Suzilla: Family Business Podcast

How do you build a Cheese Rave>?

Yeah, I heard about a Cheese Rave today. There is a wonderful skill about pairing two separate ideas and having them come together like peanut butter and jelly. We are going to talk about some of our favorite fusions and what it takes to bring things together. It does take work and effort when done correctly. 

Does your business important enough for a group chat?

As Insurance Agents, most of our business is not shared on group chats with a stranger present. We have held confidential information our entire lives. It impacts trust from our associates, the companies that we work with and most important our clients. We get into protocols and secrets and why they are important for everyone. 

Here's your sign

When folks drive by our little insurance office one of the first things they see is the sign. When they encounter us on the web or social media there are also signs. It’s spring time so we look at are signs. Do they sparkle enough for the new year. Do we need to update. Here are some things that we do to make us stand out and welcoming.

What is the cherry on top to make your environment welcoming?

When setting up an office for Wenatchee Insurance. We have done our best to use micro validations to make it welcoming and not boring. We are going to get into methods that keep your space interesting while moving people through and conducting business. Life doesn't happen in a bland space so how do you introduce difference with out being outrageous?

Do you own a suit?

One of those issues that is popular is what do you wear to the office?

How important is what you wear to your job? Are you a for show kind of person or a for function kind? How important is it in today’s work environment to own a suit and tie? What about personal protection equipment including sensible shoes? Is it appropriate to berate a guest or employee publicly for their costume?

Boycotts and Small Business

Tomorrow is one of the big boycott days for the big box stores. As a bonus, a bunch of the organizers are starting to mention using small businesses. I have ran a small insurance business for years.  What would have happened if you were using small businesses before? If businesses that you know and respect thrive then does it improve your community? A diverse market is a thriving market so let’s get there.

The Importance of New

When was the last time that you tried something new. Personally, a couple or a business? Spring is a great time to get out and discover your community. Set up new processes to improve your business and prepare for Summer. We have been trying new things with great success. Let’s get into the importance of new. 

You are voting with your wallet

Every day, every week, every month we vote with our wallets the businesses that we support. At a certain point, those businesses and business owners support politics. Like it or not yes money is attached to politics. One of the top questions that I was asked last week on one of the platforms is there any lists of businesses that don’t support MAGA. Yes, people are waking up that their wallets can make a difference. Let’s talk about the secret life of politics of business. 

What is scary about Diversity, Equity, or Inclusion?

We have been running an inclusive insurance business so long, we just shrug when people say it's bad practice. Say the words Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. It’s an action which leads to thought and conversation.  What do you object to it and why is Target shareholders suing the company for dropping their DEI program? What do we look for in business as we hire. Lets fill in the gaps and build a better future.

Handling budget freezes

Who was surprised by the Federal Freeze? It was a quick flash that highlighted more than I expected as a small business owner. Funding is critically important. It’s why our Founding Fathers selected Congress for that power. The Spending Clause is Article 1, Section 8, Clause 1.

We have seen it before, have conversations about it, and inventory our resources. 

Now is the time to prepare.