Archive for April, 2009
Mission Possible
Last year I wrote an article on mission, vision and values statements. At the time, I didn’t think these corporate instruments applied to small business owners like me. Lately, however, I’ve been asked more often to summarise what I ‘do’. As my new website nears completion, it seems I really should define my mission. Luckily, [...]
Plan B
I usually spend hours perfecting these blog posts, but today I’m not feeling at all well*. I’ve also got some crushing work deadlines. What’s more, my brilliant IT guys have prepared my new website ahead of time and they’re waiting for my fresh words and pictures. I hope the brevity of this post underscores a [...]
Look, Dad; no job!
Contrary to TV nirvana, family affairs can be vexed. And when children choose different paths to their parents’, the relative thickness of blood doesn’t stint its flow. This has been a big issue for my small business. I’m keen to know if you think I’m a spoilt brat or part of a statistically relevant pack.
My [...]
The Punter’s Ton
EXCITING NEWS FLASH!
A version of this post has just been published in Seth Godin’s Purple Cow New Edition (hardback). Check it out here.
I drove up in my hatchback and ordered 100 kg of wood. Tim* asked if I wanted a pre-weighed stack or… the Punter’s Ton. Of course I inquired what the Punter’s Ton was. [...]
I’m Frightened!
Today I commissioned a $2500, scorched-earth rebuild of my entire website. I expected a faint pang of apprehension at this point; now that it’s here, I’m downright scared. I’ve written dozens of sites for clients, but this is different. It’s my site, my brand, my business and my money, um… line of credit, actually.
In short, [...]
Waiter, There’s a Bomb in My Soup!
Poison pet food. Faulty car brakes. Flammable fans. If a customer found a potentially lethal problem with your product, would you want to know? If so, how badly? One might think such information would be highly prized. But is it?
Six months ago I opened a pack of sliced almonds. Inside was a big gob of [...]
Fresh Eyes. Fresh Ideas.
However much you love your business, familiarity can deaden your senses to its merits and flaws.
To optimise your operation, therefore, the unbiased eyes of first-time visitors are an essential (and inexpensive) tool.
I’d visited my local pub for ten years. My custom, however, was limited to the tiny bottle shop. From there I could [...]
What Day is it?
Easter’s coming. I think. Apart from the buns I can’t tell. I work six days every week; seven if I can get away with it. This makes each day pretty much like the next. Weekends mean rising at seven instead of six. Public holidays mean my wife’s home. Christmas means less traffic. Vacations come every [...]
Physician, Heal Thyself?
Some people hate their work. Some like it, but seek to balance it with life. For others, work and play are one. I imagine the third group is happiest and healthiest, but I’d like to know.
I once got a lift with a professional cleaning couple. Their van was knee deep in crud. Yet I’d seen [...]
