Cut them off...

On a recent road trip, with "Hallelujah" by the Canadian Tenors on repeat, I was reflecting on the difference of experiences between the 10 years I've spent in retail management and being co-owner with the Mr. of University Pickers. Going into this business venture, it didn't take long (okay, all it took was a red "Stop Work" notice by the City) to realize there's a big difference.

I knew going into this that branding was essential in developing a good business structure.  In addition to the checklist of "name recognition" and advertising, the Mr. and I were determined to not leave our Christianity in the parking lot.  In the "Big Box" world, I could have "possibly" jeopardized my job to make any sort of statements like that regardiny Christianity when discussing business as their representative.  So,  yes.  That's a major difference.

But, there's also similarities.... One management lesson that I learned early on, applicable to life AND business is this:

if you want exceptional results, 

then surround yourself by the best 

If I was to say that to more than half of my Pickers, they would turn Merlot red and say "no, I'm not the best." But I'm telling you... I believe we have the best.  (As I'm typing this, I can FEEL from here the glared looks and puffed tail-feathers from my competitors.)

Let me explain and happily share with the naysayers who 1) said we'd never make it and 2) sneak in our store without properly introducing theirselves and/or sneak in our store and then try to low ball prices and pay our pickers cash under the table, [which really happened and by an owner of a rather large antique mall in the "Northern Alabama region," btw] the "University Picker" formula for success....

Our Pickers compliment each other. They swap ideas.  They introduce us to their family, their children and their fur babies.  They share supplies and contacts.  They are appreciative.  They pray for each other. They keep in touch. They celebrate other picker's success. They share each other's "status updates" on FB. They are mindful of others' bread and butter to prevent unnecessary competition.  They expound on other's talents within the Picker team to further their brand.  They pray for Paul and I.  They contibute, participate, engage and communicate.  They overcome each and every obstacle along the way and maintain a positive attitude.

This community + diviersity + having onboard crazy talent has been the formula to our success so far.

But there's a life lesson here to be learned.....  Whether you are the owner of a new business or the "owner" of a household family, we are all "brand protectors."  It's essential that negativity gets cut at the root quickly and shiftly. Come across someone who wants to carry on small talk about so-so?  Cut them off.  You can't make a simple decision without it being followed by criticism?  Cut them off.   Have someone in your life who is contaminating more then contributing?  Cut them off.  Have someone in your life that never says thank you? Cut them off.  My personal favorite....someone who critizes you behind your back?  Cut them off.

It's these small things that takes something, a community, a friendship, an organization, a business....and transforms it from good to exceptional.  

God Bless University Pickers!