Improving Where They Live Seems to Come Naturally to Family Businesses

The impact that many family business owners make in communities deserves our attention and gratitude this Thanksgiving. It takes courage, resources and strength to build a business, work together without killing each other, create jobs and give back.

Running a family business afforded me the time to propose (and it was unanimously passed) the first Seniors Advisory Committee for the city of Twin Falls, Idaho. Senior adults in our community can now make recommendations to our City Council to improve the quality of life for older adults. Here are other examples to motivate all of us to do more:

#18 - Immigrants Should Consider Owning a Family Business

Starting a family business as immigrants is a powerful way to start with a natural network that may not be in place. Why not pool together you energies, monies, talents and skills? Family business may be a great start.

 You can download and listen to this episode here and/or watch/listen to the Video

     

Community Development Priorities for Your Family Business

If the strategic plan for growing your family business does not include community development, then it's mediocre at best. At your finger tips lies the power to create better communities. It's the gift inherent in building any solid family business. You have to decide what it is you want. What changes do you want to see? Can you visualize what a great community would like, and the priorities that your family needs to set to get there? When you operate your family business with the goal of using a portion of your profits to love others, meet needs and alleviate suffering, you open yourself up to be more creative, energetic, and successful.
How Do You Choose Priorities?

Daphne Mallory Interviewd by Marie Berg

DAPHNE Mallory, Esq. is an immigrant entrepreneur and family business expert. Whether on television, on stage, or in the boardroom, she is known for being a creative thinker and passionate advocate.
She writes for Entrepreneur Magazine, The Huffington Post and hosts her own radio program Family Business with Daphne on 103.9 FM, KDKI to bring relevant strategies and hope to family.
Click here to listen

Q&A with Nuts.com

 1.       What makes your business a family business? (w/ spouse and/or children, siblings...)

   Nuts.com is made up of my father, uncle, me, first cousin

 2.       How did you come into the business? (transferred, hired by parents? Founder?)

 I worked with the company while growing up and started the website while in college. After initially going into investment banking after school, I quit that business to rejoin the family company full time in 2013 as a personal decision. My family all thought I was nuts for doing so.

 3.       What makes your family business experience unique? How is it different from running a "typical" small business?

 It was a complete family role reversal early on.  I, as the grandson, transformed the company from a  sleepy business and saved it from extinction.  It went from a status quo business for 75 years and turned it on its head.

 4.       What do you love about family business?

 I get to see my family every day.

 5.       What do you hate about family business?

 I have to see family every day. 

 6.       What's a myth about family business you'd like to debunk?

People always think we are dysfunctional.  The people and relationships can be at times, but things can really work well.  Family members can slot into specific roles and respect boundaries quite nicely.

 7.       What three things have been key to your success?

The Basics of Crowdfunding

Collecting cash to support a cause is nothing new. Senior citizens have gathered in church halls, living rooms, community centers and at fundraising events to support causes.

Leaders in our community from business owners to non-profit organizations confirm that seniors are generous and have helped to make the Magic Valley stronger. Crowdfunding is just one more way to reach your giving goals and make a greater impact, with little money.

Why I Organized a Senior Advisory Commission for My City

The City of Twin Falls, Idaho, where I live is on the verge of an explosive growth of baby boomer and older adults. Retirees are relocating to the area to enjoy an improved quality of life. As you can imagine, current and future senior citizens have needs that can be more challenging to solve in those golden years, such as affordable housing and transportation. I didn't realize all of these challenges when I first proposed the Senior Citizen Advisory Commission. I'm originally from Liberia, and I understand and appreciate that any community that wants to thrive must honor its elderly population. It was that mindset and upbringing that inspired me to propose the City's first ever Commission that was passed unanimously by our City Council. I believe it's one of the best vehicles to empower senior adults. I'm convinced that every community needs one.

Advice Not Services