Questions to Help You Mind Your Business…

A Blog Series by Graham Edwards and Renée Cormier

Graham — We sat in a trendy bakery enjoying lunch, and as always our conversation turned to business, opportunities, and the dynamics of transitioning a business in the current business climate. This is always a fun exercise because it challenges our conventional thinking, offers insight into what we know (and don’t know), and reinforces how complicated (as well as satisfying) developing a business can be.

One of us, and I don’t remember who, asked, “Do you think people ask themselves the right questions to increase their chances of success?” This of course rallied the discussion and we could not help but list off questions.

By no means is the following a definitive list of questions because business is a rather broad discipline, but it did lead to an idea.

1. How can I create a fuller picture of the nature of my business?

2. Where should I spend my money?

3. Do I need a plan for my business?

4. Should I hire a sales person?

5. How can maximize the value of my employees?

6. Why can’t employees just do what I tell them?

7. How do I build a team?

8. How can I manage my business and still have a life?

9. How will I know if I am successful?

10. Do I need to be using social media and how much do I really need to do?

Renée  — So the idea here is to write a blog piece each week where we take on one of these questions using our unique perspectives and styles. Graham tends to be more philosophical in his approach to business discussions, and God knows I am a pragmatist of the highest order. We find our different ways of processing and relaying information inspires us to think differently about things and often spurs new ideas. It is our sincerest hope that you enjoy our next ten blogs and that you find the inspiration to contribute new ideas and help us all broaden our thinking around business. We invite you to provide your own ideas, questions and solutions in the comments section or email us directly.

Thanks to the social media platform beBee,  Renée Cormier & Graham Edwards developed a business relationship and friendship that typically involves regular meetings, goal setting sessions, etc. Our meetings often provide the fuel for plans around business strategy, blog ideas and more.

Moments — accomplishments

Without fail it occurs repeatedly.

I will be working away on my computer and a backup message will appear that indicates it's been 11 days since my last back up; I close the message knowing I just backed it up.

I will be working away and a backup message will appear that indicates it's been 92 says since my last back up; I close the message and ultimately backup my computer.

Deja vu washes over me as I wonder where the time has gone and ask myself what I've done over the past three months — it's a constant reminder that time tirelessly marches on. I take stock of my accomplishments, and although I don't always like the answer, at least I can take some comfort in knowing. I'm also reminded that if you want to look back on a life of accomplishment, it must be acknowledged that time is a finite consideration to be used wisely. This is about what you want to accomplish and the "Key Performance Indicators" you use to understand if you are on your way to achieving your goals.

It's been 29,200 days since you backed up your computer.

iamgpe

Moments — opportunities

I have always found a serenity with being in a church; a quiet that calms the soul. Why this is, I really don't know — it may be what a church represents, or the expectation that it's a place for quiet reflection, or maybe it's simply a symbol of something bigger than ourselves.

Recently I sat quietly on a back pew and supported a great friend (and his family) as they said goodbye to a mother, a wife, and a member of that very church. I was an observer of the human condition — the joy, the celebration, and of course the grief. It offered insight into a life lived, and an opportunity to ponder my own.

"You are born and you die, and everything is in-between". I heard someone say this once, and I could not help but reflect on the "everything in-between" as a woman sang Amazing Grace. 

Big and small, common and unique, easily attained and difficult — these are the types of opportunities that come our way each and every day, and make up our life; this is the "everything in-between" that he was talking about. As I left this borrowed sanctuary, I could not help but acknowledge that this life will not last forever, and that I should never shy away from any and all opportunities — no matter how unfamiliar and unlikely they may seem.

You never know where they will take you. And isn't that what life is all about?

iamgpe