Success Leaves Clues
By Patricia Twitchell
How often have you thought of running your own business because you
assumed it would be easy? Or if you currently have your own business,
you thought, "There's got to be an easier way to do what I
do."
Fact is, often there is not an "easy way" to achieve business
success. It takes time, commitment and most importantly realizing
that success leaves clues.
The clues are available if you are willing to look for them. As the
owner and operator
 of a unique retail store in Myrtle Creek, Oregon,
I have experienced the ups and downs that come with being an
entrepreneur.
Fortunately, there are far more ups than downs, but it was during the
low points, I have had to evaluate the choice I made in the early
90's to open Just Bears and Stuff in a town of little more than
3,000 people.
What I have learned over the last decade is enough to fill not only
one book, but several. For the sake of space, I will share with you
the high points of what has allowed me to be one of the most
successful teddy bear and specialty item gift store owners around.
As I share my strategies with you I do not do so to impress or gloat.
I do it to impress upon you the importance of studying success and
then determining if the path of business ownership is for you.
Vision - Every journey begins with a vision. Without vision it is
virtually impossible to stay on target.
Plan – As the saying goes, you must plan for success or you are
planning to fail. Have a plan in place that is your road map. The
plan will allow you to stay on course with your vision. Of course,
there will be times when the plan must change due to unforeseen
circumstances. Which leads to the next point. ..
Flexibility – Life is not set in stone, nor is business. There
will be occasions the best laid plans will not work. In a moments
notice you will have to do something else. The key to flexibility is
a solid foundation.
Foundation – The more you have a solid infrastructure in your
business the more likely you will make it through the times of
economic downturns, fickle customers, new competition, personal
tragedy and the absolute unforeseen obstacles that can and do occur.
Hard work – It never ceases to amaze me how many people say they
want to start their own business because they think it will be easy.
Fact is, owning your own business is probably one of the most
difficult things you will ever do and yet, one of the most rewarding.
If you are not committed to hard work, you are not committed to your
success.
Financial backing – Key to your success is to make sure you have
enough money to start your business, buy necessary supplies and stock
and carry you through the slow times. We would all like to think that
all we have to do is open our doors and hang a shingle and the rest
takes care of itself. Fact is, you have to build a client base and
nurture the client base. That takes money and time. Additionally, as
you grow, you must have the capital to grow.
Creativity – Business is about systems and it is about being
creative. Be willing to take risks and introduce new products and
services as the market demands it. Although my business originally
began as a strictly brick and mortar teddy bear gift shop, it has
grown beyond that. I now generate a great deal of revenue from
Internet buyers. This was made possible by me being willing to create
a web presence that is a great match for my market. Additionally, I
began a corporate gifts division about a year ago that serves the
needs of busy professionals who simply call or email their request
for a client or staff gift. Both of these changes have been
instrumental in strengthening my bottom line.
Enjoy yourself – Though some of what I have shared might seem
bleak, the truth is, owning your own business can be one of the most
enjoyable experiences you will ever have. Yet, there will be times
you may forget that. Always remember what it felt like with every
minor and major milestone you achieved. Also remember what your dream
was when you began your business or what your dream is as you venture
into ownership. It is in the remembering the commitment is renewed on
a daily basis.
Serve – Above and beyond everything else, your job is to serve
your customers. They do business with you because you create an
experience for them. What is the experience you are known for?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Patricia Twitchell is the proprietor of Just Bears and Stuff, a
unique gift shop located in Myrtle Creek, Oregon. When you are
seeking the perfect gift for someone special, Just Bears and Stuff is
the answer. Receive "Beary Special Moments" a free online
teddy bear facts and tips e-zine by visiting
www.justbearsandstuff.com . Call 1.541.863.6037
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