Going into business? Better talk to the family!

For the second time this week I’ve heard about couples in business going out of business.  The stories are similar – young couples, with young children running retail operations and working 90 plus hours a week.  Business was ok but not good enough to justify the hours and the time away from their families. 

Lessons Learned Dealing with Unhappy Customers

Ask anyone who works with the public and they will tell you that one of the keys to survival is having a good sense of humor and the ability to let criticism roll off your back.   I learned this lesson quickly when I operated businesses in Bar Harbor during the summer tourist season.

Leave the Whoopie well enough alone!

I recently interviewed the operations manager from a local bakery that distributes products through out the US and Canada. One of their most popular products are whoopie pies. If you are not familiar with them - imagine two chocolate round cakes filled with a butter cream frosting center. There are many variations to the recipe - different flavors and sizes - but the traditional whoopie pie continues to be the most popular.

When Customers (aka me) are Numb!

Yep... that would be me --- numb!



I am embarrassed to admit that I recently purchased a bed frame from a local store that specializes in custom made maple frames and I completely messed it up! I had to assemble the bed. There were instructions included but I guess I thought I could figure it all out without reading the directions (that always got me into trouble in school).

In Business with Dad?

Happy Fathers Day to my daddy and all you daddy’s reading this!   I love my dad very much and he is truly an inspiration, mentor and a best friend to me.  That being said - I am quite sure I could never go into business with him.  That is not true for many sons and daughters who are or have been in business with dad.

Summer Get Away Tips

Summer is finally here!

Funny how it seems to take forever to get here and then it goes by so fast! This is especially true for business owners who often find the summer months are their busiest.

Tips to Land That Job

Congratulations to all the recent grads who are now job hunting! This time of your life is likely equally exhilarating and terrifying. Landing that first "real" job often requires a lot of persistence, patience, a little luck and paying attention to details that matter to your potential employer.

Whether you are a recent grad on the hunt for that first job because the idea of moving back in with Mom and Dad is enough to create an anxiety attack, or you want to make a job change because the idea of going back to the same old job Monday morning is enough to cause you an anxiety attack, here are 10 job hunting dos and don'ts.

Success begins with Good Dirt

I'm guessing that, like me, you're taking advantage of this great weather to plant your gardens, window boxes and hanging baskets. I love this time of year, planting something that I can nurture into beauty and enjoy for the coming months.

Do You Need a Dress Code Policy?

As the weather warms up you may be thinking more about what type of dress is appropriate for your place of business. It might be a good idea to develop a written dress code policy so your employees understand what is acceptable to wear to work and what is not.

Why I Don't Want to See Your Underwear (at the office)

Remember when your mom used to tell you that “just because everyone else is doing it, doesn’t mean you have to.” I guess mom was right, except when it comes to knowing what to wear and what not to wear to work.

Dogs in the Office?

More and more businesses are allowing employees to bring their dogs to work. The upside can be a boost in morale, employee retention a reduction in stress levels and absenteeism. Certainly, not every business is suited for pets - but if your business is considering it – here are some tips for making it work.

Fusion Marketing Works!

On of the best and least expensive ways to promote your business is to partner with other businesses and promote each other! This is called Fusion marketing.

Why Getting Out There and Networking Matters!

As a business owner you are dealing with all sorts of daily demands making it easy to get so bogged down in the day to day operations and challenges of your business that you fail to get away from your business to network!