In the heart of every dreamer, visionary, and small business owner, I've discovered a shared love for work.
Many struggle, however, in finding what's needed for success. I've spent a big portion of my career working with typical Mom & Pop businesses which has given me insights into the difficulties of entrepreneurism.
Here's a quick story about the owner of a distribution company that sold products to small companies. He was a selfless man who went out of his way to help customers (mostly family-owned businesses). If a shop was failing, he was the first to extend them credit, lend a hand, and see if there was a way to ride out the storm.
That inspired me and is one reason why I am following in his footsteps. In my early days, I was on the trade show circuit, representing a company I worked for, but also leading workshops on marketing, sales and employee retention. And in many respects, I learned as much from the business owners as they perhaps learned from me.
I still do a fair amount of teaching and coaching, but for a while, I’ve been thinking about how to reach a broader audience of more businesses. It dawned on me that maybe it was time for me to write a book to get what I’ve learned out to potentially more people.
To be fair (full disclosure here), my book — "What's Your Bacon?" — is more like a workbook of tried and tested ideas that have helped others find success. Don’t expect a rigid narrative structure; depending on what the reader might need at any given time, they can jump to any chapter and find something that benefits them at the moment.
In my humble opinion, one of the best things about the book is the dozens of worksheets accessible by downloading. This gives the reader more ways to work on improving any of the issues that are holding back their business.
The book is divided into five parts:
- Beliefs, Values, and Vision are like the secret recipe for your grandma's famous pie: unique, irresistible, and the very essence of your small business.
- Analytics and Processes are the unsung heroes, ensuring everything functions smoothly behind the scenes.
- Your Crew, Contractors, Coaches, and Mentors are the shining stars, each contributing their unique skills to the symphony of your success.
- Preparing for Obstacles, Opposition, and Objections is akin to having a map for a treasure hunt, guiding you through potential hurdles.
- Your Narrative is like a blockbuster script, captivating your audience and setting you apart from competitors.
When I ask a business owner, "What's Your Bacon,” I'm looking for what drives them; what gets them up in the morning, eager and excited to face the day. Finding your Inner Bacon is the first step towards genuine success and happiness.
It’s my hope that "What’s Your Bacon?" inspires a business owner, especially if it is family-owned, to do something amazing by taking their company to a whole new level.
About the Author: Marty Jalove is a Lake Zurich resident and is a frequent contributor to SW Lake. His new book is available at WhatsYourBacon.com or Amazon.