By Eliana Barriga Publisher and Managing Editor for The Retail Observer Independent retailers and small business owners juggle the challenges, as well as the benefits, of working with family and friends day in and day out. It’s these close knit relationships and the level of trust and loyalty formed throughout the years that impact the state of the business at any given time. I have worked from home 90% of my adult life and know all too well the struggles of juggling both family life alongside running/keeping a business healthy and strong. It’s a huge challenge to say the least! And if that wasn’t challenging enough... enter 2020 — the year that our entire world changed. Every business, family and person on the planet has been deeply impacted, turning many lives upside down. It was sudden and immediate. Problem. Reaction. Solution. Businesses were shuttered. Assembly lines stopped production. Corporate closed their offices, requiring many employees to implement a work-from-home model. Solution strategies were implemented virtually overnight, with minimal time for businesses to efficiently plan for a smooth transition. Communications broke down in the transition to home offices due to security and privacy concerns. Frustration is high even to this day as many businesses are still limping along with broken and inefficient systems. The way we have had to do everything over the last year has changed not only how we do business, but how we do life. As stressful as it has been, there is a silver lining many of us are discovering on this journey. For many, this has been a time of soul searching during this transition period. We’re discovering the ability to get more work done in far less time without the water cooler distractions, allowing us more time for life’s little pleasures. Th sire to go back to the old way of working is losing its allure for some, as we find a greater sense of balance and quality of life. Running a family-owned business reminds us each and every day that relationships are what matters most. The need and desire to connect by coming together with both family and friends, as well as our customers and clients is more important now than ever. Honoring humanness is the key to success. It not only makes us better in business, ultimately it makes us better as people. So, yes, sometimes our businesses may temporarily suffer because of how closely our relationships are interwoven with them. But most of the time, these relationships are the foundation — the very reason why we flourish. To a balanced life, Eliana Barriga eliana@retailobserver.com
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By Eliana Barriga Publisher and Managing Editor for The Retail Observer March Madness has something to offer everyone — basketball fans and business owners alike. The drive and ability to capture the glory of the game can easily translate into the drive and passion needed for success in the game of business. Your team has skills in many different arenas of your business. It is important to listen to the expert voices in your inner circle, to consider their opinions and trust their expertise. Especially in an environment as rapidly changing as ours is today, we need to be quick on our feet, mentally alert and ready to change the game plan and call a new shot in a moment’s notice. March Madness always brings the late Coach John Wooden to mind. In an excerpt from his book Wooden’s Wisdom, Craig Impelman (Wooden’s grandson-in-law) wrote: “In Coach Wooden’s early life, his father set an example that had a very, significant impact on him. He created a set of rules that he bestowed upon his sons: Don’t whine, don’t complain, and don’t make excuses. Just do the best you can. Nobody can do more than that.” His father’s example deeply impressed itself upon John Wooden’s mind. Impelman explained how the finest teaching tool we have is the example we set for others. How we handle adversity can be one of the strongest ways of demonstrating our true character. Coach Wooden said, "Complaining, whining and making excuses just keep you out of the present moment. By handling yourself in such a way through difficult situations, you will not only find your own outlook improving, but you will likely inspire those around you, too." So, he devised and collected a multitude of maxims regarding the best way to respond to difficult situations. You can use them with yourself, your staff, and your team to rekindle a positive attitude when the going gets tough. • Bad times can make you bitter or better. • Never make excuses. Your friends won’t need them and your foes won’t believe them. • Things usually turn out the best for people who make the best out of the way things turn out. Who we are personally shows up in our business relationships. Responding better to difficult situations, rekindling a positive attitude and staying present in the moment helps you to not only live your life on a positive note–but to live your life to the fullest right here and now. And remember... Just do the best you can! Eliana Barriga eliana@retailobserver.com |
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December 2021
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