Innovation

Innovation is the introduction of something new. Innovation is a new idea, method or device (novelty). I have been pondering innovation a lot lately. How do you take an established business to the next level? Or for that matter a new business! When it is a small business I feel we hold the key to innovation. The decisions we make on a daily basis affect the outcome on a daily basis.

Are we being innovative? Looking for new opportunities? Knocking on new doors? Taking risks? Are we waiting for something to happen? Or worse yet looking behind us at what didn't work?

Being innovative doesn't have to cost a lot of money. It can be the smallest of changes in our thought process. I tend to bounce ideas off a couple of my really good friends. Sometimes they look at me in amazement! Where did that idea come from?!? They have an innate ability to keep me grounded! However, every once in awhile as we talk an idea forms. One that is innovative and worth pursuing! Take a moment today and think of one new innovative idea to try today.

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Self Help

I read a quote by George Carlin today about self help that made me laugh!
I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman, "Where's the self-help section?" She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose.

I thought that was pretty funny, and then I paused for a moment to think about helping ourselves. I have been very lucky in my life to have had parents and mentors who have been there for me. They have guided me when I have needed it, but they have always given me the space to succeed or fail. And believe me I have had success, but I also know what failure feels like. There have been times in my life I wish someone would have stepped in and done something for me, but in the long run I am grateful they let me make my own choices.

I recognize the fact the I am accountable for my own actions and the decisions I have made along the way. I am motivated to find new ways to do things. I am sometimes afraid to try to do new things. For me it is best that I just jump in with both feet without thinking about it. That is when I have had my most satisfying experiences. When I stop, look around and then jump is when I have a tendency to fall.

I am very happy that I have had many people in my life like the saleswoman who have nudged me to help myself! They have also given me the ability to laugh at myself!

Supporting Local Small Businesses

I love to support the small businesses in my community. I enjoy walking into a store and being greeted with a smile. To me it is the small things in life that are the most important! When I go into a local store I know my business is appreciated. Not that it isn't in the large retail chains, there is just a different sense of appreciation as I wonder through a store that is unique, inviting and warm. Through the years I have come to recognize the importance of spending my money locally.

These merchants spend a lot of time working on building their merchandise assortment, honing their business skills and most importantly developing a strong clientele base.

I am amazed at the amount of niche markets there are out there where the merchandise assortment is so critical to a successful store. I respect the ability to chose the right products to be in a store. The marketplace is constantly changing and keeping a finger on the pulse of the product mix is a daily undertaking!

A small business person is a jack of all trades. I know that sounds funny but it is so true! The sheer magnitude of business skills that are necessary to run a small business is overwhelming! These skills are learned. Yes, some people are blessed with a strong business sense, but for most small business owners there is a lesson learned every day.

The most critical piece of the business is developing a clientele base. This group of loyal customers will not only come back themselves, but refer other people to their business. This is knack. Giving the customer enough space, but also letting them know that they are right there if needed. A wise business person develops clientele through vendor relationships, business to business opportunities, walk in business, and referrals. You never know when a contact will lead to a new client opportunity.

I appreciate all that goes into running a small business. I try to support the businesses in my community that treat me well. When you go shopping today take a moment and stop into one of the shops near your home! You never know what you will find!

Winter Cleaning

I started my winter cleaning today! Every year in about mid January I feel the need to start cleaning! The Christmas decorations are all put away and it is time to start cleaning and organizing for the new year. I find myself going from room to room and evaluating my use of space! I have plenty of space in my home, but I don't always use it in the most efficient manner. It is always a good time to step back and look at what needs to be done this year. Last year I worked on my office. It is now all organized and really set up the way that I like it! That is always the best feeling! My mom keeps an impeccable home, she cleans every single day. My goal for 2009 is to clean every day as well. That way when it comes to my seasonal cleaning it won't be as overwhelming! Off to clean!

Professional and Personal Visions

I believe firmly in having both professional and personal visions. My visions incorporate my goals along with my aspirations to realize the outcomes I desire. The biggest challenge I encounter is keeping focused on my visions. My visions work best when I write them down and keep photos around me to realize them! Visualizing is a discipline to me, believing and seeing the successful outcome. Several years ago I saw a great Raymond Weil watch in Forbes. I took the photo out of the magazine and placed it on the wall in front of my desk at work. I had no idea how much the watch was, however I knew I wanted it! I went to the store, only to find out it was out of my price range. I wasn't too surprised because it is a beautiful watch. I looked at that photo every day for a year, and I saved my money. Exactly 1 year later I paid cash for my Raymond Weil watch. It is through my vision that I was able to realize the outcome! There are many visions that I have yet to achieve. I wear my watch every day as a reminder of what I can achieve!

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Snowflakes

I have always been fascinated with snowflakes. Even on the coldest of winter days (like today) when I see the snowflakes coming down I have to stop and watch. When I was a little girl I would carry a magnifier in my coat pocket so that when I saw a snowflake that I thought was cool I could look at it more closely. Each one alone is so beautiful, floating down to earth. Sometimes gently and sometimes with gusto each snowflake falls at a different speed and chooses a different course to its final destiny. I think I will put a magnifier in my coat pocket again.