You’ll also find this post at The Pulse

Say hello to my little friends.

We’ve spoken about children at work, and the effects of family illness.

How about critters?

What role (if any) do pets have in business?

Free Range

I figure there are three schools of thought:

1. Corporate environments in which the prospect of pets is laughable.
2. Home / small offices that consider critters de rigueur.
3. Places in between.

As usual, I expect to learn that I’ve merely … scratched the surface.

I’ll describe my situation, tell a few tales, then open the floor.

Winston and Sarah have mentioned pets in several comments.

I’d love to hear yours too.

Dog Days

Omaha and Graham (pictured) spend each day in or around Empire House.

Omaha curls at my feet for hours.

She’s wonderful company for a sole trader in a solitary trade.

Twitter is awash with pictures of cats lounging on keyboards and monitors.

These suggest many businesspeople keep close quarters with furry friends.

Walkies!

My dogs get me out of the house.

I’m forever tempted to put work deadlines ahead of my well-being.

Left to my own devices, I wouldn’t exercise nearly as much.

But when bright eyes and tapping paws implore you to take them to the sun, it’s hard to resist.

Stress Balls

I’ve read that pet owners live longer and have reduced cancer and heart disease risk.

The mere act of stroking fur is supposed to lower your heart rate and stress level.

If you have a bad interaction with a client or supplier, the warmth and unconditional understanding of a best friend can be very calming.

Pet Hates

It cuts both ways, though.

When clients visit, critters must vanish.

You can’t have them jumping and pawing.

And that visitor’s chair better be clean.

It’s bad enough when you go to a meeting covered in fur. (The old sticky roller’s a godsend here.)

Sending your clients back into the world similarly hirsute is even worse.

Corporate Animals

Some larger offices allow pets (and military mascots abound).

Responses range from lifting team morale to finding poo in the boardroom.

Some people can’t handle the distraction of animals at work.

And a cute puppy sure can stop an entire department in its tracks.

Babies have a similar impact, though they don’t tend to chew three-phase power cables.

Then, of course, there are allergies.

Despite the pitfalls, some big firms have a liberal attitude towards pets at work.

How about you?

Your Say

What do you think of this fuzzy frivolity?

• One meow, yes.
• Two meows, no.

Give us a sign,

lest we do this by

arf.

Paul Hassing, Founder & Senior Writer, The Feisty Empire

Blink and you may miss it.

Here’s a business tip I learnt the hard way:

If you get a gig, job, order, project, piece of work or commission, do it NOW.

If you don’t, it may not be there tomorrow.

For several reasons.

Unkind Cut

A large IT firm gave me 100 recruitment ads to critique.

I toiled for much of Easter, getting 50 done.

Then I rewarded myself with a couple of days off.

When my client returned to work, he found his budget slashed by overseas corporate masters.

He was forced to cancel the project.

He paid me for what I’d done, which was half of what I could’ve done, had I pressed on.

As this happened when I was just starting out, I felt the revenue loss keenly.

Mind Altering

I was asked to source radio jingles for an automotive firm.

I offered the job to Adam, who quoted $3000.

The client approved the quote and Adam pulled several all-nighters to write, perform and record some rippers in double-quick time.

But before I could send them to the client, she abruptly changed her mind and tried to cancel the project.

Fortunately, I still had her email approval, so we had her cold.

Had Adam waited a few days, he’d have missed out on a lucrative gig.

Off Balance

Of course, this hot-iron-striking advice flies in the face of all our warm fuzzies about taking care of ourselves in business.

We’ve had wonderful suggestions about negotiating realistic deadlines, operating within our limits, maintaining work-life balance and so on.

But as GFC II threatens, I wonder if we can afford to dawdle on such shifting sands.

Vexed issues are best handled by the fine minds that inhabit this space.

And so I put it to you.

Your View

When you get a piece of business, do you:

a)    Luxuriate in the prospect and do it as, and when, you see fit.

b)    Seize it as if it were your last meal on earth and devour it on the spot.

c)    Attend to it fairly smartly, but without unseemly haste.

d)    Handle it some other way (please describe).

?

The clock’s ticking.

Let’s get to work!

…

No?

…

How about later?

…

…

Never mind.

Paul Hassing, Founder & Senior Writer, The Feisty Empire

Do you share dark days with clients?

Disease is visiting my family.

I’ll spare you the details; it’s life and we all must live it.

The question is, do our private lives concern our customers?

Family Feud

Fonnie and I differ on so little, it’s significant when we retain opposing views.

Hers is that family affairs have nothing to do with business.

Mine is that clients appreciate candour and humanity.

Fonnie is wise.

My business is successful.

So who’s right?

Our chronic debate has covered many scenarios. See what you think.

Gone to the Dogs?

If I missed a client phone call due to walking my dogs, I used to apologise and say as much.

Fonnie argued that my unsolicited admission would win few votes, especially from those toiling daily in windowless rooms.

I recognised the difference between truth and blurting and am now less forthcoming.

House Call

Last week I had to cancel a client meeting due to a pivotal family medical appointment.

Against Fonnie’s advice, I told two client representatives in broad terms what was going on.

One was sympathetic; the other annoyed.

A tie.

Truth or Dare

I’m fully booked for the next fortnight. Yet it’s highly likely my family will need me during this time.

If they do, I’ll put them first.

But what, if anything, should I tell clients whose deadlines I miss?

Have you ever phoned a supplier to be told, ‘He’s in a meeting’ and you know he isn’t?

I’ve even heard (disgruntled) secretaries say, ‘He’s gone to the pub’ or ‘He’s on the toilet’.

I see here that discretion is preferred.

But if someone I seek is tending a loved one, I’d much rather be told than deceived.

In my book, to understand is to forgive.

Body Blow

On the other hand, some people fling family matters in your face like a smoke screen.

When I advised our architect that her $3000 laundry plans (developed over weeks) made no provision for our washing machine, she promptly cited a miscarriage and stopped taking my calls.

Then there’s grey areas. For instance, does a snake bite wield less gravitas on a teen than a toddler if they’re both your kids?

Help!

I won’t lie to clients.

But I don’t wish to bore them with matters they consider irrelevant.

I feel my approach should be situational, but I’m crap at reading situations.

I therefore rely on your views to illuminate this picture.

What do you think of life, death, customers, family, the universe and all that?

Paul Hassing, Founder & Senior Writer, The Feisty Empire

Last week I beheld a new level of business torment.

A woman devoid of support and overrun by systems, elements and offspring.

How do people manage to combine kids and commerce?!

Hot Mama

I was visiting a packing-and-sending place.

It was hot out and not much better in, as a loading bay countered the office air conditioning.

After a while, a flushed woman emerged from a corral of half-wrapped plasma screens.

Her smile was drawn.

To her right, a baby inched off a foam mat.

From another room came toddler talk, followed by a clattering sound.

‘What are you doing, Jason?’

…

‘Jason?’

CRASH!!!

The woman dashed to the noise.

Maid to Measure

She returned to the counter with an apology.

I asked for a quote to send my package.

She rifled back and forth through a price book that looked as worn as she did.

Finally, with what seemed great mental effort, she calculated the fee.

I chose to buy cardboard tubing and post it myself.

As the woman cut the tubing to size, she nudged the baby back onto the mat and glanced to her left for Jason.

He emerged from her right and confronted me with a large, whippy, metal tape measure.

The woman disarmed him and shepherded him back with the tube before laying it on the counter.

‘Five dollars, thanks.’

‘No worries; could I have a receipt please?’

‘Sure.’

Money Pit

As she took out an old-fashioned receipt book, the phone rang: a customer inquiry.

She put the prospect on hold, fished for carbon paper and failed find a blank receipt.

She fossicked in a drawer for another book with such mounting despair that I told her not to worry.

But she pressed on, scribbling out the details of a cancelled receipt and writing mine.

I apologised for taking up so much of her time for a measly five bucks.

She nodded her thanks and returned to the phone, but the prospect had hung up.

Jason vanished.

The baby crawled.

The plasma screens beckoned.

And the hot wind slammed the front door behind me.

Family Matters

I simply could not work under these conditions.

Could you?

Do you?

Do you know others who juggle business and family?

Tell us a story!

We’re sitting comfortably …

Please begin.

Paul Hassing, Founder & Senior Writer, The Feisty Empire

Today we welcome Ensha Reiya to the Small Business Owner blog. Ensha is a facilitator and trainer in the field of alternative therapies. It’s been a difficult start to the year for many and Ensha shares her thoughts on moving forward.  Naomi

Natural disasters have rocked many businesses in Australia this year, directly and indirectly. Early 2011 took us through a difficult and challenging period. Mother Nature’s alarm went off loud and clear; ignore her at your own peril.

Life since has been at a cross-road as we focus on restoring ourselves from the mud, flood, fires, ashes and falling debris and take the necessary steps to move forward. With the reminder that what is important in life aren’t ‘things’.

The lifestyle wakeup call delivered by Mother Nature was not subtle and touched many people at a deep core level.

Personally and globally gaping cracks are showing up in the old mode of living, collectively we are in a learning leap, and are now pushed to jump that chasm and discover new ways to do the old things.

Where is this heading?  2011 is the year of Unity and Community. The ball has begun to roll along in that direction and it’s now about keeping the momentum going and transform those fresh ideas and new concepts into actions and outcomes.

Life will continue to move along at ‘warp speed ridiculous’.  As we learn to think in a new perspective, the changes made will aid us in maintaining inner and outer harmony personally and in business.  

I thought I’d share a collection of my thoughts about the essential skills needed in life, and business, for these evolving times…

• Greater flexibility – the capacity to change direction at a moments notice. And not grumble about it.
• Develop an unlimited imagination.
• Increased self awareness and self responsibility.
• Trust your gut instinct more often.
• Prioritise health and vitality – physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.
• Work towards establishing a lifestyle that truly fills you up rather then empties you out.
• Find a creative outlet for your talents. If it’s not your day to day work, how about as a sideline.
• Teach your children how to be happy people, so they can go out into the world and create their own happiness.

What, if any, habits do you think will become extinct and go by the wayside?

I’m looking forward to your wisdom and input.

Ensha Reiya

http://enshareiya.wordpress.com/   

Blogs on Body Mind and Spirit Connection. Health and Wellness.

Time to mix it up, so this week I’m in the hot seat and I thought I’d take a look at life outside work.

While it’s important to slow down and create a positive work-life balance, how many of us are actually achieving it? I know I struggle with it!

This post is not to preach to you about how you should be living your life, I just wanted to share a few quick ideas that might point you in the right direction for achieving the balance (its a few things I’m working on myself!).

Non work related interests

There are some people who define themselves by their job and one of the first things I’m asked is what I do for a living.  This can sometimes be great dinnertime conversation if people are interested in my industry, but less so if their eyes have glazed over before I get to the end of my first sentence.

Your interests outside of work give you something else to focus on and be passionate about besides your business and something else for you to share with the world.

For some of you it may feel like you don’t have interests outside of work (and knowing how hard business owners work, that wouldn’t be unexpected). If this is the case for you, I encourage you to explore this. Perhaps go with something you used to be interested in before business/work took over, or go in a completely new direction and take up something new.

My passions are photography and writing, but it’s not something I have had time to enjoy. So in 2011 I’m making a commitment to myself to set aside some time so that I can enjoy and take part in something I am passionate about (outside of work!).

‘Me’ time

No matter how busy you are, a healthy work-life balance is achievable.  I hear that people who prioritise their ‘me’ time – whether its exercise, time for family or hobbies – are more likely to achieve a balance. Looking at your ‘me’ time as an essential part of your day and scheduling it in, makes it more likely that you’ll keep your own appointment.  It’s something I’m planning to do in 2011 (where is my gym again?!).

Making a commitment to yourself and your loved ones that you’ll aim to achieve a work-life balance, means you’ve taken the first step.

And by focussing on more than just work, when you’re ‘at work’ you’ll have more to give – you’ll be more inspired, motivated and enthusiastic. You never know… taking time out from work might be just what you need to succeed.

No time like the present

It’s December.  If you’re in a position to (and this is not your busy period!), what better time to take a break!

Perhaps reflect on both your business and yourself.  How has the year been and how do you want 2011 to look?  Spend some time on your interests and what you’re passionate about outside of your work.  How can you achieve a better work-life balance?  Plan ahead for that ‘me’ time.

This week Paul wrote about businesses taking a break over Christmas.  I’m following my own suggestion and taking a short break over Christmas and New Year, and while Paul is ignoring the call and working through, I thought it was important for him to have a little down time.  So even the Small Business Owner blog will be taking a festive break and will greet you all in a few weeks.

What about you?

Do you have some tips for achieving that much sort after work-life balance?

Have you noticed an improvement in your work as a result?

What commitment will you make to yourself for 2011?

That said… If you are taking a break over Christmas and New Year – enjoy it!!  And if you’re working through, I hope you do get some ‘me’ and family time.

From myself, Paul and everyone at MYOB, we wish you a safe and happy New Year!

See you on the flip side!  (For those paying attention, the first post for 2011 will be 11 Jan!)

Naomi Helleren, MYOB

Today the Small Business Owner blog welcomes James Mason, Managing Director of Mindshop, a provider of support services to fast track the success of Business Leaders and Advisors around the world. James shares his insights into being the business leader of the future.

World strategy guru and author, Gary Hamel in his best-selling book “The Future of Management” points out that traditional ways of managing a business are coming to an end. To quote him directly:

“New problems demand new principles. Put bluntly, there’s simply no way to build tomorrow’s essential organizational capabilities—resilience, innovation and employee engagement—atop the scaffolding of 20th century management principles”

Another business thought-leader, Alex Osterwalder talks about the urgent need for ‘business model innovation’ in his publications where he states that:

“Companies that aren’t able to systematically rejuvenate their business model will struggle to survive and thrive in the future”

When you combine the innovative, clever thinking from these guru’s with the avalanche of other new management thinking which has become much more readily available over the past 10 years thanks to the power of the internet the big question is this:

“What is a Business Leader of the future supposed to do next?”

Adopting all of it would have any Business Leader twisted into knots attempting to be the world’s best motivator, creative thinker, leader, strategist, team player, coach or lean specialist whilst driving the most innovative business model for their industry?

Whilst it is inspiring to hear stories of Steve Jobs from Apple or how Google drive their operations how does the leader of a successful medium sized business decide what latest thinking to take on board? How do they decide what is right for their business? How do they make it stick?

To assist Business Leaders determine what first steps to take for future success we have compiled the 10 key traits of a future business leader (see below).

To start the process first analyse WHERE you want to be as a business in 5 years time. This will provide a peg in the ground for the amount of evolution required for you as a Business Leader. Use this to help in the gap analysis exercise (below):

Top 10 traits of a Future Business Leader

Rate on a scale of -5 to +5 with -5 being ‘Very Low’ and +5 being ‘Very High’ how much you agree with each statement below? First complete it for where you are NOW and then WHERE you want to be:

Question                                                                                      Now      Where      Gap

1. I act as a ‘coach’ rather than a ‘manager’?
2. The business can function effectively without me?  
3. I have a simple, clear approach to developing strategies? 
4. I have a high level of ‘self awareness’ or Emotional Intelligence? 
5. I have strong financial management skills? 
6. I am a good communicator? 
7. I am a good listener? 
8. I have a strong network of peers to use as a strategic sounding board? 
9. I am a good implementer, things get done when I’m involved? 
10. I have strong life-balance?

Once you have completed the gap analysis identify your top three largest gaps. These should now become your three strategies to work on to become a more effective ‘Business Leader of the Future’. Implementing these strategies effectively with robust actions is your next challenge.

Whilst it is inspiring to read these latest management books and new management thinking it is critical to remember that it is a journey and there are clear steps that need to be achieved first before you can reach your end goals. Attempting to race straight to the perceived finish line will have a negative impact on both yourself, your team and your business.

Will you have what it takes to succeed?

James Mason, Managing Director, Mindshop

Today we welcome back Malcolm Owens to Small Business Owner… 

Working in small business can lead to feeling apart from the wider world. Time and achievement demands weigh heavily. Always frantic, balancing current workloads with the flow of new business, time at work and home. Never relaxing, always busy, trying to get ahead. A constant feeling of getting sucked into the doom loop.

Achieving is a philosophy for life. It’s a way of living that leads to remarkable results on all levels. To do that we must be very clear on what we want and free the time and mental space to achieve it.  Here are 5 steps to help you:

1. Living with change

Serious achievers embrace change. They’ve learned to get comfortable with the unknown. To lead your field, to lead in life, you must be at the edge. Having the edge means finding the courage to take a risk and have a go. Uncertainty is big opportunity for those that lean into the ride.

2. Taking the time

In the business or on the business? Reality dictates both but most only manage the first. Find the space for creative thought. Break through your own busyness or remain as a hamster on the wheel. Have the courage to try something different. No, it’s not easy but the truly important things rarely are.

3. Plan to succeed

Set yourself goals and write them down. Commit and measure yourself weekly. Short and long term. What can you do today to make a difference?  Successful companies are so because they set targets and go after them. They measure their results and take action. Too small to do that? Think again.

4. Take responsibility for your results

No blame. No excuses. No way. If things aren’t going to plan ask ‘what am I going to do about it?’ And do it.

5. Action

Quite simply the most important ingredient for success. Set aside 30 minutes a day to look at the big picture, the view from the bridge. What do you see from up there, forest or trees? Look at other industries, what do they do well? Find something to apply to your business and stand apart from your competitors. Small things can make a big difference.

Do you have the courage to make a difference? What are you prepared to do today to make it happen?

Malcolm Owens

                                         The Force is strong with this one.

                                                        Rather less with this one.

Speaking of cameras, we should close the loop on our phone vs camera debate.

Thanks to your generous advice, a bit of soul searching and two omens, I was able to choose.

I bought a Panasonic Lumix TZ10 (DMC-ZS7) and a Nokia 1616.

Here’s why.

Holistic

I was sooo close to getting an iPhone. The arguments were very strong.

But I just couldn’t give my phone company the chance to rip me a new

agreement.

I even had a yarn with their Twitter reps, but it was ‘same shirt, different market’.

I’ve since read that a consumer advocacy group tried to compare mobile phone plans and:

‘… declared it impossible …’!

If Choice can’t work it out, what chance have I?

Cave man

Having realised I was chicken, I wondered if my business really needed all the iPhone offered.

When I got more excited about the Nokia’s torch than any app, I realised I just wasn’t a smart phone person.

I only type on the Empire Über Komputer. Outside, I compose drafts in my ‘neck-top’ (to which emails and other distractions are lethal).

This awareness freed me to buy the cheapest, simplest, sturdiest mobile (cell).

And a very special camera.

Here again, your comments were instrumental.

Action!

After aborting a CBD reconnaissance due to crowds and chaos, it was bliss to narrow the mind-boggling choice not only to a brand, but also a model.

Once I knew what I wanted (and that others had found it good) I was able to focus on price.

My eBay win is history; my photography adventure has just begun.

Fonnie often says I take great photos. Now I have the gear to do a proper job.

To chart my education, I’ve set up a photo blog.

I’ve even shot a video with the camera for my YouTube channel.

Omen I

I’d wanted a Leica since childhood, having somehow gathered it was ‘the spy’s choice’.

When I beheld my first Lumix, I saw LEICA stamped in the lens.

Omen II

Meanwhile, ever-kind Fonnie tried to surprise me with a Leica Leica. The man in the shop steered her to a Lumix, saying it was exactly the same.

Such signs mustn’t be ignored.

Proof

I believe I learn more from this blog than I impart.

This exercise proves it.

I hope others drowning in detail will enter the calm, limpid pool that is our reader community.

I’m very grateful for all your help.

Just don’t try sending pics to my phone!

Paul Hassing                    , Founder & Senior Writer, The Feisty Empire

                                      Do you feel and follow your instincts?

It’s cold, dark and raining. You’re tired, hungry and far from home.

A car pulls up: bright, inviting. The clean-cut driver smiles.

He offers a lift – just into town. Nora Jones croons.

It looks safe, but something in you goes click.

‘No, thank you.’

Long road

Having endured the GFC, we may be tempted to take the first ride that comes our way.

But is it in our best interests to do so?

At first blush, gut feelings and cool business decisions seem diametrically opposed.

Until we recall that business revolves around humans – a complex and volatile species.

In the cut-throat world of commerce, could our sixth sense be our most valuable?

No feeling

We’ve talked about sacking clients, letting them die on the vine and saying ‘no’ when we’d rather say ‘yes’.

Now I’d like to discuss the strong feeling I get when I’m certain something just isn’t going to work out.

I want to know if you feel it too.

Heart & mind

I felt it a while ago, after three rounds of passive-aggressive email pong with a business contact.

The feeling started in my head, breaking my concentration for work. So I rode to the pool.

After a kilometre, I was in ‘the zone’. Suddenly I thought about the emails again. My stroke broke, my speed bled and my body sank in the water.

By thinking of other stuff, I got going again, but the same thing happened twice more.

That night I couldn’t sleep for ages.

When I did, I dreamt about someone who’d proved to be very ‘bad news’ in the past.

On waking at 4 am, heart pounding and guts knotted, I knew I couldn’t deal with this person any more.

Escape

Severing contact was un-fun. From the moment I did, however, I started to feel better in every way.  

It took another full day to regain my mojo, but the relief was acute.

Questions

1. Does your gut have feelings about dealings?
2. If so, how do they manifest?
3. Have you followed them and been proven right?
4. Have you ignored them and gone wrong?

I yearn for your input.

However wrenching.

Paul Hassing    , Founder & Senior Writer, The Feisty Empire