Fireworks…

This last weekend marked a turning point in parenthood. Our boys are now old enough to set off their own fireworks. In my family, fireworks were a huge part of the summer since my uncles, dad and cousins all managed a chain of fireworks stands in El Paso. So it was something of a right of passage to watch my boys go after their fireworks with excitement – the concern and trepidation of last year were completely gone. Just a small rite of passage leading up to the day they fly the nest…

Anniversaries…

I suspect this put me in a bit of a reminiscent mood and as I walked to the office today, I counted up  the years for GX. Next month we begin our 13th year in business.

I need to let that fact sink in.

While the years have been turbulent with extreme ups and downs, it is an accomplishment to have made it to this point. While it has been an effort of sheer will to keep going at times, I am indebted and extremely grateful for all the people who have helped us to this point.

Our early partner and amazing rock, Cisco. Tommy, our first employee who embodied laid back and talent. The powerful women who carried a huge load for us as we had children and the economy dipped, Suze, Sara and Nikki. And most recently to the mightily gifted and versatile Jennifer to the sustaining support of Ellen. There have been many others who shared their gifts; I think of all the interns who have kept us  young. And I also think of the support of our banker, accountant, our gifted vendors, our attorneys.

It takes a lot to keep a business going. And without the community that has come and gone around us, at just the right times, it would been impossible to be here today.

and the Future…

I realize that because I can look back on 12 years – of support and  ups and downs – I have an assurance and calm that comes from the experience of running the race. And, I also feel so much more compassion and empathy for other small businesses that are running the race.

The realities of this economy are seriously squeezing the local businesses in my community, Georgetown, Texas – and I am sure in other small communities around here and beyond. And that means that the small business owners are struggling personally as well. It goes hand in hand. I am hearing stories from all fronts – owners who are cashing in their savings to keep their employees on; owners, who because cash-flow is unpredictable, are struggling with their mortgage; owners who have had to shut their doors because they had no other options left.

I hear these stories, and more, and wonder what it is that I can do to help. I know it is possible to be successful – in spite of this economy. I know our community can not only weather it, but rise above it. But it will take working together, trying new things, looking beyond our standard ways of doing things, stepping out of the ‘hunker down’ mode that we get into.

I think small towns are naturally geared to be able to come together to create success more easily  and more powerfully than others. And I love that and want to find some ways to leverage it.

I can not help but see the world through marketing. And I believe there is a solution that stems from marketing and integrates the power of the vast array of communications technology – the internet, social media, mobile devices. But so many business owners I know are overwhelmed with learning something new right now. Just adding in one more thing feels like too much. Or they have tried and not seen success or weren’t sure what else to do.

More to Offer You

And as I collect up these stories, I am even more motivated to offer all I can to help small businesses be successful. So I will be coming back to you with some new things in the next few weeks.  I’ll be sharing some ‘how-to’ articles as well as looking at developing some hands-on workshops.

However, I really want and need your feedback. I want to create what is most helpful to you. And while I do have some context, I prefer to have more information, directly from you.

I invite you to give me  your opinion through this short survey, or by sending me an email about what you most could use help with. (By the way, the survey is only 9 short questions.)

Take the Survey Now

And I invite you to share this with others who might be interested and have information to share.

I thank you in advance and will keep you posted on what I learn, what is shared and what new things I will develop as I learn more.