Since Labor Day is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers, let’s take a moment to congratulate our industry innovators. Thank your employees, family and US vendors who have helped your business success. Everyone needs a lift once in a while. Then pat yourself on the back if you achieved a goal you set for yourself in 2014! If you procrastinated, there are 4 months left in the year to get it going. The day of rest and celebration can be a time to re-set your “internal clock” and revitalize a plan. In the US, we have until Nov. 2 to enjoy extra daylight hours, and that could be used for extra reading time to stimulate your mind.

Did you know that most people overestimate what they can do in one year, but underestimate what they can do in five years? Even if you’ve been in business longer, a 5 year vision going forward is healthier than the status quo.
Will you be experimenting and teaching yourself a new method to get your job done, or launching a new service that requires skills outside of your comfort zone? Let’s talk self-discipline. If you spend your self-discipline fuel too quickly, you burn out. If you spend your self-discipline fuel too slowly, you miss the key period where it works. (I’ve done both, how about you?)
Try setting a new habit and give yourself a full month until the habit reaches equilibrium.
Back to the thought of accomplishing lots more than you thought you could in five years. August marks my 3rd year publishing the Sharpeners Report newsletter. So by Year 3, my company, Creative Lakes Media, LLC, has increased circulation, but there still is a lot more room for growth. I encourage customer referrals! I also am proud to be planning another full spectrum trade show in Minneapolis in Spring 2015, and produce an even grander Sharpeners’ Supplier Directory in 2016!
Then there is another chapter to write in my novel, “Wheels to Liberty,” about a woman who is trapped in an abusive relationship in the 1940s. She battles her way freedom and contentment, all the while raising a daughter with a life long disability.
Plan ahead for your business, and use self-discipline to get there.

For a new Whine column, tell us about customers you’d like to put in the grape squash pit. Then share how you artfully changed that customer relationship into a “resolved” situation that saved your reputation. Let’s toast to you! Dealing with the public is not so different from the art and science of  how you do your job.
Today, I am whining about the post office. I send out the newsletter across the country to 1600+ readers who like a hard copy versus email versions. I send out CDs of Back Issues and DVDs of trade show classes on sharpening knives or shears or clipper blade repair. While first class is cheaper, it is definitely worth sending items with priority mail tracking.  Now where is my glass pf wine to toast to solutions?