Where's my comfort zone?

It happens to the best of us. We finally get to the point where we are content with our existence. Business is going okay. Product line is stable. Finances are in order. And then someone comes along and presents us with a golden opportunity...one that makes our current position look stagnant...one that could propel us further than we thought imaginable. Oh no! No, no, no, no, no! Panic starts to set in. Why? Because we feel safe right where we are. Because THAT is uncharted territory for us. Because it would require us to venture outside of our comfort zone where we have the warm fuzzies.

"And the day came when the risk it took to remain tightly closed in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to bloom." -Alicia Keys, The Element of Freedom

One of my favorite children's books is the Dr. Seuss classic "Are you my mother?" Knowing that her baby bird is going to be born soon, the mother bird journey's off to get some food. While she is away, the egg hatches and baby bird emerges. In an attempt to find his mother, the baby bird spreads his wings...then drops to the ground. Realizing that he can't fly, he chooses not to give up trying to find his mother. He meets other animals (and pieces of technology) along the way, asking the same question: "Are YOU my mother?" The story ends with him walking onto a crane and being afraid as it lifts him back up to his nest. A moment later, the mother bird returns with food for the baby bird.

My question to you: How will you ever learn how to fly if you never leave the nest? The nest, like your current position, represents a comfort zone, a safe haven. Once you step outside of that, you have no idea what it holds. You enter another chapter, another world...and are afforded an opportunity to grow your business and expand your horizon. If it works out positively, you will have opened the door to a new market. If it doesn't pan out, you will take some valuable lessons with you. But the best part is that you don't regret NOT stepping out on faith.

So...this is your big push. Spread your wings and soar!!

A Penny Saved...

I'm sure you know the rest of the saying, but just in case you don't: "A penny saved is a penny earned." Ben Franklin said it, but who really does it??? For starters, you --- and every other small business owner --- should! With our itty bitty small businesses we often think that a business savings account is either unnecessary or impossible. Psych YOUR mind! Some sort of savings is essential to the survival of all small businesses. What happens if you've had a slow month that results in cashflow issues? Where do you get the funds to purchase new equipment after your old equipment falls apart? Uh huh...you know what I'm talking about. Expect the unexpected.

"About the time we can make ends meet, somebody moves the ends." -Herbert Hoover

That pretty much sums it up. But you don't have to get caught up in a downward-spiral, and it doesn't take a lot of start-up funds for a savings account. The key is to make the money work for you.

If your business produces a tangible product in which state sales tax must be collected, then you are in a SAAAA-WEEEEEET position. Into your business savings account goes the sales tax that you collected. And the net gets deposited into your business checking account. Whether you withdraw money to pay taxes quarterly or annually, it is making you some money while it marinates in the savings account. You can't tell me that isn't business savvy! It's what the government does with your money every day. Think about it.

Enough thinking...now get crack-a-lackin' and head to the bank!!

HELP ME! My business is growing!

And...that's a bad thing??? Well, I know for some people, it can be pretty overwhelming when business picks up and you're sooooo not ready for it. GAAA! What do you do? *pant pant pant* First, take a moment to catch your breath. Oh the possibilities that increased business can bring. But you have to be up for the challenge.

"When I'm under the gun and I've got pressure on me, I don't panic. I look for the right solution, and then I go for it." -Magic Johnson

Now that we've got that out of the way and you're a little more calm, sit down and jot out everything your business needs in order for you to climb this mountain. Let's be honest. It's no longer a mole hill. If it were you wouldn't be in such a state of excitement, right??? True dat!!

So, your list says: "business cards, postcards, banner, etc., etc., etc." Oh-Em-Gee! I've gotcha covered! Here is some of my recent work for your viewing pleasure: 

If you need a helping hand, let theREALgirlgenius work with you to design a layout that really pops. And I'll even help you get your marketing paraphernalia printed at an affordable price. How awesome is THAT???

I am . . .

...a lover of many things...math, science, creative design, home decor. I am a single mother, an awesome sister, a loving daughter. I am eco-friendly. I reduce, reuse AND recycle. I am a teacher by day and a small business owner by night. I am a "Jill" of many trades. I am...theREALgirlgenius! And I welcome YOU into MY world.

I hope to inspire you to do everything your heart desires and be everything you've always wanted to be. I love helping people succeed...especially in business. Holla! So, you'll find that I'll drop a line now and again with business tips, hints for productivity and services that will help you grow --- both personally and professionally. And of course, I'll toss in some nerd-type stuff, cuz that's what I do!

I want to warn you, by the way, that this blog is best viewed with a cup of tea (or coffee if you prefer), as long as it is something organic and/or fair-trade. *smile*

Enjoy!