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The Hardy Realty Show – Alli Mitchell with the United Way of Rome and Floyd County
BRX Pro Tip: Use Souvenirs to Elevate Customer Experience
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BRX Pro Tip: Use Souvenirs to Elevate Customer Experience
Stone Payton: [00:00:00] Welcome back to Business RadioX Pro Tips. Lee Kantor and Stone Payton here with you. Lee, there are a lot of little things that add up and actually sometimes become big things. One of those is using souvenirs to elevate the customer experience.
Lee Kantor: [00:00:18] Yeah. I think souvenirs or mementos are a great way to surprise and delight a prospect or a client or anybody affiliated with your service. At Business RadioX, we leverage souvenirs in a couple of ways. Some of them are obvious, some of them are a little less obvious.
Lee Kantor: [00:00:37] One of the simplest ways that we create a memento of the experience is we take photos in the studio. Our guests love to take pictures of themselves in front of the microphone that has our logo on it, with the headphones on, in the studio, with the other guests on the show. It’s something that they happily do, they gladly do. They take their picture. They share it on social media. They’re proud of it.
Lee Kantor: [00:01:02] And it’s something that helps us get our name out there and our brand out there. But it also helps them to show that they’re a business or a business person that’s doing something that is worthy of media attention. So, it’s a win-win situation. In a short period of time after every show, it becomes a photo session and there’s lots of photos being taken.
Lee Kantor: [00:01:24] Another thing that Business RadioX does that we’ve done almost since the inception of the company is that we give out coffee mugs with our logo on it as kind of a trophy for their appearance. You know, a lot of times we say, talk show guests get talk show mugs. And that’s something that we only offer guests of our shows. We don’t sell the mugs to the public. So, the only way to get a mug is to be a guest on one of our shows.
Lee Kantor: [00:01:53] And because of that, so many people, I’ve been into so many offices, where that mug is their favorite mug. That mug is proudly displayed on their desk. They love the mug. It’s meaningful to them. And it kind of locks in our brand as a trusted resource in their mind, something that they are proud of. And it’s a great conversation starter for themselves and for us. So, think about it. What souvenirs can you create for your clients to bond them to you and to help them remember you more fondly?
Renee Dierdorff & Amy Guest with Austyn Guest
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This episode was brought to you by
Renee Dierdorff & Amy Guest are co-founders of Empowered Youth Entrepreneurs, a 501(c)3 organization.
Our goal is to empower kids with resources & education to grow their entrepreneurial spirit.
Follow Empowered Youth Entrepreneurs on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Austyn Guest is a young entrepreneur from the The Kid Biz Expo program.
This transcript is machine transcribed by Sonix
TRANSCRIPT
Intro: [00:00:07] Broadcasting live from the Business RadioX studios in Woodstock, Georgia. It’s time for Kid Biz Radio. Kid Biz Radio creates conversations about the power of entrepreneurship and the positive impact that journey can have on kids. For more information, go to Kid Biz Expo. Now, here’s your host.
Stone Payton: [00:00:29] Welcome to this very special edition of Kid Biz Radio. Stone Payton here with you this morning. And we have a studio full. We’ve got some young entrepreneurs and we have the folks who are behind the scenes running this marvelous organization, Renee Deardorff and Amy Guest. Welcome back to the studio.
Renee Dierdorff: [00:00:48] Hello.
Amy Guest: [00:00:49] Happy 2023.
Stone Payton: [00:00:50] Yeah.It’s going to be an exciting season. I’ve missed you guys. You know, I went chasing Elk in Kentucky for a couple of weeks, and so I’ve been out of pocket and I actually got back in time to go to the gala. But the only thing I harvested, no elk, was a terrible cold. I didn’t want to get anybody sick. So that’s why I didn’t go.
Stone Payton: [00:01:10] Well, I really wanted to attend. I’m looking forward to future events and I want to talk about that in a little bit. But get me up to speed on the gala. How did it go?
Renee Dierdorff: [00:01:19] It was awesome.
Amy Guest: [00:01:20] It was so much fun. Oh, my goodness. It all came together somehow.
Renee Dierdorff: [00:01:24] We had a great time. We held it at Woodstock City Church and we appreciate them letting us use that space. And we have beautiful over 100 people there.
Amy Guest: [00:01:35] And Kevin Williams from Chick fil A was a great speaker. The kids were really engaged in his his speech and conversation. He was very entertaining. So that was that was the highlight for sure. Yeah.
Stone Payton: [00:01:47] Fantastic. And we are going to talk about some upcoming events before we close, because I want to make sure that our listeners kind of have that calendar together. And can they also go to the website and see upcoming stuff and what’s the website again?
Renee Dierdorff: [00:02:00] It could be Zappos.com.
Stone Payton: [00:02:02] Well, that’s handy.
Renee Dierdorff: [00:02:03] Yeah, we might try make it easy.
Stone Payton: [00:02:05] And then as early as this Sunday afternoon, I’ve got it on my calendar and I would like to attend if I can. You’ve got a workshop and the kids are going to play a very active role in actually facilitating this workshop.
Renee Dierdorff: [00:02:18] Yeah.
Amy Guest: [00:02:18] Yes, that is correct. So this Sunday at 3:00 right here at the Innovation Spot, we will be hosting the first of the year’s workshop on brainstorming and it will be led by our older, more seasoned kid partners, one of which we have in the room, Austyn,
Austyn Guest: [00:02:36] Hello.
Stone Payton: [00:02:37] Hello, Miss Austin. So are you ready for this workshop? Have you thought about what you’re going to say or questions you might ask?
Austyn Guest: [00:02:45] I have thought about a few questions to ask. Have begun to think about how this is going to go and what me and Laila are going to talk about and help these kids brainstorm about what they’re going to do and just some new ideas in general for the for the new year.
Amy Guest: [00:03:01] It’ll be a good place for kids who want to start a business but don’t know where to start or have a couple of ideas, a way to hone in on that kind of bouncing ideas off of each other, but also kids with businesses that maybe want to plan out some new things for the year. So it’ll be a good like open forum kind of.
Renee Dierdorff: [00:03:18] So they’ll be leading it, but it will be kids talking to kids and the parents can chime in, too, of course, because I’m sure they’ll have questions, especially if it’s brand new, which is totally fine because we’ll be there as well. Yes, but it’ll be very interactive. And we’ve done something similar last year. It kind of turned into that, which made us think about it was at the end of last year. It made us think about this one being a great way to start the year where these kids were just just the ideas that they had were amazing, and it turned into a really good conversation. So we’re looking forward to this one.
Stone Payton: [00:03:47] Great. And it’s okay if an old man with broken dreams comes in and gets re-inspired.
Amy Guest: [00:03:52] Absolutely. You’re always welcome. Yes.
Stone Payton: [00:03:54] Well, I’m looking forward to it. Well, you know, I thought that maybe for this edition of Kid Biz Radio, it might be a good idea to go back and get you guys to share what I call the origin story. How did it all get started? What compelled you to do it? Some of what you learned along the way, I know our listeners would be interested in. I certainly am. So yeah, please, please share that origin story with us, if you would.
Amy Guest: [00:04:22] Sure, we can do that. Let’s see. So two years ago, maybe a little bit longer, like two and a half? I don’t know. Anyway, my middle daughter is a dreamer, and she was going to run the world of cotton candy. She was going to rule the world. She decided she wanted to sell it. And I was like, okay, let’s figure this out. So we’ll I’ll take you to farmer’s markets in the area and you can sell your cotton candy. Her sisters were her employees. We all worked together. It was very fun experience. But then, of course, her sisters decided that they didn’t want to be employees anymore. They wanted to be their own business owners. So we figured out a couple of business ideas for everybody else than we were taking. So I was taking three girls to farmers markets, which of course led when your bestie has two daughters of her own and they see what their friends are doing, they’re like, Oh.
Renee Dierdorff: [00:05:20] Neat on this.
Amy Guest: [00:05:21] Action. Wait a minute. So then they had business ideas. So now we’re the two of us are taking. Five girls to farmers markets around the area and little tiny events that was it to like didn’t cost too much for moms to, you know, invest in their kids for this. The community was so supportive and very sweet. Everybody loved seeing kids working hard at something and, you know, doing something for themselves and running a business and trying something new. But also at the same time, we kind of felt that it wasn’t the the best avenue to showcase the kids. It almost felt.
Renee Dierdorff: [00:06:00] Like novelty, like, oh, isn’t that cute? Yeah, they were very nice about it, but it wasn’t. They were competing with.
Amy Guest: [00:06:06] Adults because adults do that for a living, you know, go to event event to support themselves. And we were just kind of like on the sidelines and we didn’t I don’t know. It just felt more like we needed our own venue. So we’re like, wait a minute.
Renee Dierdorff: [00:06:20] We could try.
Amy Guest: [00:06:20] This. We could try this. So light bulb went off and Renee and I are like, okay, let’s do a kid’s vendor event. Maybe there’s other kids in the area. I mean, we already got five. We’re halfway there, right?
Renee Dierdorff: [00:06:30] Yeah, we started by getting interest. You know, we asked the community if something they’d be interested in and people jumped all over it. So that kind of gave us a little fire there to make it happen.
Amy Guest: [00:06:39] So we hosted our very first kid Bizz Expo, just the two of us, August of 2021 at Seattle Baptist Church, and we had 27, seven kids. Wow.
Stone Payton: [00:06:52] 27 kids. That had to be encouraging.
Amy Guest: [00:06:55] It was so exciting. We had a DJ and Rene’s husband Adam is in the fire department, so he brought the fire truck and that was, of course, entertaining. We had a bounce house, food trucks and we just turned it into a fun community event. And if you know, we’re suitably is it’s it’s not close to anything. It’s not there’s no residual people come walking around. So we had at least over two 300 people that showed up solely for us based on our efforts, efforts, our marketing efforts, we were determined to make it an event for these kids. So we were very excited and exhausted.
Renee Dierdorff: [00:07:35] It was exhausting. It was so rewarding.
Amy Guest: [00:07:37] The feel, the environment of walking around and hearing the comments from the people, the spectators and the parents involved and the kids involved like you watch. These kids are like, I don’t know what’s happening at the beginning of the day. To the end of the day, like running the show, you know, and really feeling inspired and in the moment and just like proud of themselves. And then people walking around notice that and they’re engaging these kids and they’re wanting to know more and then asking us, is this we’re doing this again, right? Like, when is this happening again? And is this what you guys do for a living? And we’re like, Woo, hot. Yeah, but yet. So then we’re like, the next day, I guess we have to do this again.
Renee Dierdorff: [00:08:24] This something like.
Amy Guest: [00:08:26] People liked it. So we had a connection in Milton and we went over there to host. We did a holiday themed one in November, so just a couple of months later with how many kids did we have? Like 35, I think. Something like that, Yeah, 35 kids. And then that was even bigger because it was in a location that was like a live work play area. So people were able to walk around and they’re like, What’s happening over here? You know? And it became like an event. Yeah, we had Santa, we had face painting, ax throwing bounce houses, which was amazing. So with that, we’re like, okay, maybe we do have something.
Renee Dierdorff: [00:09:05] Then we thought about, well, we should probably make this a nonprofit organization. And then in December we applied for a51c3. We got that in March, and.
Stone Payton: [00:09:16] That seems like a very short window. I would have thought it would have taken much longer.
Renee Dierdorff: [00:09:21] Than we’re surprised.
Amy Guest: [00:09:22] But very surprised. Yeah, everybody told us it’s like, which is not I’m not minimizing it at all. It’s a lot of paperwork. But yeah, somehow we managed to push it through as quick as possible and they got it done. And that like three month window, which was great. Yeah.
Renee Dierdorff: [00:09:38] So I mean, like I say, the rest is history, but I mean that was not even a year ago that we got that. So last year we spent the year developing the foundation of the organization and we had three more expos. And you know, here we are.
Amy Guest: [00:09:52] And here.
Stone Payton: [00:09:53] We are. You have office space in this same facility that I’m in, the innovation spot. You’re over in the other building?
Speaker4: [00:09:59] Yeah, Yeah, we have an office now. We’ve been doing we had a numerous workshops last last year. We had the three big expos, one at the mill at Etowah. In April. We had our summer expo at the Woodstock Arts Green, and then we had our October expo last year alongside Crabapple Fest back at Milton, which was massive.
Speaker1: [00:10:25] So many people.
Speaker4: [00:10:26] Yes. So that was a lot of fun. So we’re, I think total between the expose of last year and workshops, we had over 150 kids involved in our program, which is amazing and super inspiring and exciting. So obviously we’re hoping for that continued encouragement. This year.
Speaker3: [00:10:47] We started the podcast.
Speaker4: [00:10:48] We started this podcast with Stone, which has been fun because what else have we done?
Speaker3: [00:10:54] The parades this.
Speaker4: [00:10:55] Summer we’ve done a couple of parades, which is just super fun for that, like exciting time, just like a low key cool thing where you get to throw candy at people. Yeah.
Speaker3: [00:11:05] We had our inaugural board of directors, so we got some amazing people that helped with that. We had ten workshops and I you mentioned the workshops. We were in round Canton magazine.
Speaker4: [00:11:13] We were the June cover of Around Canton Magazine with the beautiful cover girl next to me. She still loves me for that one.
Speaker3: [00:11:22] We presented to the community a few times with 1 Million Cups and also a Cannon business club, which was really fun.
Speaker4: [00:11:28] Yeah, it was.
Speaker3: [00:11:29] Good to try to get awareness out to the community of.
Speaker4: [00:11:32] Business leaders. Get in front of them.
Speaker3: [00:11:34] Yeah, yeah. And get in front of them. And because of that, I feel like we garnered a lot of support from the community.
Speaker4: [00:11:39] Absolutely.
Speaker2: [00:11:40] You really have gotten a tremendous amount of support from the Woodstock community, the Canton community and Cherokee County. All of these folks, they’ve really rallied, haven’t they?
Speaker4: [00:11:50] They have. It’s been I can’t even describe like to have other people believe in your passion and to support it. And it’s a it’s a great feeling.
Speaker3: [00:11:58] We attribute a lot of that momentum that we had last year to that because getting the word out and just supporting it and that helped us believe in ourselves, which helped us keep going. And it’s just this whole thing. So grateful is the best word, I think for sure how I was feeling, especially at the gala, just the accomplishments and, you know, just seeing all the kids in the room and we had them stand up and we got to applaud them and we got to thank our board. And just yeah, there’s a lot of people in that room that we were very proud to have there, and we were very grateful for their support all year.
Speaker2: [00:12:31] Yeah, and clearly the kids are learning and growing through this process. Do the two of you feel like you have been learning and growing along the way?
Speaker4: [00:12:41] Goodness, yeah.
Speaker3: [00:12:41] It’s been uncomfortable situations, but that’s where you grow. Yes. You don’t grow in your comfort zone. We’ve learned a lot.
Speaker4: [00:12:48] Yesterday has pulled me out of my comfort zone numerous times. I am not a public speaker, as I’m sure anybody who’s been in the room with me has noticed. But we have presented so many times now that it’s a learning process and it’s much less overwhelming. I’m now more capable. We’ve learned so much more about the nonprofit industry in general and the business behind it because it is still a business. And so learning those foundations has definitely been eye opening. And that’s a learning process.
Speaker3: [00:13:18] Yeah, because neither one of us had nonprofit experience in the past. It was a brand new world for us.
Speaker2: [00:13:23] So yeah.
Speaker3: [00:13:24] It was what do we do from the get go? So that’s a part of the community. I mean, the community helped us with that too.
Speaker4: [00:13:29] So yeah, our board was critical in that, helping us discover and lay that foundation.
Speaker3: [00:13:36] Yeah, doing everything right from the beginning. That was a big thing for us and making sure that it’s not just half done, you know, because we owed it to the kids in the community to make sure that this thing can build from the ground up.
Speaker2: [00:13:46] So another constituency that surely benefits tremendously from this and learns a great deal is the parents. What are some I’ll call them pro tips, but what are some things to keep in mind as your kid expresses an interest in entrepreneurship? Maybe some do’s and don’ts or some things, some resources, some things to be reading or thinking about that that let’s let’s leave them with some Pro Tips in this segment.
Speaker4: [00:14:11] Do you have any tips that you have learned that as coming from the kids point of view? Possibly.
Speaker1: [00:14:19] There have been many lessons to learn along the way of starting a new business out of just an idea you get from going from that to going to market to expanding your business as much as you can to get it out there. A good lesson is definitely interacting with customers. You definitely get better at that as you go. It is definitely a difficult start for some people. It’s kind of hard to interact some in some ways, but by the end of the day it just gets easier and easier to interact with the customers and talk to them and get them interested in your products or your service. That is definitely been a helpful learning that along the way. Also, like she was talking about earlier, public speaking has gotten much easier as well.
Speaker4: [00:15:07] Which I imagine has helped at school also.
Speaker1: [00:15:10] Yes. Yes, it has. Especially since we’re starting to do that a bit more.
Speaker2: [00:15:15] So how about in interacting with your parents? Are there some things that they’ve done apparently very well that kept you encouraged? Because I could see that same conversation happening in some household and even not on purpose, just inadvertently it gets shut down just because the parent doesn’t quite know how to handle the conversation or doesn’t want the kid to get disappointed, or.
Speaker3: [00:15:38] I’d say listen and let them kind of just have that brainstorm and open discussion because and don’t I think a lot of people get maybe shut it down because they don’t have that mindset and it’s overwhelms them or they think that it’s too much. And in before we kind of got started, there really wasn’t a place for that kid to try that stuff out. And that’s why we are doing what we’re doing, because we’ve talked to parents that are like, Well, I’m not really, you know, entrepreneurial minded and I didn’t know what to do with this kiddo that’s got all these ideas. And so it’s a place to channel that. And our workshops are a great way to kind of dabble in all of that. And we’re always we’re always available, you know, if a parent needed to talk to us individually, of course. But biggest thing is listen, because, you know, and just try something small and let them get creative. I mean, it just depends on what they’re wanting to do. But yeah, don’t shut it down. Let them try to, I think, express their thoughts on that.
Speaker4: [00:16:34] Big part of that is letting them try. Yep. Because that is probably the hardest thing, I guess as a parent, just in all aspects. Like you don’t want them to fail, you know, but they have to try, you know? And so if it starts with something as simple as a lemonade stand or whatever craft that they want to create, and even if you’re worried that it’s not going to sell, they still need to experience all the parts that go with it, the good and bad. So just letting them try something help could only help them.
Speaker3: [00:17:04] Yeah, it’s the life skills that they’re learning that go along with it. That’s the point of all of it.
Speaker2: [00:17:08] So I wonder at the other end of the continuum, is there also the trap of maybe pushing too hard, too fast, like you, you get so excited. Like, like as an entrepreneur, I would be so excited if my kid and then I’d want to do too much and maybe not place enough accountability on them. So there’s.
Speaker4: [00:17:25] That. We have seen, unfortunately, I’ve seen a couple of instances where it becomes more of what the parent wants than what the kid wants, and then the kid gets burnt out because it’s not fun anymore, you know? And so that kind of correlates, you know, in along the lines. But it’s starting that conversation that like, you know, like how you approach things, like how much effort you put in your accountability for it and then things of that nature. So letting them hold the stake in it because it is theirs and not trying to do the work, let them do the work and make them feel like if they want to do this or not, you know, but trying to take it over or run it how you want it run is takes that joy away from them.
Speaker3: [00:18:02] Yeah, they have to have ownership in it one way or the other.
Speaker2: [00:18:05] So yeah, yeah. Point So at this point, what’s the most fun? What are you guys finding the most rewarding about the work?
Speaker4: [00:18:14] Good question. Oh, man.
Speaker3: [00:18:17] I mean, we love Expo Day.
Speaker4: [00:18:19] Expo Day. I mean.
Speaker3: [00:18:21] Know, it’s stressful leading up to it. Just trying to make sure all the ducks in a row. But when it’s kind of like, okay, we’re.
Speaker4: [00:18:28] Here once it starts, then it comes together. Walking around is like just this uplifting, like, Yeah, we did this.
Speaker3: [00:18:36] But, you know, just it’s just fun to show the community and let these kids do their thing and let everybody see it all come together. And because, you know, we talk about how the workshops lead up to the expo and that supports the kids along the way and keeps the conversation going and gives resources to everybody along the way. But the Expo Day is like, This is why we do this. This is why we’re here. We’re seeing it in action, seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces and, you know, not just the community but the kids and their parents and everything. And then they feel I know they feel the same way, like this is why we did all this, especially if it’s a kid that’s brand new and hadn’t done it before. They’re getting the full circle. They’ve been working really hard, making the inventory, doing all the having the conversations, and they may not exactly see how it all clicked yet. But then they’re making money and they’re, you know, doing all the things and they’re seeing the fruits of their labor and just feeling proud of themselves and just knowing that that’s that day that that happens. That’s what we love.
Speaker2: [00:19:32] And at this point, you guys are really beginning. Maybe you’re further than even I realize, beginning to develop or maybe you already have begun to package methodology, discipline, rigor, steps to okay, here’s a a path, a roadmap for for helping your kid get into business or for the kid to get into business. Yes. You.
Speaker3: [00:19:55] Yeah. I think that and you can interrupt me any time, but when we were developing workshops for this year, we took what we learned last year, what you do right? And we’ve noticed a pattern and you’re talking about a path where there’s like a pattern leading up from now to the expo and then when the expert is over recapping, figure out, you know, reevaluate, readjust or just bringing in new kids, you know, talk about that brainstorming thing and then you’re leading up to the next one again. So, you know, the elevator pitches and all the things that were very successful last year for people just getting ready for the expo is just trying to lean into that and develop this pattern. So over time we will have more methodology, but we’re crafting that. So it’s another year of learning. You always learn. But yes, we have definitely found a pattern.
Speaker2: [00:20:41] Fantastic. Now forgive me, I get my entrepreneurs mixed up, so I don’t know if it’s Austin or Layla or who it is, but somebody in this ecosystem has got a new business that they’re launching has made quite a substantial pivot. So it is you Awesome. Are you up for describing this new business?
Speaker4: [00:21:00] Sure. Yeah, it has definitely pivoted.
Speaker2: [00:21:03] Yes.
Speaker1: [00:21:04] Big pivot. So I originally started with epoxy crafts like resin tumblers, keychains, that sort of thing. And this year I have recently pivoted to a mobile photo booth business, which has been a fun journey already. And we’ve just started. We got a small camper, a camper that.
Speaker4: [00:21:25] It’s like so cute and like little vintage.
Speaker1: [00:21:27] Vintage camper, and we have set it up to wear the outside. It has a ton of different decor and set up different scenes and all these different things that you can have different photo shoots for, photo shoots that you can bring to many different events or you can use for really any occasion. And soon we are going to open up the inside to have a photobooth machine with different backdrops and different props so that you have the outside for photos and the inside for a more photobooth feel.
Speaker4: [00:21:58] Yes.
Speaker2: [00:22:00] And so you can be present at the at the expo for this kind of thing. But it strikes me as something that you might be at some point willing to. However, the structure is rented out for an event.
Speaker1: [00:22:12] You can rent it out for an event or I can bring it to an event such as an expo or a farmer’s market or any event of that nature.
Speaker3: [00:22:20] And photographers can use it.
Speaker1: [00:22:22] Yes, photographers can rent it out and have their clients and.
Speaker4: [00:22:25] Like mini sessions.
Speaker1: [00:22:26] Yeah.
Speaker4: [00:22:27] I could do parties weddings. So we’re trying to figure out all that. It’s capable of it at.
Speaker3: [00:22:32] The moment and what you enjoy being there for and doing it for.
Speaker2: [00:22:35] Yeah, I got to believe having the experience of being in the other business has probably served you really well in getting this one off the ground. Yeah.
Speaker1: [00:22:43] Yes I have. From what I’ve learned previously with my other business has really helped carry on into this one with all the different lessons like the interacting with customers, public speaking, the money management, the time management, just everything has come together to help with this new business.
Speaker2: [00:23:01] So what’s the biggest lesson you feel like you’ve learned around money.
Speaker1: [00:23:06] Before.
Speaker4: [00:23:08] To save it? Yes.
Speaker1: [00:23:09] With my previous business it helped a lot for me to start saving more money rather than just. And they get all on something as soon as they see it. It has helped me save stuff to get new, more materials, maybe some new materials, and even maybe even pay somebody if they help me out during an expo that I have money saved up for that it has definitely helped with money saving.
Speaker2: [00:23:35] So a ton of things coming up in 2023. I know about a couple. I’m going to try to attend the upcoming workshop I plan to be at. You’ve collaborated with another organization to do something. I think at some point the The Limitless folks, you’ve got your spring gala. I’m just hitting some of the hot spots and people can go to the website. But yeah, just give us some broad strokes on some upcoming stuff.
Speaker3: [00:23:59] Well, first that’s happening or the workshop. So we are also having workshops in the Milton area too. So, you know, the brainstorming this weekend and the next weekend there’s going to be one in Milton. So it gives people an opportunity. There’ll be 20 workshops this year, so we have.
Speaker4: [00:24:11] 20.
Speaker2: [00:24:12] You know, there’s only 52 weeks.
Speaker3: [00:24:15] So double a.
Speaker4: [00:24:15] Lot. Oh, my gosh.
Speaker3: [00:24:17] But there it’s it’s brainstorming for both in January, but it just gives people more dates. So and if they loved it and they want to come again, they’re welcome to and they can provide a lot of insight to it. So we have workshops on the docket and the first expo is going to be at the mill on Etowah in April, April 23rd to Sunday from 10 to 2. Then we’ll have one on July 8th in Woodstock again. So that’s our pattern. Spring is in at the mill in Canton, and then we have summer in Woodstock, and then we’ll be at Crabapple Fest again. They asked us to come back and do that in this fall in October.
Speaker4: [00:24:52] So and as far with the Limitless organization, we’re working and coordinating with them to offer more accessible and inclusive areas of our expos to encourage their audience to be a part of our expo. So that’s very exciting. So we’ll be promoting that this year. We are working on incorporating to more of our programs the kid biz coach and Kid Biz Connect, hopefully one of which will be starting as soon as March, so there’ll be more details on that. It’s a mentorship program that we’re working on. We have a date scheduled for our golf tournament. We can announce that save the date, September 11th. It’s a monday. We will be at Bridge Mill Golf course for our golf tournament, which would be fun.
Speaker3: [00:25:42] Save the.
Speaker4: [00:25:42] Date. Save the date on that. Let’s see.
Speaker3: [00:25:44] We also have our scholarship fund that we have. We have some funds that we can use for the first expo where we want to have some kids apply for that and they will get their vendor fees paid for. So. That’s right. Yeah. And the help of the community. Yeah.
Speaker4: [00:26:00] When we were the community was very helpful in supporting that cause When we were selling ornaments and out doing some small fundraisers, all those proceeds will go and benefit some kids to pay for their vendor fees.
Speaker2: [00:26:12] We are so blessed with this community and it sounds like they’ve helped directly and probably created some marvelous opportunities to connect with area business people who want to rally behind this kind of effort. I know that this particular type of effort is very dear to to the Business RadioX family. It’s something that we really want to support. So there are going to be continue to be opportunities for local businesses to support. And I suspect you can get pretty creative in whatever’s going to serve them and support the kids, right?
Speaker3: [00:26:42] Yes, We are going to have community partner, annual community partner opportunities and the levels would be geared towards small business in the area. People want to help and we appreciate it so much. So we want to help make that possible.
Speaker2: [00:26:55] What a fantastic year this is going to be.
Speaker4: [00:26:58] It’s going to be busy. It’s going to be busy.
Speaker3: [00:27:00] So if I look like a deer in headlights, just I’m not.
Speaker4: [00:27:03] Just.
Speaker3: [00:27:04] Me.
Speaker4: [00:27:05] All the time. Just keep moving.
Speaker3: [00:27:07] I’m good. I’m fine. Just give me a high five.
Speaker2: [00:27:10] Well, we are so delighted that you guys are putting so much energy and effort into this. And we want to support you any way we can. And when I say we, I don’t just mean business Radio X, I mean the local business community. The community at large. Keep up the good work.
Speaker4: [00:27:24] Thank you.
Speaker2: [00:27:25] And keep us posted. And let’s get some of these community folks and some of these business folks in the studio and give them a chance to share their story and and talk about how and why they want to be be a part of this. I really enjoy doing this show. If you can’t tell, this is a lot of.
Speaker4: [00:27:40] Fun, but we love that you enjoy this. It’s definitely been helpful for us so much.
Speaker2: [00:27:46] It’s my pleasure. All right. Until next time, this is Stone Payton for our guests today, our roomful of youth entrepreneurs and of course, Amy Guest and Renee Deardorff and everyone here at the Business Radio X family saying we’ll see you next time on Kid Biz Radio.
BRX Pro Tip: Will Power is Not Enough
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BRX Pro Tip: Will Power is Not Enough
Stone Payton: [00:00:00] And we are back with Business RadioX Pro Tips. Lee Kantor and Stone Payton here with you. Lee, resiliency, willpower, sticktoitiveness. It’s so important. But I mean, let’s face it, willpower is not enough.
Lee Kantor: [00:00:16] Yeah. Sadly, humans don’t have willpower that works 24/7 without fail. So, if your success is depending on you to have that willpower at a point of weakness, then you are setting yourself up to fail. It is so much more effective to develop processes and systems that protect you from yourself rather than relying on your willpower to get you through the tough times that are going to happen at some point.
Lee Kantor: [00:00:45] So, good systems and good processes should work no matter what your mood is, no matter what your energy level is. These systems and processes are the insurance policies you need to get you through the tough times that are going to occur. You have to assume that there is going to be a period of time where you’re not going to feel the level of energy you feel today, that there’s going to be a period of time where you just don’t feel like getting up and doing the work. But create a system and process that makes sure the work gets done no matter how you’re feeling, no matter what your mood is. If you have a good system and process, then you’re going to continue to move forward despite yourself.
Author and Keynote Speaker Christine Miles
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Christine Miles is an author, professional keynote speaker, consultant, executive coach, thought leader, and entrepreneur. She is the Founder and CEO of EQuipt, a training and consulting company that helps leadership teams grow sales, develop people, and create cultures of understanding.
She developed The Listening Path™, a transformational workshop on listening to understand, which has been taught at various Fortune 100 corporations, universities, law firms, and privately-held companies. She is the author of What Is It Costing You Not to Listen? What Is It Costing You Not to Listen? will encourage you to examine how you are listening. You’ll discover that not only are many of the problems in your life due to not listening effectively, but listening helps to solve most problems.
Christine Miles is a longtime expert in educating individuals and organizations on how to listen in ways that transform how they lead, sell, influence, and succeed in every aspect of life. Following the steps of her breakthrough Listening Path™ will provide you with a critical key to your success – understanding. Through Christine’s game-changing approach to listening, you will learn to:
- Hear what is said and not said
- Identify your listening persona and realize when it is unhelpful
- Soothe your subconscious so you can listen differently
- Listen with intent to gather others’ stories
- Replace interfering direct questions with just six questions
- Mini-reflect to speed up the listening process without getting lost
- Affirm to create alignment, break down walls, and solve problems
In business, listening is good for the bottom line. It creates trust between coworkers so they can solve problems better, get things done, manage conflict, stay engaged, and empower one another. In personal relationships, listening is an act of love that communicates to people they are important to you.
Connect with Christine on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- Why no one hears the same thing
- Do we have a listening problem?
- Why we only hear about 3% of what is said
- How the same thing can be said but people all hear differently
- How it affects our personal and professional lives
- How we can listen better
This transcript is machine transcribed by Sonix
TRANSCRIPT
Intro: [00:00:04] Broadcasting live from the Business RadioX studios in Atlanta, Georgia. It’s time for High Velocity Radio.
Stone Payton: [00:00:15] Welcome to the High Velocity Radio show, where we celebrate top performers producing better results in less time. Stone Payton here with you this morning. Please join me in welcoming to the broadcast. Author, speaker, consultant and Executive coach, Ms. Christine Miles, how are you?
Christine Miles: [00:00:35] I’m doing great. Thank you so much for having me today.
Stone Payton: [00:00:38] It is a delight to have you on the show. I’ve really been looking forward to this conversation and I’m thinking a great place to start would be if you could share with me and our listeners mission purpose. What are what are you and your team really out there trying to do for folks?
Christine Miles: [00:00:56] Well, I’m so glad you started there. Not everybody does. Stone So thank you. Yeah, we are very much a mission driven team and company. Our mission is really to change the paradigm of communication from talking, telling and knowing to really making listening the most powerful form of communication. And in order to do that, we believe that you have to listen to understand and not just to attend or to pay attention, but really to get the meaning of the message and the messenger. So we want to shift the way people communicate. We have zero years of education or school systems on listening. We spend a lot of time teaching people again how to tell, talk and know. And then we wonder why we’re failing at communication. So we hope to really make a difference in the world that way.
Stone Payton: [00:01:44] Well, it sounds like tremendously rewarding work. I got to know the back. How did you get involved in this kind of work?
Christine Miles: [00:01:53] Well, yeah. So it started very young for me, as I’m sure many of your listeners have the same thing. The passion and purpose really, I believe, shows up at a very young age, and it shapes us from from an early time. So I was five, the earliest I can remember listening in a different way. I grew up with a mom who had psychological issues. She lost her mother from childbirth. It set her up very profoundly for pain that most people did not see that went on below the surface. My mother was very warm, charismatic, attractive, loving, so she lit up the room. But underneath the surface was this really deep pain that she couldn’t really overcome. And my job was to understand that pain. So part of my job in the family was to listen to that, understand what wasn’t said. And and that has really that ability, since I was taught so young, has really been the single thread in all of my success. As early as high school, I can look back and see that that was kind of a game changer for me. And what I’ve learned through the work in business and with people is that the reason I was successful was often the reason that people were failing, businesses were failing, projects were failing, leaders were failing, salespeople were failing. And that is their inability to really listen, not their fault, but because they haven’t been taught. And so really what I’ve done is created a company where we can teach people in a simple and transformative way to listen and learn to listen as I did from a young age.
Stone Payton: [00:03:24] So let’s talk about the work a little bit. You’re working with teams, you’re working with execs, you’ve got a book. What is it costing you not to listen? Tell us a little bit about how the work unfolds.
Christine Miles: [00:03:37] Yes. So we work with all the constituents that you just described. We are a business to business company. Our part of our mission is to re educate adults and organizations to drive business results. Ultimately, we also want to educate children and families is the longer term mission. But we do that through interactive workshops and really helping people learn to behaviorally listen differently. I wrote the book in 2021 and I titled it What Is It Costing You Not to listen? Because what I’ve realized is everybody knows listening is important. I’ve asked that question over and over throughout the years. Is it important? Nobody ever says no to that question, but what is it costing them? And what what are the problems that are unfolding as a result of not knowing how to do it is something that we don’t think about since we’re not taught. So you can’t solve a problem you don’t know you have. So I always ask business leaders, what is the cost of your organization? What is it costing in terms of retention sales, how you do a digital transformation, how your customers are affected? Because it’s assumed that we should know how to listen rather than it being taught. So we have to help people identify that problem.
Stone Payton: [00:04:49] Why is it, do you think, that somebody can say something and there’ll be two or three, four or five, six people in the room and we have we all have a tendency to hear something different from the same set of words.
Christine Miles: [00:05:03] Well. Isn’t that funny, by the way? How is that possible? It’s the old adage where we all see an accident happen on the street and we have different perceptions of what happened. So. So the brain is a marvelous organism that obviously empowers us to do unbelievable things. But it also is one of our greatest enemies when it comes to communication and listening, because there are so many things that interfere with our ability to listen. And one of the major things is, is really the story that we tell ourselves and our own biases, whether that’s about people or events or about what someone is saying and just says by way of example, that the closer we are to somebody, the more bias we have that we already know what they’re going to say. In our relationships, we do that in businesses, we do that with our customers, we do that. So right there is just one simple example of how that bias kind of takes us off task. And in the absence of having any skill because we’re just winging it, we don’t know how to overcome those those biases and perceptions, and it interferes with our ability to listen, to understand.
Stone Payton: [00:06:13] So what have you learned about the cost? I’m operating under the impression that it is significant.
Christine Miles: [00:06:20] It is significant. And you we talked a little bit before the show started, just about your listeners really liking the connections to the guest as well as the information. And I think it’s it’s such a great mission that you have yourself because not listening well and not knowing how to listen, I believe is really fundamentally costing us connection. And it’s death by a thousand cuts, though it’s usually not like one sharp gaping wound. So it arose over time and a road to our relationships with our families, our children, our spouses, our friends. Again, in business, we could talk inordinately about all the things that it affects from sales to employee relations leadership. I mean, we know the adage that people leave managers, they don’t leave companies. And fundamentally it comes down to not feeling heard, understood, or or really listening to to understand the employee. So there’s again, gaping wounds aren’t the way it starts. It starts by just those little cuts and infractions that happen over and over again until the relationships are fractured, it can’t be repaired.
Stone Payton: [00:07:26] So in your work, there’s methodology, structure, discipline, rigor, I don’t know ways to exercise the listening muscle that you can share and help people work through.
Christine Miles: [00:07:38] Absolutely. And and so the analogy and I talk about this in the book and the book really is the handbook to the solution to the problem of what it costs not to listen, which is called the listening path. And the analogy I use in the book and we use in the workshop is that you need you wouldn’t go hiking or backpacking in the woods for three weeks without any supplies or tools in your backpack. You wouldn’t survive from one side of that trail to the other. The same is true conversationally. We go in unprepared without any tools, and we expect to get to the other side of the conversation with the message and the meaning. And so we provide the tools in that backpack on the listening path so that you, as the listener, can really guide the person that’s talking, whether that’s your spouse or your customer, for example, really to to find the insight and discover meaning in the message. And you also said something really important in your intro, which is it’s not just about effectiveness, it’s also about efficiency because things are moving fast. It’s hard to listen. So we have to not only do that effectively, but efficiently. So I often say I can throw a football, but so can Tom Brady. Why can he do it better? It’s not only because he’s practiced, but he knows exactly how to do it right. And so when you know how to have the tools and you know how to do it, you become both effective and efficient.
Stone Payton: [00:09:01] You mentioned something a couple of moments ago that that really struck me and I hadn’t thought about it, but something along the lines of the closer you are to a person, the more maybe you already have this bias and you feel like you already know. I don’t know what they’re going to say, why they’re going to say it. And as a result, you know, maybe I’m not listening nearly as well to my wife, Holly, as I might to you.
Speaker1: [00:09:26] Yeah. I think about the more we know somebody, the more we think we know what they’re going to say. And let me take this to a business scenario to kind of to take it back to the great example you just gave with your spouse. So we go in to see customers that are brand new and they start to talk about their problem. And because we’ve heard that problem so many times over the years, we have experience and knowledge. We tend to rush to want to solve the problem they’re presenting. Because we’ve heard it so many times. We have the bias. We already know how to solve it. Two things happen. One is that the. Customer may not be ready to hear yourself because you haven’t earned the right by understanding the problem and understanding that it’s unique to them, even if it’s not unique to you. And secondly, what are the unique aspects of their problem that makes them like a snowflake the same but different? And so those biases, because when we hear the same thing over and over again, we start to problem solve or sell way too soon. And the same is true in our families. I’ve heard this 100 times. I already know how you feel. I know how you’re going to say. And we tend to shut down a little bit more and listen less rather than listen more.
Speaker2: [00:10:42] So at this point in your career, what are you finding the most rewarding? What are you enjoying the most about the work?
Speaker1: [00:10:50] Well, it is the connection. So so I had a my father was a businessman. He started he started out selling chicken feed after studying agriculture and was pretty successful and parlayed that into a career ultimately in financial planning. So his customers were his connections, his friends. He said, You have to really understand them intimately. So I love business. I love driving business results, I love helping companies sell more, read more effectively, get things done. But ultimately, one of the side effects of the work we do are the connections that are made in teams and also the connections that happen with their families. Because when you apply something to your personal life, you’re more likely to apply it to your business life and vice versa. So the game changing things that we hear from our clients around, they went home and had a conversation with their their son, their daughter, their spouse. And what that led to in terms of the way they were impacted is just it’s just amazing. I mean, I’ve told this story before. Just last fall, we had a gentleman say, you know, it’s in front of this whole team. He’s a high level account except for a large pharma company. And he he went home and used the listening tools to talk to a 16 year old daughter and came back the next day. And when he shared his story was in tears and said, I got the first unsolicited hug from her that I’ve had in three years. I don’t know how to thank you.
Speaker2: [00:12:17] Wow. I’m glad I asked.
Speaker1: [00:12:19] Yeah, I am.
Speaker2: [00:12:19] So, so. So the book, what was that experience like? Did some of it come together really easily for you and other parts more difficult? What was what was that process like, putting that book together, committing these ideas to paper?
Speaker1: [00:12:34] Yeah, it’s, you know, it’s funny, I feel for women who’ve had a baby and right away they say, When’s the next one coming? Are you having another one? Because it is a birth. Giving birth to a book is a process. And a lot of people said, When’s your next one coming out? I said, Give me a minute. So I’m very grateful. I had I had a great book coach. His name is Patrick Snow. He wrote The boy Entrepreneur from a very early in his career, and he’s really simplified how the things and steps you need to do to write a book. So he was instrumental and I want to give him a shout out. I was pretty committed and dogged, so I knew I had to go away. I went away for nine days to Mexico and wrote 90% of the book. In those nine days, I was I was on a mission. So a lot of it flowed out of me. And thanks to him, it was organized well. So this is my my life story and my life’s work and really, you know, an effort to simplify and really give this more teeth so people could have it at their fingertips that they could learn how to listen differently right away.
Speaker2: [00:13:34] So how does the whole how do you get the new clients? How does the whole sales and marketing thing work for a practice like yours?
Speaker1: [00:13:43] Well, a lot of our a lot of our clients come from the people hearing and knowing about me and the work that I’ve done over the years. And since writing the book more, we’re getting more reach from a larger clientele. So with the marketing team, I think one of the so many difficulties through COVID, right, and so much disconnection, I knew people were hurting deeply after the through the COVID experience, which is why I decided to write the book. So I believe the companies were going to be more ready to tap into to this issue of not listening, which is why I had the urgency to get the book done so quickly. And so I think that’s making the difference to, sadly, as one of the side effects, that this is an emotional tsunami that people have experienced and the tidal wave hasn’t really kind of totally come in yet. People are we’re going to see a ripple effect for quite some time on the emotional impact of of the lockdown and and the different things that happen. I lived through my own shutdown in my thirties, and I talked about this in the book. I was a very competitive athlete until my my late twenties. I was on the upward trajectory of my career and I was in an auto accident that after three years of chronic pain went acute. And I was sitting at home going, What happened to my world? Much like what happened in COVID? The difference was it felt like just me going through it rather than the whole world at the same time. But I knew the emotional impact was going to be really was going to be great. So. So I’m glad that one of the side effects, even though I’m sorry that we’ve all suffered through that, is that we’re we’re hopefully paying more attention to how important this skill is and that we’re finally going to put some time and resource on it.
Speaker2: [00:15:33] I got to believe that that experience has made you or helped to make you incredibly resilient. And you know, as an entrepreneur myself, resiliency seems to be such an important part of equipping yourself to genuinely serve. Yeah.
Speaker1: [00:15:51] For sure. And, you know, there’s so many themes. I mean, it’s ironic that I lived a version of my mother’s story. I mean, I fortunately did not suffer from depression going through the issues that I faced physically. It was quite a haul. It was a ten year really long haul. And it’s a lifelong endeavor to continue to be, you know, do the things I like to do because things like this are managed, not ever cured. But but I was you know, people would say to me, you look great. And I was in like nine level pain on a scale of 1 to 10. And and what I realized is that people who even loved and care about me and knew what was going on, I had a spinal injury. And that’s a mystery to most people. So that was pain that was not seen. So the inability to empathize with really what that was like and not want to just kind of soothe me by saying, you know, are you okay? Are you okay or is it going to be better? I realize that this is also the absence of the skill, and we expect people to just be empathetic rather than helping them learn how to be empathetic. And I believe that listening leads to empathy, not you show up in our empathetic and then you know how to listen. So I think we have that backwards as well. And that experience definitely taught me that as well as, like you said, how to be how to be resilient, as did a lot of sports. I’m grateful for my early athletics because I think that that that helped a lot, too.
Speaker2: [00:17:19] That’s interesting and helpful. The sequence of listening, producing or leading to empathy as as opposed to trying to practice empathy. And then you’ll you’ll be a better listener man. You learn so much getting if you if you want to learn and you want to meet some interesting people, get yourself a get yourself a radio show. This is great. No, that’s that’s helpful. It’s informative and inspiring. And it makes me feel like like I have a path, if you will. Like there’s something I can do to get better at being empathetic and and that kind of thing. I must confess, one of the things that I have caught myself doing, particularly in in a sales and marketing conversation, where where I’m trying to help someone have their own radio show, right? Like, I’ll sell them a custom radio show. And I have found myself not really listening, but I think a more appropriate word would be waiting. Like I’m not really listening to what they’re saying. I’m waiting for them to finish so I can make my next point. Do you see that a lot?
Speaker1: [00:18:26] It’s problem solving and is really what you’re describing. You know what that radio show can do for them. If I get you, you know, the impact it can have. And so you see and what we call the the story, the new beginning, where that that can take them in the story. Right. Stories have different parts. They have a beginning, a struggle, a tipping point or an ending and what we call a new beginning. And on that path, you can already see where they need to go. They’re not there yet. So you’re in waiting to respond to get them to that new beginning. They’re still back at the struggle and the beginning of their story, So we tend to rush that along because we want to be helpful, We want to solve problems, but we what we believe is that you need to earn the right and the best way to earn the right is to really make sure they feel very much understood before you dare to try to get them to that new beginning. And so listening to understand again effectively and efficiently is important and that that helps you sell more effectively and also slows you down so that you’re not waiting to respond.
Speaker2: [00:19:33] Well, you’re being very gracious about what I’m identifying as a shortcoming, but that’s helpful, right? At least my I guess my motives are pure. Right. And other people’s as well. But it’s an easy trap to fall into, or at least I. I find it so. So as you’ve gone along this path of serving people in this way, have you had the benefit of one or more mentors to sort of help you navigate this terrain of being an author, a speaker, a consultant, a coach?
Speaker1: [00:20:03] Yeah, I you know, as I said, just one of the people I’m grateful for is Patrick, in terms of just I mean, writing a book and a lot of people have this goal, so I want to share this for them as well, because it’s when you have the right when you know the right decisions to make and somebody lays it out for you, it’s a lot easier. So so I’m grateful for that. But but yeah, I think, you know, my father was an entrepreneur. He started his own business in out of our home at at when I was six. And so watching him develop a business and sell and those ups and downs, he indirectly because he shared so much about business, mentor me so much throughout his lifetime, watching his discipline, watching his efforts, watching how he connected with clients. So he was probably my father passed away last December of 21. He was 89. So so he was he was a huge influence in my entrepreneurship. I was actually more forced into it based on my injury because I was stubborn. I wanted to work even though I couldn’t really sit do the grind. But yeah, as well as a lot of great coaches and friends and people that, you know, it takes a village to support people and to help them be successful. So I’m grateful for that as well.
Speaker2: [00:21:19] So what’s next for you? Do you envision and I know you mentioned people that asked you about more books or, I don’t know, maybe licensing the the Christine Miles methodology to other practitioners or what’s on the horizon for you?
Speaker1: [00:21:33] Well, you’re two things, primarily on the horizon. And just that is that because we’re a mission driven company and we want to create a movement, that’s exactly what we want to do. We want to arm organizations that they don’t have to rely on us, but they can use the framework. So, so so that’s that’s ready. And we’re we’re working with organizations. We have one that we’re delivering to this year and they may license for next year. So this is this is part of the endeavor. The second thing, and they go hand in hand with both that mission to arm organizations as well as to arm schools, is that we’ve developed the Listening Path game. So it’s it’s in the facilitators version. Our goal is by the end of this year to have both a school and home version so that you can connect and learn with your family or at school to listen differently from a younger age. So so we’re really, really excited about that. It’s not ready for home version yet. It’s only ready for the customers that we serve. But we’re it’s it’s already made a big difference and we’re really excited.
Speaker2: [00:22:37] Well, I bet it has. It sounds marvelous. I can envision a facilitator using a tool like that that could really help bring everyone along, learn from each other. That’s that’s exciting. Well, maybe we’d do this again when you when you go with that with that launch and we’ll get caught up on your activities and talk about that a little bit.
Speaker1: [00:22:59] Well, I’d appreciate that. Just I mean, one of the things, because I’m a competitive person as an athlete, but this is a game of this is a game of understanding, not a game of winning is the tagline, because I think the only place people don’t like to lose is in relationships. And that’s the other thing about listening. Listening too much and talking is too much about Win Lose. And that’s the other part of what we need to shift. So I would love to come back and I appreciate that.
Speaker2: [00:23:24] Yeah, we’ll make. That happened. Okay, before we wrap, I would love to leave our listeners with maybe a couple of actionable pro tips, you know, maybe some do’s or don’ts, what we should be reading, I don’t know. Maybe a couple of items from a from a page out of the book. Just something we could be thinking about reading, doing, not doing.
Speaker1: [00:23:46] Okay. Yeah. So so first of all, as I said, you can identify you can’t solve a problem you don’t know you have. So make the checklist personally and professionally. What are two things it’s costing you not to listen? Well, professionally, What are the costs? Personally? What are the costs? I guarantee either there and and then decide what the priorities are. So that’s the first step. You have to you have to know you have a problem before you try to solve it. One of the one of the simplest things I can tell you that’s actionable right away, and this is just part of one of the tools. There are six major tools on the listening path, and one of those is called the Compass. And there are the six most powerful questions that enable you to guide the conversation without you or the teller metaphorically getting lost in the conversational woods. And the inclination, as you said, Stone, is to just kind of wait to respond. And so when you respond, instead of telling and not just you, but your audience, I encourage you to use one of those six most powerful questions. And one of those is Tell me more. So when you feel like saying something instead of doing that, just simply say, tell me more. When you do that, you will be amazed what people will tell you.
Speaker2: [00:25:00] Man. What marvelous counsel. All right, What’s the best way for our listeners to tap into your work? Maybe have a conversation with you or someone on your team? I want to make sure they can access this book, so whatever you feel like is appropriate and helpful in terms of your URLs, website, email, LinkedIn, whatever you think is most productive.
Speaker1: [00:25:21] Well, I’m just going to go for it because I put this in the book as well. The easiest way to contact me is to call, call or text me on my cell. 4842521593. When you Google my name in the book, the the book will come up in every format on Amazon. The website is equipped e q ip t people.com. That’s another way and you can reach out via the website as well. But don’t hesitate to to reach out to directly. If you’re interested in learning more, I’d be happy to talk to your listeners.
Speaker2: [00:25:55] Well, Christine, it has been an absolute delight having you on the show. Thanks for sharing your insight and your perspective. It’s been an informative and inspiring conversation and I’m quite sincere. I’d like to circle back around and talk again when the when the timing is appropriate. But thank you for for being on the show and sharing your insights.
Speaker1: [00:26:20] Well, thank you and I appreciate all the questions. They were very meaningful ones.
Speaker2: [00:26:26] Absolutely. My pleasure. All right. Until next time, this is Stone Payton for our guest today, Christine Myles and everyone here at the Business RadioX family saying we’ll see you in the fast lane.
Tweak Your Customer Onboarding Process
GACC South Unplugged – Dr. Volker Treier
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BRX Pro Tip: New Host Tip – Listen to Seasoned Hosts
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BRX Pro Tip: New Host Tip – Listen to Seasoned Hosts
Stone Payton: [00:00:00] And we are back with Business RadioX Pro Tips. Lee Kantor and Stone Payton here with you. Lee, I think a very practical tip for new show hosts is to go back and listen to seasoned hosts do their thing.
Lee Kantor: [00:00:15] Yeah. This is something that we tell every new host that comes in the Business RadioX system. If you’re a new host, we highly recommend that you listen to interviews from some of our veteran hosts, like Mike Salmon, to John Ray, a Karen Nowicki, a Stone Payton, a Lee Kantor. If you listen to them host, then you’re going to learn some mechanics about hosting. And especially when it comes to interviewing a specific type of business person.
Lee Kantor: [00:00:44] So, for example, if you’re new to interviewing people and you know you have to interview an accountant, go listen to John Ray interview an accountant, or Mike Salmon interview an accountant, or Karen Nowicki interview an accountant. Just listen to the questions that they ask. Listen to what topics they cover. And you’ll get a better understanding of what’s important for accountants. And you’ll get some ideas for some questions you might want to ask. And it’ll give you some context so that when you’re interviewing your accountant then you’re going to be ready, you’re going to be prepared, and it’ll help you. So, now, this is a tip we give to our Business RadioX show hosts.
Lee Kantor: [00:01:24] But if you’re out there interviewing people and you’re hosting your own show, I highly recommend you go back through our archives and use our archives as a learning tool for yourself because we have interviewed thousands across the network, tens of thousands of business people. So, no matter who you’re interviewing and if it’s the first time you’ve ever interviewed somebody in this business category, the odds are somebody in Business RadioX has already interviewed them. So, go and listen to them interview the person and get some ideas so you have a better interview.
Katie Turnage with Barrel House Coffee Company
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Barrel House Coffee Company was founded by two couples, James and Nicole Howard and Ryan and Katie Turnage. Working out of the Howard’s garage, we combined our love for bourbon and coffee by placing unroasted coffee beans into freshly dumped bourbon barrels. 
After some trial and error, the barrel-aging process was defined and ready to share with friends and family. Shortly after, we gained a large enough following while selling our beans at the Canton Farmers Market in downtown Canton, Georgia. We officially opened our doors to the public December 8, 2018 after months of building and preparation.
Barrel House Coffee Company is now owned and operated by Ryan and Katie Turnage. They both have degrees in Business Administration and Business Management, but more importantly they have a love for their community and a passion for excellent customer service.
Who are Ryan and Katie Turnage?
Ryan Turnage was raised in Irmo, South Carolina and graduated from Dutch Fork High School. Shortly after graduating, he joined the United States Marine Corps as a Combat Correspondent (Private Joker for anyone who has seen “Full Metal Jacket”).
While stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Ryan volunteered to deploy with Regimental Combat Team 6, 6th Marine Corps Regiment to Camp Ramadi, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Feeling the urge to continue serving his country, Ryan reenlisted and was given orders to Marine Corps Recruiting Station Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Once Katie joined him there, he knew his life would change forever. The two were married in December 2012 and he exited the Marine Corps in 2013. He immediately began his undergraduate studies at Kennesaw State University on the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Finishing his Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Management in record time and graduating Magna Cum Laude, he was hungry for more.
Ryan immediately began preparing for graduate school and was accepted to Kennesaw State University where he graduated just one year later in July 2018 with a Master of Business Administration. Just one month later, he helped found Barrel House Coffee Company.
Katie (Henry) Turnage was raised in Woodstock, Georgia and graduated from Sequoyah High School. She began her undergraduate studies at Kennesaw State University until she met her now husband, Ryan. She transferred to Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana to build on an already strong relationship with Ryan while he was stationed there in the Marine Corps.
She graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a minor in Business Management. After building her skills in the banking and healthcare industry, she decided to focus her efforts locally on the coffee shop.
Katie and Ryan celebrated the birth of their first child, Luke, in January 2020. The three live on a small horse farm just a few miles from downtown Ball Ground. When not working at the shop or creating more efficient processes, Katie, Ryan and Luke enjoy walking the downtown sidewalks, shopping and eating local, and simply sitting on their front porch overlooking the horse pasture while drinking their favorite coffee.
Follow Barrel House Coffee Company on Facebook and Instagram.
This transcript is machine transcribed by Sonix
TRANSCRIPT
Intro: [00:00:08] Coming to you live from the Business RadioX studio in Woodstock, Georgia. This is fearless formula with Sharon Cline.
Sharon Cline: [00:00:18] And welcome to Fearless Formula on Business RadioX, where we talk about the ups and downs in the business world and offer words of wisdom for business success. I am your host, Sharon Cline. And if you’ve never had coffee beans, barrel aged and in in freshly dumped bourbon barrels because this is like so descriptive to me and I love it. You need to visit Barrel House Coffee Company in Ballground, Georgia. And I have one of the co owners here in the studio, Katie Turnage. Welcome.
Katie Turnage: [00:00:48] Hi, Sharon. Thank you so much for having me.I appreciate it.
Sharon Cline: [00:00:52] It’s funny because I was thinking, how do I describe what it tastes like? Because I had your coffee recently and was like, yes, I want the barrel, you know, aged beans. But it’s hard to explain. The flavor is not something that it’s like, oh, it’s creamy or you know, it’s different. Different. How would you describe it?
Katie Turnage: [00:01:07] So I’d.Say it’s not for everyone, but.It’s so it’s such a unique flavor. It’s not like adding a shot of bourbon to your coffee, but it definitely accents those great.Caramel chocolaty notes. So that.To that coffee flavor profile and.It’s wonderful.A lot of our lattes, our Nutella latte.Is the most.Popular with it, with that barrel aged coffee.And we Have it frozen.And is.Like.Perfect on that summer.Day.
Sharon Cline: [00:01:32] Oh, wow. Yes, I missed that one. I’m definitely going to have to come back. So let’s talk a little bit about first of all, I wanted to ask you about background, because 100 years ago when I moved here, it was small. It seemed smaller or sort of not as bustling, but it is huge right now and booming.
Katie Turnage: [00:01:49] We love. Ball ground. My husband.And I both live there.And.We love.The downtown area.The small businesses.Down there.Just Thriving doing. So well. They’re just it’s such a. Great little community of small business. Owners that we have over. There and living there. We eat there, we work there and we go home and we play there. So it’s wonderful. We have a ball ground.
Sharon Cline: [00:02:10] Yes, that’s awesome. I was there recently and I saw also in your in your store, what would you call it.
Katie Turnage: [00:02:19] Shop Street.
Sharon Cline: [00:02:21] Yeah, a little bit of everything. Whatever you want to call they you had some locally made snacks there as well and I thought how sweet is that that you really are helping to promote.
Katie Turnage: [00:02:30] No We have a local bakery That’s. Right in Canton. 10 minutes on the road from us. She makes wonderful baked goods. We roast coffee. We do good, great coffee, baking goods as our forte. So we love to partner out with another great local business, Paula’s Desserts. And she brings them in fresh. We’re able to sell. We don’t have to worry about making food yet, but it’s just wonderful.
Sharon Cline: [00:02:52] You each win.
Katie Turnage: [00:02:54] So we can advertise for her. She does for us. She sells our coffee. It literally it works out. It’s a perfect scenario.
Sharon Cline: [00:02:59] Win win on both sides. So what got you into coffee?
Katie Turnage: [00:03:03] So it was my husband. My husband had a dream. Of always. Opening his own coffee. Shop. Being deployed. A veteran Marine Corps veteran. They love their coffee. Veterans do. And it’s what they. Lived on when they were when he. Was deployed. And coming. Back. He always wanted a coffee shop. It was his dream. I was one with my. Heels in the ground, especially being a small business owner. That was. So scary. To me. He we found. Business partners. That were actually barrel aging coffee out of their garage. Using a couple. Of barrels. Selling at local farmers. Markets. We thought it was such a cool idea. I had never seen it before and my husband’s. A huge bourbon drinker. I shouldn’t say he drinks bourbon, but we thought the flavor profile. Was something we had never experienced. Before. And we wanted. To open a coffee shop but just have a different flair on it. That we hadn’t seen. Before. And so we. Opened it back in 2018, the summer of 2018. And. Decided to kind of make it. Look like a Rick House. We opened with the bare minimums. No bank funding at all. We just all. Savings and. Started very, very. Small. We opened actually without an espresso machine, which, looking back on it, I’m like, Holy. Cow, how the heck did we do that? My husband opened it, opened a close. We had partners to. Help us on the weekends and some nights and basically grinded it. For about a year and a half before COVID hit. Covid was super scary. Didn’t know what the. Heck to do. We stayed. Open because. We had a couple employees at that. Time, and. To us it was really. Important. To as much as we could keep the doors. Open. To provide a paycheck. For them. But to also give a place for people to. Come and. Still get a little. Sense of community as. Best as we could during COVID restrictions. And then right after COVID, we bought our business partners out. They went and did. Another business. Venture. It was a great transition to. Just my husband and I. I got pregnant with my. Son Luke.
Sharon Cline: [00:05:10] And things like like, I’m sure that was what I’m thinking about, too. It’s like all of these are different hits, you know? Yes. First of all, just opening your own business. But second of all, COVID and then third of all, buying out just like all these transitions.
Katie Turnage: [00:05:24] Happening all at once and a baby. And it all. Happened. Just. Looking back on it. It all happened in such an organic. Good growth way that, like we learn. So many. Valuable. Things each time, each transition. I had my feet in the ground about not wanting to really. Work back in food and retail. I had worked at all through high school college and said I would never go back.
Sharon Cline: [00:05:47] You went to Kennesaw State University, I thought, and you got your degree. I want to say, is it business, right?
Katie Turnage: [00:05:51] Yes, business. Management. Actually, from a small college. Out of Louisiana when my husband was stationed there in Baton Rouge. So I started I kind of saw and then transitioned. To Southeastern. And. But yeah, I said. I would never. Work in food and retail. And COVID happened getting pregnant. And it’s crazy how now I manage the shop. I’ve got a. Great assistant manager that helps and leads and. And it’s where I was supposed to be. So, like. I genuinely enjoy. It. I love the people, I love our regulars. Our team is like, phenomenal. I couldn’t ask for a better team. They’re the reason why I’m here right now. I just make sure they have what they need and they’re the one that handled all the handle, all the customer interactions, and they’re the one. That takes care of the people. I’m just kind of behind the scenes. Making sure that they. Have what they need to. Facilitate their job the best. But it’s crazy how everything works. And. You get. Reassigned. And I love it. It gives me the time to be with my son and the season of life with small kids, but at the same time. Still be a. Huge part of the community that we love and don’t. Home Background.
Sharon Cline: [00:06:53] When you were looking for a place to open your shop, where what was it about ball ground that drew you there?
Katie Turnage: [00:06:59] We live there and we just love the downtown area. It didn’t have a coffee shop. We lived there for about 3 to 4 years before. I didn’t know we.
Sharon Cline: [00:07:07] Have a coffee.
Katie Turnage: [00:07:07] Shop. We didn’t have a coffee shop. And I’m like, Oh my God, how does the. Downtown not. Have a coffee shop? So my husband. Was that was more of a reason for us to.
Sharon Cline: [00:07:15] Yeah, there’s a need, right?
Katie Turnage: [00:07:16] Yeah. And we, we love it there. Our location. Specifically, we happen to be eating across the street. Saw the landlord going in and out of. The place. We walked over right. After dinner and. Had a conversation. With him, Got along with him. Really, really. Well. And that’s how it happened. Word of mouth. Real estate and down home ball ground is very hard to get a hold of. So it was just perfect. Timing, again, of just an organic thing that we just happen to go over and talk. And the rest was kind of history. We’re kind of in the. Back of a building so we don’t have a drive through. We don’t really have. Storefronts, so. It is a little difficult to find us at first, but it’s cool because it’s like I always say, we’re the cool hole in the wall of like, you. Know, you have to know where. We’re at.
Sharon Cline: [00:07:57] And you have a really great little courtyard.
Katie Turnage: [00:07:58] Yeah, right out. We love the courtyard outside. We have a great parking lot out back. So for a downtown area, it allows us to kind of be tucked. A little bit, but we get a lot of foot traffic from the downtown area, which we really. Enjoy as. Well.
Sharon Cline: [00:08:11] We talked a little bit before the show about how things sometimes just unfold, like you were saying in such an organic way. How did it feel to kind of see all of these little not challenges but shifts and that you’re able to meet them so fluidly and easily?
Katie Turnage: [00:08:28] Easily? Oh, yeah, but. Having a good. Partner. My husband, a business. He’s my business. Partner. He’s my husband. My best friend. A. Communicating through that and bouncing. Ideas to be able to have that relationship of. You have good days, you have bad days, you. Have in any marriage. But also as. Business partners of. Like you, sometimes you don’t see eye to eye. Sometimes you’re really hot about. Something and another person can kind of. Talk you. Down. But having that other. Person to consistently bounce and find. Ways to grow. And learn from it. As cliché as it. Sounds, that’s the only way we. Are able to like, really just say, okay, all. Right, we’re not going in this direction. Okay, let’s go this direction. When I’m on the ground crying or thinking everything’s over. It’s like, Wait a. Minute, Katie. No, no, no. Let’s go. This could be the direction instead. So, I mean, some. Of them were easy. I shouldn’t say wasn’t easy. Some of them were. It just kind of happened and it just. As long as you kept putting a foot in the forward direction. It might not. Be a huge step, but it was still just one more foot forward. Yeah. Foot forward. Oh, gosh. We don’t know what we’re doing.
Sharon Cline: [00:09:38] We talk about that on the show a lot with different business owners about surrounding yourself with the right kind of people and how important that is. And what is it like. I know you were saying that you had have these employees that you couldn’t you really couldn’t do it without them. What was it like to try to find quality people? Because we talk a lot about that on.
Katie Turnage: [00:09:55] The business show. The hardest it’s the hardest part. Of running of my. Business. You know, you go through the interview process and you think you have a great ten minute interview in. That person’s going to solve all your problems and you know, they’re. Going to be absolutely wonderful to grow your team. And it’s so hard because you don’t want to make a quick judgment on someone. But for your business, you have to be able to figure. Out long term if you can trust them or not. You get them in and sometimes they don’t work and then it’s to. Me that is the hardest. Of being able. To. Give someone chances. You want to work with them, you want to work. Through things, you want. To grow with them, but at the same time, knowing when to. Cut the. Cut the line to where it’s not poisonous to the rest of your team. But I strongly. Rely on my team. Of. Constantly pretty much every business decision I’m fielding through them of like, Hey guys, I’m doing we’re doing this because of A, B and C. How do you feel about that? My husband says, I make it a lot more. Complicated because I do that.
Sharon Cline: [00:10:51] Executive decision. We’re doing that.
Katie Turnage: [00:10:52] But I’m like, You know what? They’re there at the heart and the. Baseline of it, of a decision that we make ultimately affects them the most. They’re the one having to. Deal with a upset customer. Over something that. Didn’t, you know. That has been changed or whatever. And if they don’t understand, they don’t need to know everything. But if they don’t understand the baseline of. Why. Then it makes their job. A lot harder. So I’d rather do a little bit more work up front. Communicating it then and making sure that they understand than just saying it’s. Because I said so. I don’t agree with it. But but my team is just absolutely incredible. I don’t I. Couldn’t say anything more highly of them. We’ve had a couple of them for. We’ve had one our longest employee, I think he’s at three and a half years now. Our assistant manager Tim, that I’m he’s my right hand he’s absolutely wonderful. Hero for all of our coffee for us. He handles all of our morning regulars and then we’ve got. Leads that. Help him help me and I’m just behind the scenes.
Sharon Cline: [00:11:53] Where do you get your barrels? Like, how do you make it work?
Katie Turnage: [00:11:56] Local distillery. Elbow out of Atlanta. They’re absolutely wonderful. They we get them freshly dumped from them within a week of dumping to make sure that it’s not just an old barrel that’s just been sitting out. That’s how we get it. We get it. Fresh and then beans within them within a week, allowing them to age for a couple of months. And then once they’ve aged for a couple of months, depending on the. Barrel, but. Depending on the strength, the bean will then pull and roast and house. And it’s I think we’ve got close to like 50 or 60. Barrels now. That are aging coffee to help forecast for. Four or five months. Out. So that’s how.
Sharon Cline: [00:12:31] Many barrels you have to have or four.
Katie Turnage: [00:12:33] Or five to forecast out. And then my barrel yields about two batches. And just my husband deals. A lot with that. Oh yeah, he’s our barrel manager. He goes the. He goes yeah, he just loves going to the bourbon places. I don’t know why but Yeah.
Sharon Cline: [00:12:47] But how cool. Because it’s like a win win. You know, this other distillery is not needing it anymore and then you get to have a second life with it.
Katie Turnage: [00:12:54] Yeah. Which is very cool. And it’s cool because there’s even a. Third life on that, which we didn’t realize opening the. Business of what are we going to do with all these barrels. When we get done with them? We’re not just gonna throw them out. They’re beautiful. Barrels. And so we then sell them to our customers. For what we pay. For them. And they. Do. I mean, the. Coolest furniture projects. Planters. I had a guy wrap his. Metal column in a. Basement. With man. Cave with barrels. I mean, just the coolest things with barrels that I would have never thought of. But it’s a secondary. Market. That like. We can, you know, not just. Take these gorgeous barrels and if I could, I’d. Keep them all. Yeah, I bet I love them. I bet.
Sharon Cline: [00:13:31] They smell amazing.
Katie Turnage: [00:13:32] Too. And each one is different and unique depending on where it was in a brick house and whatnot. But it’s cool. It was a total. Secondary thing that we now. Hustle barrels after we get done. So we have. Anywhere from like 1 to. 5 barrels at. A time that people can come and pick up and and do what they want with them with the furniture.
Sharon Cline: [00:13:50] That’s a really we’ll have to talk after the show. But I wanted to ask you, what is your number one thing that you sell like your most popular item, most popular drink, I should.
Katie Turnage: [00:13:59] Say popular. Drink. Our popular coffee bag is our barrel. Aged medium roast. That’s the one that’s the most. Popular. Coffee. And then our. Probably our favorite. It depends. The holiday drinks are pretty. Popular. But our. Nutella with that barrel aged coffee is a is a huge hit.
Sharon Cline: [00:14:17] I’m thinking about it. I’m thinking about it as we speak. I’m like, I’m paying attention, I promise.
Katie Turnage: [00:14:21] Yes, that one. Just because it pairs so well with the beautiful bourbon flavor that. It’s I’m craving it right now. Can you.
Sharon Cline: [00:14:27] Really get through the.
Katie Turnage: [00:14:28] Afternoon?
Sharon Cline: [00:14:28] But I was thinking, you’re not just having barrel aged coffee, you’ve got regular roast coffee.
Katie Turnage: [00:14:34] Yes, we do. Yes. So all of our coffee. Selection, we say like our Americanos, our cappuccinos. Lattes. Anything we can do, barrel aged or non barrel aged, non barrel. Aged as. Your I say, your normal. Espresso. We have an Asian in a coffee barrel and then our. Barrel age. Is that same espresso being that we have aged in a bourbon. Barrel. So you kind of have a different spin on pretty much any of. Your regular coffee. Drinks. To be barrel. Aged or non barrel age at that point in time.
Sharon Cline: [00:14:59] So if you’re just joining us, we are speaking to the co-owner of Barrel House Coffee Company, Katie Turnage. So I wanted to ask you to how how did you stay afloat during the pandemic? Because a lot of companies didn’t. So what did you do.
Katie Turnage: [00:15:15] Really relying on community. We made sure that we. Stayed open as long as we. Possibly could. Even within the restrictions, it looked a little funny during times of having like a line with. Arrows. And making sure everyone’s going the right way. Giving the six foot. Distance mass, whatnot, but making sure that when we’re going out to lunch to. Dinner, we’re. Keeping it within our community. Being able to go. Across the street, over the burger bus or. Frankfurters for lunch or, you know, being able. To. Support the other businesses that we could tell. Everyone was just kind of wide eyed and didn’t. Know what to do. So true. So it was like, okay. Instead. Of as easy as it would. Have been just to go home and. Be in our. House and remain our six feet apart and do all that. It was important for. Us to still be able to. Put money into the local. Businesses. So it was like we would. Buy lunch for. Staff or we would, after we get off. Shift, make sure. To go over places that we saw were a little. Slower than others. To. Just continue. To. Every little bit helps. So and also checking in on. Our other businesses. In the downtown area. Like, hey, look, are you. Okay? What’s going on?
Sharon Cline: [00:16:27] So kind of you to do that. Very compassionate of.
Katie Turnage: [00:16:29] You. Well, it was it was. Done to me. As well. It was so just. Kind of happened organically within the community. Because we were all scared. We were all just like, okay, is this are we going to be allowed to stay open? I know we have all these parameters, but then it’s like, who is enforcing them? And then what happens. If we. Don’t know the. Newest restriction of that day? Or you know what if we have a disgruntled customer. Come in and someone’s mass has slipped down and we’re in the you know, like. It’s just it was just a. Whole nother onslaught of. Just. Confusion that no one knew. But to be able to say to. Like everyone. Else was like, okay, this is what. We’re doing. That worked for you. What did this work for you like? It was just a whole nother. Tear of us. Getting together and trying to. And the city of Algren also. Was. Absolutely wonderful. To us to help with us of. Any questions that we. Had. They’ve always been amazing to work with, and they. Say they were allowed the red. Carpet said of the red tape. And I could not. Agree with that, that phrase. No. It’s and. I. Totally endorse it. And believe wholeheartedly. They absolutely do to us to help us and. They understand. The the. The hardships of it?
Sharon Cline: [00:17:42] Well, I mean, there’s nothing scarier or, you know, taps into fear more than something you’ve put your heart into and your financial future stability into. And then to have something like that happen. You know.
Katie Turnage: [00:17:54] One is. Like you spend all this time building this team that you. Have worked so. Hard and put so much time and energy to get them trained. And then it’s like, ultimately. If we shut the door, how do we. Continue to pay them. They’ve got to pay their bills, too. So then it’s like if we don’t keep the doors. Open, we can’t pay them. Then we lose a team that we’ve. Tried so hard to. And we were very lucky. We scraped by, but we were able to keep. The team that we had and continue to stay open and just put our head down and do the best we. Could with it.
Sharon Cline: [00:18:22] Wow. What do you find to be the. Our most challenging. Is it because a lot of people talk about balance? I always that’s the first thing I think about as far as like doing voiceover work to I could be doing all I could audition all day, all night, and you know, there has to be some kind of a balance in life, but particularly with social media being so prevalent and so many ways that people advertise that way, how do you shut off work and or do you shut off work and then be.
Katie Turnage: [00:18:52] On your husband and your.
Sharon Cline: [00:18:53] Business? I know, right? Can you just have a conversation that doesn’t involve.
Katie Turnage: [00:18:56] Yes, like no talking about the. Child and no talking. About the business. And we just like kind of look at each other like, I like you, like I love you, but I don’t. Oc The weather’s been nice. Like you don’t. It’s hard to.
Sharon Cline: [00:19:09] Imagine.
Katie Turnage: [00:19:10] So we’re constantly checking each other. And trying. To. Say, you know. Hey, look, we’ve talked a lot about this. We’ve, we’ve put. Our head together and we’ve. We’ve over communicated about this. We’ve overdone it on this. But. Balance is that. I’m. That’s the most difficult thing is finding a work life balance and especially I. Have a three year old. So finding the. Work. Life balance of being a good mom and being with him, having a business to where you want to spend a lot of your. All of your extra. Time making that business. Better. But knowing where to hang up the. Hat at the door to where. I’m mom now and I don’t want to. I don’t want to impede on that. Either. Because you can’t get that time back. Either. So it’s like it’s. Someone explained to me, it’s like a different season in your life. And I’m in the season of small having a small child right now and being out and being social and going to marketing events and growing the business on that regard just isn’t. This isn’t the season right now for me to be able to. Grind the pavement and that as much. As I would like to. But that time will come. And being at home with my child and being a small business owner and having a great team, it allows me to do things like this and. To go to his doctor’s. Appointments and concerts and little things that mean the world to me and being. Able to trust. A team that will open and close and run the store and just make sure it doesn’t burn down. You know, I joke with them about that, but it’s it’s so true to being able to trust. Them. That. They’ll let me know if they need me. And it’s taken a long time to get there.
Sharon Cline: [00:20:48] But yeah, because you can have your your you can shut off your work brain and really access more your mom brain or whatever it is that you want when you have trust that way.
Katie Turnage: [00:20:56] Yes, wholeheartedly. And just building into my. People of like, okay, I. Trust you. I’m not going to micromanage you. Let me know what you need. But you know I’m here. I’m here. And what can I do to help? And the last thing I’m doing is making a cup of. Coffee, even though it’s something that I would absolutely, you know, but. Being a small business owner and wearing all the different hats and constantly wanting to grow and. Get better. And. That’s part of. That’s part of it. And learning the balance. I’m still. I’m looking for mentors and. Guidance in different forums of how do I not lose my. Sanity.
Sharon Cline: [00:21:27] You know, what I like, though, is that we were talking about Alma Coffee and that’s like one of the coffee companies that helped sponsor some of the shows that we have and how you were like, Oh, I love them. And I thought, how sweet is that?
Katie Turnage: [00:21:37] That, you know, they’re wonderful.
Sharon Cline: [00:21:38] And appreciation for it’s not competition. It’s just like you’re both in the same boat, you know? And so it’s kind of sweet that you have your cheering on other companies, too.
Katie Turnage: [00:21:47] Absolutely. We can all do it. Together and they’re they’re wonderful farm to cup and that. I can’t compete with what they’re. Doing. I mean they’ve got multiple generations. They’re absolutely wonderful what they do. And and I know. They appreciate. Us too. And it’s. So cool because. We’ll bump into each other at events and whatnot. And it’s. It’s cool. I love. That. And to me, that’s the community that we want to grow and be and where we’re not. The only or the best or.
Sharon Cline: [00:22:10] Going down, you’re going down.
Katie Turnage: [00:22:12] It’s like, Come on, It’s like, I’m going crazy over this. Are you too? Yeah. Okay. All right. We have a little I have a little. Group that I’m like, Oh, my. Gosh, have you experienced this yet? But it’s cool. Because, I mean, we wouldn’t be able to grow and. We all grow. Together when we’re able to network and. Like refer people. Out. And another. Great coffee shop is. Bazaar down in Canton that they’re wonderful to. And it’s just like.
Sharon Cline: [00:22:34] I’d like to have him on the show at some point. I go there often.
Katie Turnage: [00:22:37] If I could have part of. Her creativeness, Oh my.
Sharon Cline: [00:22:39] Gosh, isn’t that amazing? Cow? But it’s so cool that if you have a strength here and someone else has a strength there, like you can learn and draw from each other, which is so cool. It’s supportive. And I think that’s what I love about our community in general, is that everyone really does.
Katie Turnage: [00:22:53] Cherokee County.
Sharon Cline: [00:22:54] Cherokee County. Yeah. And it’s it is really a special place. I think I’ve heard it compared to other counties where they’re like, it’s just not like that over there. And I’m like, really? I’ve gotten.
Katie Turnage: [00:23:02] Spoiled, you know? But it’s been from I think. Truly, I think it’s from all the hard work of the small, all the small business. Owners and breaking down that. Barrier of like, Hey, look, I see you’re. Struggling or. Hey, look, this is what I. Struggled with and not make it painting this. Picture perfect. That we all want. To create. Yeah, right. So we all want to, but it’s like, Hey. Look, I’m struggling with this. Oh, my gosh, I’m not going crazy. You are, too. And that’s. Just it.
Sharon Cline: [00:23:27] Normalizes it, right? I love. I love that. Do you do you advertise social media? So do you have to talk?
Katie Turnage: [00:23:34] No, you do not have to get yelled at about that last week. They’re like. You need to share me on your TikTok. I’m like, I don’t have an. Instagram and Facebook. And Tim, our assistant manager, and I, we meet. Twice a week for a couple of hours to. Kind of pull our brains together and get we’re trying to get on. To reels. Because that’s the new thing. And I’m. So old school. On photos and. How to make a latte look different every time. She’s just creative. Creativeness is not my forte. Right? Right. But yeah, social media is kind of what we put our marketing and advertising and right now building that. And that’s how. We get a lot of our regulars. And our different drinks and whatnot. Out. But we have hopes. To get kind of into that next. Year. To.
Sharon Cline: [00:24:16] Really promote it. I had someone on the show went to is associated with a social media marketing company. It’s her company and just how that is just the number one. It is just where everyone goes and it’s crazy. It is. I was just telling you before the show how I get down at Tik-tok Rabbit Hole. Yes. And I don’t mean to because I have a book that I really want to finish reading and I haven’t done it. I’m like, Let me just go through to it for 45 minutes. And I’m like, Oh my gosh. So I see how that’s if that’s where, you know, I’m not the only one that does this, but I just see how that can be If you’re on this, this is where and I need to do the same. I’m supposed to be using TikTok for this show. Exactly. And have I done it yet? No, I talk about it all the time, talking about.
Katie Turnage: [00:24:57] It in the vacuum, but the actual provide good. Quality content that hasn’t been done anywhere else. I’m like, I’m in all of people that can do that on a daily basis. That is just holy.
Sharon Cline: [00:25:08] Holy, sure. That’s such a gift. All right. We’ll have to talk after the show. Maybe we can come up with some good creative ideas. What do you find most rewarding about what you’re doing about your shop? And I was thinking to how great it is to have these relationships. It’s not just business, it’s relationships. Yeah, but I’m wondering what what do you find that just kind of drives you and gets you up every day? Not just the financial aspect.
Katie Turnage: [00:25:31] It’s the. It’s the people that are. Regulars that come in. We got it, especially over Christmas break that. You know, they’d come in and normally just see the one man or the one woman, and they’re all of a sudden with. A group of. Like ten people and they’re like, Oh my gosh, we have to. Show you this is our favorite shop. This is our favorite spot. We had to bring our family to come and see. We absolutely love. Like and then the family. Leaves with a bunch of. Coffee and then they’re like from California, they’re from. All over. And it’s like, to me, the highest. Compliment when it’s like. You’re their favorite spot. That you bring their family. To of like they don’t have to come and. Spend a lot of money or. You know, whatever. But it’s like they all feel, I feel so special that it’s like out of. All the time that you have with family, which is not a lot when you’re here and in the hustle and running around, they’re bringing. Their family to your shop. And it’s like or our city manager, we were during the Christmas. Parade this year. And our Christmas. Parade is. Our busiest night of the year. And we had a line. I mean. It was through three doors. Out into. The road. It was. Absolutely insane and. We were just cranking it out. We’re having a great time in there. And we were. The busiest we’ve ever. Been. And the. City manager is just like opens the door and is just like great job crew. And just like a cheerleader. And it’s like. You don’t have to do that, you know? And it’s like just to get those like little. Pats on the back, especially when you’re you’re grinding and you’re in the. Weeds a lot. It’s like that’s why that that’s and your team feels good. Everyone feels. Good and it’s just. Like it gets regurgitated out through all the other businesses as well. When. They’re. So it’s just that to me that’s.
Sharon Cline: [00:26:58] That was like I think I could almost feel it what it would feel like, you know, just like a joy.
Katie Turnage: [00:27:03] And you’re like, Are you doing it right? I think every, you know, you see. Everything going wrong. Especially being the business owner. And but it’s just like, holy cow, okay, we’re. Doing this like we’re and we’re. Cranking this. Out. And it’s an well-oiled machine. Most of the time. And it’s that’s. That’s to me, the one I’m the most proud of. And people come in to meet and whatnot.
Sharon Cline: [00:27:21] So I think it’s cool to to imagine that like, okay, just 20 years from now saying, oh, this is. I used to go, you know, during this period of my life where I was like, Oh, this is where we used to get hot chocolate with the babies. Or we.
Katie Turnage: [00:27:31] Just had an an. Illustrator come and do. Her. Book signing and our. Shop. And she was like, I drew the photos for I drew the photos, I drew the artwork for all these for this book at the shop, sitting right there at the table right there. And it was so cool. And she signed the book and gave it to my son. And I was. Like, things like like you just don’t think about it. You know, people. Are on their computer in their own little. Own little world, and you try to give them some. Privacy and whatnot.
Sharon Cline: [00:27:52] And but who knew that was even.
Katie Turnage: [00:27:54] Happening, right? I had no. Idea. It was no, I had no idea. It was. Oh, sweet. Yeah. Sean Shandygaff. Yeah, it. Was very, very nice of her. So anyways, little things. Like that that are so cool, like there’s surprises that you don’t. Know are happening, but. It’s like. All happening under the woodwork.
Sharon Cline: [00:28:09] And you’re making, you’re making memories, but you’re currently making memories as kind of a weird way to say.
Katie Turnage: [00:28:14] It. Yes, absolutely. Absolutely. It was just but just for her to, like. Come back and have the signing. At our shop and just kind of full circle there. It was really cool. Yeah.
Sharon Cline: [00:28:24] All right. So here’s a question for you. What would you say is your biggest mistake something that you learned the hard way? Yeah. Gosh. But I.
Katie Turnage: [00:28:34] Don’t like taking things personal to. Personal. Like it’s if like an employee doesn’t do something or like, I’m having a problem. Or they just. Forget, maybe sometimes something’s forgotten to be done of. Like, I’ll just take it. Personally and like, no, that wasn’t done personally. The person didn’t have time. Stuff happens during the day. They got. Busy. It’s not a big deal. And I’ve learned as I’ve kind of matured into this. Role of like. Being able to. Take that. Not take it so personally of like, no, they’re trying their best. You trust that they’re trying your best. Of like. Trust them to do. Their best. Don’t micromanage and don’t. Don’t take it. Personally. It’s not it’s not a thing. I just as a manager. That’s that’s been a hard. As I manage more people and then being able. To, you know. Give someone on off, not pawn off responsibility. You know, to be able to to hand off responsibilities of like it’s not the way I would have. Done it, but at the same time, like I would have never done it like. That. Holy cow, That’s a much better way to do that of like, why was I doing it so much harder. Making it so much harder on myself? And if something’s not done the way. I would do it, that’s okay. That’s okay. It’s not a personal blow of the way you did. It was wrong. Or.
Sharon Cline: [00:29:50] That’s so interesting. I love that you’re talking about that because I don’t think anyone said that on the show before. And I’m trying to apply it very quickly, super fast to my life. And do I do that? You know, do I? Because I do have a certain way I like. Yes. And I just assume that the world is like just like me and that everyone does everything just like me. So but having the perspective that it’s it’s actually has nothing to do with you. It’s actually somebody else’s thought process. That’s when.
Katie Turnage: [00:30:17] I. Communicate. That how I. Wanted it to be done. Effectively. Enough if it wasn’t done that way. And then I look back on it and I’m like, No, I just said. Three words of like, Would you mind go and do this? I don’t need to have. That expectation. That they’re going to. And then sometimes but on the flip side, that sometimes. I do it and it’s like. 50 times better. It’s like, Holy cow.
Sharon Cline: [00:30:39] I just let him go. Let him go? Yes. Letting go in.
Katie Turnage: [00:30:42] And empowering your people of like, Hey. Look, I’m a little stretched thin right now. Of like. And. And nine times out of ten. I’m I’m surprised. Not surprised. I shouldn’t. Say surprise. I am very grateful and humbled that like the way I did, it wasn’t the right way to do it.
Sharon Cline: [00:31:00] Wow. I love that. I’m going to take that for when I’m like, Why did you fold that towel that way to so often?
Katie Turnage: [00:31:06] Oh. No, but it’s true. It’s true. And I don’t know if that’s just as I, like. Mature an age of like being able to.
Sharon Cline: [00:31:14] Know. I’m like twice your age and I still do it.
Katie Turnage: [00:31:18] I’m still working on it, but it’s just something that I’m try I’m learning. I think.
Sharon Cline: [00:31:24] That’s great. You’re trying, right? That’s half the battle or most of the battle, right? So what do you think? What do you think some misconceptions about the coffee industry or your business are?
Katie Turnage: [00:31:33] I think business in general, being a woman owner. I have a lot of. Not much I shouldn’t. Say I have a lot, but I do. It surprises. Me sometimes. How? A lot of. People and. Trying to sell stuff or. Trying to. Get a. Decision out. They immediately. Jump over me and want to talk to my husband. And I’m. Just so shocked that that’s still. A thing of like, No, I’m the owner. How can I help you? What can I you know. But at. That point in time, once. You’ve. Made that assumption, I’m very quick to not. Be as responsive. I just it’s just it’s to me, it’s just so. Surprising that. People are still like that of like. Hey, look, I know I make the. Decisions. I do. Yeah. I mean, I’ll consult him if you want me. To, but that’s because. I want to. That’s not. A a. You don’t need to speak to speak. With the.
Sharon Cline: [00:32:29] Man, is it? Is it a certain age group of men that speak with you like that, or is it just across the board? I’m just curious if that’s sort of an old school misogynistic.
Katie Turnage: [00:32:38] So I thought it was. And it’s not. And it’s actually not just men. It’s females. As well. Which I’m that’s what I’m even more. Shocked about. A lot of times. And a lot of times it’s just sales of. Like, you know, they’re trying to get you on the phone. They’re trying to sell you on something the fastest and they’re trying to and I respect. That. Hustle. I could not I could not I. Respect that hustle. But it’s just. Crazy to me because it’s just like they need to speak with the man to be able to make the decision. And I’m like, He’s not. Going to give you a. Decision.
Sharon Cline: [00:33:03] I’ll get you the decision.
Katie Turnage: [00:33:05] So it’s it’s interesting to me that that’s. Still a school of. Thought. Coffee industry wise. The coffee industry is great. I’m not I don’t have any. We I’m constantly learning. People say that, you know, they want to. Ask if I’m a coffee expert. Absolutely not. I strive to. Be. And every day I learn and someone comes in and asks a different ask for a different drink that I’ve never heard of before. And you’re on Google like. Okay, I’ve made that 17,000 times. Okay. It’s just. Different in a different. Part of the world. Yeah, we’re constantly learning that. But yeah, in the coffee industry, they’ve been great. It’s just I guess it’s a. Female business owner. That’s my biggest. Qualm that. I have at. Certain. Points. So I guess I’m very sensitive to it because you work really. Really hard and. To get where you’re at and I have a. Degree, my husband has a degree in business management as well, and then he’s got his master’s as well. And so we both. Think like minded in that business. Playing field. But it’s just crazy to me that people like, I need to speak with it. Can I speak with your husband? I need to speak with the man. I’m like, okay.
Sharon Cline: [00:34:16] Goodbye. I don’t need what you’re offering me. Yes, Yes. I kind of take him back by that, I guess, because I know this happens and I’ve I’ve heard about it in different ways, but I hadn’t really had someone in the studio really kind of phrase it the way you have. And it’s like it’s kind of hitting me hard. No, it’s perfect because it reflects reality and that that is what happens. So it’s a shame, actually.
Katie Turnage: [00:34:40] And I don’t know if it’s necessarily in the coffee industry. Maybe I’m just experiencing that. I haven’t. Talked to a lot. Of other business female owners within the coffee industry, and that’s my own fault. I need to get out and reach out more and ask, you know, like what? Maybe. Maybe I’m not the only one experiencing that. I know I’m not. But you know, of like. How do they how do they. Respond as well And being able. To constructively. Instead of just saying goodbye?
Sharon Cline: [00:35:06] Well, actually, I think I will add that to one of my questions that I ask female business owners, because I hadn’t really highlighted that very hard just a couple of times.
Katie Turnage: [00:35:14] That it’s very probably a very. Small it’s just one of my.
Sharon Cline: [00:35:18] No, but but it would be defeating to me.
Katie Turnage: [00:35:20] Yes, it is.
Sharon Cline: [00:35:21] It is. I would feel very defeated. It is as it as a default, you know, to think, okay, well, you know, you after everything you’ve done and sacrificed and given and someone not respecting it would I don’t know. I have an.
Katie Turnage: [00:35:35] Attitude. So like I do I would have done so lightheartedly a. Lot of the times that maybe it’s not it’s not understood. How hard it hits, but it hits hard. When you like your pounding and you’re sweating and you’re, you know, grinding out and it’s not. And that’s what they want to focus on. So that’s and that’s okay. I just I need to not let it I need to not let it hit my arm or.
Sharon Cline: [00:35:55] You’re stronger than I am. I’m still reeling. I’m like, processing as you’re speaking. I’m like, how would I feel if someone treated me this way? I wanted to ask you to. So we talk a lot. You were talking about community and how important that is for for where you are. So I love the ways that you are. You check in on each other. But now that you’re through the pandemic, what is it like to see as it’s growing? Because just being I mean, just being there recently, I’m like, where do I park? Like, I am shocked at how busy it was a good thing. It’s like it was encouraging.
Katie Turnage: [00:36:25] It’s one even like something as simple as like our point of sale going down. A lot of us have a similar point of sale system in the downtown area and it’s. Like, you know, it always goes out. When you need it the. Most, like technology.
Sharon Cline: [00:36:34] Yeah.
Katie Turnage: [00:36:34] And so it’s cool. But I’m able to get on a text. Message with a couple of. Other female business owners actually in downtown area and. Say like, Hey, are you. Experiencing this? And then a lot of them are. Like, Yep, you’re able to do this. This, this, and you’re back online or, you know, like. To be able to troubleshoot. That of like you’re not. And then. To be creative of like, Hey, look. You’re down here, but you can also. Do let’s. Process payments over. Here or. It’s just been. I love it. Like the other day I ran out of coffee filters. What Coffee shop runs out of coffee? I counted a box that wasn’t a box. And anyways, and I called. Jill’s down the road and I was like. Jill, hey, can you. Do you have any coffee filters? I’m embarrassed even ask this question. I don’t have a coffee filter right now. And she gave me a whole, like, half a box of them. And then last. Week she ran on coffee filters and I give the, you know, but it’s like just because I sell coffee. In the downtown. She’s like, But it’s like, hey, look, you your game is so strong with. Pastries and baking. I don’t even want to touch that. And you do it so well that like this.
Sharon Cline: [00:37:30] Jokes, cakes and bakes.
Katie Turnage: [00:37:31] Yes. And downtown love them as well And. So there but it’s so cool to be able to text or be like, I’m having a payroll problem here. Who do you use for your payroll processor of Don’t stay clear of this or don’t do this or, you know, like this is the lessons that. I’ve learned And Dominic’s truck and Diane, they’re the same way Miranda down. There. She’s such a hard worker. And she was. Texting me yesterday about. Payroll questions that. We all have. The questions we’re not all. Savvy with technology and all these different platforms and stuff. But it’s like ultimately you want to. Pay your employee, You know what? You don’t want to spend time doing this stuff when you need to be spending time doing others. So it’s cool to be able to reach out. To people and be like, okay. Look. I had the same problem. Here it is. Here’s a solution.
Sharon Cline: [00:38:11] Abc But I got that because that’s like the theme of Fearless Formula is offering words of wisdom for business success. You don’t have to learn the hard way, and it sounds like the energy that you’re putting out there and receiving are the same.
Katie Turnage: [00:38:21] Yes, and I love that. And it’s just a text message. It’s like you don’t have to pick up the phone and like have a 20 minute long conversation and see how you’re. Doing and.
Sharon Cline: [00:38:28] Justify or.
Katie Turnage: [00:38:28] Justify. Yeah, I’m like, Hey, I see you. It’s just like. Hey, look, I need a quick answer. Can you do it? And it’s like just respectful of. Everyone else’s time. And I, I love that. So it’s been cool in the community and down home all around. I can’t say enough. Of it. About it. I wouldn’t be anywhere else. I talk about we have people. That’s another rewarding. Part is. People coming in and asking, you know, when you open up. Your second location or whatever, and to be able to replicate. The team and that area and ball ground and that community. It’s like. I don’t. I don’t see how he can.
Sharon Cline: [00:39:00] Where do you see yourself in five years? Somewhere or ten years somewhere? Do you have a goal like that?
Katie Turnage: [00:39:05] It depends on what you have. As of right now, no. Because I love our city. Our love, our city. I love our area. And I. Love. And so many other cities that are surrounding us. That we would look to. They already have great coffee shops that. It’s like, no, their hustle. They’re like, no.
Sharon Cline: [00:39:25] You’re just in your happy.
Katie Turnage: [00:39:26] I respect that. Yeah. And I have a sweet spot. Yeah. Happy Place is a good team, a good set of people that. Maybe in a different season. Maybe in a different season. The different lanes. Yes, yes, yes. Has done that. So let me change my answer tomorrow. But for right now, no background is home and where it’s hot and. We love our. People down there. So.
Sharon Cline: [00:39:48] Yeah, well, if anyone wanted to come by and see you or contact you, what’s the best way via email?
Katie Turnage: [00:39:54] Barrel house, coffee. Co at gmail.com and or on Facebook or Instagram. Give me. A second. To answer the. Messages, but contact. Us on social. Media too, because that’s a great way for us to have. Content and share and promote. And we absolutely love it when people do that. Our regulars are so creative with. Drink photos and tagging in our location and being outside and taking. Photos of the outside. Location too. So I love all of that. That’s all I see. All of it. And I try to share. As much as I possibly can.
Sharon Cline: [00:40:24] It’s like being loved on in a way.
Katie Turnage: [00:40:25] It is. It is. And it’s a totally different perspective. A lot. Of times on the same drink that you see time and time again and you’re. Like, Oh, that’s that’s so cool. I would’ve never thought about that.
Sharon Cline: [00:40:35] I love that. Well, it’s so excited to see your journey and and continue to I’ll come by and try some Nutella coffee because it sounds too amazing to pass up. Well, thank you so much for coming to the studio. I really appreciate it. Katie, it’s great to meet you.
Katie Turnage: [00:40:50] You’ve been some kind to me and I really appreciate it.
Sharon Cline: [00:40:52] And my goodness.
Katie Turnage: [00:40:52] Giving a platform to. Small business owners, that’s a that’s. Absolutely incredible. So I really appreciate it.
Sharon Cline: [00:40:57] I think it lifts everybody up.
Katie Turnage: [00:40:58] It does. Makes you not feel as alone.
Sharon Cline: [00:41:00] Yeah, I appreciate that. Not no. I’m going to be knocking on the door at six in the morning. Where’s my car?
Katie Turnage: [00:41:05] Yes, we will be there. Will definitely.
Sharon Cline: [00:41:08] Be there. Well, thank you all for listening to Fearless Formula on business radio. And this is Sharon Cline reminding you that with knowledge and understanding, we can all have a fearless formula. Have a great day.
