Christmas has come and gone, and a new year has begun. So…as Norman and I plan for 2010, what are some of our goals?
On a personal level, we plan to lose weight, pay off our last credit card, fix up our house, and get our credit reports in order in case we decide to buy another house. All of these things make sense to me, and we will do them together.
But as for our business, things are different. Norman is busy setting up data bases that will track emails, give us a mailing list for book signings and author events, and manage our monthly newsletter list. Besides this, he’s setting us up as an actual business. He’ll be tracking individual books sales, paying sales tax, and finding out the best way to structure our endeavors for the greatest tax advantages.
For the most part, we will not do these things together.
Why?
In any business, especially between a husband and wife, two big concepts are important to understand. Number one, each person must have their own specifically defined duties. And number two, each person must work with their own specific strengths and talents. Setting up data bases isn’t my strength. Trust me. And Norman would quickly admit that my publisher doesn’t want him to write my next book.
So, if you’re thinking about starting your own business, first write down the duties each person will be responsible for. And if someone else is in charge of something…shut up. It’s not wrong to offer your opinion, as long as it’s not too often, but it is wrong to think you know everything about everything. Not only will it confuse your partnership, but it can build a sense of distrust. Your business partner (especially your mate) needs to know you trust the gifts God has placed inside them. Too much “help” can actually cause them to become tentative and may even strip their confidence. This won’t strengthen your business. In fact, it could sink it. Give your partner the freedom to allow God to become their instructor. If you do, you’ll both reap great rewards.
Repeat this after me: “I really don’t know everything.”
Got it? (Grin)
Next time I want to talk about book signings, something almost every author thinks they need to do. But do we?
P.S. Leave a comment for a chance to win a signed copy of Cozy in Kansas, Missing Mabel, Simple Secrets, or Simple Deceit!
28 comments:
I read Simple Secrets and Simple Deceit...loved them! Would like a
chance to win Cozy in Kansas!
dianalflowers@aol.com
I forgot...I also wanted to ask you if Simple Deceit is the conclusion of that series. If so what is next for you, bookwise?
dianalflowers@aol.com
No, Simple Choices is the last in the series. It comes out in June. Also, in February, the second book in my Curl Up and Dye series, Blown Away, will be released. Later next year, the last book in that series will come out.
After that...(S) A brand new series. I'll be announcing more about that later.
Nancy
Hi Nancy--This is Janet Dowell
I agree with you about allowing God to be the instructor of our lives because He knows how to help us to reach our goals better than anyone.
I would love to read "Simple Deceit".
I love all of your books!!! You are so talented!!!
coolcat1991@live.com
I will be sooo looking forward to Simple Choices! June seems afar off, but time sure does fly. I love the atmosphere in those 2 books, the small town, the Mennonites,and the way you described everything I can really envision it in my mind. I will have to search the 1st book in your CUAD series since the second is soon to be released. Thanks, Nancy!
dianalflowers@aol.com
Hi Nancy!
Just a quick note...I just ordered Cozy in Kansas from Amazon and found the link to your blog. (I am Gary and Connie's daughter, Kathy.) We are snowed in today and I was thinking that I need another great book to read, so I searched for you. :) Hope you are having a great start to the new year!
Hi, Kathy! Wow, how nice of you to stop by. Please tell your folks I said hello. They're such super people!
Hope you enjoy Cozy in Kansas. (S)
Hi Nancy! Love your books! Can't wait for the next one! "Cozy In Kansas" sounds so good, just by the title!
I have read Simple Secrets and am literally DYING to read Simple Deceit!!! Please enter me in the contest :)
Blessings
Molly
mollydedwards AT yahoo DOT com
I would love the chance to win a free book signed by you. My name is Angela. From Kentucky.
I liked this post. My husband refuses to read my books because he would be too critical. Although I'd like him to read them, I agree he probably shouldn't. The past few years, he's decided to give me "advice" on cooking, cleaning, and other things I've been doing quite well on my own for the past 25 years. If he started with the books, I might actually smack him instead of just thinking about it. :)
I enjoy your blogs! This one is so true about partnerships, and, relationships in general. They have to be built on trust. I would love to have a signed copy of Cozy in KS! Have a blessed day!
Hi Nancy. I would love to win one of your books. I love reading Amish and Memmonite fiction and just heard about your books several months ago.
Posting this for Karen Bobbe who hasn't been able to leave a comment due to "technical difficulties." (S)
Nancy I love reading your books. Their are a few I have yet to read but will when I find them. You are one of my favorite authors. Keep the books coming. You are a great gift from God.
Karen
I liked it better when only 2 people had left comments...my odds were so much greater! lol
dianalflowers@aol.com
I really don't know everything. And some of the things I do know, I wish I didn't.
I'm with you, Sherry! LOL!
Sherry I think you know alot of GOOD things! We all love you and are blessed by your friendship!
dianalflowers@aol.com
Nancy, is the Curl Up and Dye series about continuing characters? I thought you wrapped up the plot really well in the first one. :o)
I would love a signed copy of your work Nancy. You are an excellent writer!
After almost forty years hubby and I have a pretty good idea of how to mesh our strengths and weaknesses--wished we'd had figured this out from the beginning. It sure makes life flow much smoother! I'd love to read Simple Deceit.
ritagarcia@raoadrunner.com
Eekmystery:
Yes, it is a continuing series about Hilde Higgins, hairdresser for the dearly departed! LOL!
And thanks. I do try to make each book stand alone.
Thanks, Grandma!
I've forwarded your blog to my daughter and son-in-law. She has started her own business and I think they would benefit from reading your post. My husband & I both work outside the home full time, yet it made me think about our daily lives and how I can apply what you wrote to it. THANKS! Your books are wonderful, and can't wait for the next one to be released. I am a little behind and haven't had a chance to read "Missing Mable" yet, but have heard wonderful reviews about it.
Blessings,
Beverly
bgrider2@cox.net
Oh, Nancy! You are sooo right on the working with your spouse! (I think it applies to driving with your spouse, but I won't admit to it!) I wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your books! My husband read "Cozy in Kansas" and he too, loved it! You have an awesome sense of humor girl! I just got Simple Secrets and Simple Deceit, and can't wait to get started! I guess that leaves Missing Mabel which I haven't read, and would love to! Keep up the excellent writing and story lines!
Thanks, Julie Kaufman
Nancy I would love a signed copy of Missing Mabel, even if I will not read it until the series is done.
Hi!!! I adore your books!!! I love to laugh when I read thank you so much!!!
Lindsay lskenney26@gmail.com
i would love to win acopy of that book
Post a Comment