MIND YOUR BUSINESS

By

Greg Laboissonniere

I would like to thank the Pawtuxet Valley Chamber of Commerce for the opportunity to publish this, my initial article for the monthly newsletter. 

I am hopeful that people in the business community or aspiring to start a business will find my articles of some use in their day to day operations.

I have experience in a number of areas of business including Retail, Wholesale, Government, Charitable Organizations, Accounting, Marketing, Financial Services and in a number of different industries. 

My intent is to offer up some of my experiences, opinions, friendly advice and to keep the reading light and I hope entertaining.   

Well now that I have introduced myself, I want to talk about the “business of doing business”.   

Here goes: 

You’ve formulated your business idea and plan, put together the capital needed to start, acquired licenses, found your location, purchased equipment and inventory, hired personnel and had a terrific Grand Opening. Congratulations!   What a great feeling! Working for yourself, the American Dream, Independent at last! 

Now what?    Payroll, rent, sales tax, electric bill, phone bill, insurance bill, work schedules, reordering inventory, bookkeeping, advertising, networking, etc. You get the point. Maybe! 

What about family life, personal time? How many hours will you be putting in?  Let’s face it, when you are the chief, cook and bottle washer, working every waking hour is probable, but, how long is it possible?  There’s an awful lot to think about and even more to be done.  How will you ever find the time? 

You’re thinking OMG! What did I do? I had a secure job, a paycheck…….

And just before you start to hyper-ventilate you realize why you got into business.  You are passionate about what you do, you are good at what you do, that’s why! 

The Moral: 

Do the “business of doing your business”.  Do what you are good at and partner with people who are professionals at what they are good at.  The service you receive will free you up to do what you do best.  Maximizing your time at what you do best will maximize your profits.  

Greg Laboissonniere is with Citizens Bank Merchant Services and has operated Cowesett Wine & Spirits with his wife Nancy since 1986.

401-374-7362 

401-336-2380 fax

GregLaboss.com