Hayden Chamber: Fall, October and new business owners
Andrea Fulks
As I said last month fall is my favorite season, October is one of my favorite months. I guess I could say that about almost every month!
I love October. Not just because I get to decorate the house, spend a day going to farms up in Greenbluff, decorate pumpkins, play dress-up as an adult, and buy way too much candy without judgment. I love it also because of National Pumpkin Spice Day (Oct. 1) and National Cinnamon Roll Day (Oct. 4) — I think these are all really good reasons to love October!
I love October because here in North Idaho, it is nature’s last stab at beautiful days before winter sets in. I love it because the first snows fall and then melt away, because of Indian Summer days and cold nights with breezes that nip at your nose, and because everyone is getting ready to hunker down for winter. I’m ready to slip into my favorite slippers, grab a cup of hot cocoa and let my mind warm up to some great ideas to implement for the next year.
Each month I check out a list of people starting a new business in the area from the newspaper to Facebook to word of mouth or just driving around the community! As I have reached out to the various new business owners, I have found several interesting items worth mentioning.
1.They are always excited to talk about their new adventure or involvement that they have taken on.
2. They are nervous about the “The Big Move,” but without a doubt the excitement outweighs the apprehension that they are feeling about this new stage in their lives.
3. They are full of questions, all the way from who to go through when hiring new employees, to who would I use if I were in the same situation to build, and do I know anyone who can help design their website. YES, YES and YES!
With many of these very valid and noteworthy questions, I wanted to share with you some information from an article that I read called “Top 3 tips for the first-time business owner.” I found this to be very informative and helpful no matter what stage you are with your business.
1. Focus. Focus. Focus. Many first-time entrepreneurs feel the need to jump at every “opportunity” they come across. Opportunities are often wolves in sheep’s clothing. Avoid getting side-tracked. Juggling multiple ventures will spread you thin and limit both your effectiveness and productivity. Do one thing perfectly, not 10 things poorly. If you feel the need to jump onto another project, make sure it doesn’t take something away from your original concept.
2. Know what you do. Do what you know. Don’t start a business simply because it seems sexy or boasts large hypothetical profit margins and returns. Do what you love. Businesses built around your strengths and talents will have a greater chance of success. It’s not only important to create a profitable business, but also that you’re happy managing and growing it day in and day out. If your heart isn’t in it, you will not be successful.
3. Say it in 30 seconds or don’t say it at all. From a chance encounter with an investor to a curious customer, always be ready to pitch your business. State your mission, service, and goals in a clear and concise manner. Fit the pitch to the person. Less is always more.
September started off with our Back-to-School Membership Appreciation goodies to our member schools for their staff and teachers! They were a big hit as we welcomed them back to the new year.
We had a great turnout at the Connecting Community & Business EXPO Fair on Sept. 18 at PEAK Health & Wellness in Hayden. Thank you everyone who attended and participated with more than 50 businesses and organizations showcasing what they have to offer right here in our area.
Congratulations to the Hayden Toastmasters for becoming a member and celebrating their ribbon cutting with us after our September NBC!
Watch for our Member Appreciation Party on Thursday, Nov. 7 at the Hayden Chamber office. If you have never been to our building, now’s the time to come check it out!
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Andrea Fulks is the president/CEO for the Hayden Chamber of Commerce.
The Hayden Chamber of Commerce celebrated a ribbon cutting with the Hayden Toastmasters.
Back to school membership delivery to Hayden Canyon Charter.
The Hayden Chamber of Commerce at the Connecting Community & Business EXPO Fair.
