Reinventing Yourself

Amid one of the busiest times I can remember – both business and personal – I have found it necessary to reinvent myself and my company…once again. As entrepreneurs and business owners, we must always be on the lookout for when it’s time to reinvent certain parts of our business, to seek new opportunities, to look for ways to streamline certain departments for efficiency’s sake, or to give us a chance to occasionally explore entirely new business areas.

These are some of the things entrepreneurs choose to do that separate us from nonbusiness owners. Such is the case now, as our company is in the middle of restructuring itself as we adapt to the new business system I discussed last month. Since the system is involved in every aspect of the business – how we do things, how and where we keep our records, how we communicate and with whom – changes are everywhere – all for the better, of course. To meet these new business system challenges, there is a lot of reinventing going on at Landscape Warehouse.

Another area that is causing some reinventing is the tightening economy. The recent rate drop is a sign that things are again headed in the right direction. Although not directly tied to mortgages, it is believed the lower rates will eventually affect them, enabling prospective home buyers to afford house payments once again, while bringing new business to the landscape industry. Until that happens, we have taken the proper steps to ensure Landscape Warehouse continues to offer our customers the best service and products in our industry, uninterrupted by this tough economy.

Two areas of the business I have already reinvented have to do with coming events and technology. Educational classes, company fishing trip, a possible Thanksgiving BBQ, as well as the responsibility of the new business system implementation, now fall on my son, Joe. This gives me time to handle some other projects I’m working on, including moving changes that need my attention.

One final area where most entrepreneurs and business owners need to reinvent themselves is in the area of TIME OFF from the business and more time for family, friends and fun. It is critical to achieve some balance between personal life and business if you want to be truly successful. I am blessed to have both my sons involved in the business, but we manage to get away on mini vacations for fishing, travel and more, whenever we can. Treating yourself to small getaways relieves stress and enables you to get a fresh perspective on your business. Try it yourself.

I just got back from a business trip to San Diego that included both business and pleasure. I saw a Padres game and watched the Canelo Álvarez – Terence Crawford fight. Offering a similar experience – combining business and pleasure – is what you’ll find at the CLCA Convention in Sonoma County Wine Country November 5-8. If you have not already done so, reinvent your schedule and make time to attend.

– José Robles, owner, Landscape Warehouse