06/24/11

Today has been another slow sales day...which is VERY frustrating.  It does spur us to work on our goals list, but it is still unsettling.  I get so anxious and nervous when our sales are low.  I am working on not being so nervous but it's so hard to get a handle on it.  All we need is one big sale today and it all works out! 

We worked on our goals list today and got the new category and a few pre-designed aprons up and in place.  We will continue to work on those designs next week.  I also re-worked our plan and timeline for the improvements.  We are only slightly behind on our goals...so  not bad.  We will continue to work on them.  I just wish there was more that I could do.  My hands are somewhat tied because I lack the programs needed to create the designs and artwork. 

I remembered my Mission Statement this morning...but forgot again last night.  yikes!  I'm going to have to do better at that!  Hopefully Monday will bring better sales and more hope!

06/23/11

Today I started the day with my Mission Statement! :o)  I'm getting better at remembering...still having problems remembering at night,though...too tired, I guess.  We had our brainstorm yesterday on pre-packaged sets and came up with some great ideas.  We will discuss those ideas over the next few days.  Today we have a meeting planned to discuss the idea of a series of YouTube videos about the embroidery and the screen printing processes.  S and I will be working on the pre-designed page today.  I am committed to getting a good start on this today...the goal is to have it completed tomorrow.  Ok...back to work...lots to do today.

06/22/11

Today I started off with my Mission Statement as well as reflection on the Self-Confidence Formula.  Read more of "Think and Grow Rich" yesterday and planning to read more today. AD went home sick yesterday, so we didn't have our pre-packaged gift set brainstorm meeting.  M is off today (father/son Brewer game), but we hope to have the meeting without him...he is usually busy during these meetings anyway.  I will also bother S until we get a start on the pre-designed aprons.  Hopefully I will have a better report on both these goals tomorrow. In the meantime...sales are ok.  Owners still need to be paid...hoping today's sales will be enough to get paid something.  Bills are SLOWLY getting caught up. :o)  We will keep on trudging along!   

06/21/11

Today we took a bit of a turn and discussed the possibility of attending the ASI show in Chicago.  It would certainly expand our knowledge of new products as well as help us find new distributors for some of our current products.  We are finally coming to agree that we need help from sources outside of our little world.  We are waiting to hear back from an ASI rep about pricing, etc. 

Also on the agenda for today is a brainstorm meeting planned for 1:00.  We are going to be looking at some ideas for offering pre-packaged gift sets.  It'll be interesting to see what we can come up with.  S and I will also be working on pre-set design options today.  We think have quite a few customers who want to just see something and order it...and not have to think about font, wording, design, etc.  I definitely think this will be a hit.  It's also a win/win, because production and designing will be easier on these orders.

fyi...I remembered to read my mission statement this morning!! ...baby steps...

Mission Statement

My Mission Statement

February 22, 2011

By December 31, 2015 I will have the following list of items in my possession:

1.     A family financial portfolio free of all debt.

2.     $500,000.00 in liquid asset form.

3.     $100,000.00 in a charitable trust.

4.     $40,000 in home improvements [will be have been completed to achieve a fully updated house ready to sell at the highest dollar amount possible].

In return for this money:

·        I will give the most efficient and affective service of which I am capable as an owner of Abbie Road Imprinting.  To accomplish this, I will:

1.     Work on my day to day responsibilities in the most efficient manner possible.

2.     Give the very best of customer service to both my internal and external customers.

3.     Work daily on the plan to achieve our business goals.

·        My family and I will live by a conservative budget that fills the needs of my family but does not include extravagance. 

I believe, with the help of God, that I will have the above list of items in my possession.  My faith is SO strong that I can now see this money, portfolio and home before my eyes.  I can touch it with my hands.  The things on the above list are now awaiting transfer to me over the next 5 years as I render the services in return for it.  I will faithfully develop and follow the plan by which to accumulate these items.

06/20/11

Today is the first day of my Business Experiment.  To start, I am re-listening, once again, to Napoleon Hill's "Think and Grow Rich".  I can't believe how much I missed the first time I read it!  The publisher says at the beginning of the book that it must be read and re-read, studied actually.  I guess they were right!  I will continue to re-read and study the book each day until I've completed it again....and then again and again. 

As well as re-reading Napoleon Hill, I am also re-committing to reading my mission statement each morning and each night.  I believe this focus will help me achieve my goals. 

As for "the plan" for today...well, it's Monday, which means that today is a rather busy day for all of us.  We tend to play catch up from the weekend.  But...the plan for today includes developing a Pre-Designed Aprons section to our website.  We will be discussing it throughout the day and working on implimentation throughout the week.

Introduction to My Business Experiment

This blog is being created to document my business experiment.  After reading Napoleon Hill's "Think and Grow Rich" this late winter into early spring, I've struggled to "find my way" through what I have no doubt is an excellent plan.  My hope is that by documenting my experience, it will prod me on and make me more accountable to my destination.  I have written my mission statement which is to be fulfilled by December 31, 2015 but at this point, already half way through 2011, I find myself somewhat behind my goals.  So...I will start again.  I will read my mission statement each day and night.  I will continue to develop my plan and execute that plan to the very best of my ability.  I will keep my mind open to new thoughts and ideas.  I will remember that, with God, all things are possible...including my dream of financial success.