The Face in the Mirror or What Did You Learn Today?

three-bearsRemember that girl called Goldilocks?
And how she broke into the house of the Three Bears?
And how she ate their porridge, sat in their chairs, and slept on their beds?
All while the three bears felt that their little home in the forest was safe and secure while they went into the woods for a picnic that day.

Well, that’s what has happened to many business owners.
Something has eaten your porridge, rocked in your  chairs, and rustled those
sheets while it slept in your bed — all while you felt you were secure enough that you could relax and go into the woods for a picnic while your business took care of itself.

And suddenly you arrived home to find the doors unlocked, the bed unmade, and the porridge all gone.  “Woe is me!” you moan, as you wring your hands.  “What is a hard working business person to do?”

I’ve read posts on the gift basket bulletin boards both from people starting a business and from those who have been in business for years.  They ask, “What can we do to rescue our businesses in this economy?  What techniques are working for the rest of you. ”

“Tell me, Tell me quick so that I can do it do,” they seem to say.

Businesses are closing daily while others are in dire need of  resuscitation.  But you’re looking for the wrong Goldilocks.

  • It’s not the economy.  People are still spending money on “feel good” gifts.
  • It’s not the lack of customers.  They’re still there, waiting to buy.
  • It’s not the industry.  As a whole, it is as strong as ever and will remain whole even if your business doesn’t.

The answer is easy.  Take a few moments, step into your bathroom, and look into the mirror.  You’ll see the answer staring you in the face.  Ask that person that you see looking back at you, “Are you taking advantage of every resource out there to keep your business growing and thriving in today’s world?”

Then step back, think a few moments, and listen to the answer swirling around in your head.

I believe that the strength and the backbone of any industry, including the gift and gift basket industry, rests with the educational offerings, resources, and information shared with each other.  The world is changing.  The gift industry is changing.  That’s not news.  It has been changing from the time it first began.  There are always new ways to attract customers, new technology to embrace, new ways to keep our customers coming back, and new ways to motivate employees.  There are always new products, new techniques, and new resources.

So let me ask you the question:  What did you learn today?  What resource did you take advantage of? What new technique did you try?  What idea did you put into practice?

And don’t say, “How can I do that?  There aren’t any resources!  I’m all alone.”

It’s not a question of a lack of resources.  There are numerous Facebook groups available for your use — all frequented by many experienced in this industry that can help guide you through the maze. Most, like our GiftBasketNetwork group  are free.   The others either require a subscription to our national trade magazine or a membership in a gift basket directory, or a membership fee to use the board.  The advantage that the private boards have over the free open-to-the-public boards is that those with knowledge to share are more willing to share if they show what they are sharing isn’t going to show up in the search engines.

Are you taking advantage of the other resources?  GiftBusinessInsider, a monthly digital publication for the gift basket  industry, isn’t free.  GiftBasketNetwork is the leading directory, for the least cost and the most benefits, for driving traffic to your website.

You can operate your business on a shoestring but you can’t grow it without spending some money on important resources.

Are you learning everything you can about changes in the industry and in technology?

Some of you are while others are stretched out on the grass sleeping away the afternoon while Goldilocks trashes your house.

So look in that mirror and place the responsibility, for making sure that your business continues to grow and thrive, where it belongs.

Today, and at the end of each day, ask the face that is staring back at you, “What did you learn today?”

2 thoughts on “The Face in the Mirror or What Did You Learn Today?”

  1. Sherry,
    I hope to make it to one of your conferences sometime!! I have learned in the past year that “MINDSET” is everything in achieving one’s goals. I will be attending the Ohio convention as a sales rep as well as a giftbasket business. I am looking forward to learning alot. One has to learn to expect the unexpected at these conventions!!

    Sue

  2. Joyce makes some excellent points about surviving and thriving in this crazy economy. OPPORTUNITY – It is everywhere. You can find it if you are looking for it with the right MIND SET.

    Your MIND SET is what will make or break you. And that is a big part of what the NO LIMITS Conferences are about. The sessions do cover important topics like networking, marketing, budgeting, and organizing – all things that are a must to be successful – but none of what is taught will do you any good without the proper MIND SET. And that is what NO LIMITS is truly about.

    I am a true believer in learning. Every day I ask myself what did I learn today? And more importantly – How can I use that new knowledge? The No Limits Conference was developed through my passion of teaching and learning. I learn something from every attendee and every vendor each time. And I am the primary speaker! But, the sharing and the “ah ha” moments from everyone involved is what makes it complete.

    If the NO LIMITS Conference (3 locations and dates in 2009) is not something you are able to attend, there are so many other choices. The Ohio Convention, the Rave Reviews magazine, the various boards, …. all the resources Joyce has talked about. There are people out there willing to share their knowledge and passion with you! Use it! And apply it! And your business will soon see NO LIMITS to what it can be!

    ~ Sherry Allen
    http://www.nolimitsconference.com

Leave a Comment