Make It Happen!

We are programmed to find the guilt in the innocent, the flaw in the masterpiece and the “catch” in the great deal.   Society has made us doubt in situations where we could let go of our need to find what is wrong and flourish by appreciating what is right. I just spent the last week celebrating National Entrepreneurship Week; thus my late entry for this blog, but that’s okay – the world is still spinning.   The more important part is (drum roll please) I JUST SPENT THE LAST WEEK CONNECTING WITH, LISTENING TO AND BEING INSPIRED BY SOME OF THE MOST AMAZING PEOPLE EVER!!! This is a week where small business owners, innovators, students, creators, educators, leaders, politicians, advocates and service providers all come together to embrace the possibilities of entrepreneurship.   We had four incredible businesses speak at the college this week.   On Wednesday, I was able to offer students a lesson in funding and financials in our small business workshop as well as ...

Customer Service…what is it?   Is it like beauty, you know in the eye of the beholder?   We all have a different perspective about what makes service good.   Many years ago, I worked for a very large utility company where I was recognized for delivering good customer service; I also worked for a ginormous telecommunications company where I received an award for quality service to customers.   Although I am a glutton for being recognized by those around me, I love the attention and it makes me feel valuable, nothing compares to truly knowing that I did something positive for someone else.   When I can see in customer’s eyes that they have found some satisfaction in their experience that involved me, I, too, get a sense of satisfaction.   Recently, I was involved in another situation that brought me a great deal of satisfaction.   I was at a shoe store where the salesman had gone out of his way to help a customer find the perfect pair of shoes.  ...

This past week, I asked my students in one of my business classes to define what an entrepreneur is.   The answers varied between, “Someone who starts something new”, “A person who owns a business”, “A creative person who always thinks of new ideas”, and other expected responses.   However, one student opened up a great classroom discussion by saying… “I think an entrepreneur is all of that, but what really sets them apart is that they execute.   They can make something happen and they are determined to be successful or at least try to make a difference. They actually do something with it.”   I encourage and even base the grading in my class on participation and discussion, so I immediately opened this up to the class to reply.   The truth is that I had to mentally process this answer as it was so profound.   I wanted to shout, “Exactly” and run to her and give her a high five!   It almost emulates the cliché question – If a tree falls in the forest...

Last week I went with a friend who is a licensed cosmetologist to the exclusive beauty supply store as she had to purchase supplies for her salon.   I was just along for the ride, but was glad I was after our visit to the store.   When we left, I said to my friend, “Wow, you are like a celebrity there.”   She just smiled and I could tell that she felt good.   I am sharing this as a blog because it is such a superb example of customer service in action. Immediately when she walked in, the sales associate greeted her by using her name.    A few minutes later, another sales person asked her how her salon was.   She even referenced my friend’s new location and asked her how she liked it.    As I continued to walk around the store and just observe, I noticed that the sales people, I think there were about four total, continued to visit with my friend.   They asked how she liked certain products that she had previously purchased.   The...