Are you a business? Really?!?

So - I don't know who knows this about me so I will bring everyone up to speed. My husband and I do several things to make money. But first and foremost we rely on God to supply all of our needs. Take a look at my other blog for more on this. We own a web based distribution company, we are creative gift consultants, we open distribution franchises, we mentor and coach other franchise owners, I do custom scrapbooks, I babysit (well that is more a bardiring system), I also work with an agency that does MR/DD stuff.

Currently Keith and I are calling small companies about creative gift options for the holiday season. When I say small I mean small under 25 employees. We both work out of the spare bedroom in our apartment. At times we talk over each other, but the we just kindly remind the other that we need to talk too. We are a small business backed by a VERY large compay.

Anyway!

We have been calling small companies for several weeks. Here are some of the things that I have made me say -- Are you a business? Really?!?

• Hello?
• This leads me to ask you is this XYZ company? If you are a business and work it out of your home answer your phone like you are a business!

• Me: Are you currently keeping your options open for gifts or rewards for your employees or clients/customers?
• Them: We are so small, we just don't do that.
• This leads me to wonder, just because you are a small company does that mean your employees don't need recognition?

Then there is of course the "Did they really just say that?"

• Them: XYZ Comany, this is Linda may I help you?
• Me: May I speak to the person who would be responsible for purchasing employee gifts and rewards?
• Them: That's me.
• Me: Great, Did you say your name was Linda [obviously not speaking clearly]?
• Her: Yes, what is your name?
• Me: Sara. I am [cut off]
• Her: It is nice to know who I am talking to, I am not going to buy anything from you. [click]

• Them: I can help you. We don't do that here.
• Then what are you going to help me with???
  

• Them: We are not entertaining new vendors at this time.
• We weren't asking to be entertained.

Then there are the things that make you go hmmmm...

• Message: You have reached extenstion 13, please leave your message.
• Call one time, you need Ed. Call a second time, you need Tom. - Really can I just get to the right person?

Here is what is great about all of this...

Can you really blog and make calls if you were working for someone else?
Do you have someone to share your stories with as it happens at your job?
Can you take a break when you need to pee without asking?

Just a few points to ponder.

Stay tuned to!

I have an amazing husband -- I won't apologize if that makes you ill.

I need to brag on someone.

I have the most amazing husband in the world. I am so proud of him. In June we sat down and wrote out where we would like our business to be in 6 months (January 1, 2009). We wanted a certain franchised structure, we wanted a certain amount of volume following through the group, we committed to doing certain things each week, etc. We also have been taking a serious look at our growth, both business growth and personal growth. We have been serious about getting the job done. Not just one of us, but both of us.

So we started truly developing a list of people we knew to run our business concept past them. Keith has been getting some great results. I am too, his are just manifesting a little faster.

Well Saturday he went to Memphis to get a new team started. He got one of our mentors in the car with him and one of our team leaders. The three of them left at 8 in the morning. They had a great time. It was not only fun, but successful. They drove back the same day pulling in at 5 Sunday morning. He got home, crawled into bed and said - "Tonight I totally felt crazy." I looked at him and said, "Sure, but we are destined for greatness." I gave him a kiss and we went back to sleep.

He is so willing to do whatever it takes. It's not just what it takes -- it is whatever it takes. Yes, I didn't go with him but it would have been a blast if I were able to go. Next time, hopefully. He is always looking for more people to serve, more people to help, and just when you think you can't serve anyone else, he will find us more. I am excited about what his is willing do to for our future.

Keith - Thank you for going out and earning my respect everyday.

Our treck to Nebraska

Oh so I have to tell you about today. We had a marketing meeting in Dayton. When we think Dayton we plan on 45 minutes to get there. So Keith accidently over sleeps (he was supposed to get up while I was in the shower to take the four legger out to pee). I get out of the shower they are both sleeping in bed on my pillows. Totally adorable, but not the time for it.

Anyway - we get ready about to walk out the door since we are now running 10 minutes behind, "Shoot hun - it is going to take over an hour to get there." Keith says while looking at the directions. He calls tell them we will be late and leave. We get off the expressway and follow the directions -- into nothing but CORN FIELDS!

Here we are going to this global headquarters of a it is where???

I will tell you where... Turn right on this alley type thing that is a 1 1/2 lane road -- you know you are there when you pass the barn with a huge freaking rooster on the side that is red. This road will cause a suv to drive on the grass so you can both pass. When it dead ends (another corn field) turn right... then there will be a stop sign and a flashing red light. This is the state highway you need to turn on but you need to look 50 feet up the road to the left to make sure becuase the sign is no where to be seen. As you are traveling 55 mph you will see a blue sign on the left where you need to turn for your global headquarters -- not a corn field, but seriously over grown grass. Take this road up to the teal house and your building is the next white one.

I could have sworn we got off the interstate in Ohio and ended up in Nebraska.

It was an amazing adventure and great story that will be shared on CD one day.