Publicity

Having been nominated for a magazine's "list", it has made me realise a few things:

1. I do not do much publicity for my personal brand.  Yes I have brands that I promote (Rewind, Morganfield's), but not about myself.  This is probably a function of my own perspective of being humble about these things, preferring for people to experience the brands themselves instead of knowing them through me.  With this magazine opportunity, it is good to have some more recognition, in order to gain a stronger network

2. In order to fully leverage this opportunity, I have to improve my "on screen" ability.  That means more clarity of thought during interviews and other times when I am in front of a group.  A lot of it is just slowing down the speaking, so that I can sound more measured.

Keep focus on the following:
1.  Embrace the opportunity.  Want to be involved, want to meet new people, want to learn to do it better.  Much like language learning, there is a very high likelihood of looking a bit foolish, but why not?

2. Demonstrate my values.  Answer with respect to the people around me, appreciate the good qualities that everyone has at least to some degree.  No need to display showmanship, just self-assurance. Be grateful for being in a cool event with some potentially good people.

I am looking forward to the photo shoot!  Strong jaw line!

Setting The Right Structure for Overseas

What are the key objectives when I am overseas?

I must limit the face to face interactions but also set up the necessary structure to get the right information to the right people.  Start off be limiting time in the outlet.

I must be able to batch decisions into a timeframe so that I can do a lot of work at once.  Try to avoid making on the spot decisions, instead give staff the authority to make a decision up to a certain cost.

I must not be the bottleneck for information or decisions.  Hence all reference guides and where to get items (especially IT) need to be up to date.

I should give Mary the ability to sign cheques up to $5K, so that suppliers and minor cheques can be processed easily.  She should get GIRO access?

I must be prepared to let go, and even be prepared for no income from the business.  Just because this is my current income does not have to make it the only one.

I must still be able to watch the business.  Focus on the P&L, Monthly Reports, COGS, Sales Mix.

Do not work for work's sake.  Find things to do outside of the business.  Consider new business ideas, new directions.

We must be financially solid before I leave, so that we can pay our suppliers properly.  On the flip side, we should push for more 60 day credit terms.