'Mary, Queen of Shops' and other small business foibles
Discussion
Anyone catch the first of the new series last night? Mary Portas trying to drag a 70s bakery into the 21st century, much to the annoyance of the owner.
The reason I put this thread here, rather than in the TV & Films section, is to try and better understand the small business psyche.
Over 6,500 retail businesses applied to get the Portas treatment. When I read that, several weeks ago, the first thought which came into my head was "wow, I'd love to get my hands on that mailing list". But another sip of breakfast coffee soon reminded me that each and every one of those 6,500 would be in the same position as the bakery owner: broke. Or at the very least, barely covering basic costs.
And not only that, just about every one of them would be led by someone who simply won't listen/be told.
It takes a lot of balls to set up your own small business and people should be admired for doing so. Sometimes they will take the job they do PAYE and turn it into their own business, or they may have a specialist skill or knowledge of a product/product group. Others may simply fancy a change and start something completely new to them. However, the very same grit and determination which drives people to start up alone, often reappears as a negative force in blocking their ability to deliver success.
A few years ago, with a wealth of both general and specific management experience behind me, I decided to offer business/management consultancy services. I had a network of large/household name organisations to call upon, but my target was small businesses. I love the energy they have, the diversity, the ability to change direction swiftly and the multi-skilled approach of people who work within them. Three years later I was thankful that I had retained contacts within the major business community or I wouldn't have earned a bean.
Why? Because small business owners seem to feel that something as simple as 'another set of eyes' (let alone a significant intervention) is a sign of failure and would rather run their businesses into the ground, with their head stuck firmly in the same. Because they feel in some way a specialist, like the bakery owner last night, they completely miss the fact that business is formulaic. You don't need to be Mary Portas to help a shop, Gordon Ramsey to help a restaurant or Ruth Watson to help a hotel.
And it's such a shame. A tragedy, in fact.
And it's not just firms who coast into closure. Often, small businesses do very well. They exceed the expectations of their owners. But I then see that owner stuck as to what to do next. They had never envisioned growth, expansion or the 'next level'. So they get stuck in a vicious cycle of working too hard and too many hours trying to squeeze their quart-sized business into the proverbial pint pot.
Anyway, before this post becomes V8's whinging blog, I guess I should try and formulate a question to end the ramblings.
PH has many small business owners amongst its ranks. Some have been very successful, others may be struggling or have experienced business failure one or more times. (s
t does happen!)
But I'd really like to understand at what point they would ever feel that having anything from a sounding board to a full scale dissection would be acceptable. Because it's clear that there are at least 6,500 retailers alone, who have now passed the point of being able to pay for such a service and are at the stage of begging for a freebie. And taking into account the partners, families and employees of those business owners, that must multiply out to a lot of sleepless nights.
The reason I put this thread here, rather than in the TV & Films section, is to try and better understand the small business psyche.
Over 6,500 retail businesses applied to get the Portas treatment. When I read that, several weeks ago, the first thought which came into my head was "wow, I'd love to get my hands on that mailing list". But another sip of breakfast coffee soon reminded me that each and every one of those 6,500 would be in the same position as the bakery owner: broke. Or at the very least, barely covering basic costs.
And not only that, just about every one of them would be led by someone who simply won't listen/be told.
It takes a lot of balls to set up your own small business and people should be admired for doing so. Sometimes they will take the job they do PAYE and turn it into their own business, or they may have a specialist skill or knowledge of a product/product group. Others may simply fancy a change and start something completely new to them. However, the very same grit and determination which drives people to start up alone, often reappears as a negative force in blocking their ability to deliver success.
A few years ago, with a wealth of both general and specific management experience behind me, I decided to offer business/management consultancy services. I had a network of large/household name organisations to call upon, but my target was small businesses. I love the energy they have, the diversity, the ability to change direction swiftly and the multi-skilled approach of people who work within them. Three years later I was thankful that I had retained contacts within the major business community or I wouldn't have earned a bean.
Why? Because small business owners seem to feel that something as simple as 'another set of eyes' (let alone a significant intervention) is a sign of failure and would rather run their businesses into the ground, with their head stuck firmly in the same. Because they feel in some way a specialist, like the bakery owner last night, they completely miss the fact that business is formulaic. You don't need to be Mary Portas to help a shop, Gordon Ramsey to help a restaurant or Ruth Watson to help a hotel.
And it's such a shame. A tragedy, in fact.
And it's not just firms who coast into closure. Often, small businesses do very well. They exceed the expectations of their owners. But I then see that owner stuck as to what to do next. They had never envisioned growth, expansion or the 'next level'. So they get stuck in a vicious cycle of working too hard and too many hours trying to squeeze their quart-sized business into the proverbial pint pot.
Anyway, before this post becomes V8's whinging blog, I guess I should try and formulate a question to end the ramblings.
PH has many small business owners amongst its ranks. Some have been very successful, others may be struggling or have experienced business failure one or more times. (s
t does happen!)But I'd really like to understand at what point they would ever feel that having anything from a sounding board to a full scale dissection would be acceptable. Because it's clear that there are at least 6,500 retailers alone, who have now passed the point of being able to pay for such a service and are at the stage of begging for a freebie. And taking into account the partners, families and employees of those business owners, that must multiply out to a lot of sleepless nights.
Edited by V8mate on Tuesday 8th June 09:26
I saw this as well and could not understand the attitude of the bakery owner. I agree with your comments, I too work closely with small business owners and some can be a bit difficult to work with. As a small business owner myself I have always welcomed help and advice from as many sources as possible because, sometimes, when you are in the middle of it, it is difficult to see the problems around you.
I saw the bakery too....I was confused as to why she applied for the programme. I'm always open to ideas from others (well I think I am!) but would love to be the Mary Portas type consultant, there are so many small business's that do need that extra pair of eyes to just help them improve the business.
I would love to get hold of that list of 6500 business's too.
I would love to get hold of that list of 6500 business's too.
the impression I got, was that she'd applied thinking she was going to get some kind of free 'changing rooms' makeover, to her requirements, and got rather more than she bargained for !
I'm amazed the tv crew / presenter stuck it out as she was so difficult / negative, but then, I guess it made for 'better' tv.
I'm amazed the tv crew / presenter stuck it out as she was so difficult / negative, but then, I guess it made for 'better' tv.
I also watched this last night. I think this is an extreme case and couldn`t help but think there was something else holding her back....maybe more along the lines that the bakery was a shrine to her dead husband.
Mind you I think it was quite a good program and hopefully has given some inspiration to other bakers. In retail taking on the big boys is very hard, but if you do specialise people will pay the extra for quality espically in the right area (Raynors Park).
Mind you I think it was quite a good program and hopefully has given some inspiration to other bakers. In retail taking on the big boys is very hard, but if you do specialise people will pay the extra for quality espically in the right area (Raynors Park).
I also watched this last night. I think this is an extreme case and couldn`t help but think there was something else holding her back....maybe more along the lines that the bakery was a shrine to her dead husband.
Mind you I think it was quite a good program and hopefully has given some inspiration to other bakers. In retail taking on the big boys is very hard, but if you do specialise people will pay the extra for quality espically in the right area (Raynors Park).
Mind you I think it was quite a good program and hopefully has given some inspiration to other bakers. In retail taking on the big boys is very hard, but if you do specialise people will pay the extra for quality espically in the right area (Raynors Park).
Met a lady in Makro who has a shop in Corfe Castle which has received the 'Mary' treatment. I think the show is going to be shown in the next couple of weeks.
She was not sure if the ideas have worked - apparently she wont know until after it is shown! Is she just after the publicity for her shop?
She was not sure if the ideas have worked - apparently she wont know until after it is shown! Is she just after the publicity for her shop?
Saw this last night and boy did you want to give her a slap!
When she went to the nursery, she said "She should go to all the nurseries if they'd pay 2.50 for a loaf" Yes you dozy bint, it's called promotion! Put a bit of effort in.
I think that although she didn't learn from it, it shows to others that if you don't listen, think, experiment and try, you are not going to change.
Best bit was when she tried to put that lad down in the family business. "One humble pie to go!"
When she went to the nursery, she said "She should go to all the nurseries if they'd pay 2.50 for a loaf" Yes you dozy bint, it's called promotion! Put a bit of effort in.
I think that although she didn't learn from it, it shows to others that if you don't listen, think, experiment and try, you are not going to change.
Best bit was when she tried to put that lad down in the family business. "One humble pie to go!"
Pabl0 said:
Met a lady in Makro who has a shop in Corfe Castle which has received the 'Mary' treatment. I think the show is going to be shown in the next couple of weeks.
She was not sure if the ideas have worked - apparently she wont know until after it is shown! Is she just after the publicity for her shop?
How can she not know if it's worked ? Surely you know when you're having a busy/good day at work?!?!She was not sure if the ideas have worked - apparently she wont know until after it is shown! Is she just after the publicity for her shop?
Goochie said:
Pabl0 said:
Met a lady in Makro who has a shop in Corfe Castle which has received the 'Mary' treatment. I think the show is going to be shown in the next couple of weeks.
She was not sure if the ideas have worked - apparently she wont know until after it is shown! Is she just after the publicity for her shop?
How can she not know if it's worked ? Surely you know when you're having a busy/good day at work?!?!She was not sure if the ideas have worked - apparently she wont know until after it is shown! Is she just after the publicity for her shop?
I didn't see the show, but have now set sky + to record the next five, so thanks for the heads up..
I would say to any business owner, especially in retail, always look at your business through the customers eyes, is the shop/store visually appealing, are any window displays fresh and attractive, do the staff great the customer with a smile or a scowl..
....simple little things can sometimes make a big difference.
I would say to any business owner, especially in retail, always look at your business through the customers eyes, is the shop/store visually appealing, are any window displays fresh and attractive, do the staff great the customer with a smile or a scowl..
....simple little things can sometimes make a big difference.Perhaps one of the challenges is that people go in to business for themselves because they want to do it all their way and don't like someone else saying 'You are not doing this properly'. Also, from a consultancy viewpoint it is very difficult to determine (as an owner) what you think you know about and where you can help. I'd avoid small businesses, too many 'personalities' and not enough money.
Frimley111R said:
I'd avoid small businesses, too many 'personalities' and not enough money.
As I discovered 
As I said earlier though, It's just such a shame. Small businesses are the most capable recipients for introducing 'business change' and they are the most darned interesting too!
My Dads a bit like this, he wont have anyone tell him how to run his business but having said that we have been going for over 30 years so maybe he's doing something right.
A lot of it i suspect is a brusing of the ego, where these people feel they can and have to do everything but havind read a lot of serial entrepreneur books one of the biggest things they have in common is listening (to a degree) and certainly delegation. If someone in your oiperation can do something better then let them.
I missed this programme but have heard all about it, if its on catch up then i will watch it.
A lot of it i suspect is a brusing of the ego, where these people feel they can and have to do everything but havind read a lot of serial entrepreneur books one of the biggest things they have in common is listening (to a degree) and certainly delegation. If someone in your oiperation can do something better then let them.
I missed this programme but have heard all about it, if its on catch up then i will watch it.
I do a fair bit of consulting within the leisure industry.
I rarely find anyone that cannot be reasoned with; it's just the words you use and the tone and pitch of what you say that matters.
I'm firmly in the coaching camp; coach by questioning, not telling. Most business owners DO know, deep down, what is going wrong when you get past the egos and bullst!
These TV shows' priority, remember, is to make a good TV show...not to get the best, most consistent results.
I rarely find anyone that cannot be reasoned with; it's just the words you use and the tone and pitch of what you say that matters.
I'm firmly in the coaching camp; coach by questioning, not telling. Most business owners DO know, deep down, what is going wrong when you get past the egos and bulls
t!These TV shows' priority, remember, is to make a good TV show...not to get the best, most consistent results.
CHIEF said:
My Dads a bit like this, he wont have anyone tell him how to run his business but having said that we have been going for over 30 years so maybe he's doing something right.
A lot of it i suspect is a brusing of the ego, where these people feel they can and have to do everything but havind read a lot of serial entrepreneur books one of the biggest things they have in common is listening (to a degree) and certainly delegation. If someone in your oiperation can do something better then let them.
I missed this programme but have heard all about it, if its on catch up then i will watch it.
Is longevity necessarily a sign of doing it right, or not doing it too wrong?A lot of it i suspect is a brusing of the ego, where these people feel they can and have to do everything but havind read a lot of serial entrepreneur books one of the biggest things they have in common is listening (to a degree) and certainly delegation. If someone in your oiperation can do something better then let them.
I missed this programme but have heard all about it, if its on catch up then i will watch it.
The business I work for is family owned, has been going for over 70 years and the current Chairman has been here for 30 years+. The business has an absolute tonne of potential, but has had that potential for a very long time without any of it being realised. Some years the business does better than others, but at a guess I would say someone doing it "right" could double or treble turnover within 5 years.
Edited by Stevenj214 on Tuesday 8th June 13:34
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