Do you feel underpaid and/or overworked? Do you struggle to keep your business organized? Does the service you provide your customers lack consistency? Are you about ready to throw in the towel? If any of these questions describe your situation, read on. If they don’t resonate with you, keep reading anyway. I guarantee there’s valuable info to follow.

Wake Up and Smell the Coffee
Remember my book recommendation in a previous chapter, “The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It” by Michael E. Gerber? As I admitted, I hadn’t actually read it yet. This was Blair’s pick. I was procrastinating over lifting the cover. I have a stack of unread books beckoning to me, and my first choice didn’t involve one that focuses on business administration. That, I thought, is Blair’s department. When it comes to operations I’m merely the assistant. Besides, administration involves organizational skills, and heaven knows, it’s almost more than I can manage to figure out how to get out of bed in the morning, and brew a pot of coffee. First of all, it requires considerable effort. Really, I could use the coffee before I attempt the getting out of bed part! Secondly, just think about it, there must be at least a dozen steps involved between throwing back the covers and then finally gulping that stimulating cup of brain fuel. It’s practically overwhelming.

My point: Do I sound like administrative material? Like, I’m capable of organizing an entire business! (Anybody else having similar feelings right now, maybe like you’ve gotten in over your head? But here you are. Now what? Keep reading.) Okay, so maybe I can be of assistance in developing a plan. I’m certainly full of ideas, and - far too often, as Blair is wont to point out - criticism for the present structure. Time to put some substance where my beak is. Well, I didn’t go easily, but Blair was adamant that I read the book, and finally commanded it. And something made me listen. (I guess, that’s why he’s the boss!)

Take Time to Smell the Roses
I figure if he can do it, I can do it. So, here I am trying the same tactic. Of course, I’m not the boss of you, so I may be squawking above the wrong tree. However, if you want to transform your business into a fine-tuned machine, which will not only make you money, but will allow you some time to have a life, read this book. Or maybe your system’s working fine for you now, and you have a good life, thank you very much, but what about taking your business to the next level? Same advice. Read this book. That’s an order! (Just thought I’d try it.)

How’s it working for me? Are you on your way to a bookstore yet? By the way, buying the book is only the first step. You know what you must do next.

Sweet Smell of Success
Seriously, if you’re serious about learning an effective way to manage and grow your business - one that will help you do it without self-destructing - this book is an excellent way to start. If you’re still at the whining and complaining stage, and don’t acknowledge there’s a solution to your challenges - they’re not problems, they’re simply challenges which can be surmounted with solutions - there are other books I recommend you read first. Yes, I have read these. You’ll find my suggestions for the personal development genre in previous chapters, which you can review on our website, www.corbingraphics.com. Click on “Quoth the Raven...” near the top of the browse menu on the left.

Reading “The E-Myth Revisited” will help you discover your predominant business personality - technician, manager, or entrepreneur. You’ll be illuminated as to why none of these individual character traits can build a successful business. You’ll then be consoled by the fact that all personalities are present to some degree in everyone; you need only realize how to access them to advantage. Gerber will explain what that looks like. But most importantly, you’ll be guided to set up a system that works. For the price of a book, and a bit of time to read, what have you got to lose? If you think you can’t afford either, then you probably can’t afford a successful business. Follow in my steps, and begin with the ‘other’ books.

Just Smell
Along with a successful system, a business also needs a strong marketing plan. Depending on the response, we are still considering offering a 1-day marketing seminar. Please fill out the Business Boost Survey on our website before the end of November.

We were thrilled to see all the entrepreneurs who turned up at our recent Print & Cut Expo. Participants were able to check out some new equipment, take home samples, pick the brains of our resident experts, enjoy fine food and beverages, and meet like-minded business people. Three lucky candidates also won valuable door prizes. This was an exciting event. Hope to see you at our next one.

For your success,

Team Corbin
 

<previous

return to intro

next>