Gaston Alive Magazine

There is a question I am asked frequently by fellow entrepreneurs and
business owners: “How are you doing it?” In essence, they are really
asking is how we continue to be successful in industries having been
affected by the nationwide economic crises. Though things have been
challenging, our businesses have remained very stable. We have committed
ourselves to creativity and education over the past 18 months; elements
which I believe have been keys to our success. Because of their proven
effectiveness, I want to share with you a definition of “Success” and of
“Economy” that I have discovered and applied to my life and businesses,
with hopes that you may be encouraged to have a new business
perspective.
People interpret the word “success” differently. We have come to
discover a definition of the word that we are using to gauge our achievement; and it is this: Success= Value + Refinement. We have set our mind to providing value in all that we do, in both the financial and substantial. When value is being transferred, you can be sure that you are contributing to your success through a satisfied consumer, which inevitably will provide positive marketing for your business within their sphere of influence.
Generally speaking, consumers share common desires and values with the
people that they associate with.  Refinement is an equal requirement for
success. By that I mean that we have never arrived. We must constantly
seek to educate ourselves in our respective fields and apply new
discoveries and trends to our businesses. Seeking opportunities to
reduce operating expenses without compromising quality, discovering ways
to work smarter rather than harder, and searching for avenues to add
ingredients to your operation that set you apart from your competition,
are practical ways for you to continually apply refinement. When you
combine value with refinement, you are on your way to achieving success.
The other word I would like to define is “economy”. We have learned a
simple description of this commonly feared word that has
substantially contributed to our success. “Economics”, simply put is
maximizing the minimum. Realizing this enabled me to take significant
responsibility and control of ‘my economy’. You can begin to take
control and stimulate your economy as well. Analyze ways in which you
can ‘maximize the minimum’. Get the most out of your resources in your
business and personal life. Any opportunity you have to measure a
decision against this simple explanation of economics is sure to have a
positive influence on the bottom line of your operation. For example, examine the resources that you have at hand. If you have leased space for operating your business, you are paying for every square foot. Make sure you are getting the most potential for productivity and revenue out of it. If there is excess, you may have an option to sublease to another company that compliments yours. Are you getting the most potential out of your staff. If there is down time, cancel the cleaning crew and maximize the use of time that your employees are contributing. Give your employees materials to educate themselves in their down time in areas that are sure to contribute to the success of your business. There are many ways to think through things and maximize your potential using minimal resources.
Nothing profound, I know. But focusing on these simple principles  can have incredible and sustainable results. I hope these thoughts will stimulate your success in a difficult economy. Keep things in perspective and continue to cultivate and strengthen your
business dreams and investments in our community.

Wishing you every success,

Preston

In my short life, I have had the opportunity to be mentored and befriended by some very unique and diverse individuals. One of them recently reminded me of what my thoughts were that provoked me to begin each of my business endeavors. I think this would be a good place to begin this column. Just some quick background, my name is Preston Wilson. My wife, Somer, and I are local entrepreneurs, and we were both born and raised here in Gaston County. We have a passion for development and progress for our city, Belmont, and its surrounding small towns. I have been an entrepreneur for 12 years,and Somer joined me almost 3 years ago. Since she and I have combinedour efforts and energies, I have gone from being an owner and founder ofive companies to being an owner in nine, having sold one. Just somedown home proof that two heads can be twice as creative and productiveas one. As well as founding companies of our own, we have been privilegedto share in the founding and ongoing success of many other localcompanies as advisers, coaches, and all around encouragement. We have often found ourselves committing as much time to the bottom lines of othercompanies as we do our own. We enjoy helping others keep things inperspective. As I am sure that most of you that are business founders and entrepreneurs can relate, each and every endeavor that we have committed to pursue,has been birthed from an experience that was determined to enhance the way people live their lives. Something, or some experience, provoked the thought that “ it “could be done better. A vision of happy people crossed your mind as you were having this thought and smiling to yourself.

Sounds silly, but you can relate. We are, in every way, in the people business. We all have a deep desire and drive to progress and see returns above and beyond our operating expenses- but is this why we exist? I don’t believe that from the day the first thought entered your mind to start your business, you realized you were going to be committing your thoughts and energies to the things that you have found yourself doing and calling your work. As a hairstylist, you believed and desired to make people beautiful. As a restaurant owner, you desired to create a pleasant atmosphere where people could be served a prompt and satisfying meal. When I started in the construction industry, I wanted to create and recreate environments for people to enjoy, at a rapid pace. My thoughts were that people were dissatisfied with projects dragging out with piles of clutter all along the way. It was my objective to change that experience for them. None of us ever anticipated spending our days with our minds on the things that now consume us. Many times our everyday operations and even success can become a setback in our endeavors, if we lose sight of our vision and appreciation for people. A response and service rendered to an individual, has an effect on the bottom line of any operation, be it a gas station or coffee shop, especially in a small town. Remember, mostof us didn’t create our businesses to just for ourselves, our businesses arefor people.Take a trip back to when you began your endeavor. Come out from theshowers of numbers for a little while. Appreciate people. You will
appreciate the effect it has on your business.

Keeping things in perspective,
Preston

Care to Comment.. You can reach Preston at: pwilson@integrityofthecarolinas.com