Since it was originally published in 2007, this article has been slightly edited to remove dead links and update the formatting. Thank you for visiting!
The media devotes much attention to big business success, but not so much to small family business success. Let's also hear it for the “regular” moms and dads who are also charting their own course! Today, I taped an interview for Ron Haney, talk radio host at Froggy 104.1's Community Focus Show which airs throughout western Tennessee. Ron asked me several questions about Indie Business success, one focused primarily on how dads are getting into the Indie Business act. I told him what Indie Business Network member Maggie Hanus of A Wild Soap Bar told me years ago: the family that grinds together binds together. Who says that only government and big business can create a family friendly work environment?!? I've said it and I'll say it again: we can create our own!
IBN members Kibby and Jay Mitra of From Nature With Love exemplify how dads and moms are joining forces in business to create their own brand of family and work balance.
When the Mitras had their first child, Kibby left her job to be at home and discovered a knack for making herbal bath and body products to help with the baby's dry skin. She eventually began selling the products, teaching others how to make the products and selling ingredients and supplies.
Their business was formally birthed when Jay, who has a background in finance, noticed that the more cream Kibby made, the more the family checking account grew. He eventually left his job and today, he runs the financial end of the business while Kibby's psychology background is put to good use on the marketing side.
Ten years later, the couple has 4 children and their family business has expanded to include several independent revenue streams, all managed from their home office in Oxford, Connecticut.
Here are some of Kibby's best success tips.
1. It's hard work to own and manage a business well, but if you see your business as an extension of your passion and yourself, it's worth it, no matter how hard it gets.
2. To make things go more smoothly, focus on being disciplined and organized. Set goals for yourself and your business and evaluate your progress and performance frequently.
3. Hire key people you can truly trust. Make sure that your employees are happy.
4. Network, network, network with others in your industry.
5. Last but not least, take time out to regroup and refocus periodically. Business is an art, and like all art, its beauty takes shape through discipline and innovation.
Indie Family Businesses Rock!
This blog is about encouraging and supporting family members who are putting their talents and gifts to work to pursue their passions and support each other emotionally, spiritually and physically.
If your family or a family you know about is doing that, tell me about it in the comments below, and leave a link to the applicable blog or website.
Let's show the world what's possible!
