My least favorite things as a small business owner

by Joe Domaleski | Jul 17, 2023 | Blog, Business, Columnists, Community, News Center, Opinion

This is our twentieth year in business! Owning my business, Country Fried Creative, has been one of the most fulfilling things I’ve ever done, but it’s also been one of the hardest. When times are good, everyone is your friend. When times are tough, friends are scarce. I’ve been asked many times what are the things I don’t like about running a small business. Although I’m not a negative person, I am human, and there are things that test my patience. In no particular order, here’s my top 10 list of least favorite things I deal with as a small business owner.

1. Taxes: Taxes are a headache. It’s one thing to handle taxes as an employee, which are deducted from your paycheck. Most people don’t know what it’s like being the employer and having to manage taxes and payroll. Big companies get tax credits, small companies get audits. Big companies know the tax code better than the government, small companies don’t. Navigating the intricacies of tax laws, unemployment insurance, and other payroll compliance is time-consuming and overwhelming. Fortunately, I have great advisors. Small businesses should have a reduced paperwork and tax burden. I don’t mind paying my fair share, but gee whiz.
2. Government Red Tape: I’m not anti-government. We need a government to maintain social order, provide public services, and support public safety. On the other hand, the amount of bureaucratic red tape for a small business owner is overwhelming. The complex web of regulations, permits, licenses, and paperwork is daunting and time-consuming. Bureaucracy hinders productivity and diverts attention away from core business operations. I applaud efforts to move some of the paperwork burden online, yet some of it still requires paper – like real paperwork that has to be notarized. Really? It’s 2023 and I can open a bank account without a notary, but I can’t submit certain forms without it. Makes no sense. There should be a streamlined set of regulations and filings for small businesses.
3. People Who Don’t Want to Be Bothered with Details, Until They Do: Interacting with individuals who show disinterest in details until a problem arises is very frustrating. Whether it’s suppliers, employees, or clients, encountering those who neglect important details is a big challenge. No one wants to drown in details, yet details matter. My client contracts are two pages long, yet I still have some people who won’t read the contract. Those same people will take exception when a contractual issue arises. They will tell me with a straight face, “I didn’t read it because I didn’t want to be bothered with details. But now that I’ve read it, I disagree with it.” Huh?
4. Clients Who Abandon Projects: One of the most disheartening aspects of being a small business owner of a service company is when clients abandon projects midway. It doesn’t happen often, but it does happen more than it should. Usually, it’s not an overt abandonment; a client simply disappears. Despite investing time, effort, and resources, some clients may abruptly become non-responsive, effectively abandoning a project. This leaves us with unfinished work and reduced revenue. I know many businesses deal with this – unclaimed merchandise, cars, property, etc. If someone needs to “take a pause,” then say so.  Don’t just disappear.
5. Cash Flow Management: Managing cash flow is not something taught in business school. Just because you do work and invoice it doesn’t mean it’ll get paid promptly. Employees expect to get paid on payday, but clients don’t always treat small business vendors the same way. Late payments from clients, unexpected expenses, holidays, and seasonal fluctuations disrupt cash flow and hinder day-to-day operations. Over the years, I’ve become pretty good at managing cash flow, but those early years were tough. If you have a vendor who’s a small business, please know that your payment to them might be their next mortgage payment – have a heart.
6. Dealing with Complaints: Handling customer complaints is emotionally taxing. I dare say that most business owners take pride in their craft and genuinely want their customers to be happy. When customers aren’t happy, we’re not happy. While striving to provide excellent customer service, encountering dissatisfied customers is inevitable. Most people are reasonable. I’d say that 95% of all customer complaints we’ve ever had were resolved in a positive manner that made the customer relationship even stronger. Occasionally, we’ll run into someone who just doesn’t want to be happy – that’s frustrating. We try not to take those people on as clients, but sometimes organizations change leaders, causing us to adapt to a new leader. We have fired unreasonable clients, and it’s important that my employees know I have their back.
7. Making Do with Limited Resources: We small business owners face the challenge of accomplishing big goals with limited resources. When someone asks me to join an organization, donate to a cause, or sponsor something – that money is coming out of my own pocket, not some big company bank account. Limited resources don’t just mean money; it also means staff, technology, and other resources. We have to be both efficient and effective to make the most of our limited resources. It’s amazing what we can do with our small, but mighty team.  On the other hand, just because I have fifteen team members doesn’t mean that I can afford to put all of them on your project – someone has to “mind the store.”
8. Being Needed During Tough Times, But Abandoned During Good Times: During COVID, we became a lifeline for several local organizations (who’ll remain nameless). As people sheltered in place, digital marketing (the service we provide) became essential. Our clients needed us to help them communicate with their own customers electronically. Everyone was at home glued to a computer. It gave us a renewed sense of purpose to be the go-to company during those challenging times. In fact, we lowered our rates and gave very favorable terms to many of our customers who were struggling financially. As the pandemic died down, we were proud of having helped more than one business “survive and thrive.” Yet, some of those same organizations we helped save decided to change agencies away from us to non-local companies after their fortunes improved. When asked why, they told us they simply wanted to go a new direction. I guess our good favors weren’t really appreciated. It’s hard not to take something like that personally. Nothing lasts forever, but it hurts when you help someone and then they walk away.
9. Accounts Receivable: I’ve written previously about managing accounts receivable. Late or unpaid invoices negatively impact cash flow, creating additional financial stress. Bills, taxes, and payroll come in with startling regularity. Income does not. I’ll work with anyone who is willing to work with us on terms. We’re a small enough business that I personally contact clients who are late paying their invoices. I don’t like doing it, and I’ve tried delegating it to other people, yet it always comes back to me. For those of my clients who are reading this and do pay on time and/or are on auto-payment plans – thank you, it means more to me than you might know!
10. People Who Don’t Follow-Up: Every week, I get “urgent” requests for quotes and meetings for “special projects.” I try to be friendly, but I’ve learned over the years that the supposedly urgent “how fast can you build a website” requests almost always mean the exact opposite. I’m not sure if people are that way because they’ve been burned by other people or if society as a whole is really that impatient. Sometimes the urgent requests come from clients who ask us something and then disappear when we need to follow-up with them about it. It’s frustrating. We deal with it.

Looking a little shell shocked, the author gives the thumbs up that everything is going to be okay. Photo/Joe Domaleski

So there you have it, my top ten list of least favorite things as a small business owner. You might have noticed a trend that most of the items listed are related to money and people. Although each of those items are frustrating and demanding, they also provide opportunities for growth, learning, resilience, and improvement as a small business owner. Here’s one of my favorite quotes from President Theodore Roosevelt:

Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty… I have never in my life envied a human being who led an easy life.

In next week’s column, I’m going to share my top ten list of my most favorite things as a small business owner. Obviously, the good outweighs the bad or else I wouldn’t still be in business. Nothing worthwhile comes easy. Keep fighting the good fight leaders.

[Joe Domaleski, a Fayette County resident for 25 years, is the owner of Country Fried Creative – an award-winning digital marketing agency located in Peachtree City. His company was the Fayette Chamber’s 2021 Small Business of the Year.  Joe is a husband, father of three grown children, and proud Army veteran.  He has an MBA from Georgia State University and enjoys sharing his perspectives drawing from thirty years of business leadership experience. ]

The Matthew Effect and taking the road less traveled

by Joe Domaleski | Jul 10, 2023 | Blog, Business, Columnists, Community, News Center, Opinion

When was the last time you went against the grain and did something or went somewhere because it was the less popular thing to do? In a world that often urges conformity and follows an algorithmically generated path, there is something undeniably alluring about taking the road less traveled. This applies in both the real world and the virtual world. It’s a well-established fact that popularity breeds more popularity.

This has been the case throughout history, even before the Internet. This concept is called the “Matthew Effect” or the principle of accumulated advantage.  It is named after a verse from the Bible (Matthew 25:29). It suggests that those who are already successful or popular tend to receive even greater benefits and opportunities, while those who are less successful or popular struggle to catch up. Although the term is mostly applied to people, it’s also applicable to places and things. But why does the Matthew Effect happen?

Social Proof: People tend to rely on the behavior of others to determine what is popular or valuable. The more people see others engaging with and endorsing something, the more likely they are to perceive it as valuable or desirable. This creates a positive feedback loop, as the initial popularity attracts even more attention and engagement.

Bandwagon Effect: The bandwagon effect refers to the tendency for individuals to adopt certain behaviors or beliefs simply because others are doing so. It stems from the innate desire to fit in, be accepted, and avoid missing out on something deemed popular or trendy.

Network Effects: In the digital age, network effects from algorithms play a crucial role in the amplification of popularity. When something becomes popular, it can go “viral”. This virality creates a ripple effect, as more people share, discuss, and interact with the popular content or product. As the network grows, the reach and impact of the popular person, place, or thing expands.

Scarcity and Exclusivity: Popularity often creates a sense of scarcity or exclusivity. When someone or something becomes highly sought after or limited in availability, it increases its perceived value. The fear of missing out (FOMO) or the desire to be part of an exclusive group drives people to join in and contribute to the popularity. This creates a cycle where popularity feeds into the perception of scarcity, making the item or content even more coveted.

Social Influence and Conformity: Human beings are social creatures who seek validation and acceptance from their peers. Popular items or content often gain attention because influential individuals or groups endorse or promote them. People are more likely to conform to the opinions and behaviors of those they admire or respect.

Joe & Mary Catherine Domaleski take the road less traveled by exploring the Southside Beltline trail up in south Atlanta back before it’s developed in 2018. Photo/Joe Domaleski

I run a marketing company and can verify that the above well-known factors come into play when promoting something. So, why would I write an article about non-conformity if I’m a marketer? That’s a fair question. Have you ever read the famous poem by Robert Frost, “The Road Not Taken”? You should, but in the meantime, here’s why I think you should take the road less traveled.

1. Experience new adventures: Choosing the road less traveled guarantees you an abundance of extraordinary experiences and unforgettable adventures. Whether it’s exploring uncharted destinations, trying out new restaurants, reading books from new authors, or embarking on unique hobbies, you’ll find yourself in situations that ignite your soul. These experiences not only create lasting memories but also enrich your life with stories worth sharing.
2. Find Your Tribe: While following the crowd may provide a sense of belonging, the road less traveled leads you to your true tribe – individuals who share your passions, values, and vision. By embracing your individuality, you attract like-minded people who appreciate and support you for who you truly are. These meaningful connections offer a sense of belonging and support that goes beyond superficial conformity.
3. Obtain fulfillment beyond the numbers: In a virtual world obsessed with likes, followers, and metrics, it is easy to lose sight of what truly brings us joy. By breaking away from the crowd and not succumbing to the pressure of liking posts simply for popularity’s sake, we free ourselves from the constraints of seeking external validation. Instead, we redirect our focus towards our own passions, hobbies, and relationships that genuinely bring us happiness and fulfillment.
4. Expand your horizons: Choosing the road less traveled inherently involves stepping outside of your comfort zone. It challenges you to confront your fears, embrace uncertainty, and discover untapped potential within yourself. As you venture into uncharted territory, you develop resilience, adaptability, and an open mind. By pushing your boundaries, you acquire a wealth of new experiences, knowledge, and perspectives.
5. Open up to creativity and innovation: The well-trodden path often leads to predictability and a lack of innovation. By deviating from the crowd, you open yourself up to new possibilities for creativity and originality. Necessity, as they say, is the mother of invention. When you choose the road less traveled, you’re forced to think outside the box, problem-solve, and explore unconventional ideas. You become a trailblazer, bringing fresh perspectives and inspiring others to break free from the status quo.
6. Find your true self: When you choose to diverge from the masses and forge your own path, you open yourself up to a world of self-discovery. By not succumbing to societal expectations and pressures, you grant yourself the freedom to explore who you truly are. Unveiling your unique interests, passions, and talents becomes an exhilarating journey rather than an obligatory checklist. Embracing your individuality fosters a sense of authenticity and allows you to live a life aligned with your core values.

While the allure of conformity may be tempting, choosing the road less traveled is more fun. It allows you to embark on a journey of self-discovery, personal growth, creativity, and meaningful connections. The road less traveled promises an extraordinary life filled with adventure, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose. So, go ahead and try that brand new restaurant, explore less-used trails, listen to new music from lesser known artists, read from works by unknown authors, and promote worthy causes that don’t get a lot of attention. Don’t be a lemming. Avoid the temptation to mindlessly like and follow social media posts just because everyone else is. Seek the unique and stay weird. Dare to be different, embrace your individuality, and set forth on a path uniquely your own. Remember, the road less traveled is where the real magic happens.

[Joe Domaleski, a Fayette County resident for 25 years, is the owner of Country Fried Creative – an award-winning digital marketing agency located in Peachtree City. His company was the Fayette Chamber’s 2021 Small Business of the Year.  Joe is a husband, father of three grown children, and proud Army veteran.  He has an MBA from Georgia State University and enjoys sharing his perspectives drawing from thirty years of business leadership experience. ]

The joy of watching turtles: lessons for leadership and life

by Joe Domaleski | Jun 19, 2023 | Blog, Business, Columnists, Community, News Center, Opinion

In a fast-paced, competitive world, many people seem to be drawn towards sources of short-term media success that are mean-spirited, self-indulgent, or aggressive. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become more inspired by “rocking chair” wisdom that comes from quiet contemplation and observation. Finding moments of serenity and reflection can be a rare and precious gift.

One such moment can be found in the simple act of watching turtles. We are fortunate here in Fayette County to have some great locations to watch turtles, and I’ll share some of those locations at the end of this article.

Turtles are ancient creatures, with their deliberate movements and unwavering determination, that offer valuable lessons that can be applied to leadership and life in general. Let’s consider the joy of watching turtles and how their characteristics can inspire and guide effective leadership and good living.

Eastern box turtles spotted at The Ridge Nature Area in Fayetteville. Photo/Joe Domaleski

Patience and Perseverance: Watching a turtle gracefully glide through the water or slowly amble across land reminds us of the importance of patience and perseverance. In business and life, we all face numerous challenges and setbacks. Embracing the turtle’s approach can help one remain steadfast in their pursuit of success. Patience allows for thoughtful decision-making, while perseverance ensures that obstacles are met head-on and overcome.

Long-Term Vision: Turtles, with their remarkable lifespans, exemplify the value of a long-term vision. Leaders must cultivate a forward-thinking mindset, focusing not just on short-term gains but on sustained growth and impact. By emulating the turtle’s ability to see beyond immediate circumstances, leaders can make strategic decisions that have lasting benefits for their organizations and stakeholders.

Mary Catherine Domaleski spots a baby turtle along Gingercake Creek. Photo/Joe Domaleski

Adaptability: Turtles have survived for millions of years by adapting to their environments. They can thrive both in water and on land, displaying remarkable adaptability. In the dynamic world of business, adaptability is a crucial trait for leaders. Adaptable leaders can navigate through changing market conditions, embrace new technologies, and respond effectively to unforeseen circumstances. Just as turtles adjust their movements to suit their surroundings, leaders must be willing to adapt their strategies to ensure continued success.

Slow and Steady Progress: The unhurried pace at which turtles move may seem contrary to the fast-paced nature of life. However, the steady progress they make serves as a reminder that success is not always achieved through rapid acceleration. Leaders should be cautious of rushing into decisions without considering the potential consequences. By taking measured steps and prioritizing quality over speed, leaders can build a solid foundation for sustainable growth and long-term success.

Balance and Self-Care: Turtles, whether basking in the sun or retreating into their shells, demonstrate the importance of balance and self-care. In the pursuit of goals, leaders often neglect their own well-being. However, taking time to recharge and nurture oneself is essential for effective leadership. By prioritizing work-life balance, cultivating healthy habits, and fostering a supportive environment, leaders can sustain their own well-being while nurturing the well-being of their teams.

So where are all the turtles in Fayette County? Here are some of my favorite places to see them:

1. The Ridge Nature Area in Fayetteville: This is the absolute best place to see turtles in their natural habitat. The park is actually a turtle sanctuary, and researchers from Clayton State University even study turtles there. It is expertly managed and maintained by the City of Fayetteville and the Southern Conservation Trust.
2. Flat Creek Nature Area Boardwalk in Peachtree City: This amazing place allows you to walk out almost half a mile into the heart of Peachtree City to see the wetlands of Flat Creek up close. This is the only structure of its kind and length in the county. Unfortunately, at the time of writing this article the boardwalk has been closed due to storm damage. Hopefully, the city will repair it soon.
3. Line Creek Nature Area in Peachtree City: This park is not just the namesake of a popular brewery; it’s a gem of a park that forms the natural border between Fayette and Coweta counties. This park is very popular with residents and visitors. There are lots of great turtle-watching opportunities here amidst the rapids, rocks, and even the old mill ruins of the Line Creek.
4. Trilith in Fayetteville: Despite the hustle and bustle of the nearby movie studios and the Town of Trilith, there’s an impressive pond and natural trail network at Trilith. Although the pond is a great place to see turtles, there’s an even better spot along the short boardwalk on the nature trail at the east end of the property. From the boardwalk, you can see the wetlands that are part of Whitewater Creek.
   

   A family of turtles at Sams Lake. Photo/Mary Catherine Domaleski

5. Sams Lake Bird Sanctuary south of Fayetteville: Nestled between busy Georgia Highway 85 and the less busy Old Senoia Road, this place has attracted bird watchers from all over the state. It’s also a fantastic place to see turtles, frogs, snakes (be careful), and even a beaver dam!
6. Lake Horton in Brooks: A fantastic park to fish, it’s also a great place to see all kinds of wildlife and reptiles, including turtles. There’s even a small bamboo forest. Owned by Fayette County Water and managed by Fayette County Parks & Recreation, this is another great place for enjoying nature.

In the midst of a busy and chaotic world, finding inspiration in unexpected places can be transformative. It’s my hope that our community continues to preserve nature wherever and whenever possible. The joy of watching turtles allows us to reflect on the wisdom they embody and apply those lessons to leadership. By embracing patience, perseverance, adaptability, slow and steady progress, and a focus on balance and self-care, leaders can navigate the challenges they face with grace and poise. So, take a moment to observe the turtles and allow their wisdom to guide you on your leadership journey. If you see me at one of the area parks, please say hello.

[Joe Domaleski, a Fayette County resident for 25 years, is the owner of Country Fried Creative – an award-winning digital marketing agency located in Peachtree City. His company was the Fayette Chamber’s 2021 Small Business of the Year.  Joe is a husband, father of three grown children, and proud Army veteran.  He has an MBA from Georgia State University and enjoys sharing his perspectives drawing from thirty years of business leadership experience. ]