Freelance Content Writer, A New View From A Different Angle
Succeeding in small business. Tips for the small business owner.
$525,000
2.2 Acres
Cabin For Sale Plus a Great Snack Shack
Aerial view of structures on Nicatous Stream Road.
Center: The main cabin residence.
Left: Wood shed. Right: Jack’s Snack Shack and the kitchen.
Tucked Away in 
an Amazing Spot
The Beautiful Nicatous Stream
Morning Coffee or Evening Wine at The Dock
85 Egg Pond Road
Lincoln, Maine
Located on Caribou Pond, this unique single family home
of 2,880 SF sits on 5 acres of land with
282 feet of recreational pond frontage.
Caribou Pond is 3 miles long and 1.5 miles wide.
Located 48 minutes North of Bangor, Maine
$699,000
Listed by: Acres Away, Inc
Office: 207-794-2700
309 W Broadway, Lincoln, ME 04457
I have had the honor presented to me to consult on an amazing nonprofit project for veterans of ALL wars and conflicts in which the United States has taken part and for all active military personnel.
By clicking on the link above you will be able to read the “backstory” of how House in the Woods came to be. Below are pictures of the two soldiers whose families brought this idea to fruition.
Sgt. Joel House
Sgt. Blair Emery
On the home page of House in the Woods you will find a link to a documentary “Welcome to Lee, Maine“. Take the time to watch the story of two young men killed in action in Iraq. Experience how this has impacted the lives of their families and many of their friends and residents of this small town located in the beautiful state of Maine. You will then understand why I am so proud to be assisting in the fundraising.
NOTE: this lodge for veterans and active military is for all veterans across these United States. You are not required to be a Maine resident.
Perhaps from time-to-time the thought crosses your mind, “Gee, I really should do something to lend my support to our troops.” Then, life gets busy and the idea gets put on hold because you don’t know who to ask or where to find any “decent” information. LOOK NO FURTHER. You will find it here!
Keep in mind many of these veterans have served and our troops are currently serving in some remote country you would never have on your bucket list to visit.
I am from a military family. Many of my siblings, cousins, uncles and my son have served. My niece sadly became a Gold Star Mother in 2007 when her son, Matthew Bean of Pembroke, MA was killed in Iraq. My Uncle was killed in the Korean War. There are members of the next generation in my family actively serving.
When I visited House in the Woods I immediately recognized it as a way to help veterans from all over the U.S. I am convinced when I share this information many of you will grasp what a great gift this is for veterans and active military to stay at the lodge for some peace and quiet. To relax in Nature. To join in the hunting & fishing, walk or traverse the fabulous woods in specialized ATVs for the handicapped and amputees. And, at day’s end, simply sit with their brothers in arms around the campfire with a coffee at the ready.
Time spent with people who “really get it”….those who are serving and those who have been wounded physically and emotionally by the horrors of the war our troops have been fighting for too long. Only a veteran truly understands another veteran. ALL accommodations and meals are free to all veterans and active military who attend, be it a few days or a week! FREE!
Paul House
I am using the format of my own blog for those of you who visit here regularly, following my small business musings and some teachings (smile), I am asking you to consider donating to this great retreat for our military. Plain & simple. Please don’t just “think about it”…this time DO SOMETHING positive about helping. This is NOT for Maine residents only. Many from all across the United States have enjoyed themselves on one of the retreats.
Our Heroes
The American Armed Forces and their family members come together in the Maine outdoors to share and heal from the sacrifices and challenges of their military service. Sometimes the only one who can understand a veteran is another veteran. By creating outdoor retreats, House in the Woods is helping our veterans and their families connect with veterans across military branches and generations from every walk of life.
Since July, 2010, our outdoor therapeutic, educational, and recreational programs have helped hundreds of veterans come together to learn how to cope with and to heal from their mental and physical wounds. Founders Paul House and Bill Emery, who have both lost sons in the Iraq War, have been assisted by dozens of individuals, businesses, and military organizations to create hunting & fishing retreats in locations throughout Maine and beyond her borders.
Lee, Maine Population 845
All this exciting growth and development creates a need for a “Home” for House in the Woods. In May, 2014 Paul and Dee House launched the future site for this home by donating 4 acres in Lee, Maine to kick off a major capital development campaign. Since then, over 80 businesses and individuals have jumped on board to construct an 80’ X 90’ square foot facility which will host up to 24 veterans, hold meetings, and provide office and equipment storage space.
House in the Woods
As of today, we have $1.2 million dollars in construction costs. We have a “project friend” who has loaned us $1,000,000 and continues to donate as the project grows. The remaining balance comes through donations of money and in-kind material, equipment, and services. We anticipate a final project cost of $2.2 million for which we would like to pay off as much of the loan as possible.
In addition, we are looking to raise an $8 million endowment in order to operate our veterans’ retreat program for generations into the future.
If you and your family, your business or organization is compelled to reach out and help veterans we are making it simple. Below you will find a donation form. Print it out and send it along. My name is referenced on the form. It will indicate you are donating to the $50,000 I have been assigned to campaign for funds to defray some of the cost of the installation of the HVAC system which has been installed. If you find you would like to also donate to the general fund or the endowment fund, you can easily indicate that on the form.
Air Force ~ Marines ~ Army ~ Navy
Coast Guard ~ National Guard
House in the Woods
DONATION FORM
Please take a moment to complete the form below as you send along your generous gift.
If you prefer to pay by credit card or Pay Pal, please call us at (207) 738-4421 or visit our website where you can securely donate online: http://www.houseinthewoods.org
Postal Address: 217 Skunk Hill Road, Lee, ME 04455
Nonprofit # 27-0183317
| DONATION FORM
Monetary ________ In-Kind Material and/or Equipment _____________ One Time ______ Monthly ________ Annual _______ |
|
Name____________________________ Phone________________ E-Mail_________________________ Street Address ___________________________ City,State,Zip__________________________________________ Permission to Publicly Acknowledge (including listing in Supporters’ Circle on website) Please circle: Yes No (I prefer to remain anonymous) Signature ___________________________________ Date____________ |
| My family, business, or service organization wants to help veterans. Please accept my donation for: ___$50: ___ $100; ____ $250; ___ $500; ___ $1000; ___ $2500; ___$5000 ____ Other
(Reference: Brenda F. Shaw) |
House in the Woods receives no government funding. Thus, we rely on the generosity of individuals, businesses, and service organizations. House in the Woods Military & Family Retreat is a 501(c)3 nonprofit
L.to R. Bill & Quie Emery, Dee & Paul House
Gold Star Parents
Those Whom You Rely On
Barber Hair Stylist Painter Landscaper
We all have that special, small business, service provider whom we have been doing business with for years! We’ve heard friends’ declaration of: “best, dependable, wouldn’t trade them for the world, honest, irreplaceable, great prices”…..etc.
While getting my every-three-weeks trim at my favorite salon this morning, it occurred to me how I have come to rely on Missy, the fantastic stylist who has been making me look my best (or at least my hair) for nearly six years…. she just gets me!!!
It is but a 20 minute drive “over the Bridge” from my home to Great Lengths Hair Salon located in Sandwich, MA.
I sincerely would drive an hour each way for an appointment with her. Missy knows precisely how to cut my hair, which is no small feat as I have stubborn hair.
She has seen me through stages of my insane requests of “let’s let it grow” (my hair remains short) to my telling her, “don’t ever let me try that again!” She has promised me next time I ask her to let it grow she will NOT listen to me…per my pleading with her to help me keep it short!!
She advises me as to what looks best and is a magician and artist with the scissors.
We have always made small talk. That comes easy for each of us as she is also a family member: my daughter-in-law’s sister-in-law! So, that DOES make us family!!
But, I do not patronize the salon because I am related to Missy. More∼so, because Great Lengths is an awesome place to receive the service you expect from friendly, courteous professionals.
There is great synergy in that group of women who work long hours (on their feet) to provide a service to hundreds of clients, both women and men. Yet when you walk in, the manager knows you by name, greeting you with a fabulous smile and “how are you today” and converses with you because she wants to, not because it’s part of her job.
There is never a wait due to “double-bookings” such as you experience in many other salons!! I consider that a tremendous degree of respect for each and every client. Although there is a very clean and nicely decorated waiting area, unless you arrive early to check out the latest magazines, your stylist is ready to sit you in the chair at your appointed time. That is rare!
Today I finally asked Missy how long she has “had a chair” at the salon; 17 YEARS!! Why it never occurred to me previously to ask her almost seems poor etiquette on my part. These days, 17 years is a long time to be employed in any vocation!
During the past 6 years I have witnessed the salon manager being extremely accommodating to callers who are in need of an immediate appointment or trying to reschedule. This salon ALWAYS is willing to work within the closest time˜frame for the clients request. Have an “emergency”…they will squeeze you in!!
The reason I am writing (in detail) about this salon is Great Lengths Hair Salon is the epitome of “excellent customer service” and a “thriving small business“. I have a tremendous amount of respect for Missy. The fact that she has been at the same salon for 17 years speaks volumes about the owner and management of the salon, as well as Missy’s loyalty to her crew at the salon and her clients.
If you are a small business owner you understand the degree of importance that “loyal customers” provide. But none of us should ever become complacent about repeat customers. It is they who spread the word if you treat them as THE most important customer you have!!
Thank you Missy Dean and Great Lengths Hair Salon for never forgetting!
You’ve checked your cell phone, you’ve looked for the email and you checked your land line….still the urgent response you have been seeking from a client, vendor or service provider has not come in. You can’t help but wonder; “what’s wrong with people?”
WELL, this is precisely how your client feels when you neglect to respond to her messages. NEVER ignore a client! You may be short on time, in the midst of a huge project or sick in bed with the flu, but use common courtesy and return the call.
These days you can send off a brief text on the cell phone. First apologize for not getting right back to her. Provide a specific time you can speak with her if you are leaving a message. STICK to that time even if you need to reschedule another task.
It may be a “lost art” for some, but not for a professional as yourself!
You probably receive numerous calls throughout the day. It is far easier to answer them immediately than to try to admit to yourself that you were “ignoring” her.
Considering you are a small business or a consultant, most likely there is no assistant to screen your calls or to take messages.
But keep in mind, it takes just one unhappy client to cause potential customers to consider taking their business elsewhere! Your ignored call may be regarding a simple question or concern your client is having. Or, it could be she wants to refer you to a colleague who is looking for your expertise. And then again, it could be she is so happy with your work that she wants to do another, larger project!
Just be sure to ask yourself why you want to ignore ANY client call? Has she been unhappy with some part of the project? Did she let you know, in a very ambiguous way, and it left you unsure of where you stand? Just make the call!!
If you have received 15 phone calls today you most likely have three times as many emails to weed through. This process can be much simpler by setting up filters directing specific emails to specific folders on your email setting. Take a few minutes to set them up and then BE SURE to check those folders each day!
Email is very much like text; you can respond quickly to a query with a few lines, helping a client to resolve an issue or set up a time to speak in person.
Personally, I set alarm reminders on my cell and on my laptop. Too often my day gets busy and I tend to push those handwritten notes to the side of the desk.
Post It Notes were made for me! They are in my kitchen, near my door and on dashboard of my car. Whatever it takes to get you into a habit of being responsive and attentive to your clients needs…JUST DO IT!
As a small business owner you know that it’s your responsibility to get out there and find the next client.
You’ve finished a project and are becoming anxious who will next be on the agenda. Fear not! If you can carry on a conversation you can find a client.
You may assume this couple is traveling together.
But, what if it were you awaiting your departing flight for a week’s vacation and this gentleman sat next to you, laptop on the ready. As a business owner you have (hopefully) learned the art of carrying on a conversation with a stranger if you are in a safe environment.
You notice that he is fiercely working the keys. You might ask if he’s on a deadline considering he’s working while waiting for a flight. A conversation about work can lead to sharing referrals or a future client.
∼ CONSULTANT ∼
More often than not, I find it quite interesting to hear people’s response when I tell them, “I’m a consultant“. Some say “really?”, while others pursue it further and ask “what field?”. That second response is the opportunity. Use it or lose it! The 6-8 seconds rule posted earlier on my web: describe what you can offer a potential client in 6 seconds or less…some call it the “elevator pitch”. In my case I basically ask, “need a good writer?”
Yes, you still should be carrying business cards! Hand it to individual you are talking to and tell them to call you. Then, ask if they have a card. No wi∼fi connection required!
If you receive a business card make a quick note on the back “met at airport” so when you find it in your pocket, at a later time, you will remember the conversation. Later, drop them an email or smart phone text when you return from your trip: “enjoyed meeting you at airport the other day. Here’s my web link“.
Be sure to ask just two key questions in your text or email. Don’t make it too long as most professionals are busy, busy and are completely turned off by long emails, especially long emails from a new acquaintance!
Same is true of anywhere you go: put a few cards in your pocket. I have spoken to many professionals who still rely upon business cards, even while on international travel. They are not passe` as many millenniums, who depend totally on technology for contact, would have you believe.
I was in line at the supermarket a month ago. In front of me was a man with a logo t-shirt of an electrician service. I tapped him on the shoulder and asked if he owned the company. He said “no, just work there“. I asked him if he had a company card, “no sorry, they are in the truck“. I told him I had a friend who owns a business that happens to be looking for an electrician. This was true but his brushing me off just cost his boss a potential job. But as an employee vs. being the business owner, many employees are not in that mode of thinking “new client”. It would be prudent to teach them they ARE a representative of the company.
“To truly prepare for the unexpected, you’ve go to position yourself to keep a couple of options open, so when the door of opportunity opens, you’re close enough to squeeze through.”
∼ Pierre Omidyar…..founder of Ebay
When you are considering becoming your own boss, a small business owner or consultant, it’s natural to have that fantasy of the big client walking into your life!
The “one” who is going to throw you that big project with that big price tag on it, relieving all the stress of “just skimming by” on those little jobs.
CAUTION: once you put aside those dreams of a vacation in Tuscanny, you need to consider the scope of the project. There really is no room for fantasy in the running of your business. Tuscanny can wait! Truly, it can.
SCOPE: the scope is the quality of results, the performance and what the project is supposed to do. You must consider the amount of work required to meet the objectives of the project.
BE REALISTIC: you do not want to be that person who is trying to stuff that square peg into the round hole. Don’t be that someone who is uncomfortable or who does not belong in a particular situation. This will definitely tarnish your reputation as a qualified and intelligent businessperson.
I am definitely not suggesting you should not meet a challenge head on. Waking up every day and running your own business is a challenge! But you have GOT to pace yourself.
PRESENTATION: hopefully during your infancy stage of planning to be your own boss, you had a realistic plan of the image you were going to present of your company, or of yourself if you are a one∼woman∼band.
GREED: we all have been taught what the “root” of that is. Far wiser is the woman who knows her limits in business, than the one who jumps right in screaming, “pick me!”. You will be far more respected for declining a project than failing to deliver on your word!
REFER SOMEONE: through your network of business associates you may know someone who has been a mentor, or a success in their own right. They have three people on staff to handle the job your “big client” is in need of. REFER HER! The client you just passed on will appreciate your insight into their needs and the fact you were not intimidated by referring them to someone else who would be the right person and the right size company for the job.
RUNNING THE MARATHON: you cannot run around the block near your house one time and convince yourself you are ready for the Boston Marathon. But you can accept assignments from a small entity who is in need of a savvy, professional as yourself. Stick with the smaller businesses and you will become far more noticeable in the professional arena. Again, pace yourself. After your time of running a few 5K races you know if you are ready for the “big one” or need more time in preparing for that challenge down the road.
READY: time will tell when (or if) you are ready to take on the “big guns” or if you have been able to sustain your finances at a level that works for you, and you are happy, have minimum stress and are continuing to enjoy….being your own boss!
∼PACE YOURSELF & PACE YOURSELF∼
Without determination none of your goals as a business owner will be achieved. 
As a small business owner you must maintain that level of determination you had when first you made the leap to running your own business.
With ownership comes complications, frustrations and often set~backs. Your level of determination will dictate how you work through such issues.
Are you adjusted to the long, long hours you are putting in? No 9~5 these days! No long weekends. Most likely you are working longer hours than you had anticipated and (hopefully) enjoying it. After all, you ARE the boss!
Winners are ordinary people with extraordinary determination.
Determination will get you through. But you must also take a break, get some fresh air, run to the gym to get those endorphins pumping! Keep your eye on the goal.
Customer service is one of the most essential aspects of business. Be it a large box store, a boutique on Beacon Hill or a small gift store in historic Plymouth, MA. If you and those whom are in your employ do not offer outstanding service, you will (sadly) learn you are not the only game in town.
The epitome of perfect, personal customer service.
When, as a customer, I have experienced excellent customer service, I often present my business card to the individual who provided the great service, pointing out the following printed on the back of my card ~
“Customer Service Is Not A Department, It’s An Attitude”
Years ago I read this somewhere and it stuck with me. I cannot remember the source. Forgive me for not crediting whomever is the author.
There is a side of me that sincerely wants to press the card in the hands of those retail employees who have no idea HOW to be helpful, how to provide assistance vs. stating “this really is not my department”..what the heck are you doing here then?? But the professional part of me just says to them, “Bad day huh?” Then…dear Lord…I am sorry I said that as they begin to tell you their life’s story instead of helping you.
While attempting to create memorable gifts for Christmas, I had the “pleasure” of using one of the “same day photo prints” kiosk at a well-known big box. Any other time of the year I can speed right through them. BUT…it seems that the Big Box stores have decided to bring in “new, advanced, easier to use” computers to handle the task…right at the peak of Christmas shopping!! Who in the world made that (bad) decision??
HUGE suggestion to managers and or owners of these stores; HIRE some technically savvy young people who possess some manners AND patience, to assist all of the frustrated mothers and grandmothers attempting to traverse through the maze of choices and directions in the photo software. This will alleviate long lines, angry customers waiting in line and assure repeat customers.
WHY do I say this? Personal experience; CVS in Kingston, MA had a young man there who did precisely that. He taught me in 3 minutes how to use the new program and even RETURNED to ask me if it was working for me, walked me through a couple of errors I made and I was out of there in 10 minutes flat! I was so shocked that I completely forgot to get his name. Before walking away he even said, ” Have a Merry Christmas Mam”!
Sadly, that young customer service rep is rare these days.
Remember that we, the customer, are your profit line, your reputation, your repeat or non-repeat-lost-forever customer. It all comes down to a decent attitude and willingness to help those who need assistance.
Again, this is the main reason I love dealing with small businesses, shops, bakers and candy stores. THEY GET IT. They WANT to help you and definitely cherish the thought that you may come back and even refer them to a friend.
REMEMBER: SATISFIED CUSTOMERS TELL THEIR FRIENDS….
ANGRY CUSTOMERS TELL 3,0000!!!! ∼
YOUR WEB SITE IS NOT “ONCE~AND~DONE”
As the owner of small business, you may have assigned the task of your web site to one of your employees. I recommend, as owner, you take a few minutes a day to actually scan through your web. Be it six pages or two pages, you want to make sure your intended audience is seeing precisely the quality and information you wish to convey.
All too often we get side~tracked with many other aspects of running our business and get somewhat complacent about our web site, thinking “it’s out there” and working!
I have a friend who is a very successful, domestic and international business owner. I noticed last month that his web had not been updated in months! Of course I asked him if he wanted me to freshen it up, considering that is what my business is based on: putting your best foot forward on the web!
He told me ” I have someone on my staff whom I pay to do that. Obviously it hasn’t been on their mind.” Three days later I when I viewed his web it had definitely been updated. Now this man has been in business for over 25 years and admitted to me that he never looks at his web site. NOT GOOD!!
Keep in mind it takes about 5-10 seconds for a viewer of a web site to decide if they want to continue reading or are completely confused by your web being too crowded with far too many pictures and non-related editorial.
LAYOUT IS ESSENTIAL. An aesthetically appealing home page is one of the most important aspects of your web. Worse, if there is not current information posted, your returning client or potential new client will wonder if you are actually interested in doing business!
Before you put on your coat and walk out the door to “call it a day”, make your last task be the one where you lock the door, put up the closed sign, sit with that last cup of coffee and go to your web site. The office or shop is empty, the phones are off, your employees have all gone for the day.
CAUTION: if you wait until you get home, guaranteed you will procrastinate and never look at your web.
There really is no excuse for not using your web to its’ highest potential. Understand that everyone uses the web now: from tweens to baby boomers! Keep in mind whom you are targeting and make the necessary updates or changes to your web site.
Brenda Everson~Shaw 508/789-1450 bfe1948@yahoo.com
Great Lengths