by Russel Dubree, YES Contributor

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Our YES Community is always sharing great ideas that have really made an impact on them. We always love to hear your passions and often find they are ideas that reinforce the character of the YES Community. Recently, our friend Russel Dubree shared a book with us that really resonated with him, and we think it will with you, too!

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​When was the last time you thanked someone? Not just a courtesy thank you for an everyday small task like refilling your soda or handing you your change from a purchase. I mean really, genuinely thanked someone. You stopped what you were doing, looked the person in the eye and shared very specifically how you have been influenced by something they did. When was the last time you shared a genuine, heartfelt appreciation? Perhaps more importantly, when was the last time you did this for someone who never saw it coming? 
If the last year and a half has taught us anything, it's that nothing can be taken for granted. From nurses to restaurant workers, there are so many people that perform services for us on a daily basis. Not to mention, there are so many people in the chain you never even think about. People, who if they didn't show up that day, you wouldn't have your next meal stocked at your grocery store, the stop lights might not be working on your drive home, and let's face it, you might run out of fuel because no one was able to make the delivery. Every single day we receive the benefit of someone else's hard work. And not just someone, but thousands of someones. 
I recently read a book titled Thanks a Thousand by A.J. Jacobs. It's a quick, thought provoking, and amusing read. In this book, A.J. went on a mission to thank every single person within the supply chain to deliver his morning cup of coffee. His goal was to deliver one thousand thank yous. If you read the book, you'll see that one thousand isn't even close to an accurate number of everyone who could have been thanked. His gratitude journey included the local barista to the water treatment facility workers, all the way back to the farmers that grew the coffee beans.
The two main takeaways from reading this were. 

1. The art of gratitude is similar to the art of noticing. If you take the time to pay attention, you'll truly appreciate the extreme amount of effort it takes to deliver the seemingly smallest of things. 
2. Are happy people grateful or are grateful people happy? The book suggests the latter. If you take the time to be grateful, to notice what you're given each and every day, you won't take anything for granted. Oppositely, one could say, expecting can be a catalyst to unhappiness. 

Personally, in my everyday life, I'm obsessed with seeking out simple actions that have monumental impact. So just imagine, what the world could look like, if we all showed a little more genuine appreciation to those we encounter. Especially those that didn't expect it. 
So with that I say, "Thank You," to you. It matters a great deal to me if this passage might give some inspiration to others and I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to read this. 

by Janette Merritt, YES contributor and longtime member of the YES community

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This summer, Kelly had the opportunity to be a member of the Goldman Sachs 10k Small Businesses Cohort 20. Listening to her fellow brilliant and successful owners and colleagues provided a lot of insight and wisdom.

One thing that was clear was that as IPOs proliferate in the public markets, institutional money is actively looking for opportunities. With that in mind, we invited our YES colleague and dear friend, Janette Merritt, Vice President - ABL & Factoring, Goodman Capital Finance, to share her perspective after decades of experience working with business owners.

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​When it comes to business finance, venture capital grabs most of the headlines. The right VC partner can add a lot of value – to the ‘right’ company, in the ‘right’ situation.

To be clear, every situation that involves venture capital, involves loss of equity. Every situation. It is certain: This trade of equity for capital may not always be in the best interest of the business. Loss of equity is not just about loss of payout down the line. Loss of equity is also about giving up strategic and operational control – most of the time. The PRICE of venture capital can be pretty high for a business when consideration is given to ALL of what is being given up.

It’s really important that entrepreneurs and business owners understand the true cost benefit ratio of selling equity to venture capital firms. Particularly when so many businesses are just experiencing the pain of growth or downturns, and it’s really all about Cash Flow.

There are options!

Working capital is what most businesses really need – from start-ups to family enterprises. Working capital provides the cash flow needed to keep the operation going and helps a business get ahead. Alternative funding through revenue financing, invoice factoring, asset-based lending, even debt funding is typically between 1-5%. Compared to a company giving up equity, that’s a heck of a deal!

Additionally, alternative funding increases a business’s available funds without piling on more debt. With the right alternative financing company and partner, a business will also enhance debtor and vendor relationships. PLUS – unlike venture capital, the finance firm also provides administrative support, a path to better credit, and a good amount of flexibility with their funding solutions. Win, win…win!

Giving up equity should not be a company’s first ‘go-to.’ Venture capital is right for some, but it’s not right for most – particularly when there are so many less expensive alternatives out here. Alternatives that allow business owners to stay in control of their business AND keep their equity.

If you'd like to discuss these alternatives, let's talk.

by Janie Stubblefield, YES Speaker and Contributor

Here is a blog YES Speaker, Janie Stubblefield, MA, LPC-S, RPT-S, wrote at the beginning of the year. The YES team felt the concept of taking control and moving forward was so encouraging, we wanted to share it with you!

Let’s face it, we are all glad to put the year 2020 behind us. Although we entered 2020 with high hopes – using phrases like “2020 vision” – the year became an unprecedented year of unpredictability and uncertainty.

COVID-19 caused an abrupt halt to life as we knew it. Businesses were closed, people lost their job, schools went virtual, and thousands of people died – what’s worse, they died alone.
Then the unrest of social injustice flooded the streets. More businesses were closed, more people lost their jobs, and more people lost their lives.

There is so much that could be written about 2020, but the focus here is moving forward.

Someone once said, “Five years from now you will be exactly the same except for the books you read, the places you visit, and the people you meet.” This is your time to set a plan for thing you want to bring into your life in 2021.
           
The pandemic is not over. Our world has not yet returned to “normal”. People are still without work and looking for hope. Social injustices are still visible everywhere. We’ve all adjusted to the online virtual world we live in now, and we are managing. However, stop for a moment and look at what is inside your circle of control and make a list – let’s call it a 21 for ’21 list. Think about the things you like, or even challenge yourself with things like:

• Learn 21 new recipes.
• Learn 21 new words (make it challenging, think SAT).
• Write 21 long-hand letters to friends (won’t they be surprised).
• Try 21 “other” flavors of ice cream.
• Find 21 inspirational quotes.
• Take 21 memorable pictures.
• Call 21 old friends to reconnect.
• Learn 21 sign language signs.
• List 21 positive affirmations to tell yourself (and begin telling yourself).
• Give away 21 items from your closet.
• Color 21 mandalas
• Put together 21 puzzles.
• Paint 21 paint-by-number pictures (unless you’re gifted and can create your own).
• Send 21 bouquets of flowers to loved ones throughout the year.
• Go on 21 hikes in nature.
• Send cards to 21 people in nursing homes/rehab centers/homeless shelters.
• Buy 21 cups of coffee for strangers.
• Listen to 21 TEDtalks.
• Give 21 bags of food to animal shelters.
• Contribute 21 hours of time to a charity.
• Do 21 random acts of kindness.
• Or, take 1 item from each list to create a random list of 21 for ’21.

           
You get the idea. But, don’t make it just another checklist of chores or “to-do” items. Look for inspiration and ways to add depth and meaning to your life NOW. The opportunities are only limited by our imaginations. I hope you will take the time to make your list now, and by doing so you will look at 2021 as a year of possibilities.

• What’s possible, now that I work from home?
• What’s possible, now that my kids are doing school online?
• What’s possible, now…..(you can fill-in what has changed for you).
• The year ahead is filled with possibilities.

Why 21? Why not? It’s just a number to get you started. A way to begin.

You may find that 21 is not enough of some things, or that 21 is a real stretch for other things. It’s okay. Don’t let the 21 become the focus. Keep the things the focus and enjoy the new “whatever” that you are adding to your life.