Small Business Tips | Gourmet Birthday Gifts

Can I call 9-1-1 too?

December 11, 2018

by Loni Shaw with No Comment Business Information Encouragment Small Business Tips

Public radio recently reported a nine year old called 911 because her parents were trying to make her clean the bedroom. I couldn’t help understanding her frustration. Sure this is minor for adults, but it’s not minor for a child. She had a stressful situation. Why not call 9-1-1?

I wanted to call someone because of our most recent small business problem. We’ve been using WordPress for years. WP Engine (our host) has been a Blessing. However, in order for the business to grow, the website must move to Big Commerce. This is a huge problem because moving will take a lot of time and effort to accomplish.

I didn’t want to do it. There are SO many things small business owners have to do. Why would I create more work for myself?

When I finished whining and complaining like a nine year old girl, I created an account in Big Commerce. I couldn’t find reasons to keep our WordPress site. 🙁

Big Commerce has Google Shopping, better drop shipping integrations, and other features like Printful.

Thanks to Printful, we will soon be launching our Eat Some, Wear Some collection.

I still want to keep the comfort of WordPress. Plus I’m sure the nine year old wants her room the way she likes it.

Nevertheless, we will both become better people by exercising Self Control. This will be the last post until our Big Commerce store is ready.

I guess it doesn’t matter if a person is nine or ninety. We only grow to the threshold of our discomfort. It’s the True way to experience the Goodness in life.

Please follow and like us:

Why do you do it?

August 17, 2018

by Loni Shaw with No Comment Encouragment Small Business Tips

A friend and I were talking about her new business plan. I wanted to help with her brainstorming session and possibly get some business tips. She purchased property to create an outdoor eating area. Several independent food trailers will supply delicious lunches to customers.

I was on board with the idea until she wanted to charge the small business owners an unreasonable monthly fee. I asked why would she charge so much.

Her response was, “I’m in business to make money.”

It made me wonder how many other businesses are taking advantage of their customers for the love of money.

I know it takes money to run a successful business. Unfortunately It takes money to do almost everything. However, is it worth stepping on others for money?

I did some soul searching to find out why we have a small business. We know our business is FOR helping former inmates, disabled veterans, the homeless and others who need a second chance. However, it was necessary for me to find out WHY we started one.

Initially we had to use a contract manufacturer. It was difficult, but rewarding because we still call Fairlight Bakery (now Bake Works) our friends.

When a commercial kitchen opened in our area we were finally able to make our own products. There were a lot of hard days at YourProKitchen in Panama City, but the bond we made with Jeff Lawrence was priceless.

Now we have our own private bakery. There are countless stories of Loving, Kind, and Joyful moments with many people despite the difficulties of business.

I’ll admit there are many times we’ve considered giving up. Looking back, I now see giving up is not an option. There are too many people who do not realize Loving others is important. No one is perfect. If we would think about reasons why we do things, a simple random act of Kindness could brighten someone’s day.

Sooner or later eventually we’ll need that Kindness too. For us, it’s all about relationships. I hope it is for you too.

Please follow and like us:

What about this? What about that?

July 3, 2018

by Loni Shaw with No Comment Good News Small Business Tips

Although we have sugar free and gluten friendly all natural desserts, I wanted to make a new healthier snack.

I tried to blend oats, berries, honey, and other ingredients. My goal was to create a great tasting healthy treat that doesn’t have deceiving ingredients like rice syrup.

I gave the snack to part our Research and Development team……….…it was awful.

Feeling defeated but choosing not to give up, I tweaked the recipe and tried again. As our team tried the second recipe, it felt like I was on the show Chopped.

The second recipe was better, but needed improvements too.

During this effort, it was interesting to discover the vast differences in tastes. Some people could not taste flavors. Some wanted the snack to be crispy, but others disagreed. As we were brainstorming improvement possibilities, there was also a debate whether or not coconut has a mint aftertaste.

I wanted to give up. However, I realized we have not seen this type of snack in stores. We were developing something new.

Version three was packed with flavor……but.…..a few people made more minor suggestions.

As the desire of banging my head against a wall increased, I noticed something.

If trivial things like taste buds are so different, wouldn’t our personalities be equally as different? Wouldn’t our perceptions be immensely different too?

It also makes me wonder if we could stop the hate in this world just by being Kind, Good, Gentle, and Patient to others who seem different.

I think it’s worth a try…..don’t you?

Please follow and like us:

Maybe this is why……

June 6, 2018

by Loni Shaw with One Comment Small Business Tips

Recently I watched two friends lose another business. This was their second failed business in seven years. Neither one of them has a business management degree. However, if a person can get rich from selling digital cats, an honest business should be able to succeed. Their first business was a start up. I assumed it closed because 50% of businesses fail in the first five years. Their second business was already established. So why did they lose it?

One of them confided in me. The other partner used the company revenue for personal retail therapy. As a result, their businesses failed, their personal credit suffered, and their friendship suffered. I was shocked and saddened for them. There are countless websites listing reasons why businesses fail.

What about the underlying reasons why people seem to actively ruin businesses and relationships?

I think most small businesses create themselves because a family has been doing something successful for years. That’s how we got started. Of course there are growing pains, but if you are already successful doing it….the textbook reasoning why small businesses fail is debunked.

I found out the business partner is a victim of an abusive past. It was clear the partner’s emotional baggage ruined two businesses and a friendship. This situation is an example of a global epidemic. Small businesses and relationships are destroyed because we fail to face our fears. We all have emotional baggage. If we would have the courage to forgive, love, and allow others to use their strengths to compensate for our weaknesses…….we would all succeed……..right?

Please follow and like us:

Before you do it…….

May 9, 2018

by Loni Shaw with 6 Comments Small Business Tips

Please consider this story….

Recently we needed an automotive paint repair. We hired a small business owner who gave us a reasonable price.

When he gave us the car, it looked brand new. They also gave us free body work.

We were overjoyed. I noticed the business owner was overjoyed more than us. It was clear he’s a kind person using his talents to make others happy.

He asked us to bring the car back for some finishing touches. When we brought it back, he apologized because he was busier than expected.

Since he Blessed us with his talents, we Blessed him with patience and understanding. We went to pick it up in the afternoon, but the paint body shop was closed and our car was locked inside. Needless to say, we ran out of patience. We got the car back the next morning, but it wasn’t finished. He was very remorseful.

Knowing running a small business is difficult, we assured him we would bring the car back.

He was so thankful. Plus he explained that he promised his son a trip to Chuck E Cheese. In addition, he was having a difficult time finding trustworthy employees.

Yes we were inconvenienced, but a dad got to keep a promise to his young son.

Unfortunately this small business owner’s Google rating is 2.7 stars. It’s not fair because he’s a kind person and a caring father just trying to make others happy with his talents.

So before you use the online rating tool, please take another look at the situation………it may be a small business owner just having a bad day.

Please follow and like us: