Kathleen Patton

I am very grateful that I was able to take this class. It was excellent timing in that since I have decided to become a Hunter Douglas Dealer it has been harder for me to keep track of everything. I am used to selling and fabricating mostly soft treatments with some hard treatments, but for some reason I was able to flow easier before HD. I love selling Hunter Douglas and want to grow that side of my business more, while continuing to also offer the soft treatments.

The processes and Project Management Tools we are learning are exactly what I need.

And to really share my vulnerable side, since I have been listening to you all, and reflecting on my own business model, I have come to the conclusion that I have major holes in both my belief in my ability to grow my business and in the lack of systems that I have in place. I have been thinking too small. I believe this is due to FEAR and lack of confidence. I know now that my lack of a solid foundation of processes is at the base of the fear and confidence. And also the idea that I have to do it all myself. (It is a cycle of “I need some help to grow, but I am too small yet to hire the help that I need to grow”.)

So may times I have thought I would be better just going and working for someone else because I really do know our industry inside and out and I have excellent problem solving skills. And I love window treatments, and fabrics and all of it! In my heart though I know I would be selling myself short.
This class has given me the courage to Scale my own business, as I see what is possible through all of you.

Sometimes it feels daunting as to where I begin, but then, I take a step back and ask myself what is the next thing that I CAN do…the low hanging fruit.
I am currently looking for a bookkeeper as I feel that is the (first) thing that will bring me the most ROI.

I have downloaded Airtable, and Draw.io and have been playing around with them. I also have been separating my projects into categories based on “next steps”, which has already helped me better plan my days.

Lastly, the 80/20 rule has been a game changer in mindset. I apply it to so many areas of both my business and my life and it is helping me to shift easily into seeing the big picture more clearly. (Its one of those things that you’ve heard a dozen times but one time it just hits you differently!! I love when that happens!!)

Thank you Thank you Thank you!! I am looking forward to what is next!!