Usually I like carnivals, but lately I’ve been feeling like I’m on that ride that spins really fast until the bottom falls out from under you. There I stand, forced against a wall, helpless to a gravitational force I can’t control. My emotions scrambled by excitement, fear, and the anticipation of the end. You see, I have a brick and mortar store that has seen better days. We are at financial levels that we haven’t seen since we first started out. My store and my art are so much a part of me that amputation is not an option. So in this article I’m going to share some of the things that I have done to keep me, my store and my art alive.

With the New Year upon us, many of us are making resolutions and creating new goals. It’s a time of reflection, as well as planning and aspiring for prosperity. However…..
The economic state are experiencing right now hasn’t been seen in half a century. They are actually promising it’s going to get worse. When I’m experiencing fear, my creativity tends to stagnate. I get paralyzed in panic. I need to get away and detach to refocus but can’t afford to vacation. The wonderful thing about self employment is when things are busy you have to work, when things are slow, you have to work. There is no perfect time to get away.

Abraham Maslow developed a theory of human personality based on 5 levels of basic need. When all these needs are met, a person reaches a level of self-actualization, is fulfilled, and is at a level to do what we were “born to do”. In my case, that’s being twisted. The first level is based on physical needs, like food and water, and the second based on safety. Until these are met you cannot progress. The next levels are a sense of belonging, esteem and finally self-actualization and the ability to give back. The challenge was to how to ascend in the hierarchy. Paying the bills is the hardest part because the balloon community is so awesome; the latter levels are rather easy.

I’m a single parent, so decisions I make have an immediate effect on me and my family. So in search of relief, I got a third shift part-time job. Nothing major, just a guaranteed paycheck to alleviate some stress, cover personal expenses, and buy some time to re-group. I still run the store during the day, but have decreased the showroom hours to cut down on overhead. I got really lucky and found a job that gives me a lot of downtime. I use that time to take care of things I can’t get to during the day. I have also rented out a small area of my store to another small business. That way we can share operation hours and overhead expenses. Probably the most valuable experience I have gotten from working this part time job is the reminder of why I quit working for other people to begin with!!! I can tolerate it because I know it’s not the end, just the means to a new beginning.

I am also convinced that mom and pop brick and mortar stores are on the brink of extinction. With big box competition and wholesale internet prices, we will be focusing more on the service end of the business. I think it’s important to maintain a brick and mortar presence for consumer confidence, but being open 10-12 hours a day is negotiable. We are available by phone 24/7 and accept appointments when necessary outside of showroom hours. My customer base seems to understand my methods so far and my family loves seeing me more.

Something I have done in the past and plan to rekindle is complimentary networking. Teaming up with other types of services in the industry to share store space, mailings, trade shows, etc. For example, if you are doing a bridal show, share a space with a limo company and a dress designer. They need decorations and you can share the cost of the booth, get a bigger booth, and make a huge visual presence.

This may not be the year to make a New Year resolution to get out of debt, but I’m still going to make a plan and set goals. I have short term, long term and immediate lists. Keep that notebook handy. Be flexible and focused. Most of all, fasten your seatbelt cause it’s going to be a long ride. When you believe in what you’re doing, it will happen in time. Maybe not when you had planned, but it will happen. Remember, you’re in the business of making people happy and that will never be obsolete.

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future topics, please contact me. dgauth65@yahoo.com