Leadership vs Management

We feel today that everyone should be a manager of something.  We have come to understand what management is.  Leadership on the other hand is not easily define.  Peter Drucker said, "Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things. The question then is what is the right thing?  Leaders are people who march in front and inspire those who follow.  Another quote that I have heard, "you are only as good of a leader by the number of people who follow you."  I don't know if I agree to that.  I have read some good material from people who died a long time ago and did not have much followers then.  However their literature and teachings have inspired many since.   Does leadership go beyond the grave?  

Have you ever thought to think about why is there Business Management degrees, but no Business Leaders degrees?  I feel management can be taught, replicated, and packaged.  Leadership though is emotional.  You have to have passion and drive.  Trues leaders have purpose and seek only to give glory to that purpose, not to themselves.  The greatest is Jesus Christ.  His example of leadership and influence has impacted billions of people.  I feel He had success because His purpose was divine and the credit was given to His Father.

This weeks lesson was greatly emphasize on leadership and what it means to be a good leader.  Don't get me wrong me wrong managers are greatly needed.  We need things done right.  I am grateful that I have many great examples.  I hope to lead like those before me.  

I have not made much progress in regards to my charity business this week.  I am just still waiting for a nice few days to start advertising.  In Oregon you have to have a few good days before people will come out especially at this time of the year.  

Is the Customer Always Right?

I have been in sales/customer service for over 10 years.   I am not sure if I feel that a customer is always right.  I am in the wholesale business and the people that I work with are knowledgeable about the product we sell.  I feel when a "customer is always right" is in the retail.  However, in the wholesale business I think the customer and the vendor are more on the same playing field.

My father taught me, "if someone comes up to you and buys from you and you don't know him/her from Adam, then be very cautious".  What my father was illustrating to me was that relationship is very important.  I have had to questions long standing customers request for credits or returns not because they were wrong, but if they had gotten all their facts right.  I believe instead of "Customer is Always" to say "Always Communicate with your Customers".  When you communicate extensively then you can assess the situation if the customer is right nor not.

This weeks progress on my business has halted because the weather here in Portland is nasty.  People will not come out and buy plants when 6" inches of rain falls on you in a week.  We need about a week of nice weather before people will come and buy.  Mostly because the ground is so wet.  However, I have taken pictures and are ready to put it on Craiglists on first day of a long range forecast of nice weather.

Purple Cows and Long Hair Adviser

Reading this last week was emphasize on Seth Godin book "The Purple Cow".  Reading the article it makes perfect sense on what as business owners need to do to make sure he/she is successful.  What does a Purple Cow have to do with anything in business?  In business you need to differentiate yourself from your competitors.  Sometimes you have to push some abstract ideas.  I remember at the nursery trade show every year there was as man who dressed up a like a leprechaun.  I don't know if his business was successful, because our product line never crossed.  However, I do remember what he sold, it was small green ferns, mosses, and other greenery to liven the home up.  He was the purple cow at the show.

Reading E-myth is a great way to help standardize your business.  He talks greatly about franchises and making sure your business can be duplicated.  I liked he told his background of being a long hair adviser.  His book is brilliant, I have been using much of what he is teaching into my business currently.

There has not been much progress in my business.  My business is greatly influenced by good weather.  In the great NorthWest, it rains a lot in the winter.  But when we get a break in the weather people come out and enjoy the outdoors and work in their yards.  This years weather with the snow we have had has done big damages to plants, so this is where I can come in an advertise the low cost savings to replace the plants.  I am just keep securing the plants for when the weather is nice.

Hero's Journey to Entrepreneurship

How do we become great?  I have read some good things on how good and even great companies have started with nothing more than a few bucks, a big dream, and the will to win.  This week I listen to Desh Deshpande story of how he became successful.  It was a dream and $8.00.  Now he is worth billions.  It is not just the will to dream, but the will to win.  When the world kicks you down, you get and go for another round and knock adversity square in the chin and come out victorious.  Sometimes what keeps from losing and winning is the optimism to say to yourself, "I will not be beaten."  Once we make it we become the Hero to the upcoming entrepreneurs.

I am about to kick off my small business idea.  I hope it is successful.  I am excited to see if I can sell what I think will be a help to those who want a job done for less and get the same results.  I have already procured enough material to help me get the job done for the $100 challenge.  I just want to see it do more.  I am a person who does like to make status quo but to exceed expectation.  Also I am fighting for a cause greater than myself, when your fight involves the welfare of others you tend to rise beyond the what is natural.