by Joe Domaleski | Sep 18, 2023 | Blog, Business, Columnists, Community, Front Page, News Center, Opinion
Have you ever watched a promo for a TV series thinking you wouldn’t like it, but then when you actually watch an episode – you love it? Ted Lasso was such a series. During the height of COVID when everyone was at home streaming shows, we fell in love with the Ted Lasso TV series. Debuting on Apple TV+ in 2020, Ted Lasso was the show America needed during COVID.
Ted Lasso on Apple TV+. Photo/Apple
The premise of the “Ted Lasso” series revolves around the character of Coach Ted Lasso, played by Jason Sudeikis. Ted Lasso is an American college football coach who is unexpectedly hired to coach a professional soccer team called AFC Richmond in England, despite having no prior experience with soccer (or football, as it’s known in the UK). Despite the odds stacked against him, Ted Lasso brings his own unique brand of optimism, positivity, and genuine care for people to the team.
Coach Lasso believes in the potential of his players and strives to build a sense of unity and camaraderie among them. The series explores themes of leadership, teamwork, personal growth, and the power of positivity as Ted Lasso and his team navigate the challenges of professional soccer and personal relationships. “Ted Lasso” is known for its heartwarming and comedic storytelling and has been praised for its portrayal of kindness and optimism in a sometimes cynical world.
Besides being a funny show, Ted Lasso offered up a lot of excellent advice. Here are some of my favorites from the show:
“I’ve heard folks say that if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. Well, I gotta disagree. I love what I do, and I work incredibly hard.”
Despite the “get rich quick” advice on social media, running a business is hard work. I haven’t met a small business owner (and team) who doesn’t work hard. Loving what you do is a fantastic starting point, but it’s the combination of passion and hard work that propels small businesses to achieve their goals and make a lasting impact in their industries. It’s the dedication and effort put into the business that can transform a passion into a successful and thriving enterprise.
“For me, success is not about the wins and losses. It’s about making these young players better people, first and foremost.”
I’ve written previously about how my motivations for running a business have changed. It’s all about our team. Contrary to the suggestion that an owner’s job is to maximize profits, I believe it’s my job to be a good coach for our business team. Yes, it’s my responsibility to manage the financials to ensure our people are well-paid, but it’s more than that. My job as the owner is to create an environment where our team can be the best versions of themselves and get fulfillment in terms of knowledge, leadership, and fulfillment.
“There’s two buttons I never like hittin’, and that’s panic and snooze.”
Uncertainty and challenges are inevitable. Hitting the panic button can lead to hasty decisions that may have detrimental consequences. Similarly, hitting the snooze button by procrastinating or delaying critical actions can hinder progress and growth. Instead, businesses should face challenges with composure. This approach fosters adaptability, innovation, and the ability to navigate complex situations, ultimately contributing to a more successful and sustainable business.
“I promise you, there is something worse out there than being sad, and that’s being alone and being sad.”
The entrepreneurial journey can be incredibly challenging and filled with moments of doubt, stress, and even sadness. Family, friends, co-workers, peers, and professional contacts are all part of your tribe. These connections become a source of strength and shared wisdom, offering guidance, camaraderie, and reassurance. Don’t go it alone.
“Taking on a challenge is a lot like riding a horse. If you’re comfortable while you’re doing it, you’re probably doing it wrong.”
Running a small business or organization is inherently about embracing challenges and stepping out of one’s comfort zone. In fact, it’s been my observation that most stagnation occurs when people get too comfortable with the status quo. Discomfort is a sign of progress and a chance to learn, innovate, and ultimately thrive in a competitive landscape. It reminds us that, in the pursuit of success, embracing the unknown and pushing boundaries can lead to remarkable achievements and personal growth.
“I believe in hope. I believe in believe.”
This is my favorite Ted Lasso quote. Ted Lasso’s unwavering belief in his players, his team, and the power of positivity underpins the entire TV show. This belief isn’t blind; it’s a conscious choice to see the potential in others, to foster unity and camaraderie, and to approach challenges with resilience and hope. One thing I underestimated as I developed our Country Fried Creative team over the years is the need to reinforce the need to “Believe”.
“Believe” teaches us that in sports, business, and life, the power of belief can be a transformative force, capable of turning underdogs into champions and adversity into opportunity. It’s a reminder that in the face of doubt or difficulty, belief in oneself and others can be the catalyst for extraordinary achievements and personal growth.
Coach Lasso, thanks for helping me “Believe”. People think I have all the answers, but I don’t. What I do have is a belief to see the potential in others – team members, clients, and our community. If you’ve seen the TV series Ted Lasso, what are some of your favorite quotes? If you haven’t seen it yet, what are you waiting for?
BELIEVE
[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. ]
by Joe Domaleski | Sep 11, 2023 | Blog, Business, Columnists, Community, Front Page, News Center, Opinion
Today is a day of national remembrance. On September 11, 2001, a series of coordinated terrorist attacks occurred in the United States. Do you remember where you were when we were under attack? I do, and it seems like just yesterday. Besides being a day of remembrance, today is also a good day to reflect upon the lessons we learned from 9/11. Many of those lessons apply to your own personal and business preparedness planning.
Although there have been isolated incidents over the years, the attacks on 9/11/01 were the first large-scale attack by a foreign power on the United States mainland since the War of 1812. These attacks are often referred to as “9/11” and had a profound and lasting impact on the country and the world. Our country had to be resilient in order to react and respond to the attack on 9/11.
The author (Joe Domaleski) prepares to attend NIMS and ICS training at GEMA/HS HQ in Atlanta. Photo/Georgia AUXCOMM
“Communities across the nation experience a diverse set of threats, hazards, and events. The size, frequency, complexity and scope of these incidents vary, but all involve a range of personnel and organizations to coordinate efforts to save lives, stabilize the incident, and protect property and the environment.” – Introduction from National Incident Management System (NIMS) developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Homeland Security
NIMS was born In the aftermath of the 9/11 disaster and offers lessons that can be equally applied to government agencies and businesses. It is built on six key principles: 1) Command and Management; 2) Preparedness; 3) Resource Management; 4) Communications and Information Management; 5) Supporting Technologies; and 6) Ongoing Management and Maintenance.
Although not normally as life-threatening, a business has to respond to incidents, threats, and attacks that occur during the normal course of business operations. These may include:
- Cyber attacks
- Theft and fraud
- Natural disasters
- Supply chain disruptions
- Financial challenges
- Reputation damage
- Legal and regulatory problems
- Environmental issues
- Market competition
- Health and safety concerns
- Lack of resources
Not all threats and attacks are deliberate; some manifest themselves in the marketplace as a consequence of doing business. Instead of addressing each threat specifically, let’s apply some lessons in resilience learned from 9/11 by examining NIMS. In addition to that, I’ll incorporate experiences from my time in the US Army and my civilian training in various components of NIMS and the Incident Command System (ICS). I’m going to paraphrase NIMS and ICS principles to apply them in a business context:
- React to the situation appropriately – It should go without saying that when a threatening situation is encountered, it must be addressed. Ignoring a problem does not make it go away. In the Army, we would react to an attack by taking cover and returning fire. In a non-combat emergency situation, appropriate personnel and resources are dispatched to handle it.
- Establish communications – If a robust means of communication is not already in place, it’s important to establish one. In today’s high-tech world, it’s rare not to have a means of communication. Often, the issue is that there are too many communication methods, and it’s not clear when to use each technology. When email and phones go down, how should your employees communicate with you?
- Assess the situation – Gather information about what’s going on, including the nature of the issue, the scope of the situation, and its likely impact on your organization.
- Establish command – Make it clear who will be in charge of handling the situation. Is it you, the business owner? Should you delegate the situation to one of your managers? It’s crucial that everyone knows who will take the lead. In NIMS, we call this establishing an Incident Command. This same principle can be applied in business.
- Create a plan – Based on the situational assessment, the person in charge needs to formulate a plan for handling the situation or threat. The plan should outline objectives, strategies, and tactics for addressing the situation and be flexible enough to adapt to changing circumstances.
- Acquire and manage needed resources – Once a plan is in place, the next step is to acquire and manage any necessary resources, such as staff, technology, communications, financing, and outside assistance.
- Manage operations – Using the plan and allocated resources, the person in charge should effectively oversee the operations involved in addressing the situation. This includes managing communications, collaboration, information management, supervising activities, and resource handling.
- Document and report – The team responding to the situation should document ongoing developments and report progress. Detailed records of incident activities, resource assignments, and expenditures should be maintained. Reporting to stakeholders ensures their buy-in and establishes confidence that the situation is being handled properly.
- Conclude the operation – Once the situation is under control, the organization or team managing it should transition back to a normal pace of operations. Staying on high alert for extended periods is unsustainable. Restore normalcy as soon as possible.
- Evaluate and improve – Take the time to conduct an “after-action review (AAR)” and assess how the situation was handled. Evaluate the response’s effectiveness and identify lessons learned. Use feedback to enhance future response efforts and update response plans as needed.
The author (Joe Domaleski) supporting a GEMA/HS communicaions operation as a volunteer. Pictured with (Left-Right) – David Benoist, Joe Martin, Tom Olley, John Davis, and Edwin Whitworth. Photo / Georgia AUXCOMM
NIMS, based on lessons learned from 9/11, reminds us of the power of resilience and the importance of having a well-defined framework for dealing with tough times. This model teaches us to learn from past emergencies and continually enhance our response capabilities. Allow the memory of 9/11 to motivate your business (and personal life) to grow and improve in the face of challenges. We can draw lessons from that day to inspire innovation, strengthen resilience, and strive for excellence, ensuring we are well-prepared for the uncertainties of the future. What are you doing to prepare for unforeseen circumstances and how will you deal with them?
PERSONAL NOTE – In the aftermath of the 9/11 disaster, I decided it was important to have a backup method of communication, so I obtained my FCC Amateur Radio License (aka ham radio). My wife Mary Catherine has her license as well. In order to be in a position to volunteer during incidents, I also received training in NIMS, ICS (Incident Command System), CERT (Community Emergency Response Team), Communications Unit Leader (COML), Communications Unit Technician (COMT), and Auxiliary Communications (AUXC). As a civilian, I volunteer at the local level through ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) and at the state level through the GEMA/HS (Georgia Emergency Management Agency / Homeland Security) AUXCOMM (Auxiliary Communications) program. If you would like to know more about any of these program, feel free to contact me directly – email: ki4ask@arrl.net.
[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. ]
by Joe Domaleski | Sep 4, 2023 | Blog, Business, Columnists, Community, News Center, Opinion
The traditional end of summer is usually marked by the three-day Labor Day Weekend, even though summer technically ends in a few more weeks during the Autumn Equinox. Here in the metro Atlanta area there’s always a lot of events going on during the three-day weekend – festivals, football games, neighborhood barbecues, and even Dragon Con (one of my personal favorite events).
It’s easy to get caught up in the events and forget about the significance of Labor Day. For small business owners like myself, this holiday is an opportunity to express gratitude and appreciation for the heart and soul of our businesses – our dedicated employees. It is a day to celebrate the individuals who bring our dreams to life, who work tirelessly, and who infuse our businesses with their unwavering commitment.
Small business employees are not just workers; they are the lifeblood of our ventures. They are the friendly faces that greet our customers, the skilled hands that craft our services, and the problem-solvers who keep our operations running smoothly. Their dedication and hard work propel our businesses forward, transforming mere ideas into thriving realities.
In the hustle and bustle of daily operations, it’s easy to overlook the immense value that our team brings to the table. They pour their energy and talent into our businesses, and they do so with a passion that goes beyond the paycheck. It’s on Labor Day that we pause to acknowledge this dedication and express our heartfelt gratitude.
The importance of Labor Day becomes all the more apparent when we consider the trying times we’ve faced, particularly during the challenges brought on by the global pandemic. Our employees have been steadfast, weathering uncertainty, adapting to new circumstances, and contributing to our businesses’ resilience. They’ve shown up every day, embracing change and supporting each other through the darkest days.
As a small business owner, I’m aware of the sacrifices and hard work our employees put forth, often without the recognition they truly deserve. This Labor Day, I want to take a moment to express my profound appreciation for their unwavering commitment. You are not just employees; you are part of our business family, and your dedication does not go unnoticed or unappreciated.
Our employees are the backbone of our small businesses, and they deserve more than just a day of recognition. They deserve our continued support, fair wages, opportunities for growth, and a safe and positive work environment. This Labor Day, let us recommit ourselves to ensuring that our employees feel valued and cherished every day of the year.
Our employees celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Country Fried Creative (CFC). Pictured here with CFC’s very first client from 2003 – Judge David Moore (front-row wearing a tie). Photo/Joe Domaleski
When you support a small business by being a customer, you’re helping to create local jobs, pay mortgages, put food on the table, help families make ends meet, and make our community economically viable. Most employees of a small business are working there because they love their community, forsaking greater economic opportunities elsewhere. As a small business employer, I try really hard to keep prices competitive, but charge enough so my staff can earn a living. I love our customers, but the real reason I have a business is because of our employees and that’s what motivates me to keep going.
In closing, as you enjoy your Labor Day celebrations, remember the hardworking individuals who make our small businesses thrive. Their dedication and loyalty are the bedrock upon which our community is built. To all small business employees, thank you for your unwavering commitment and the invaluable contributions you make to our dreams. Happy Labor Day!
[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. ]
by Joe Domaleski | Aug 28, 2023 | Blog, Business, Columnists, Community, News Center, Opinion
EDITOR’S NOTE: In a Citizen exclusive, columnist Joe Domaleski shares his thoughts on the occasion of his company’s twentieth anniversary. Congratulations to you Joe and the entire CFC team.
Pinch me, I think I’m dreaming – the one-man company I started with a small bank account, thoughts, and prayers has made it to the 20-year mark! According to data from the Small Business Administration, 20% of new businesses fail during the first years of being open, 50% during the first five years, and less than 30% remain after ten years. The failure rate of new businesses is 70% by year ten. Let that sink in – most new businesses fail. I’ve often said that starting and running a business has been one of my biggest sources of joy, but it’s also the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Join me as I look back at key moments in our 20-year history.
The reason I started our company – to spend more time with my family. Here we are in November 2002 contemplating options for the future. Photo/Rev. Frank Mercer
In the spring of 2003, I launched Southside Consulting, Inc. My first column in this newspaper talked about the reasons I started the business. The name of the company was designed to communicate two things. First, we were going to be local and focused on the south side of Atlanta. Secondly, the name of our company needed to be broad enough to cover whatever we ended up deciding to do. When in doubt, just tell people you’re a consultant – so that’s what I did, and Southside Consulting, Inc. was born in March 2003.
Our original plan was to focus on technology, websites, and general project management. Leveraging years of IBM technology consulting experience, I put together an expert contractor team to provide top notch services to other small businesses. As I began to tell friends about my plans, I got all kinds of advice – some good, some not so good. Two specific pieces of advice ended up being the cornerstones of our business, even though I didn’t know it at the time. I was advised to (1) Join the Fayette Chamber of Commerce and (2) Get involved in a civic or non-profit group. I did both and am so glad that I did.
When you’re a start-up, the most important immediate business objective is to tell others about it. I printed up some generic business cards and started telling anyone who would listen about our new company. Right off the bat, two friends from Church became my first two clients – Judge David Moore with Peachtree Law Group (for whom we built a website) and Attorney John Kimbell (for whom we implemented an office computer network to help his firm Edge & Kimbell). Thanks, guys, for believing in me.
Original logo of Southside Consulting, Inc. which would later become Country Fried Creative. Logo/Shari Gee
Shortly after joining the Chamber of Commerce, I found out about the Chamber’s annual community business expo and decided to attend. During the expo, I handed my business card to Shari Gee, with Strokes of Geenius. She took one look at my pitiful homemade cards and said I needed a logo. I hired her on the spot, and she did the original logo for Southside Consulting. That would also be the beginning of a collaboration with Shari for the next 8 years. She was our original Creative Director.
Joe Domaleski with Peggy Thomas and Vicki Turner in 2017. All three of us are former Fayette Chamber of Commerce Board Chairs. Photo/Joe Domaleski
When you become actively engaged in the local community, word spreads rapidly. I received invitations to join several boards and participate in volunteer activities. Looking back, I admit I may have overextended myself, but the lessons gained were invaluable. I eventually made the decision to streamline my involvement by focusing on a select number of groups and increasing my commitment to the Chamber. The invitation to become a Chamber Ambassador and enroll in the Leadership Fayette program marked a pivotal moment, as it was through these programs that I crossed paths with Mrs. Vicki Turner.
Even today, Mrs. Turner remains an influential figure in the community, and it’s a privilege to collaborate with her on the Fayette Fire Foundation board. In 2005, she recognized potential within me that I hadn’t yet seen, urging me to consider applying my efforts at Southside Consulting with her flourishing family enterprise, AIS Computers. This fusion took place in 2006, positioning me as the new President while her husband, Tommy Turner, assumed roles as CEO and Board Chair. My commitment to the community continued through affiliations with the PTC Rotary Club, the Fayette YMCA (now part of Coweta/Fayette YMCA), and other groups.
Joe Domaleski as the newly appointed President of AIS Computers in 2007. Photo/Christy Turner
My leadership tenure at AIS Computers was an enjoyable one as I got to blend my technology consulting and website experience with their retail-oriented expertise in Apple computers. During this phase, I crossed paths with Cal and Joyce Beverly, proprietors of the newspaper where you’re currently reading this story. Our collaboration on their website and technological infrastructure marked another important moment in my business’s expansion. This friendship and partnership remain steadfast to this day.
Throughout the “AIS years,” I had the privilege of collaborating with exceptional individuals, including one young woman who continues to be an integral part of our team. Fresh out of college and seeking a local technology role, Lindsey Thompson joined our technical department. Over time, we navigated numerous challenges together. Originally her mentor, it’s been a pleasure to see her flourish as a leader. She’s now successfully mentored others (and doing a much better job than me) Currently serving as our Vice President of Operations, she the number two person within our company. Lindsey has stood by me since 2007, embodying an unparalleled work ethic and loyalty that continually inspire me.
Original logo of AIS Solutions Group. Logo/Jef Reahard
In 2009, a recession and housing crisis sent shockwaves through the country, impacting AIS Computers along with countless other businesses. Responding to the changing landscape, Tommy and I made the challenging decision to divest from the Apple retail sector, a move that birthed AIS Solutions Group. The retail operations transitioned to another company, which subsequently relocated to Ashley Park in Newnan. I bought out the rest of the company as AIS Solutions Group. Tommy was very generous and helped me to finance the buyout.
As AIS Solutions Group (still the legal name of our company), we redoubled our efforts in computer support (Apple and PC), as well as web design and general consulting. In 2010, I was elected as the Board Chair of the Fayette Chamber of Commerce. Although I might have appeared optimistic on the surface, those were undeniably some of the most challenging times for our business. The Chamber itself was grappling with difficulties due to the recession’s impact on its members. True leadership reveals itself during tough times, where loyalty and genuine friendships come to the forefront.
2010 Fayette County Chamber Board of Directors. In the center, Joe Domaleski (Chair) and Virginia Gibbs (President). Photo/Fayette Chamber
Despite nearly losing everything in 2011, we persevered. Throughout it all, our tight-knit team (including Lindsey) stood with me, weathering the storm together. Our clients also displayed unwavering loyalty, many of whom remain our valued customers to this day.
Partly in response to the recession and partly due to shifting market dynamics, we opted to exit the technology support sector, choosing to exclusively focus on website design and associated graphic endeavors. Thus, in 2011, we embarked on a rebranding journey, leading to the birth of Country Fried Creative. Shari, who remained a part-time collaborator, crafted our initial logo – a design that still forms the foundation of our current emblem. The rebranding effort yielded positive results, marked by an uptick in business activity.
CFC Owner Joe Domaleski and original Creative Director Shari Gee launch the Country Fried Creative brand at the 2011 Chamber Business Expo. Photo/Fayette Chamber Staff
I’m often asked, “Why Country Fried Creative?” Great question. We thought it was a fun name that leveraged our love of the South, fried foods, and being creative. The original logo was designed to evoke images of roadside diners – a marketing motif we still use today. Coincidentally, Zac Brown Band’s song “Chicken Fried” became a hit – although neither concept is related.
At the inception of the company, web projects were primarily centered around technical aspects. However, as technology evolved, the role of creativity in web projects grew increasingly vital. Coming out of the recession, we landed a client for whom we managed an e-commerce website. This connection introduced me to Janine DeMichele (now Baggett), who was working part-time for the client. Janine’s strong work ethic, meticulous attention to detail, and creative brilliance instantly left an impression on me. Her freelance contributions eventually evolved into a full-time position.
Today Janine serves as our full-time Creative Director and Vice President of Creative. I can confidently say that Janine is the most exceptional creative professional I’ve ever had the privilege of working with. Guided by the remarkable duo of Lindsey and Janine, I’m truly blessed to have the finest executive team steering the company. Last fall I penned a column in this paper with advice for my new executives.
Formal announcement of the promotion of Lindsey Thompson (L) and Janine Baggett (R) to Vice President. Photo/Joe Domaleski
Under the rebranded banner of Country Fried Creative, our enterprise began to expand – acquiring new clients, broadening service offerings, and welcoming additional team members. In 2016, we introduced social media marketing services, further enhancing our portfolio. My daughter Tori joined the firm part-time, helping Janine with social media and content management. Here’s a picture of “the original five” just before we started growing the business.
The original CFC Five – Janine Baggett, Lindsey Thompson, Joe Domaleski, Tori Domaleski, Hollie Holder just before the company doubled in size. Photo/Jenn Bibby
The year 2017 proved to be a milestone, and in January 2018, I was honored with the distinction of being selected as the 2017 Fayette Chamber Business Person of the Year – the Chamber’s highest award. I’m still not sure I was deserving of that award but it was definitely a booster shot of confidence that we must be doing something right. Additionally, we collaborated with the Chamber and local government officials to launch the “Create Your Story” branding campaign in conjunction with the Fayette Visioning team.
CFC staff serve as models for Clothes Less Traveled in a Fayette Woman magazine photo shoot in late 2018. Photo/Joyce Beverly
Later in 2018 we started to expand our creative service offerings into branding, logo, and print design projects. Also in 2018, we started to participate in the Fayette County Schools Work-Based Learning program in which high school seniors compete to intern with local companies. We still participate in the program and have watched as some of our early interns have successfully completed college and gone on to successful careers. Two of our former interns still work for us.
Our biggest year in terms of growth was 2019 in which we doubled in size in terms of employees and clients. We entered the “COVID years” with a strong team, that was already working from home. We helped our clients pivot to remote working models and helped save more than one business during those challenging times. See, during COVID many businesses had to change their operating hours and offerings.
Growing CFC team has a meeting in a donut shop during the summer of 2019. Photo/Joe Domaleski
Digital marketing was really the only effective way to get the word out and we were uniquely positioned to help. Several organizations later told me that we helped saved their business by helping them stay connected with customers. It was also during 2019 that we fully embraced the broad range of services we offered and started identifying ourselves as a Digital Marketing Agency.
In 2021 we were named the Fayette Chamber Small Business of the Year, a team award that truly recognized the efforts by all of our team members to run a high-quality, successful company. Since then, we’ve continued to adapt our service offerings and methodologies to provide high-quality, relevant, marketing services to a mostly local clientele.
Most of the CFC team (we were missing a few) from our August 2022 Photoshoot. Photo/Leticia Andrade
It may sound like all is well, but over the years we’ve had to overcome a number of challenges. Frankly, 2023 has been a challenging year. Although I’m not sure that economists are in agreement, my own thoughts are that we’re in a recession. During good times I’ve seen growth in all types and sizes of businesses in our community. It seems right now that only the very large organizations are doing well – particularly those attached to large sources of funding. Our business is doing well (could always be better) but I know a lot of companies are struggling. Interest rates are up and companies that couldn’t hire enough people are now starting to lay people off. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making some people more effective and for others it’s putting them out of a job.
All hands on deck! July 2023 Country Fried Creative team meeting featuring in-person and remote staff in our Trilith remote office. Photo/Joe Domaleski
In hindsight, our journey from a one-person company to a thriving enterprise has been defined by resilience, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence. As I look back over our 20-year history, one undeniable truth emerges: the most vital and cherished ingredient of our success has been people. From the very beginning, the support, belief, and dedication of friends, clients, mentors, and team members have been the driving force behind our achievements. Their unwavering commitment, collective expertise, and shared enthusiasm have propelled us through challenges, innovations, and growth. Looking ahead, we are excited to continue this journey with the same spirit of camaraderie.
There’s a lot of other things I could have done to make more money and perhaps work less over the past 20 years. It wouldn’t have been the same. This journey of ours has helped me to learn a lot about myself and meet some incredible people along the way. Here’s to another 20 years of home grown, community driven focus by all of us here at Country Fried Creative.
Joe and Mary Catherine Domaleski, Co-Owners of Country Fried Creative. Photo/Cereto Bean
[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. ]
by Joe Domaleski | Aug 21, 2023 | Blog, Business, Columnists, Community, News Center, Opinion
If you’re a business owner or a professional service provider, inevitably you will be asked for free stuff, free advice, and free help. Honestly, most of us have asked for free stuff – it’s human nature. However, there’s a right way and a wrong way to do it. I dread it when someone says, “let’s get together so I can pick your brain.” Sorry, friends, but I’d rather you not pick my brain – the phrase itself is painful. How about we get together because you want to spend time with me? If you have a specific question on your mind and you’re seeking advice, bring it up then.
Most people don’t want their brains picked or to walk into an open-ended request for general, non-specific help. Indeed, handling requests for free services and advice as a small business owner can be a delicate situation. It’s important to balance your desire to help others with the need to sustain and grow your business. I love to help people, but I also have a business to run.
Not a week goes by without someone or some organization approaching me and asking, “Hey Joe, will you build us a free website?” It’s an innocent question and probably well intentioned. In our case, we have employees to pay and they’re entitled to earn a living. Doing free work or giving away free stuff has a real cost to it. This is especially irritating when the person seeking the freebie, has the financial means of paying for the assistance. In addition to labor cost, there’s also a hard dollar cost for things like domain registrations, hosting, software, stock graphics, and other components that go into a website build.
Here are some issues with free advice (and stuff) as I see it:
Undervaluing Expertise: When you consistently ask someone for advice or information without compensating them or offering something in return, you might unintentionally communicate that you don’t value their expertise or time.
Time and Effort: Sharing expertise and advice often requires significant time and effort. Constantly seeking free advice can be draining for the person being asked, especially if they have their own commitments and responsibilities. Most people tend to underestimate the effort required in fulfilling a “free ask.”
Taking Advantage: Repeatedly seeking free advice can give the impression that you’re taking advantage of the other person’s generosity. This can strain relationships and lead to resentment. We all dread people who are takers and not givers. Don’t be that person.
Diminishing Boundaries: Constantly asking for advice can blur the boundaries between personal and professional relationships. This can make the person being asked uncomfortable, as they might feel obligated to help even when it’s not convenient for them.
Unbalanced Relationships: Reciprocity is an important part of building and maintaining relationships. If you’re only taking and not giving back, the relationship becomes one-sided and can become unsustainable over time. “Free” is not a sustainable model for a business or a relationship.
Opportunity Cost: Helping you might prevent someone from assisting someone else. While providing free advice, someone might be missing out on other opportunities or tasks that could bring them more tangible benefits.
Lack of Accountability: When you’re not invested financially or otherwise, there might be less incentive for you to follow through on the advice or put it into action. People tend to value what they pay for. It’s disappointing when someone asks for advice and then does nothing with it. It’s even worse when someone seeks free advice and then argues about it!
Valuable Information: Oftentimes, the advice or help being sought is valuable and could be part of the person’s livelihood. Constantly giving it away for free could impact their own business or professional growth.
To avoid these issues, it’s important to approach seeking advice (or other free items) with respect and consideration. If you value someone’s expertise or help and want something from them, consider the following:
- Reciprocity: Offer something in return, whether it’s compensation, your own expertise, a favor, a promotional plug, referrals, or even a heartfelt thank-you gesture.
- Respect Their Time: Be mindful of the other person’s time and commitments. Schedule a time to discuss your questions or concerns, rather than approaching them in an impromptu manner.
- Be Specific: When seeking advice, be clear and specific about what you’re looking for. This shows that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in their expertise.
- Show Appreciation: Most importantly, always express gratitude for the advice and assistance you receive. This goes a long way in building and maintaining positive relationships.
The Country Fried Creative team enjoys a box of donuts from one of our non-profit clients. Photo/Joe Domaleski
Over the years, I’ve collaborated with numerous deserving organizations and individuals to whom we gladly offered heavily discounted or free services. In each instance, their appreciation was evident, and they voluntarily reciprocated without any prompting from me – whether it was through free tickets, impactful sponsorships, valuable referrals, or thoughtful tokens of gratitude for my staff. On a few occasions, I’ve even been surprised with boxes of donuts – for those who know me personally, it’s no secret that donuts are always appreciated.
While seeking free advice and help is natural, it’s crucial to approach this endeavor with sensitivity, respect, and a sense of reciprocity. By valuing others’ expertise, time, and boundaries, we cultivate meaningful connections that go beyond transactions. The next time you ask for something for free – be respectful, specific, and offer to give something back in return. If you do these things, you’re likely to build better relationships and partnerships that are mutually beneficial for years to come.
[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. ]
by Joe Domaleski | Aug 14, 2023 | Blog, Business, Columnists, Community, News Center, Opinion
If you’ve served in the military, you likely chuckled or smirked upon reading the title of this article. I, too, have vivid recollections of numerous “hurry up and wait” scenarios during my time in the Army. For those of you unfamiliar with the term, allow me to shed some light.
“Hurry up and wait” refers to a situation where soldiers must rapidly prepare for an operation or mission, only to then endure extended periods of waiting due to logistical considerations, coordination with other units, or unforeseen circumstances. This concept mirrors the essence of military operations, where bursts of frenzied activity can be trailed by prolonged periods of idleness.
This concept is not confined to soldiers alone; it resonates across numerous industries and pursuits. Within the film industry, “hurry up and wait” characterizes the whirlwind nature of shooting schedules. Cast and crew members often find themselves immersed in bursts of intense activity while filming, followed by intervals of waiting for equipment setups, scene changes, or other behind-the-scenes necessities.
Here are some additional examples of “hurry up and wait” from a consumer’s point of view:
- Restaurant reservations
- Healthcare services
- Travel industry
- Amusement parks
- Retail check-out lines
- Customer service / technical support calls
- Construction and home services
- Real estate transactions
“Hurry up and wait” can also occur within a business:
- Project management
- Product/software development
- Marketing campaigns
- Recruiting & hiring
- Budget approval
- Sales approval
- Technology implementation
- Legal and contract processes
- Office renovations
- Slow-moving leadership
Many times, “hurry up and wait” can’t be avoided due to regulatory approvals, supply chain issues, environmental factors, weather delays, global events, or complex dependencies. However, more often than not, effective leadership can make “hurry up and wait” avoidable.
I’m not advocating for impatience on the part of leadership, but I would suggest that leaders develop a keen sense of time passage from the perspectives of both customers and employees. Here are some ways in which a leader can minimize the impact of “hurry up and wait”:
- Provide clear communication – Keep stakeholders (customers and employees) informed to manage expectations. Transparency reduces confusion and frustration, helping individuals grasp the bigger picture.
- Plan and anticipate – Develop plans and contingencies in advance. Knowing critical path dependencies enables the creation of alternative plans. If unfamiliar with the term, look up “critical path.”
- Prioritize – Ensure everyone understands priorities; it’s a fundamental role of a leader. Focus on tasks achievable during waiting periods.
- Reallocate resources – Rarely do things go precisely according to plan or forecast. Businesses can utilize downtime for training, especially cross-training. Allocate staff and resources based on demand spikes.
- Multi-task – Despite conventional wisdom to the contrary, multitasking is part of life. Life’s demands often require handling multiple tasks simultaneously. Learn to manage it effectively while giving proper attention to each. Try cooking dinner without multi-tasking, unless you’re using a crockpot it can’t be done. Life works much in the same way. Know when to give proper attention to specific things.
- Stay flexible – The “hurry up and wait” phenomenon leads to change. Be adaptable, avoiding over-attachment to specific technologies or vendors. Always have options and be flexible enough to use them.
- Maintain morale – “Hurry up and wait” can cause demotivation. Regularly update customers and employees with realistic, optimistic information. Avoid excessive optimism that may come across as insincere.
- Revise processes – Take notes and identify ways to reduce bottlenecks that cause “hurry up and wait.” Sometimes, indecisive leadership contributes to these bottlenecks.
A key function of a leader is to set the tempo and priorities of work. Don’t squander the time available with indecision. In the military I was taught the “1/3 – 2/3 Rule”.
Leaders should spend no more than 1/3 of the time allocated for a mission or project on the planning phase. The other 2/3 is devoted to individuals and teams working.
Remember that and don’t cause a sprint to the finish because of poor planning. Remember and always consider the passage of time as experienced by your customers and employees.
No one likes to wait. Rushing and then waiting aka “hurry up and wait” is especially frustrating for customers and employees. Effective leaders should strive to reduce the negative impact of “hurry up and wait”. By fostering clear communication, strategic planning, and a culture of adaptability, leaders can minimize “hurry up and wait”. Leaders, once you have all of the resources and facts needed, don’t be afraid to make decisions. Decisive leaders makes decisions that allow their people to get things done.
[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. ]
