Feature Article: Tips for a Stress Free Summer

Business Owner in the Spotlight
Erik Royer
Juice Creative

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We’re looking forward to a fun summer. This Friday we’ll celebrate Dave’s birthday. We’re not quite sure how, since this is a super busy week. We have six Advisory Boards scheduled, and need to prepare to leave on vacation—so much to plan ahead for and many things to do!

Along with other family members and guests (55 in all), we’ll be attending Dave’s younger son’s wedding on the beach in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. (We’re not sure what you wear for a beach wedding.) We’re also planning to take some down time to kick back, relax and enjoy one another.

We trust that you’re enjoying your business and also taking some time to slow down and enjoy summer.

Our very best regards,

Dave and Victoria

Erik Royer
Juice Creative

Erik Royer started Juice Creative in 2003 as a full-service graphic design company focusing on arming new and small businesses with effective, graphically intriguing, visually stimulating branding and marketing materials.

“At Juice Creative, our objective with each client is to create unique visual solutions that are simple, fresh, striking and functional,” Erik says. “We feel that a strong relationship and communication between designer and client is paramount. This coupled with an understanding for the target audience creates a fertile environment for the creative process. We take delight in translating an initial project brief into compelling visual formats that capture your company's message.”

Q: What do you find most fulfilling about running your business?
ER: It is something new and different every day. One day I may work on a logo for a medical instruments company and the next a website for a surfboard company.

Q: What motivated you to start this business? What is your background experience in this area?
ER: I love art, I still oil paint when I have the time, but I love the marriage of form and function with graphic design.

Q: What book has been most helpful to you in your business?
ER: The Business Side of Creativity by Cameron Foote.

Q: Who has influenced you most in your life?
ER: I’m extremely fortunate to have been raised by two loving parents who were both teachers. They looked at difficult situations as “teachable moments.” My wife has been and continues to be a huge influence, and I could write a dissertation on that subject.

Q: What has proved to be your most successful marketing strategy?
ER: Referrals. I believe that if you provide a great service or produce a fantastic product, referrals will flow.

Q: What have been the greatest challenges you have had to overcome, or are currently facing, in your business?
ER: Time management. I’m working on creating a day that has 36 hours. It think it will sell like hotcakes.

Q: How did you benefit/are you benefiting from participating in a Make-it-Fly® board?
ER: Aside from the insight and feedback, I’m someone who works to deadlines, so the accountability aspect has proven invaluable.

Q: What would you say to other business owners who are contemplating getting involved in a Make-it-Fly® board?
ER: I always advise business owners that it has been the smartest decision I have made with my business. Each session I come away with a refreshed motivation, armed with new tools that I’m excited to apply to my business. In small business, one often feels like an overworked one-man show, but surrounding oneself with the experience and comprehensive knowledge of the advisory board has proven an effective remedy.

Erik Royer can be reached by phone at: 720-320-3889, or visit his web site at: www.juicecreate.com.

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10 Tips for a Stress Free Summer
By Victoria Munro

Summertime brings its own stresses for entrepreneurs. For example, running a business, while entertaining a string of out-of-town guests can be a challenge. For those with school age children, summer vacations have their own joys and pressures. Add to this the lure of good weather and multiple opportunities to play, the dilemma of whether or not to leave the business and take a vacation and for some a seasonal cash flow crunch.

Planning Ahead is Key
With prior planning, you’ll be better prepared and enjoy a productive and stress-free summer. The tips below will help you keep a right balance between work and play so that you’ll be recharged, renewed and ready for fall.

1. Be ready for out-of-town company. Let them know when you will need to work. Gather tour books, materials on local attractions and maps. Make a list of sightseeing suggestions. Plan to spend some quality time with your guests when you won’t be distracted by thoughts of business.

2. If you have children at home for summer vacation, involve the whole family in the summer planning process. Ask for everyone’s input and suggestions. Decide together on some fun family activities and put them on the calendar. If your children are old enough, work out projects and goals for each one, and sweeten the deal with suitable rewards. Maybe hire them and let them learn about business.

3. If your business is slower in the summer, it’s a good time to take that much-needed vacation. Decide who will be in charge of the business and make decisions while you’re gone. Think ahead about how you’ll handle email while you’re away and how much you want or need to be in touch. Be sure to pay important bills before you leave town.

4. Set realistic goals for your summer. Since the pace is often slower and there are more distractions, don’t set too many ambitious goals. Use these months to develop relationships by inviting clients to play golf or tennis, or enjoy lunch.

5. Offset the slow season cash flow challenge by offering a special sale. Take advantage of the slow time to negotiate better deals with suppliers.

6. Be flexible with your work hours. You may want to wake up early and get in a few hours' work before everyone gets up. This gives you time later to goof off, and enjoy family and friends. When my children were small, I tucked them in bed at night and headed to my office. Working early or late can give you quiet, productive work time.

7. Focus when you are working. To be more efficient, avoid multitasking, concentrate on one task at a time until it’s finished. Wherever you are and whatever you’re doing, develop a habit of being very present. Relish the moment and resist the temptation to let your thoughts wander.

8. Make the most of social events. Take advantage of those backyard barbeques, poolside get-togethers and ball games with friends—they can be relaxing and are often excellent networking opportunities. Remember too that it’s okay to decline invitations to events you really don’t enjoy.

9. Take care of yourself. Get sufficient rest, eat healthy food and exercise regularly. Build in ‘alone time’ to relax, reflect and re-energize.

10. Determine to do something fun every day. Maybe go somewhere you’ve never been or do something you’ve never done before. Don’t take life too seriously—lighten up and laugh. Remember, stress is a choice you make when you respond to a situation.

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The Make-it-Fly® Advisory Board 101

Each Make-it-Fly® Advisory Board 101 program consists of 12 non-competing business owners who meet once a month for three consecutive months. In the spirit of giving, they offer each other solutions, ideas, resources and encouragement. Dave and Victoria facilitate each group and share powerful tools to assist business owners in reaching their goals and living more balanced lives.

If you have experienced a Make-it-Fly® program, please share the following openings with other business owners who need support. Call Dave for more information at 720-962-8888.

Programs are held from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Current program openings in Denver:

• Thursdays - July 31, August 28, September 25, 2008
• Fridays - September 9, October 5, November 2, 2008

Click here to sign up for Advisory Boards.
Or call Dave at 720-962-8888.

Alumni Boards are groups of 12-14 small business owners who have participated in at least one Make-it-Fly® Advisory Board 101 and wish to continue the support and accountability with a group of like-minded, giving business associates. Members meet once a month for a three-hour meeting. If you completed the initial Make-it-Fly® Advisory Board 101 and are interested in more information on Alumni Boards, call Dave at 720-962-8888.

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Date: Thursday, June 26, 2008

Time: 4:30 to 7 p.m.

New Location—The Riverfront

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720-962-8888
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