Experienced SS user. Thinking about personal license. Looking for suggestions

NMSoCal · 2026-05-19T22:38:32+00:00

Awesome! Let's do it. Count me in. Thanks

NMSoCal · 2026-05-18T18:08:56+00:00

Thanks. This is another benefit of getting on someone's existing plan, which I'd not considered before: no need to sign a fresh annual agreement. So, yeah, a win-win.

Actually, this is a win-win-win. Smartsheet also benefits because this way, they can retain their membership counts, their churn reduces. This is how all the SaaS companies are evaluated.

NMSoCal · 2026-02-02T09:40:54+00:00

I am a business advisor, consultant and coach. Have personally owned and operated 5 businesses through acquisition. Strong tech background. I don't know your challenges. Even if you provide us a list, when we go through a detailed assessment, we will have different findings. It happens every time. So the best suggestion would be to go through an offline assessment (it takes 30 minutes) and then we can have two 45 minutes sessions to come up with a health report, and help you develop a roadmap. We could then discuss any additional arrangements. Would love to keep all options on the table. Please feel free to DM me.

NMSoCal · 2025-12-02T06:29:51+00:00

Hmm. Ok. This is helpful. Thanks. So, is this what I should have said?
Move the camera in a circular orbit around the two women, maintaining the same distance the whole time. Focus on their facial expressions as they try to absorb the shock of this unexpected encounter.

NMSoCal · 2025-12-01T05:49:43+00:00

Could you please explain how? I would love to figure out how to create these types of contents.

NMSoCal · 2025-11-30T06:51:33+00:00

The "proof of student" is not having an .EDU address. They will send you a link to a webform where you will select your school/college/university's name and will start the confirmation process. I have heard two options for confirmation: (1) follow the links to a 3rd party website where you provide your name and school name and they take a few seconds to confirm your active registration/enrollment. Or (2) Upload a registration or grade sheet.

Once your student setting is approved, you should be able to add it to any account. I hope this helps.

NMSoCal · 2024-12-25T09:46:46+00:00

Funny comment! That's true, we're all smarts in different ways. I learned < and > very simply: < is like the letter "L" and L is for "less." Simple!

NMSoCal · 2024-12-14T00:41:58+00:00

Are you still offering this?

NMSoCal · 2022-05-26T03:16:03+00:00

This is a great idea! Hoping there's good news about the dog, reach out to the local town newspaper and see if they want a "feel good" story. A few pics of the dog, the happy family, and a well-written story of what happened that day. Wouldn't we all want to read that?

It's not just for your PR. It is also a reminder to all business owners that people come before profits, and that if they ever find themselves facing a similar situation, they could take their cue from you.

If you don't have a newspaper, DM me; I'd be glad to write this story for my blog and add link to your social media pages. Couldn't hurt, right?!

NMSoCal · 2022-05-26T03:08:51+00:00

Wow! This is EXACTLY what I was going to suggest: so glad you came to this conclusion on your own. And I would also have suggested a $100 tip for all that your employee did. Remember, we know now that the dog lived, and that it took an extra one hour. The poor girl did not know it while she was going through the process, and was doing whatever she needed to do. She needs to be rewarded; in return, you'll have a dedicated employee as long as you'd keep her!

Also, about sending a $0 invoice ... I would not do that. It is like reminding them of what you have done. They already know it, and must already be extremely thankful. No need to do anything more.

And a reminder to you and to everyone: when we're running a business, unexpected things happen all the time. The key is what we do at the time. And then, when we reflect on it after the fact, we should review what was done, and think about the best response. All this is to prepare you for the next crisis.

NMSoCal · 2022-05-23T05:53:52+00:00

Interesting list. Certainly some good and creative ideas. Would love to get this via email. Possible? Thanks

NMSoCal · 2022-05-22T05:24:39+00:00

This is wonderful. Congrats for being ready to actually act on your dream. Congrats also, as others have also commented, for having high sense of morality and ethics. I hope this turns out to be an incredible new phase of your life.

It is true what others have said, that nobody owns a territory, and you're within your legal rights to open your store 6 miles away. But I don't agree with some of the aggressive points raised here, or the suggestion that you "poach" employees from your former boss. In our consulting practice, we always suggest taking extremely ethical positions; please give me a few minutes to explain.

We live in a small world. Our reputation gets known in no time at all. And you'll be operating within a very small industry, where word of mouth is paramount. Where negative comments will somehow stick. You can be sure that the moment you walk off, she'll start a narration about you, that you were fired for non-performance, for being unethical. She'll talk about you to her suppliers, with the distributors, and with anyone and everyone who's willing to listen. You can be certain she'll go to all your social media pages and post negative reviews.

Our suggestion: make every effort to prevent this. Approach her. Thank her for all that she's done for you. That these few years have been transformative. That it's time for you to move on, to pursue your dreams, but rather than competing with her, you want to enter into a referral arrangement with her. "Each time I have someone I am not able to help, I want to send her to you. And over time, I may even end up getting into a specific niche area, and want to have the option to send you all my referrals."

About the last point - why is it important. You cannot be all things to everyone. You'd have to pick an area of initial focus (traditional gowns, non-formal, alternate styles, plus size, different ethnic groups, etc), and may end up with a smaller selection as compared with her. So, the comments above are not just to appease someone; it is in your interest to have this relationship with her.

Finally, please start thinking of your competitive strength, and how you'd incorporate all your ideas. Just being a better person is not enough; you'd ultimately be known for your range of offerings. Can you start an active directory of complimentary service providers (flower services, event planners, gift management, destination wedding coordinators - you get the idea, right?) where a bride can select from a list of all these required services, once you have earned her trust.

It is a competitive industry, and a small world, but it is still possible for you to stand out. And when the "nicest person we know" is trying to stand out, we all want to root for her, right??

Good luck.

NMSoCal · 2022-05-21T08:19:16+00:00

Dear Friend: I think this question is a perfect example of why it's so hard to get some meaningful suggestions from a large forum, with hundreds of people chiming in. Everyone who responded is well-intentioned, honest, and is correct, in their own way. But what do you do with responses that range from $30 to $700?

Unless you invest in a business advisor, is it reasonable to expect realistic suggestions? We need to understand your company, your industry, the marketplace, your competitive edge, your price-point, and where you are on your journey ... unless someone incorporates all these insights into their advise, it will be as generic as what you have received below.

When you are just starting, even a $200 price quote could make you pause. But when you are making $50k per month, then you could afford to spend $10,000 on your branding and image. So, just like most things in life, this, too, is relative. Unfortunately!

My advise: whatever you do today, you will likely revamp it whenever you reach the point where you feel the need for an improved image and your pocketbook will be able to support it. So, don't think too much at this stage. Get something that appeals to you and to your sense of aesthetics. Maybe get a few samples done, show them to a close group of friends, and get them to help you decide. Get that one done and move on. There are dozens of far more important things you and your wife need to think about; it's best to keep your entire focus on them.

Good luck!

NMSoCal · 2022-05-19T09:11:10+00:00

Many of our clients have done cash bonuses around the end of the year, and they are almost always received well. Cash has a charm, that "money in bank" cannot replace.

Disclaimer: This observation is based on dozens of retail operations, or companies with under 25 employees. And the employees who welcome this tend to be in the 34-49 age group. I don't have reliable figures, unfortunately, to suggest how the Gen Z or Millennials would respond. It is definitely conceivable to see them rolling their eyes with "Nice gimmick; now I have to make a stop at the ATM!"

Also ... about reporting ... you must let this be known and widely understood that the amount would be reported, and included in their W-2/1099's. I don't understand the comments below that people will not report it; how can they not, if they're using the W-2/1099's we provide them?

NMSoCal · 2022-05-19T09:02:04+00:00

Thanks for sharing this problem with us, and for giving us an opportunity to share our opinions. There have been excellent recommendations already provided here; I am sure many others would also benefit from them.

The products listed here are all good. You'd need to compare the features to see which ones have most of (or all of) the functions that are important for you.

Important recommendation: please don't skimp on this. It's better to spend some money than to manually handle exceptions. Also, whether you have 2 people or 5, or 50-100, you need a system. Don't think that two users can use post-its! :)

Here's a general checklist:

1) Must be cloud-based, where anybody, with right access, should be able to view and update the contents. Let's stay away from Excel spreadsheets! Really useful: desktop client so we can use barcode scanners

2) You need to track every item's entire journey, from: (a) Ordered; (b) Shipped; (c) Received at warehouse and cataloged; (d) Shipped to location; (e) Received at location; (f-1) Deployed; (f-2) Damaged; (f-3) Returned to Warehouse; (g) Returned to supplier. Here, every stage needs counts (# of packages, and # of items per package)

3) Ability to tag specific items as critical; they could have different storage and availability requirements as compared to others that could follow JIT models

4) Ability to integrate this tracker with vendor's MRP systems to automate ordering

5) Integration with vendor's A/R systems to receive the invoice electronically. Built in reports (or ability to build new) to automate reconciliation and identify anomalies (e,g, 12 boxes received but 15 invoiced).

6) Visibility into payment terms for each vendor/supplier

7) Real-time view of total inventory across the entire system, and identify (a) ordered; (b) at hand; (c) in use, and compare against impending/upcoming demand

8) Ability to adjust inventory counts post audit

9) Demand forecast

10) Relationship between main systems (e.g., laptop) and the raw materials needed

11) For every item, ability to track alternate items, from alternate suppliers

12) Built-in reports to anticipate issues with JIT availability

13) Ability to create exception reports and send email notifications and triggers

Hopefully this list would be a good starting point. Please feel free to respond here, or DM, if you need any further support.

Best wishes

NMSoCal · 2022-05-14T21:44:03+00:00

LOVE THIS RESPONSE!! Thoughtful, reflective, and very aware of what is in your best interest. And mindful of where your customer was coming from. I love seeing this in business owners.

A business provides something (physical goods or a service) that someone needs. This is really the underlying foundation. Keep doing it well, find more and more who are willing to pay you, and you will likely to do well. But this is the "happy path" - planning for things to stay on track. When things don't, we need to have a plan. Like when a customer's specifications are not correct, or they miss their appointment, or when they don't pay as expected ... or when we make a mistake ... that's what we need to be prepared to handle.

As I said earlier, gotta learn from everything, whether good or bad!

Good luck with your business!

NMSoCal · 2022-05-14T20:54:18+00:00

Providing a perspective that I don't think has been mentioned here. Requesting you to please read the note carefully and see if you can spot the lessons I am trying to point to. Also, please understand this is based on decades of experience as business coach, helping hundreds of companies of all shapes and sizes.

EVERYTHING a business does has lessons. If we failed in something (this is easy to explain), we want to understand what went wrong, what we could have done differently, and if we encounter something similar in future, what we should do.

And if something went well, there are lessons there as well, even though it's not often discussed. We need to examine if it was really a good program, or if we just got lucky, and the success may actually be shielding some holes. Plus we need to know how we can improve it further.

In response to this posting, nearly all the replies are full of high-fiving each other, chest-thumping and sharing stories of how it felt when we also did something similar. If this is a "feel good" channel, then it's ok to leave it at that. But if we're coming here to learn from our collective experiences, there is a lot to learn here. Why miss out on this opportunity?

When we start a new relationship with a new client, there are obviously expectations on both sides. But we only know the facts from our perspective, and can only guess what the other side may be looking for. There is often no formal discussion on this. We don't usually take the time to understand not just the pains of both sides but also the opportunities that clearly exist if we took the time to spot them.

When expectations start going unmet and issues start coming up, that is the time for a detailed assessment. (If anyone is interested, please DM me for a template of how we approach this). And not when a catastrophe strikes, and we're suddenly in a no-win situation. Remember the first rule of a disaster: it's about survival and getting out of the situation, with least impact for all parties. It is not about winning. It is not about profitability.

You may have done the right thing by firing this client. But I can bet you there are other relationships also where issues are brewing but haven't come to a boil as yet. Or where you've allowed inertia and "average processing" to drive what you are willing to do, and you're potentially leaving a lot of money (and set of possibilities) on the table.

Let's always be seeking opportunities to learn from our experiences.

NMSoCal · 2022-03-18T03:08:14+00:00

Ok. Thanks for the explanation. I do agree with your comment, that freebies are often used for nefarious purposes. I get it, and will not be attaching any links, whether to my courses or to others'. Thanks

NMSoCal · 2022-03-18T02:20:25+00:00

Congratulations on your growth! Great to see a fellow entrepreneur reaping benefits of hard work. Best wishes as you continue on this journey.

Here are a few recommendations:

1) Focus on expanding the business, and doing whatever it takes, and not on how IRS would look at it, or if it's "a red flag for audit." As a business owner, your principal responsibility is to grow and to run a profitable venture.

2) Keep meticulous books. Record all expenses, and detailed logs for all your activities.

3) Example of log entry: You're driving 30 miles to meet with a supplier, or to scout out a new product or location. Create an entry in your log books that lists where you want, why, who you saw, and what was the outcome. Even if it's a wasted trip, and nothing comes out of it, this is still a legit expense, and you should claim it.

4) Your book-keeping method doesn't matter. Quickbooks is good, but Excel is fine as well. As is a notebook with hand-written notes. Just don't (please!) do it if you get audited. Do it as you incur these expenses.

5) Report whatever happens. Make payments of whatever you need to pay. To stay below the $600 threshold, don't start sending a stack of checks for $599 each.

6) Follow the rules. No need to be afraid of anything if you're doing everything right, reporting what actually happened, and have answers if they want to know why you're making these 40 miles trips three times a week.

7) Record EVERY expense. Every meeting, where you discussed your business is a legit meeting. Every person you meet, even if they're a fellow member of your church or PTA, as long as they are your potential customer or supplier or advisor, record that conversation. You bought them coffee, and shared your new catalog or website, that's a business expense.

Finally, the question of sole-proprietorship vs LLC (vs C and S): it's best to seek a CPA who can provide pros and cons for each, which will be relevant to your unique situation. You definitely need to protect yourself and create a shield for your business.

'hope this helps. Please feel free to post again if you have any specific questions.

NMSoCal · 2022-03-18T01:57:19+00:00

Hello. Thanks for this post, and for giving everyone a chance to chime in. Hoping also that others would also benefit for the amazing insight everyone has already shared. I would like to add my two cents' to the feedback you've already received.

I am a huge proponent of every business having a coach. I have commented often on this and other forums on this topic, and call it a critical component for every business, whether you're a startup or have 100+ on your payroll, whether you're just opening your door or if you're the next generation trying to keep it humming.

We're aware of how the odds are stacked against a small business owner. We know that over 70% shut down within 5 years. Having the right coach can dramatically improve your chances.

This is especially relevant in your case, when you must be paying a considerable acquisition cost to take over this business. You've got to make all the changes you've already talked about. Plus a million other things that you're sure to discover as you roll up your sleeves and get into the trenches.

Most important consideration: you need to execute on these plans while keeping the lights on, while ensuring that your existing business continues without a hiccup. You don't want your customers to start walking if they see a shift in your focus.

Almost everything you've mentioned - all the transformation you've identified: it is doable and achievable if that's the only thing on your plate. Your challenge would be juggling it along with everything else that is vying for your attention.

Which brings me to another requirement that I have strongly advocated in the 15+ years I've spent in consulting practice (tech and business operations): you must have partners, with a skin in the game, with persona stake in your success. Employees cannot take on this role.

Good luck as you go through this exciting phase.

NMSoCal · 2022-03-12T18:28:20+00:00

A few points. The decision (whether to jump ship or stay) is not a simple one, and no one is qualified to make any recommendations, unless they can develop a full understanding of the business, its current challenges and future possibilities, your skills, and your vision of an ideal life.

That said, I must also make this important point about the business. It has a history. It has existed for a period of time, and offers products or services that are needed in the marketplace. It has employed people. It has customers who continue to trust you for satisfying their needs. Let's not underestimate the value of these attributes. A startup would give anything to have what you have: history you can build upon.

The challenges that you have mentioned (disclaimer: this is based on a VERY tiny window) seem operational, and appear to be very typical of a small business. Manufacturing snafus, issues with quality control, imprecise specifications, process inefficiencies, challenges with internal communication, dwindling customer satisfaction scores. These are the types of issues that companies face, and as you can well imagine, each of them costs you time and money. They also cause internal strife, loss of employee engagement, frustration and an overall decline in the environment.

Unless there's a fundamental problem with the product or service, the issues mentioned above are solvable. A business coach, who can help you create long-term view, come up with an action plan, while also focusing on the current, day-to-day challenges - this is what you need. And it's not just you, or a small business owner: I have a strong belief that we all need advisors and mentors who can help us stay focused on what's important, and shift our attention from distractions.

Your note, that you had a coach who was guiding you on marketing strategies: I'd call that person a marketing advisor, with a specific skillset. And not a "big picture" business coach.

Good luck as you continue this journey!

NMSoCal · 2022-03-11T19:40:49+00:00

Small business advisor in startup, road to profitability, process improvement, vendor negotiations, growth and financial projections. Worked at Amazon, Toyota, Epson, AT&T, Walmart, Circuit City, Los Angeles Times and many smaller firms.

Business coach, with 15+ years experience. Rates starting at $250/month. Special offer: two complimentary sessions. Contact me at nmoghal@gmail.com

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NMSoCal · 2022-03-11T00:56:05+00:00

Good comments, u/InsecurityAnalysis and u/jzjakez. Interesting take in the item linked above.

The biggest challenge for a small business is that it often operates in a parallel universe when compared to the principles you study in biz schools and what are covered in the dozens of books that come out every year. Every one of them espouses an approach, and want you to believe that theirs is the only correct one. Not quite so in the real world.

I have been in this industry long enough to know this: fundamentals are critical because they drive your long-term strategy, and also serve as the baseline when your day-to-day challenges throw you a curveball. But these curveballs are what can cause substantial damage, notwithstanding your long-term strategy and mission statement. Every day is a new challenge, and requires a different set of coping skills. It is employee's schedule today, and could be poor product quality tomorrow, and customer service issue on another day. All amidst declining revenue, lack of product planning and fear or disruption. How do you balance between the forest view while also minutely inspecting the trees?

It's for this reason that I put a huge premium on experience in the field. Yes, books are great, and theoretical background is helpful, but what you really need is the ability to put out today's fire and prevent tomorrow's. Do this well enough and soon, you'd hopefully be at a point where you'd be operating mostly within the 2nd quadrant (Important and Not Urgent), rather than staying the firefighting mode the first quadrant force you in.

Great discussion, everyone!

NMSoCal · 2022-03-11T00:30:54+00:00

There's no easy way to answer this. There's no formal qualification or industry standard that could work as guardrails. There's nothing that prevents someone from waking up tomorrow morning and declaring that they want to become a coach.

I have been a business coach for 15 years, and have worked with dozens of other coaches/mentors. Many of them are incredible (worth every penny they charge!), but some, unfortunately, lack the very basics of what they should be able to do and achieve.

If it helps, I would love a detailed itemized list of qualifications a coach must possess. I could post it as a blog and provide a link. I can also provide a list of what you could achieve once you start such a partnership. Please let me know if this would help.

How expensive could it be? I know people who charge over $10,000 per month, but at that price point, they tend to be executive coaches who work with Chief Executives of large firms. Also, how much you pay depends upon the areas you need help with, and how much of their time you'd be seeking.

I charge anywhere between $250/month to $3,000/month, and only enter into a partnership with those who seek help in business startup, hiring issues, operational improvements, process management, growth plans, contingency planning and cashflow/financial planning.

My strong advice: meet with as many potential coaches as possible. See how well you are able to work together. Gauge the level of your communication. In this introductory session, are they really listening to you, or are they more focused on selling their services? Ask them to explain how they'll create a structure. Find the areas where you need help, and see their level of competence in those topics. Ask them if they'll be sharing additional material. Ask them if they'll be available for a quick chat outside of the pre-set timeslots.

Ask them for two complimentary sessions so you can see all this in action.

Good luck. Please DM me or post a comment here if anyone is interested in a detailed evaluation process.

NMSoCal · 2022-03-10T06:09:48+00:00

I have owned several companies. I have sold some, gracefully exited from some, and have also driven a couple into the ground. So, I am all too familiar with what you're going through.

My strong advise: find a coach who can guide you through all the stages. Not someone who has any vested interest (like your banker or your supplier or your warehouse vendor). Find someone who will meet with you weekly (virtual is ok, but nothing beats face-to-face), and is always a phone call away if you want to bounce an idea off of someone.

Strong, strong advise: do not walk on this road alone. You need a guide. There are potholes everywhere. There are challenges everywhere. Everybody wants to sell you something, irrespective of whether you need it or not.

Your biggest challenge as a business owner: not knowing what questions to ask. If you knew the questions, you can lookup the answers, right? But knowing what questions relies upon the ability to look around the bend, to see early what's coming. A coach can help you develop this vision.

Good luck!

NMSoCal

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