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Chic was there when I needed assistance in developing game plans for re-structuring employee salaries and planning terminations. They were professional and tactful. Thank you, Chic.

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Media Man
When you absolutely, positively have to be able to count on someone, count on Chrissie with Chic Business Services. If you are looking for someone that simply gets it done, look no further. An immense depth of real-world business experience combined with a can-do attitude creates for a great synergy.

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Samuel M. Goldstein Productions
Somebody…please make it stop
Posted Tuesday, January 24, 2012 by Chrissie VanWormer
Chrissie VanWormer
For the last couple of years it seems like life is moving too quickly. There is so much going on on so many different levels and it has honestly been stressing me out. I’ve mentioned this in previous blog posts but lately I’ve been finding peace even though it’s my busiest time of year. I’m juggling multiple projects with multiple clients while at the same time researching for the next book project. So why am I suddenly so much more peaceful? It’s simple…I turned off my email.

Now you may be reading this and wondering how the heck can she conduct business without email?

Over the summer months, the constant tune of incoming emails became a major source of stress. One evening as I was sitting on my couch with a friend, I heard the mails hitting the server and I sighed. She looked at me and said, “You know what I do, Chrissie? I only check my email twice a day. You should try it.” Well, she is not self-employed so I thought, “How nice for you…” But the next morning, after plowing my way through over thirty emails that had come in after I shut my office door the night before, I realized how unimportant most of these communications were. (Between you and me, I wish someone would outlaw the “Reply All” button!) That day I made a decision to try the concept of checking my email twice a day. I sent a note to one of the prime offenders and asked them to only send emails to my box that were necessary for me to do my job. The request was respected and I was shocked at how many less emails I was receiving. I could finally let my breath out and it felt so good.

I’ve been talking with my business partner about this for a while now because he, too, is very conscientious about keeping our clients happy. He is careful to answer emails promptly and keeps himself open to instant messages all day. However, he constantly complains that he can’t get his work done and feels that he has no time to pursue other interests. Well, he just finished reading The Four Hour Work Week where the author talks about time saving ways to complete the work that needs to be done to have more time for an actual life. This very wise author offered the same suggestion; only check your email twice a day. So Michael committed himself to trying it. He sent out a communication to our clients explaining what he is doing and the flurry of mail quickly stopped. It’s been a very, very (did I say very?) good change. We have gotten so much done, and better yet, the communication is clear and concise. We’re both happier and the funny part of that is, our clients are happier as well.

So give it a try. Shut it down. No one is going to lose a kidney if they have to wait a couple of hours for an answer. And if it’s urgent, they can always make a phone call. Our phones are charged and they’re always on.
Who Needs Boundaries?
Posted Tuesday, December 13, 2011 by Chrissie VanWormer
Chrissie VanWormer
I found myself severely burned out over the summer of 2011. I had been working non-stop for about three years trying to build my business, write a book, expand services, manage clients and the whole myriad of everything else that goes on with keeping a small business running. I have enjoyed the process and the challenges that have gone along with it but over the summer months, I found that suddenly every time the phone would ring, I was startled. Every time another email came in, I felt anxiety. I began to wonder if maybe I was showing symptoms of depression and I became concerned.

My office happens to be in my house and most of my clients know that. Last spring after a particularly long day, I finally closed my office door at 9:30 pm. Normally I would have climbed into my pajamas and hit the sack but I was hungry so I made myself a big salad, poured myself a glass of wine and sat down to relax. When the phone rang, I saw the name on the caller ID and my curiosity made me pick it up. The client on the other end explained his issue and, although I was sympathetic, his issue was not pressing and it could wait until the morning. I told him I would research it for him and send a response first thing the next day. I was surprised when he became agitated and said, “I know your office is in your house, Chrissie. Why can’t you just go in there and do it now.” Honestly, I wanted to hang up on him but business is business and, for me, emotion has no place there. I explained once more that I would take care of the issue in the morning….which I did, and all was well.

When my office phone rang early one Saturday morning this past July, a friend who had stopped in for breakfast looked at me when I jumped up and frowned. “You’re not really going to answer that, are you? It’s Saturday and it’s 7:15 a.m.” I looked at her and replied, “I have to. He never got back to me yesterday and they need the report on Monday morning.” She raised her eye brows and gave me a look. You know the look. The one that says, “Are you out of your mind? How important is it really?” I was aggravated at her and I realized that the aggravation was misplaced. She had a valid point. It was Saturday morning, we had planned to have breakfast then take a walk and I had been looking forward to it for several days. I had already blown her off several times during the week because things came up and I needed to work late. I knew what she was thinking in that moment and I knew she was absolutely right. I had set up a very unhealthy pattern not only for myself but for my clients as well.

So what did I learn from these two exchanges and many more others like them? Well, sometimes I can have a pretty hard head because I want to take good care of the clients I worked so hard to get. But finally, on that sunny July morning, I learned to draw the line; to set some boundaries.

Right after breakfast, before we left to take a walk, I went to my office answering machine and changed the message. I laid out my office hours and related that all business calls would be returned between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. It took about two weeks and a couple of agitated moments, but my clients all came around to the fact that everyone needs to have some free time and that I was better off for it.

When my kids were little, I always took time for myself to exercise, to write, to visit with my friends because I understood I was a better mother when I could be fully with them. My clients have come to realize that I provide better service when I can be fully in my work mind. We all need time off and we all need to set boundaries for ourselves.

As small business people, we want to service our clients. We want them to be happy with our services and we want them to refer us on. But if we set a few boundaries and be sure to take a little time for ourselves, we can provide even better service. And we’ll be a lot happier doing it. So, set those boundaries, change your answering machine message and do something that makes you happy. Life is not all about work. Have a little fun and come back to your work refreshed. Believe me when I tell you, it’s totally worth it.
Not a Match? Maybe it Is!
Posted Friday, November 11, 2011 by Chrissie VanWormer
Chrissie VanWormer
By Chrissie VanWormer

Right now I find myself dating. I’m not particularly thrilled with the process at this point in my life but I’ve made the decision to soldier on and soldiering on is what I’m doing. Anyway, a few of months ago I met a guy who initially seemed very nice. But as the evening wore on, he pushed every button I didn’t know I had. I was honestly surprised and a bit puzzled since it’s rare that anyone can do that, but at the end of the evening, I declared us “not a match” and walked away. As time has gone on, I’ve gotten to know the button pusher a bit and realized that he’s a real good guy. So what does this have to do with business? Everything!

Starting a business is kind of like dating. You have to go out, do the dance and hopefully you’ll find a good match for the goods or services you’re offering. As I look back to when I first started my business, there were definitely occasions that I jumped to a conclusion and declared a prospective client “not a match”. There were several who tried to beat me down on my price and I was very sensitive about that at the point. When I turned them away, I felt my reasons were solid and I knew I was justified in my decision. Then there were several other prospects that didn’t have the money to pay but were willing to work out an arrangement that was beneficial to both parties. At the time when I was working so hard to get something going, I felt like they wanted to buy a hamburger today that they’d surely pay for on Tuesday. It was frustrating but in a couple of cases we did move on to the second date and I brought them on as clients. Several offered payment on the back end of a project and others have offered equity in their companies. Of course I really couldn’t justify taking money on the back end considering I needed to eat in the meantime, so I had to carefully pick a couple I could provide that service for. The others were once more declared “not a match”.

For those I felt there was a “possible future” with, I continued the dance. For them I did whatever I could to help out by offering advice, networking opportunities and referring them to websites or experts I believed could assist. I was always happy to take their calls and applauded their successes.

Some of the companies who approached me during that period of time didn’t make it. In those cases I knew my assessment had been correct. It can be tough out there without resources and I have a pretty good gut. But several have made good and are continuing to grow. What I’ve noticed is the groups that I was willing to assist in whatever way I could have come back to me and are now paying clients. They were grateful for the help and are happy to refer me on to their business associates and colleagues. What I’ve noticed is for those I too quickly labeled “not a match” even a “congratulations on your success” email goes unanswered. Of course, I might handle that differently, but that’s for a different blog entry!

The bottom line here is to take each opportunity you get and treat it gently. Be careful to think beyond next month and continue the dance in whatever way you can. Of course it’s not necessary to continue “dating” a prospect you know will never be a fit, but don’t judge too quickly. What might at first glance not feel like a match, could end up being one of your best clients.
Just Do It!
Posted Tuesday, November 1, 2011 by Chrissie VanWormer
Chrissie VanWormer
Several months ago I sat in a room with a group of small business folks who had congregated for a small business seminar. There was every type of entrepreneur imaginable in that room including the fifty something woman who seemed proud of the fact that she didn’t know how to use the internet and wasn’t much interested in learning. There was the young girl who was quite full of herself that would have taken over the room if the moderator had allowed it. There was a late 30’s something business man in an Italian suit and several others who make a habit of turning up at these seminars as they get ready to launch their new venture. As the interaction continued and everyone began to share their pain, it became apparent that nearly 90% of the people in the room were very busy getting ready to get ready to start their businesses.

I was intrigued by this but I also understood. Going into business is scary. There are so many pitfalls and potholes that we can very unceremoniously land in. And a myriad of personal insecurities will most assuredly crop up when starting any new business venture. What if I don’t have any money? What if I put my life savings into my venture and it doesn’t work out? I don’t know anything about hiring employees. How do I start? Who will do my books? Do I trust someone other than myself to do it? But I hate accounting. What if I succeed? How will I handle the money? What if I don’t have enough time in my day to do everything I need to do? Will my home life suffer? Should I continue working my 40 hour work week while I’m starting my business or should I quit and just jump in? I need funding. How will I find someone to help me figure out how to find it? My elderly mom needs help. I don’t think I’ll have enough time to take care of her and start a business.

Believe me when I say that I’ve been there and I have suffered through my own list of insecurities. It’s not easy. But dedication to your business really needs to be item number one on your to do list every day. And you need to think each step through, find qualified people to help, and trust your instincts. Most people go into business because they are passionate about what they are trying to. Or maybe you have a talent that you know can make you the cash you need to live a decent lifestyle and you’re just not feeling the love from your employer.

The bottom line here is simple. There are many reasons to get started with your own business. Whether it’s personal gain, a passion for what you’re trying to do or maybe you want to change the world. All of these are great reasons to get started. But the one thing I know for sure is that the only real way to get started is to START. Seminars are great. Books will give you the background you need. But it’s up to you to jump in and Just Do It!
It's All About Perspective
Posted Tuesday, August 2, 2011 by Chrissie VanWormer
Chrissie VanWormer
I woke up this morning feeling the residual effects of a crummy yesterday. It was difficult to get out of bed and my eyes were blurry but Hannah and Leroy, my canine companions, needed to go outside and Trix, my twenty four pound cat was meowing his displeasure at an empty dish. Even Pixie, my little yellow parakeet, joined in the cacophony chirping loudly at the morning sun that was now blaring through the back door.

I considered not taking my usual early morning walk because it was already after 6:00 and I needed to get to work to try and clean up yesterday’s mess. I looked around the kitchen that I hadn’t picked up after dinner last night and sighed. Leroy, my mini-pin/greyhound mix came running in through the deck, bolted to the cellar door to begin his usual bounding up and down wanting to go out for a walk. Hannah, now fourteen years old and very gray, joined in the excitement, so I reluctantly headed into my bedroom and changed into shorts and a t-shirt. I grabbed their leashes, my sunglasses and off we went. During the first two miles my mind sifted through the events of yesterday. I reminded myself that I am the only one who has control over how I react to any situation and repeated the mantra several times to solidify it in my mind for the day. I was careful to take a few minutes to notice that the sun was playing on the pavement and the breeze that was deliciously cool.

As I crested the very steep hill that brings me in view of my house, Leroy tripped me and I found myself grappling to regain my balance. In the process, my shoe came untied. I have to admit; I cursed, and then bent down to secure the shoe. As I pulled the strings into a double bow, I glanced toward the sound of a cricket in the grass. It was weird, but suddenly, I saw that summer field from the perspective of Leroy and Hannah. Much closer to the ground than I, they have the opportunity to see so many details of the landscape; each blade of grass, each flower stem, a small spider web wet with dew. They are also much closer to the enticing scent of whatever creature had just crawled across the back country road just before we came over that hill and they continued to investigate with much snorting and sniffing. I sat down on the blacktop for a minute and just stared at the scenery, taking it in as though it were something I’d never seen before. Of course I was seeing it every day; just from a different perspective. The thought made me smile.

This was answer that I had been looking for. Every now and again it is necessary to look at things from a different perspective. As small business people, sometimes we forget to stop and look at things from the perspective of our clients. And many times our clients forget to look at things from the perspective of their clients. And so it goes. If you’re reading this today, take a moment and think about a challenge you’re facing in with your business. Maybe it’s time to try something new. Ask your client what you can do to help. Try to see the challenge from their perspective and attack it that way. I can guarantee you, if nothing else, you’ll definitely be seeing both the forest AND the trees. And don’t forget to take a minute, get down on the grass and check out that particular perspective. It’s really quite beautiful!