Business
Business Over Beer Podcast Episode #79. | Columbia Credit Union and EcoDigital Media, Part 3 As we conclude our trilogy with the Co-founders of EcoDigital Media, Kimberly Brecko and Randy Short, and Columbia Credit Union's Marc Timm, Chief Lending Officer, and Joe Storm, Director of Commercial Lending, it is clear why these four individuals came on the show together. Business is truly about creating mutually beneficial relationships, and the greatest success we can have, both personally and professionally, is by adding value. It's understood that a successful business must add value to its customers, but make no mistake, customers can, and should, add value for its vendors. Through mutual success and true partnership, you transcend "business" and achieve community. Prost! 2 perspectives on keeping a long term focus for small business owners In this episode our guests offer 2 unique perspectives on the importance of staying focused on the long term. As a small business owner, assigning a feeling a permanence to whatever you are going through today, regardless of whether it's good times or tough times, is a sure fire recipe for getting stuck, and will hinder your ability to achieve your goals. Ride the waves, but watch the horizon Marc Timm, Chief Lending Officer at Columbia Credit Union, uses an ocean analogy. Whether you are swimming or surfing or sailing, it's important to keep your eyes on the horizon. Yes, in the ocean, and in business, we have waves crashing down on us constantly. It is important to remember that those waves are normal, they are expected, and they create daily, sometimes hourly, ups and downs. But those waves are not permanent, in fact, nothing is permanent and you can overcome the challenges put in front of you. In his book, The Infinite Game, Simon Sinek says that no one wins or loses business, you are either ahead or behind, and the target is constantly moving. Circumstances change, Markets change, technology changes, people change. Fight the waves with everything you have today then put it behind you. As Joe Storm, Director of Commercial Lending for Columbia Credit Union, says, no matter what happens today, we have another shot at it tomorrow. Small business owners must take the approach that there is no finish line, keep your eyes on the horizon, it's there to keep you on course while you battle waves. Partner for life? For Kimberly Brecko, Co-Founder of EcoDigital media, it was more personal. She and her co-founder, Randy Short, were dating when they started the business. Their dating relationship did not last, but they fought through that to keep the business going. But as she looks back on those times, she sees now that she was so focused on what she was going through in the moment, instead of looking to the horizon and realizing that this was a long term endeavor, and that she and Randy would remain partners and would become family. By not assigning permanence to what you are facing day to day, you can grow and evolve past the crashing waves that are trying to steer you off course. And when you get to some smoother waters, you realize what you are capable of, what you can endure, how strong you are, and that pain and difficulty don't last forever. The good times aren't forever either Small business ownership, entrepreneurship, and business in general, is tough, and can be lonely at times. But it's not all bad. If it were all doom and gloom, why would so many of us have chosen this path? There are moments when the waves die down and you sail in smooth waters for a time. But it's just as important not to assign permanence to those either. When times are good, still keep your eye on the horizon, keep your eye on the vision, and don't allow comfort and complacency to knock you off course. Angie's Mystery Beer: Fort George Brewery - Astoria, OR Matryoshka, Barrel Aged Russian Imperial Stout, 12.8% ABV "Aged for one year in a blend of Buffalo Trace Bourbon and Westward Whiskey barrels. This barrel aged stout is an exercise in balance and intensity, full of bold flavors such as vanilla, anise, chocolate, coffee, and charred oak, all integrating seamlessly. The high gravity and robust mouthfeel give the beer heft and substance, while remaining smooth and deceivingly drinkable." Episode Links: EcoDigital Media Columbia Credit Union Koken Market Global Health News Network