SoKy Local Business or "SoKybiz"

SoKy.net, llc. update

While this blog has been all about small business in south central KY and my personal observations, opinions and comments of the same, I have also shared a number of personal and professional dreams and goals here too. The past couple of weeks has been bringing many of those dreams to reality and has also reminded me of the importance of some of the advice I have offered here.

Have a plan!

I thought I had a plan and I thought it was a good one. My primary aim was well established as was my strategy, but I'm facing a harsh reality that having a plan is much more than an obscure objective or even a solid business concept. Having a plan in business encompasses every single thing! From accounting and banking to procedural guidance for employees and contractors. My plan did not include a method of delegation, assignment or dispersion of responsibility.

The first step in correction is admitting the flaws!

I recently wrote about pride and it's affect on the small business mindset. Pride plays a role in taking an objective look at ones business and admitting flaws in either its existing operation or its plan. Having already admitted that I allowed pride to interfere in my decision making process, it made it easier to take a critical look at other aspects of my model. I didn't like what I saw! What I found is that I had boxed myself in so firmly that I had no way to grow beyond my limited view of business. Or... my pride prevented me from admitting that I am going to need help. Shame on me.

The next step is action!

Once I humbled myself enough to look in the business mirror and admit I'm a fool (Okay, that was harsh... admit I made some mistakes?), I began to see many areas that I could improve upon. Remembering that my primary aim is freedom, I began to adjust my "plan" to make achieving that aim possible. In short, I faced the fact that if I don't put on the right people and provide them with the guidance they need to perform up to my specification and expectation, I am hopelessly bound to only enough business that I can handle myself.

Action!

I have contacted a few people that I have known to help and offered them "incentive." Through those proposals, I was able to identify many needs in managing those people and providing them with the information and guidance they needed to learn and comply. I also identified needs for methods of measurement and oversight. Some of these issues are yet to be addressed, but identifying them is a key step in creating the process effectively.

With all the new and exciting business opportunities I have been presented with in the last 10 days I am very optimistic about the future of my "little internet company." (Quote based on recent blog comment) I've also been able to see ways to take it from a one man band to a well conducted orchestra of creativity, production and operational excellence. It gave me the incentive to look past my own nose and see what that was I was smelling. I've embraced a dream for a very long time, I have been offered a vehicle to reach that dream and now I am fueling that rocket ship to take me and my business to the next level.

The next 6 weeks will be key for me itsy bitsy world class internet development company in Bowling Green. From developing an online auction from the ground up to managing my new sales managers, creative directors, programmers and public information staff, I've got a large amount of work to do. No... wait... WE have a large amount of work to do. Oh... that feels good to say.

Thanks for reading! I meant to get this out earlier because Monday mornings appear to be the high traffic time for this blog, but, well I was too busy bring the above to pass. Wish me luck, keep sending your suggestions and use my mistakes to make your small business better than it is. I know I will.

David Francis
Soky.net

P.S. Sneak peak of new layout now online at www.soky.net (I'm so proud)

This was posted by SoKy : 11:41 AM  0 comments links to this post

Pride is likely one of the most significant enemies to small business. Pride has this terrible habit of not allowing the small business person to admit mistakes, accept criticism or hear good advice when it is offered. I do my very best to remain open and even humble yet I cannot escape the predator known as pride.

Pride is not a bad thing when it causes us to be professional and thorough! It can inspire us to create a business that is better than our competition. Pride can drive us to excel and work harder on what we are so proud of. Alternatively, pride can interfere with the open acceptance of input from friends, family and peers. I can create a wall between great ideas for innovation and the status quo.

I'm proud of my accomplishments and take pride in my knowledge of the internet, marketing, sales online small business and general management. I've been involved in sales and marketing since 1990 and have been online since 1988. I've owned, co-owned, worked for, consulted with and managed a number of businesses in a wide variety of industries and this gives me a unique perspective on the many factors that affect a small business. I should be proud of what I've accomplished, right? I think so, but when it causes me to close my mind to people who may not have as much experience or knowledge it becomes an enemy.

Some of the greatest and innovative ideas for business can come from the people who know very little about the business! Many times it's the lack of knowledge that allows so called outsiders to look at the business from a different angle or perspective. My children, spouse, friends, partners and subordinates have all offered beautiful ideas throughout my professional life that have caused me to pause and rethink a plan or situation. Some times however, I close my mind because the advice being offered is coming from someone who has no knowledge or worse, has a little knowledge but no experience to back up the advice. I judge and convict the messenger at the expense of the message. This is not good.

My point? I received some advice recently that I have avoided for a long time. In hindsight I realize that many people have offered this advice to me in a number of ways. Friends would tip toe around the issue so as to not hurt my feelings and I wonder how many close friends avoided it all together just to prevent hurt feelings, by either the sender or receiver. It's good advice really, basic advice, fundamental advice and even something I already knew. Somehow I avoided it because I knew what I was doing and no one else knew better than I.

"I know what I'm doing so don't even go there" was not only my mindset, but also my attitude that prevented even the people who loved me from offering this advice. My own pride not only prevented me from hearing the advice, it even prevented some people from offering it. This is amazing to me considering how intentional I am in my efforts to listen, remain open and even attempt to subordinate myself to others. I make every effort to value everyone in my heart and mind just so I don't become this arrogant ass that my personality traits tend to guide me.

This advice? It's hard to explain but still very simple. Basically, it is that I need to be more concerned with my own business than everyone else's; that I need to make some time for my own company as much or more so than I do for clients, friends and family; that I work so hard for others that I have neglected my own is what some people suggest.

What brought this to light was when one of my best friends in the world told me that my own website looked like crap yesterday at lunch. It's true! I was able to put CarriedAwayVacations.com online in a matter of minutes with a great layout and a professional presentation yet my site wouldn't sell an idea much less professional web development. I even spent last night researching a potential clients needs while still forgetting my own.

How did pride play a role in all this? I had convinced myself that it was a better strategy to concentrate on clients than my own website. My professional opinion was that because people come to me through my client sites or direct referrals, that I didn't need to spend all that much time on my own site. I was of the opinion that my work would speak louder than any self promoting presentation online. Boy... was I stupid!

This morning as I considered a meeting I have later today with a potential client, I remembered my lunch meeting yesterday and realized that not only did my friend offer some great advice, but it took great courage to do so. Why was it it so courageous? Because my pride created an obstacle that many people would not attempt simply because of emotions, feelings and/or the fear of insulting me. Don't get me wrong, many have tried, and many have said exactly what my friend said, but it wasn't until this morning that it all came together and forced me to admit that I could be wrong.

My own pride, I wonder how much business it cost me? I wonder how many people judged me based on my own stubborn opinion that I didn't need a professional representation of my own ability. Oh, I justified my decision through the logic that I was being modest and humble by not self promoting, yet in the end it was pride in that decision and conceited stubbornness that prevented me to truly hearing and accepting the advice of others. As hard as I tried to be accessible and humble, I still fell victim to the predator known as pride. I wonder how many other valuable and sincere offerings I have ignored because I already knew what I was doing. It makes a man think and wonder... and yes, it makes a man learn from his mistakes.

Now you know what I'll be working on today.  

This was posted by SoKy : 9:52 AM  0 comments links to this post

I have been so busy with the nuts and bolts, I've forgotten what I'm building! From my experience with small business owners, it's not uncommon for the principal to get so busy with the daily tasks, firefighting and general maintenance of their small enterprise that the dream that once fueled the flames of passion is obscured. This is one reason I've written so often about the need to create some freedom. Well, I seem to have fallen victim to this thief of dreams myself.

My obscured view is not from a lack of effort that is for sure. I come to the office at 04:00 or earlier and remain hunched over my keyboard into the evening. Many times, I don't get home until well after dinner time so tired that I simply snack and go to bed. I concentrate on the code of the day, which for businesses not associated with software development, it is similar to concentrating on the customer of the day. It's important and productive, but it does tend to steal the passion that once motivated the commitment to our business.

I was trained in the Air Force as an aircraft maintenance Crew Chief. It was a great job! I was assigned all kinds of aircraft, from the single seat A-10 to the multi-station, 8 engine B-52G. As a Crew Chief I was responsible for the entire aircraft, making sure that all the little parts and systems were operating properly so the entire aircraft could accomplish its assigned mission.

As the Crew Chief, I would determine what was wrong with the aircraft and then assign a specialist to correct the issue. I was not required to know the specifics of avionics or hydraulics, but I did have to know how they all worked and how the worked together. I had to have enough understanding of all systems so I could troubleshoot enough to make a proper diagnosis and assign the proper airman to the task. Just like a doctor who is a general physician, sometimes a specialist is needed in a particular area.

Small business owners are much like the Crew Chief. They have the big picture in mind and the knowledge to make it happen, but if bogged down on a detail, the overall mission may suffer. Enter the specialist! Or... the delegated employee or outsourced expert. The small business Crew Chief needs to know when to call for help, perhaps not because they can't do it themselves, perhaps the specialist will be able to free up the Crew Chief to address a few more issues while knowing the person helping is doing the job well and right.

I've spent the past several weeks on the nuts and bolts of Soky.net. While I consider this the foundational effort and key to effectively reaching my goals, I had lost some of the enthusiasm or excitement that motivated me. I simply would come to work and do what needed to be done and go home. A few things have happened recently that reminded me of my dreams, passions and goals. I have taken a step back to look at this vehicle that will carry me to the next chapter and I am excited.

Though there have been some disappointments, missed deadlines and unavoidable delays, Soky.net is coming along and will be all that I am building it to be. Sometimes one simply has to remember the why behind the what... I have and it has fanned the flames of an impassioned drive to bring my dreams to pass. 

This was posted by SoKy : 8:07 AM  0 comments links to this post

The last few weeks have been a whirlwind of activity in my world. From several new projects to some old ones spinning up, I've had an extraordinary amount of things to do. I'm keeping up okay but no matter what, something is put off to make space for something else.

Enter the priority list!

I've been to a number of different training classes on how to establish "good habits to be a highly effective person", even received private executive coaching that reinforced this training, it seems however when I need to use the list the most is when I don't have time to make the list. Interestingly enough, not taking the time to think through the task list actually costs me time.

One of the methods I've learned was using a four zone list. I think it came from Franklin Planner school even before it was Franklin-Covey. Basically, you break down all your tasks into four categories. Urgent, Important, not urgent, not important. Oh, you can spend too much time analyzing the items on this list and for committees to help choose the right zone and level of importance, that's for sure. I have found however that just following the passion of the moment or lubing the squeaky wheel does little for a productive day.

I've simplified the process!! I just write all of the items down as I think of them, check them off one by one and then the next day, try to order the list according to importance. This is faster to me and takes less "analysis" than the PhD methods I've learned over the years. In the end, listing the items is important, completing the items are even more important.

As a programmer, I find that I am drawn in a number of directions at the same time. As I am working on a project, new ideas pop up or "cool" features come to mind and I find myself distracted by the "cool" while allowing the boring to be sacrificed.

So here I sit, writing about the importance of priorities while stealing time from what I could be working on. Well, my blog is important and the fact I haven't posted makes it urgent too. Besides, it 04:00 on Saturday morning, I can spare 10 minutes to share.

I've written about this quite a few times, but as I become distracted by the loudest needs of my small business, the quiet ones that will hurt me the most go unattended to. All small business people are faced with this I am sure, the successful ones find ways to overcome these distractions and focus on what's important.

Okay, now for a brief update on the goings on in Sokyville.

The progress on the business portal has been handicapped by the server upgrades. It would appear that most of the hardware upgrades went without a glitch but the migration of the settings has caused some issues. The main server from which the site will be served has had a number of memory bleed issues that prevent a confident deployment of the site. However, even the core layout has yet to be chosen and I am tragically behind schedule. I had a number of features I wanted for the first release but have decided to go with the basic site and then add features on a regular basis.

My custom "core site" development has been coming along nicely. I've not written too much about it here, simply put, I've been developing a site management tool that makes my customer websites work very well and provide a number of useful tools and features for my clients. It is one of those back end things that get little fan fare, but it is what happens back there that makes the web work.

Super Blog (still trying to come up with a good name), this is actually part of the core site work but an important part of the project. In a nut shell, I've grown somewhat frustrated with Blogger and the limited tools for organizing topics and managing my posts. I've been 'toying' with this for about 2 years now and have made great progress in the last few weeks. While a blog is a blog, this application is closer to a content management system than a blog in that it provides tools for creating, organizing and publishing web pages within the core or master website.

Another reason the super blog is important is the creation and a brand new website and "brand" for wife and I. Many of you know that we sold our half of the travel agency two months ago and truly had no intent to re-enter that market for at least a few years. September 9th, I made the decision to create a new website for travel that will offer news, articles, advice and information about travel. You can find it at www.CarriedAwayVacations.com and read a little about the concept and motive at www.davidfrancis.org/travel. We already have a local celebrity writer.

My plans for a political website (www.StumpSeason.com) has been put on the back burner for this "season." I need to increase my business revenue as well as my research staff before I could create the site that met my vision. It would have been a huge distraction that I could not afford this year.

My internal network at the office... frikin frakin frustrations... I've been arm wrestling with the operating system and the network since I received it and I'm still not happy with the set up. The plan was to get that server online and then wipe my development computer clean for a fresh install of all my software. Between fears of loosing important information and the two computers not talking to each other, this has been a frustrating diversion that I revisit once in a while.

This just scratches the surface!!! As you can see, I have a lot going on here at the office and is why I'm not "out and about" as usual. I am going to Land Between the Lakes tomorrow to celebrate Carrie's 23rd(again) birthday. Bear with me, as all of this comes together, I will be able to hire some help and get some of my freedom back.

If you're still reading, thank you! I will get back on topic here once I have a few of the above issues ironed out.

This was posted by SoKy : 5:57 AM  0 comments links to this post

This topic came up on a forum I visit...

Whew. . .my office space is becoming increasingly unorganized. I've got post it notes all over my computer, my email accounts are on overload and the distractions just keeping rolling in!

Great question.

I'll tell you what worked for me. I spent years trying to find the perfect solution, from military white glove ready to 3x5 cards and all points in between. What worked for me is imagining that someone else would come in tomorrow and take my place.

It's not just the office space, it's the filing system, phone records, accounting practices and even passwords and access codes. Think of it as making yourself "upgrade ready." When your business grow beyond the walls of your walk in closet, having some kind of system or plan will play a key role in the success of your growth. All too often does the ship come in to greet an unprepared passenger.

Make it your own! The only system that will work is the one that works for you. You are your own boss for a reason right? Now you get to make those decisions and when you hire people... you get to have it done your way. What? You don't have "a way?" Well, that's my point.

Process procedures, customer contact records, billing, invoicing... the lot. Build your own process so you can hire, train and staff your office with a system that works.

No need to do it all today! Just do a little here and a little there until it comes together. You have to spend the bulk of your time growing your business, but making your business work efficiently will actually give you more time to grow your business.

This was posted by SoKy : 7:20 AM  0 comments links to this post

The Western Kentucky University Small Business Development Center supports 11 counties in South Central Kentucky including: Allen, Barren, Butler, Cumberland, Edmonson, Hart, Logan, Metcalfe, Monroe, Simpson and Warren. September appears to be their small business month. There are a number of activities planned. Below is a list from their website.

Upcoming Training Events

• September 7—Start Up Training for Potential Child Care Providers, Jill Norris Presenter, Free, BGHA, 247 Double Springs Rd.
• September 11—Pre-Business Orientation 9:00-11:00am Free, BGHA, 247 Double Springs Rd.
• September 12—“The Basics of Selling on eBay” 1:00-4:00pm, Carroll Knicely Center, $60 Fee Attendees will learn the fundamental skills needed to become a successful eBay seller.
• September 18—QuickBooks Beginners—Step-by-Step 5:00-7:00pm, Free, BGHA, 247 Double Springs Rd.
• September 21—Day of Finance at the Garvin House 221 Ft. Webb Ave
  • 8:30am meeting with bankers and lenders. Update on all SBA loans
  • 1:00 pm workshop for subcontractors who wish to become 8A eligible contractors, information on Surety Bonds, Sources of financing. Presentation by Robert Coffey, Loan Specialist for the U.S. Small Business Administration.

http://www.wku.edu/Dept/Support/AcadAffairs/IED/SBDC/whoweare.htm

I do find it interesting that they are offering advice on becoming an online retailer... but that belongs on my personal (opinion) blog. (grin)

This was posted by SoKy : 3:52 PM  0 comments links to this post

Soky.biz started on a whim back in May 2005. Once I noticed the popularity of the subject I started storing the log files for review and analysis. This morning I downloaded the last weeks logs and realized that I had almost a complete year stored. So, this is what the summary looked like.

Without getting all "technical" I'll try to explain. As with a brick and mortar business, an online effort should try to monitor and quantify their audience. Knowing how many visitors/customers is good, but knowing what they looked at, where they came from and when/where they left is incredibly useful. In the case of a blog like this, reviewing the most popular posts can help guide new posts by meeting the needs/wants of the viewer.

With nearly 50,000 page views, I am proud of the progress and thankful to my readers. It looks like 1 in 3 readers are repeat visitors and I am honored. Thank you for a great first year and watch for some great improvements during the next.

This was posted by SoKy : 12:01 PM  0 comments links to this post