I love Paris in the Autumn...

This is the week that I choose Paris.

Seems like a sensible decision.  But last week Paris frightened me.  Why?  Well, because I am business owner.  Therefore I am like one of the thousands of business owners across Australia that denies themselves things that ordinary Australians take for granted.

Like holidays, days off and a 38 hour working week.

Why do I deny myself these things?  Well because if I was to leave my business the world would come crashing in as I know it.  Clients would leave.  The bank account would empty.  Staff would revolt.  World peace would come to an end.

Yes it all seems silly writing it down but for many business owners it is a real and genuine fear.  So we abandon holidays, days off and 8 hour days because we can't afford to take such luxuries.

The irony is that by not taking holidays and days off both we and our business suffer.  We lose focus, we lose passion, we become tired, unhealthy and we, our business' greatest assets, become a liability.

So what should we do about it? 

The simplest thing to do is to have real time off.  So on your day off, turn off your phone!  Crazy notion I know.  Then make sure you have great systems and great people in your business so that your business can run without you being in the office.  If you're nervous about leaving for extended periods try roadtesting your systems and your people by taking some long weekends.  Then you simply need to book that holiday and go.

During your first few long weekends there will be teething problems.  Take a deep breath and address them.  Maybe a system needs to be tweaked, a new system adopted or a staff member needs to be trained. That's OK.

Once you are reasonably confident that your business can cope without you then simply book in your holiday as if you were any other staff member.  And then go!

Maybe you won't choose Paris.  But wherever your 'Paris' is, make sure you take steps to get there this year.  Your business needs you there!

My advice to Gerry

Gerry Harvey has a problem with me.  How do I know that?  I'm one of the many Australians that purchases on-line (particularly from overseas) and he doesn't like it. 

Now if Gerry knew me at all he'd relax a little because my online purchases are mainly books, shoes, dvd's, shoes, clothes, shoes jewellrey, oh and did I mention shoes?  What Gerry doesn't realise is that the reason I'm online is because:

1. the Australian dollar is my dear friend at present
2. I don't often get to the shops
3. my online experience is often nicer than a trip to the shops

Now, I'm not setting out to cannibalise the local market (heaven forbid) but overseas retailers, in my experience, simply offer more and do it cheaper and better. What Gerry needs to learn is how to adapt.  Because what I've noticed recently is a change in how the smart retailers are offering their product and it's certainly winning a bigger share of my shopping budget.

So who are the Australian retailers winning me back and what are they doing differently?

1.  Great customer service including assistance with styling in-store from savvy shop assistants who want to help without being pushy.  Scanlan and Theodore are great at this.
2. Amazing (not good or even great) customer service with absolutely no pushiness.  Plus using social media to showcase what is in-store including sales items and encouraging shopping via email and post (which means no costly online shopping cart).  A gorgeous shop at Berry called Roots and Wings is a fantastic example.  While on holidays last October the owner, Bec asked if I wanted to 'play' which involved an hour of me trying a host of different things on (and me buying more than I planned).  Using the word 'play' rather than 'help' was genius as I felt no pressure to purchase.  Plus I have emailed her over christmas and purchase twice again (all via email) based on her helpfulness and what she showed on Facebook.
3.  The emergence of decent Australian on-line stores that showcase Australian designers including the dreamery, frockshop and my catwalk.

Australian retailers (including the online versions) simply can't compete on price with overseas online sites.  However what they can do is look for the best local products, offer over the top service (good/great service is no longer enough) and be innovative about how they can access and service their customers.

Gerry's problem is he's trying to argue based on price.  However I know that if I bought a TV and sound system from Harvey Norman, that if someone would come to my house, set it up and show me how to use it then I would pay a premium for their product.  It's a no-brainer.

Throughout history there has been a theme - adapt or die.  Why should it work any differently for Australian retailers?  Rather than whinging that things are tough (aren't they everywhere) retailers need to innovate and become amazing (not good or great) at what they do.  As my experience shows, it certainly pays off.

What are you scared of?

I have a confession to make.  My husband is involved with a football club.  I know, don't judge me.  I've commited to stop calling it 'stupid football' this year but the fact remains that he works with them and travels with them whenever they go away.

Now generally I don't mind a bit of girl time at home.  There are girlie films to watch, secret women's grooming to undertake and catching up with girlfriends.  However when it's a week away, which it is at the moment, I'm hopeless.  Why?  Sadly, even though I am almost 40, I'm still not great with sleeping in the house by myself because I kind of get a little bit scared.  39 years old and scared of the dark.  Pitiful I know.

Of course knowing that I'm not great at night by myself you'd think I'd change my behaviour to make it easier.  No, that would have been sensible.  Instead, this week I watched episodes of Law and Order SVU and Criminal Intent. Most of which involved terrible things happening to people that are at home by themselves.

I know, I know.

Now I'm sure you think that I'm being silly (it's OK, I think that too on a regular basis) but this is no different to  how many business owners act on a day to day basis. 

They may know that they need to get out there and network or sell to their clients but it feels 'scary' so they stay at home or find 'important things' to do at work instead.  Or maybe they know that they have a growing business with rising sales but no money in the bank, but they're 'scared' of anything to do with finance and budgeting so they go and get an overdraft or try to ignore the problem instead.

That's no different to me being scared at home and watching shows about things that happen to people that are at home... It's just dumb.

We all have something that we're afraid of.  In business, it is usually something that you can receive more training in, mentoring or you can outsource the problem.  It's when you do nothing or try to ignore the problem that you and your business suffers.

So, what have I done about my fear?  Well I know I'm not going to overcome it this week so instead my gorgeous sister is dropping around to spend the night with her youngest child (she has two others at home still so it's a win-win).  We'll watch some rom-coms, laugh and I'll have a rested sleep.  Notice I'm not trying to overcome my fear, I'm just managing it.  Big difference.

What are you going to do about your fears? Your fears aren't what is holding you and your business back.  It's what you are doing (or not doing) about them that is.  So decide today that you will not be ruled by those things you're afraid of but like me, that you'll start managing them better instead.

Resolutions Vs Goals

I don't do New Year's Resolutions.  Maybe it's because I'm a perpetual planner that I find New Year's Resolutions to be a little bit twee. Plus there's the fact that they're usually made while completely tanked or in the grip of a raging hangover the next day.  Either way, it's not a real recipe for success.

Of course just because I'm a Resolution Knocker, doesn't mean I don't applaud goal setting.  Some goals like committing to wear more jumpsuits, discarding tracksuits, being able to pay yourself a regular wage in your business or world peace are worthy goals and should be taken seriously.  It's what you do once you have a vague notion of a goal that is important.

So if you've made a vague New Years Resolution here are some (hopefully helpful) steps to turn that wish (because let's face it, that's what it is at the moment) into reality...

1.  Is your goal specific and measurable?  Wearing jumpsuits too often or making more money in your business is too wishy washy.  Wearing a jumpsuit monthly and paying myself a weekly wage of $1,000 can be tracked.
2.   Does your goal get your juices flowing?  If you aren't inspired to achieve your goal, you won't bother so make sure you are emotionally invested. For me, a goal to run a marathon would make me want to run a mile (sorry, couldn't help myself) however a goal to achieve sales of $X in my business in 2012 or to wear dresses every day for a month inspires me.
3.  What steps do you need to take to achieve your goal?  A fanciful idea is not a goal so you need to sort out the steps that you need to take to make it happen. This doesn't need to be a 100 page prospectus.  An A4 page (or a notes page on your i-pad if your'e a little more savvy) with a few steps steps is usually enough to get you started.
4.  Is your goal realistic?  If I'm 5'10 and my goal is to be 6'2 then it's probably not going to happen (except with the help of trusted heels).  Similarly if your goal is to make sales of $1million and you are currently at $5,000 maybe you need to sit down and do the maths to see if it is achievable.  Of course, a stretch target is great, just make sure it's within the realm of probability.
5. When are you going to do it by?  Success in a month, a quarter, six months, a year? Give it an actual date by which you'll achieve your goal and mark it on your calendar.

Finally, tell people.  Nothing makes you actually do something like telling someone your'e going to do it.  Tell your partner, family, friends, colleagues, social media, blog it and then tell them how you're going. 

Of course for me the only thing missing is the reward.  If you're going to put in all of this effort then I think you need to plan a reward for yourself for when you've achieved it.  For me, surprisingly, the reward is usually shoes - the great motivator.  You might be different.  Find your carrot and then, to use the words of a modern day philosopher, 'just do it'.

Why your business should be more like Iris Apfel

When I grow up I want to be just like Iris Apfel.

The 90 year old (pictured above and below) has become an international style icon and describes herself as a 'geriatric starlet'.  Already a successful businesswoman up until she retired in 1992, she was 'rediscovered' when an exhibition of her colorful and extravagantly accessorized wardrobe was a sensation at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute in New York.

Yet when asked for style tips Mrs Apfel has a surprising point of view.  She says "I can't tell people how to have style.  No amount of money can buy you style.... You have to learn who you are first and that's painful." That's not to say she's not outspoken on what people are wearing today.  "Most of the young people today look dreadful.  And celebrities look even worse...  At the Golden Globes and Oscars they all look alike..."

See why I love her?

What I think that Mrs Apfel is saying is that we need to find our authentic self.  Too often we try to copy what someone else is wearing or what the current trends are dictating without a thought for whether it suits us or represents our own style.  Take a look next time you walk around your local shopping centre - most people dress almost in an unofficial uniform.  Mums wear jeans and a t-shirt, teenagers wear jeans and a t-shirt, men wear jeans and a t-shirt.  It's all so very blah.

As business owners I think this unwillingness to stand out in the crowd is obvious in our businesses.  Tom Peters, a marketing expert said it best I think.  "Think about small business for a minute.  In its array of local enterprises your town is probably much like mine - restaurants and shops (and businesses) come and go.  What stuns me is how hard people work to launch something new only to create a business that is so, well, ordinary."

I think in our businesses (and in our wardrobes!) we need to start learning that it is OK to stand out.  Sure that will mean that you will face criticism and you'll probably make some mistakes.  But I'd rather have an inspiring, forward thinking, full of innovation, well branded business than one that might be successful but is limited by my willingness to really stand out.

So throw out your jeans, put on something you're inspired by and start to think about what you could do to make your business really stand out.  Iris Apfel style!

Fashion Advice for a Global Financial Crisis?!

There have been so many experts weighing in on the global crisis in Europe recently that it seems editors have been searching for a different angle.  And when I'm thinking advice for a global crisis, I don't know about you but I immediately think 'fashion designer'.

Which is exactly what Womens Wear Daily (WWD) have done.  They asked fashion designers for “out-of-the-box ideas on how to break the cycle of lingering economic woes".  I'm not sure that their answers are going to solve our current crisis, but they just might make you smile on a Friday afternoon. 

Enjoy!

Karl Lagerfeld: I think they should make a tax so that when you earn a certain amount of money, you have to spend a certain amount on shopping. To buy whatever….And that way, we create tons of jobs. I think it’s a good idea. What I hate is people with a lot of money who don’t spend it.

Michael Kors: “Make clothes that make you look thinner, taller and younger. Steal away the plastic surgery money, because if you cut your clothes well, that’s what you’ll be able to do.”

Donatella Versace: I believe that in tough times it is still important-more important than ever, actually-to look your best. It is a way of boosting your confidence and the confidence others have in you.”

Lanvin’s Alber Elbaz: “It’s more difficult to cook with potatoes, eggs and cheese than with caviar … The pieces that are actually flying from the stores, they’re not the cheapest, the commercial versions, but the special pieces.”

Roland Mouret: “Don’t forget that when you buy or sell something expensive, [there's] a good chain underneath-that of people making a living… By spending on expensive luxury goods, you’re supporting life for other people. Rich people should be respected for that, certainly.”

Haider Ackermann: “I don’t have anything else in mind than dreams…and dreams can be useful….Let’s glorify life and reality to search for beauty and to escape from poverty.”

Manolo Blahnik: “Designers - do a good product that lasts, something solid, well-done and handmade if possible. Women - invest in good things. The days of cheap things and gimmicks are over. . You need to buy something that lasts.”

Markus Lupfer: “Peace, Love and Sequins! It’s all about creating jobs. The government should introduce a quota where companies have to produce a certain percentage within their own country in order to create jobs, and in the meantime - sequins for everyone!”

I am going to blame the fact that the September issue of Vogue (US and Australia) arrived on my doorstep three weeks ago as to why there hasn't been an update for a month.  Now for an excuse to talk about it!

I know last month I mentioned that those fashion folks at Vogue are clever.  That they know that advertisers want to make a big pitch to the readers for their Christmas dollar but have somehow turned a great big book of ads into a coveted issue!

Still don't believe me?  Well here are the stats on US Vogue's September 2011 issue:

•The magazine has 758 pages, 584 of which are advertisements

•More than three-fourths of the pages in the issue are advertising

•The total number of ad pages in this issue is up 50 from last year, or 9.3 percent

•The three page table of contents is not completed until page 172

Surprised?  Yet I for one sat there for two very satisfied hours with my 758 pages of US Vogue, completely happy. Why?  Because Vogue knows their readers.  So they make sure the ads aren't just any ads.  They are stylish and sophisticated and look like features in the magazine.  While I and thousands of other women (and blokes) happily flick through all 758 pages without feeling like I am being duped for my dollars spent.

Now if you asked me to flick through 584 pages of ads I'd laugh at you.  Yet this month I happily did it. 

It's called knowing your customers, knowing your suppliers and being able to meet both of their needs with both parties walking away thrilled with the result. 

So how can you better serve the suppliers and customers in your business?  Maybe you have something that you think is a hard sell.  584 pages of ads certainly is so take Vogue'slead. Get creative about how you can meet your customers needs (and suppliers needs) in a way that everyone is not just satisfied, but thrilled with the result.