Tangled

          This week we talked about franchising. I tend to think that more people believe that this is an easier route than it really is; especially if they don't know the industry. Franchising, in my opinion, is just a set system way of doing business. It's very systematic, and very entry-level skill sets should be able to understand and process what is asked of them. I like to think of it as McDonalds. It's the consistency of experience that gets people going back - not the quality of food.

         The $100 challenge got interrupted this week. I had to leave town for surgery and won't be back till next week. But I did set up a time with Sandy to get outfits together and get the photographer set up to take all the shots we need. I also want to reorganize the store to be more visually appealing and get in contact with the media streams that I've already dealt with.

End of 9

These projects are ending way too soon!

So, I was able to meet with two businesses this past week and I got the full-steam ahead on one of them. Twice as Nice is a second-hand store that has been in business for way too long. What I mean by that is that the owner does most of the work and hasn't been able to grow or change basically anything about it since it began.

I went into the store and talked with Sandy and discussed what I was doing. Once she heard that this was for school curriculum and that she really didn't have to do any of the work herself, she was on board. We discussed times that I could go in and put outfits together for her and get my photographer to do a shoot. I asked her what she wanted to focus on selling for the upcoming season and we talked about Prom coming up and spring weddings.

I'll be out of town for about a week, so that'll get me behind on some things, but I'm excited to start promoting for her. She literally just gave me the reins and said go for it. I did tell her though that I'd like to be able to measure any results that she got from the publicity. I think her main idea was that more customers means more sales...which is sort-of true. She said that her store does about $125 a day in sales - so we'll see how much impact a little advertising does :)

Hire Slow, Fire Fast

This week we learned all about an interesting thought about human resources. In a business, you really want the best people working for you. An example was given about a bus ride. Not only do you want the right people on the bus, you've got to get the people off the bus that don't share your vision {or where the bus driver is going}. This sounds easy in theory, but I would imagine when it comes time to actually do it, it would be much harder. As a boss, you know these people, their families, etc. But it really comes down to what is best for the business. {I'm just going to add here that it's best not to work with family, friends, or relations of your investors - just throwing that out there}.

The $100 challenge needs to pick up speed. Quickly. I'm getting very impatient. I have meetings with business owners next week - but that doesn't leave me a lot of time to complete everything on my end of the bargain. I have this sneaking feeling that its going to be a few long nights together getting everything done - but hey, isn't that how it always is in a start-up? {At least I'm hoping so because that's how it's going to be for me} It all comes down to me, and how well I can deliver the goods.

Sheep, Shepherds, and Sheepherders

Matt 18: 12-14 - Rejoice in rescuing the one

Luke 15: 4-7 - Bringing home the lost

Isaiah 40: 11 - Feed, gathered, and carried

1 Peter 2: 25 - Lost and found

1 Nephi 22:25 - Sheep are known

         Something that caught me way off guard this week was the symbolism of Jesus Christ being the Good Shepard. I say it caught me off guard because I feel like that was something I was able to ponder and absorb multiple times. The message we delivered to families this week was, "The Divine Mission of Jesus Christ: Good Shepard".
          The following is from that message: "As we come to understand that Jesus Christ is the Good Shepard, our desire increases to follow His example and serve those in need. Jesus said: "I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine....And I lay down my life for the sheep;" (John 10:14-15).
         Jesus' always extends invitations to draw closer to him. He never is forceful. Sheepherders use dogs to pressure the sheep into doing the herders biding. A true Shepard has but to call and His sheep hear His voice and willingly follow.

The $100 challenge update this week is very small. I found out that one business that I thought had closed actually is just changing locations. Due to mid-terms though, I didn't feel like I had the time to meet with any of the businesses that I've scouted. Next week I am determined will be different. Another note that I am determined to not do next week is save everything till Saturday. Not that I procrastinated, I just scheduled too many things for one day and I feel the pressure of over-scheduling.