

But what about the service industry?

Imagine this - what if clients or business friends and vendors were invited to stop by your office. Maybe they're in between meetings or just need a place to catch their breath.

They could grab a cup of coffee, hop on your wireless high speed internet (or use the computer in your open work station), make some phone calls or grab a book off your bookshelf.

Do you think they'd take you up on your offer? Does it say something about your brand that you've created a space where they could? Would it alter or intensify their opinion of you and what working with you might be like?

What do you think - could you create a being space?

Happy Birthday - Papa

My stepfather, Jim is an amazing man. He has been in real estate for 40+ years, a proud father of two (three if you count me!) and grandfather of two. I am lucky to have had him in my life for 32 years. Always ready with a smile, a professional demeanor and good cheer - he has known great success and also some great losses. It is strange to think of him as a stepfather anymore, he is simply one of my parents as he has been there really my whole life. Happy birthday to him! Plus, he has hardly changed in the last 32 years. Maybe a bit more "hitch in his getup and go" and a bit more salt than pepper in his hair, but his mind is just as agile and sharp. Quick with a turn of phrase and always such a giver, we are all lucky to have him in our lives. Can't wait to have dinner with him on Sunday!

Ancillary Jobs & Supporting Roles

When looking to their own business, entrepreneurs often make the mistake of thinking they are the sole reason for its success. This is often wrong.

What provides a level of freshness and resilience to a venture is differing perspective and diversity. Make sure in your operational team you have diversity - not just in ethnic categories but things like age, gender, sexual orientation and spiritual views. These provide insights not simply for the business but also the customers.

Remember as well that many of these jobs are not the flash of energy that brings a lot of attention to your "store" but rather communicates the competency and excellence. These "ancillary" or supporting roles are key times when you have the ability to differentiate from your competition.

Reflecting - the day after

What is our independence? Why do we as a country celebrate it? Should we reflect on what it means to be free? Are we really free in our society?

I chose this image not only because it is provocative, but because it has an intriguing duality - sensual & sexual vs. artistic & composition. We take for granted that we have the right to free speech, the right to assemble and the right to choose many things in our country. Other nations, like Iran, are in the midst of redefining what their independence means to them. This image could not be published in that society without consequence - for that matter, I couldn't live with my partner in an open way. Yet, our government would control what I put into my body (and thus what I do to it) and who I can marry. When does control interfere with freedom? Who decides this? When is too much freedom dangerous? I find our country moving in an odd lurching step - both looking for more equality (equal healthcare for all), yet denying equality (no, I can't marry my partner). Strange that we should be so concerned about the "rights" when really aren't we talking about "privileges?" I am not sure that everyone deserves the right to health care. I am equally unsure that everyone deserves the right to have children - yet there is no limit on having children. Are we in society protecting the right things? Or are we simply trying to appease the masses?

Independence Day

A funny conversation with my partner:

"Happy July 4th honey - you lost." - American

"We let you win and we didn't really want you anyway!" - British

Ah, couplehood. :-)

The Day before

The day before the 4th of July (the 3rd - obviously) was busy in retail food and bikes for sure! Really moved through the customers. It is interesting to see the focus on value rather than price. Those who are looking for price may be disappointed, but true value comes from quality. For small business, we need to constantly strive for the value not just the price point. I would pay $4 for a great cup of coffee, but not $2 for a lousy one (or at least I would never be back.) What is your value proposition? Are you capitalizing on the holiday?

Holiday Rush - Open or Close?

Holidays provide ample opportunity to make sales when you are in business. Many people may be off, but they may also be looking for an opportunity to spend their money! Make sure that if you have goods or services which may be in demand during a holiday - be available to take it. Re-evaluate if you should be open or closed. If you are closed, could you do something which would advance your business? Take an extra bit of time with your team or your key customers. Have a BBQ, host an open house or incorporate the celebrations into your business life. Happy early Independence Day for those who are reading from the US!