“In dwelling, live close to the ground.
In thinking, keep to the simple.
In conflict, be fair and generous.
In governing, don’t try to control.
In work, do what you enjoy.
In family life, be completely present.
When you are content to be simply yourself
and don’t compare or compete,
everybody will respect you.”
Hi folks,
Johnny’s Travel Mugs by Meghan Truesdell, co-manager of Johnny’s, Carrboro, NC, USA
Over the last two years I have transmogrified from established scientist to neophyte businessman, and Ironman triathlete to abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery survivor (and still an Ironman triathlete thanks to modern technology in the form of my Cook Zenith Stent Graft and a great surgical team lead by Joe Fulton, at UNC Hospitals, Chapel Hill, NC, USA). My first business venture, a mini-pumpkin sale, in collaboration with my friend Rock, was very successful, as was the subsequently greater financial risk, which yielded even larger financial rewards, the sale of Christmas tree sales with the original Johnny of Johnny’s Store, in Carrboro, NC, USA. Both of these activities were directed towards my real goal, to get Johnny’s of Carrboro going again because I missed going over there. So, as part of an LLC, Johnny’s Gone Fishing, I’ve done my part to make that happen. Whether I’ll see a dollar of my investment come back to me is doubtful (but not impossible, I was told by the new management, Duncan and Meg). Business-wise it was folly (fiscally), but socially it has been a great success for the neighborhood, plus I’ve learned great deal about the challenges of small business.
Here is a brief video of The Ayr Mountaineers, who spiced up the Johnny’s experience this morning. It was a real pleasure to see our little community coming alive, with people of all ages getting to know each other better.
One thing that I find satisfying about this experience is the fact that we employ local people and promote great local businesses, such as Whitney Dane and Small Potatoes Farm.
Katy, the manager of Fleet Feet in Carrboro, NC, USA, provided FitOldDog with some great running shoes and excellent advice on the art of sales.
Thinking of great local businesses, I left Johnny’s this morning and traveled up the road to Fleet Feet, to receive excellent customer service from the manager, Katy Puckett. We spent quite a time sorting out and fixing my running shoe issues, and I left really pleased with the deal I received. Furthermore, Katy gave me some sales advice, which I badly need for my online business, Old Dogs in Training, where I promote safe exercise for better health, with emphasis on improved body awareness and guidance to people recovering from aortic surgery, based on my own experiences. Katy said, “Kevin, you have to listen to the customers, and try to provide what they want and need.” Furthermore, she said, “It is important NOT to try to please everyone, as it just can’t be done. Just attempt to satisfy as many customers as you can, and when conflict arises be generous.“
Thanks for the great business advice and your skilled guidance on the selection of my new running shoes, Katy.
-k @FitOldDog
I was given a simple definition of business recently:
To sell things for more than you pay for them.
That’s it – nothing more.
Like the music
The sound like the genrs of Iris DeMent to my Engish ear. I love this sort of American music. English folk always sounds more dirge like by comparison.
Great group wish them well
They will like that, so I’ll let them know. Tx! -kevin