A Story of Sacrifice by Small Businesses

Owning your own business is much like being the umpire calling balls and strikes while you are also on the mound pitching.  Those of you that own a business know this is not the case.  As a matter of fact, owning your own business is actually like playing every position on the field, but instead of 3 umpires managing the game, you have an umpire for each person on the field who is demanding perfection from you while thee stadium is packed of potential clients while your competition is hidden within.

Sure, it’s exciting when you achieve success.  We all love the stories about the business idea that turned into a household name.  The facts are that 20% of small businesses fail in their first year, 30% of small business fail in their second year, and 50% of small businesses fail after five years in business.  Finally, 70% of small business owners fail in their 10^th year in business.  However, many people are quick to look at the mega billionaires like Mark Cuban, the Jeff Bezos and the late Sam Walton with disdain we often forget the sacrifices they made before their success.  We fail to understand that owning a small business demands sacrificing.

Today, small businesses have the same struggles as they always have had.  They are faced with taking risk just to make payroll.  They have to decide what to invest to keep their business growing or even in severe cases, operational.  They are tasked with writing off owed revenue at times or foregoing their own salaries to have the ability to pay an employee.  In most cases, the first 10 years is not glamorous at all.  As the owner of DeliveryMaxx, I can remember a time that my son brought home a baseball teammate of his to watch the World Series at our house.  I was sitting at the dining room table working on a project, and he asked me what channel the game was on.  He couldn’t find it.  With embarrassment, I told him I had to cut off cable to save money.  Being wise beyond his years, he didn’t miss a beat and told his friend they would have to listen to the game on the radio instead.

Recently, the government passed a 2.2 Trillion Dollar Stimulus package that was touted at helping small businesses make payroll.  Over 1.8 Trillion Dollars was used on anything but helping small businesses.  Most of the money went to the public arts, congress, displaced refuges, colleges with billion dollar endowments and other entities chosen by our elected officials.  The 389 Billion that was left over was quickly swallowed up by big businesses and those with personal relationships with their banks.  Mega banks like Wells Fargo, Chase and others squeezed out the small businesses making them fend for themselves during this overhyped media driven politically backed scare of a seasonal virus.

Shelly Luther, Owner of Salon A La Mode & James Schaefer, Founder of DeliveryMaxx
spend some time speaking at an Open Texas Rally in Frisco, Texas.

Shelley Luther, owner of Salon A La Mode defied unconstitutional orders by local County Judge Clay Jenkins who is using his position of power to eye a run for Governor and opened up her salon even though the order said she was not allowed.  She stated that it didn’t make sense that the dog groomer next to her was allowed to work while she had to keep her doors closed despite still having to pay rent for her building.  She was one of the many businesses like DeliveryMaxx that had not received the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) for 6 weeks and her hair stylist as well as herself still had mounting bills to pay just to put food on their table for their kids.

As many State and Federal Prisons are releasing criminals like rapist, politicians like Harris County Sherriff Lina Hidalgo are wanting to throw business owners in Jail.  Dallas County Judge Eric Moye ruled against Shelley Luther for both criminal and civil contempt.  The same judge who is known for pulling a gun on a women while driving on the Dallas Tollway, accused of physical assault in 2009 and accused of being biased and not being able to properly preside over a controversial lawsuit in 2018 took the opportunity to grandstand in front of the world telling the mother and small business owner she was being selfish in her decision to open her salon early so she could feed her children.  Moye handed down a $7,000 fine and 7 days in jail.  He baited her with release if she would publicly tell everyone she is wrong to defy the unlawful orders and she answered him with, “I have to disagree with you, sir, when you say that I am selfish because feeding my kids is not selfish. I have hair stylists that are going hungry because they'd rather feed their kids. So sir, if you think the law is more important than kids being fed, then please go ahead with your decision. But I'm not going to shut the salon (down).”

Shelley Luther and millions of other small businesses provide income for over 60% of the United States Labor Force.  Over the last month, the unemployment rate is nearing 23% which is just below the 24.9% unemployment rate of 24.9% during The Great Depression which brought us higher crime rate, mass migrations, increased suicide rates, malnutrition, alcoholism and drug abuse, marital dissolution, child abuse and put higher education out of reach for most Americans.

The small business has been asked to pay the ultimate sacrifice over the last 7 weeks.  In addition to having to battle against a recession every decade; they are now faced with the likelihood of keeping their business open fighting The 2^nd Great Depression.  It will be imperative for them to adapt and embrace technology as the government has scared people into not even wanting to look at another person in the eyes.  Therefore, business owners will need to make sure their business is able to reach, communicate and provide goods and services using today’s technology.  This includes marketing, advertising, e-commerce and informing your customers and potential customers in the digital arena.  Using technology will allow leaders to build a strong following.

Digital Advertising is less expensive than traditional advertisement, but it has to be done right.  Every site has to be optimized and a complete understanding of each platform’s audience must be known.  There has to be a balance of daily post with branding and testimonies from clients.  There also has to be informational blogs and educational videos that show you are an expert in your field.  DeliveryMaxx makes this happen on a consistent basis meeting all of your needs in the digital world giving you a stronger reach on the internet allowing you to focus on what you do the best.

DeliveryMaxx has been the leader in this arena over the last decade and continues to help businesses in all sectors reach their potential customers through the most innovative digital strategy utilizing common sense and today’s technology.  Our clients experience positive Online Reputation, stronger SEO, concise content management, increase in social media engagement and advertisement and higher customer retention.  We are able to customize and create a strategy for any entity that is trying to gain more exposure on the web.  With clients in multiple industries and across the country such as Automotive Dealerships, Real-Estate Brokers & Agents, Churches, Service Industry, Sports Teams, Non-Profit Organizations and more; we utilize our Patent-Pending Program to develop a digital strategy that will meet the needs of sales, service and messaging to the masses.

DeliveryMaxx is one of the only digital media company that provides a simple to use app which will allow our clients immediately collect online reviews, post engaging videos and online content with branding and advertising.  The program is embedded with digital code helping increase SEO which provides first page results on the Search Engines.  It is a tool that is implanted with a complete digital strategy giving our clients a competitive advantage over the competition.  For more information about DeliveryMaxx contact (888) 938-6299 or watch the DeliveryMaxx Introduction Video!

Does Your Message Make Sense?

It is important for Business Owners to make sound decisions to lead their companies through these uncharted territories.  They must have a plan and be willing to adapt as necessary.  In past blogs, DeliveryMaxx has shared helpful information of preparing your company for the “New Normal” by investing in PPE Medical Supplies and given helpful steps into embracing digital technology to promote, market and advertise your business.  Most important, business owners should lead by example in order to take their business to the next level.

Today’s media-hyped pandemic is a perfect illustration of how NOT to run a business if you want to be successful.  If anyone will ask a few questions when they see information and seek the truth; they would instantly rebel from this insanity.

Chicago’s Mayor Lori Lightfoot is quick to threaten fines and jail time for anyone posting dissent on social media.  The local politicians defended a haircut saying, “I’m the public face of this city. I’m on national media and I’m out in the public eye. “I’m a person who, I take my personal hygiene very seriously. As I said, I felt like I needed to have a haircut,” she added. “I’m not able to do that myself, so I got a haircut. You want to talk more about that” while banning salons and barbershops from conducting business to put food on their tables. Watch Her Video Now

Michigan’s Governor Gretchen Whitmer has been another politician trying to make a name for herself during this time of chaos.  She expanded executive order banning the sale of nonessential goods, including clothing, gardening seeds, and car seats on Friday.  She also outlawed visits to other residences, including visits to a vacation home or a neighbor's house, because of the coronavirus pandemic.  Of course, Big Box, Liquor, and stores selling Lotto Tickets are exempt from her order.  Then as opponents of her views spoke up, she labeled them racist and said they displayed massive signs of hate symbols such as the confederate flag, swastikas and nooses.  Read Her Order Here

 For business owners, using social media can be powerful.  DeliveryMaxx has been the leader in this arena over the last decade and continues to help businesses in all sectors reach their potential customers through the most innovative digital strategy utilizing common sense and today’s technology.  Our clients experience positive Online Reputation, stronger SEO, concise content management, increase in social media engagement and advertisement and higher customer retention.  We are able to customize and create a strategy for any entity that is trying to gain more exposure on the web.  With clients in multiple industries and across the country such as Automotive Dealerships, Real-Estate Brokers & Agents, Churches, Service Industry, Sports Teams, Non-Profit Organizations and more; we utilize our Patent-Pending Program to develop a digital strategy that will meet the needs of sales, service and messaging to the masses.

However, it is important for Business Owners and Leaders to make sure their message makes sense.  A perfect example of mixed or hypocritical messages is what is going on right now in our country.  Here are some questions that everyone should be asking during the economic shutdown due to the Seasonal Coronavirus.  We can learn what not to do when making decisions for the future of our businesses.

·         Why can you go to Walmart but not Kohl's?

·         Why the Dollar store and not a mom-and-pop shop?

·         Why can't you have an elective surgery, but you can have an abortion which is elective?

·         Why should you stay inside but yet heat and sunlight kill the virus?

·         Why can't kids (who are not at risk) play on an outdoor playground, where sun kills this virus?

·         Why don't people know that these are "recommendations" not laws because they have not gone through due process?

·         Why is it okay for government officials to get a haircut, but not common citizens?

·         Why the fear, when this virus has a less than 1% confirmed mortality rate?

·         Why have coroners questioned death certificates listed as CV-19?

·         Why are areas like Chicago and NY gearing up for mass vaccination?

·         What makes one person essential and another not?

·         Doesn't shelter at home; mean there is a whole population of people, not staying home so we can?

·         Why are they dividing us?

·         Where has the flu gone?

·         Why do the homeless consistently demonstrate the lowest infection rates?

·         Why are they telling us to mask up after 2 months of lockdown?

·         Why is the CDC saying kids need to be masked when they return to school or attend church, when they know cloth masks restrict oxygen?

·         What is this oppression and loss of liberty doing to the mental health of our kids...to us?

·         Why have most other death rates dropped since the virus?

·         Why hospitals are paid more for COVID-19 deaths?

·         Why are some doctors speaking out and then getting silenced?

·         Why can 500 people shop at Menards or Home Depot, but we are not allowed to go into a church building?

Again, businesses must have a clear and precise message.  Utilize our government’s handling of these times as an example of what not to do to assure yourself of sharing your information in the future.

DeliveryMaxx is one of the only digital media company that provides a simple to use app which will allow our clients immediately collect online reviews, post engaging videos and online content with branding and advertising.  The program is embedded with digital code helping increase SEO which provides first page results on the Search Engines.  It is a tool that is implanted with a complete digital strategy giving our clients a competitive advantage over the competition.  For more information about DeliveryMaxx contact (888) 938-6299 or watch the DeliveryMaxx Introduction Video!

Some People are meant to follow and others are meant to Lead

Over the last 6 weeks a lot has been learned by our country’s citizens and leaders.  The stage was set early on with a group of government leaders who used a flawed graph that stated 2.2 million people would die based on 100% of the population contracting a seasonal virus whose symptoms are not much different than the flu.  As a matter of fact, the CDC just came out with another revised statement saying there were a lot less deaths directly related to COVID-19 than had been reported and showed the vast majority of those who might have a slight chance of dying were elderly or had an underlying health condition.  Many of the leaders used scare tactics and incorporated them into their political playbook to gain power while others followed the initial flamboyant voices and made their decision based on popular public emotion.

Much like in 1938 when only 13% of the German population agreed with the Nazi Party, the other 87% remained silent and let these power hungry leaders take control using fear.  Over 6 million Jews would meet their ghastly fate as the world stood by and watched.  Today, the majority of Americans have hid inside their houses allowing the government to destroy over 30 million lives since the middle of March sending the unemployment rate to its highest since the Great Depression of 1929.  The 87% of Germans who remained silent based on fear of perceived popular opinion may not have pulled the trigger or released the gas, but they were still complicit as they allowed Hitler and his party to lead the country to destruction.  A widespread defense in modern day about if the hype around the Coronavirus being a hoax is that the information by mainstream media, CDC, WHO, our Local Politicians and those that worked on the frontlines was false.  However, there were a minority that kept asking questions, even being ridiculed by their peers, and utilizing research to show the numbers never and would never add up.  They were ostracized for using logic and accused of being insensitive about those that might die.  This was even after they pointed out that there was never a plan to prevent mortality due to the virus, but only to allow hospitals to prepare for an uptick in those that might become sick.  The narrative has now changed to the prevention of all death from the coronavirus, which sounds just as farfetched as writing this sentence.  One thing is for certain, we will all die from something.  Those that are scared of this virus should be scared of pneumonia, flu, heart disease, cancer, common cold and even driving their vehicle.  Those deaths have claimed millions more than COVID-19 over the years.  Because of fear, our country is now on the brink of The 2^nd Great Depression and will suffer at a greater rate than the initial deaths we were trying to prevent in the first place.

A leader leads.  A follower follows.  The difference between a leader and a follower is the willingness to be wrong.  When you're a follower, you ask the leader what to do.  There's nothing wrong with being a follower--the world needs them as much as leaders.  However, if you are a follower—be sure you know who you are following!

History has given us great leaders and leaders who took their followers down a path of destruction.  George Washington and Abraham Lincoln are considered great leaders while Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, Benito Mussolini and Saddam Hussein have been etched in the annals of the past as an example of leadership by fear that has failed its people.

The best leaders have emotional intelligence; they may feel things deeply but they're emotionally strong and stay in charge of their feelings. Followers are more reactive with their emotions, while leaders are more responsive.  Successful leaders have strong convictions and are bold in their beliefs, while followers are less committed to ideals. Followers get out of the storm while leaders stand strong against it.   Leaders may be headstrong and determined, but they also know when to be flexible and agile. Followers are more inclined to stay on the set course come what may.  By nature, followers are more cautious than bold. Leaders combine big dreams and action; they leap into situations where both the payoff and the risk are substantial. Followers watch and take notes; they move more slowly.  Leaders tend to be decisive, opinionated and self-assured. Followers are more likely to see limits in their abilities and put more faith in the judgments of others.  Leaders like to have a definitive plan and a blueprint for getting results--a bridge between goals and accomplishment. Followers like to have clear instructions that allow them to focus more on their individual corner of big picture.  Leaders are almost always characterized by a clear vision for the future and sharing that vision with others. Followers either focus on the moment or sign on to a leader's vision.

Business leaders can use the current chaos to help them make decision as they try to survive, rebuild and ultimately thrive in this chaotic economic landscape.  Leaders will need to make sure their business is able to reach, communicate and provide goods and services using today’s technology.  This includes marketing, advertising, e-commerce and informing your customers and potential customers in the digital arena.  Using technology will allow leaders to build a strong following.

Digital Advertising is less expensive than traditional advertisement, but it has to be done right.  Every site has to be optimized and a complete understanding of each platform’s audience must be known.  There has to be a balance of daily post with branding and testimonies from clients.  There also has to be informational blogs and educational videos that show you are an expert in your field.  

DeliveryMaxx makes this happen on a consistent basis meeting all of your needs in the digital world giving you a stronger reach on the internet allowing you to focus on what you do the best.

DeliveryMaxx has been the leader in this arena over the last decade and continues to help businesses in all sectors reach their potential customers through the most innovative digital strategy utilizing common sense and today’s technology.  Our clients experience positive Online Reputation, stronger SEO, concise content management, increase in social media engagement and advertisement and higher customer retention.  We are able to customize and create a strategy for any entity that is trying to gain more exposure on the web.  With clients in multiple industries and across the country such as Automotive Dealerships, Real-Estate Brokers & Agents, Churches, Service Industry, Sports Teams, Non-Profit Organizations and more; we utilize our Patent-Pending Program to develop a digital strategy that will meet the needs of sales, service and messaging to the masses.

DeliveryMaxx is one of the only digital media company that provides a simple to use app which will allow our clients immediately collect online reviews, post engaging videos and online content with branding and advertising.  The program is embedded with digital code helping increase SEO which provides first page results on the Search Engines.  It is a tool that is implanted with a complete digital strategy giving our clients a competitive advantage over the competition.  For more information about DeliveryMaxx contact (888) 938-6299 or watch the DeliveryMaxx Introduction Video!

Overcoming Chaotic Times with an Unstoppable Business Strategy

During the Battle of Bunker Hill, Revolutionary Major General Putnam issued a common command, “Do not fire till you see the whites of their eyes!”  As the advancing Redcoats who represented King George and his over taxation of our 13 Colonies found out that Americans would only take so much before they would revolt.  Despite losing this battle, the colonial forces inflicted significant casualties against the tyrants providing them with an important boost of confidence during the Siege of Boston ultimately paving the way for the United States as we have known it for the last 244 years.

Business owners are a lot like the Founding Fathers and our Revolutionary Soldiers who bravely fought for freedom.  The Founding Fathers built a frame of government for the new United States of America upon republican principles during the latter decades of the 18th century. The group came from a variety of social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds as well as occupations, some with no prior political experience.  They had a dream and despite being under funded, no major experience running a country, not compliant with mainstream ideals; they paved the way for the United States to become a World Super Power for over two centuries.

Business owners are in the same boat today.  They have taken risk often leveraging all of their savings to provide a product or service to customers.  Entrepreneurs provide jobs and allow others to make a living to provide for their family.  Small Business Owners provide the majority of jobs in America today.

Despite obstacles; they continue to fight the good fight and keep the economy going.  They endure Recessions every decade and overcame The Great Depression in 1929.  Because of government regulations over an overhyped seasonal virus, the United States is facing The 2^nd Great Depression today.  However, Business Owners will find a way to survive, rebuild and thrive and hopefully the American citizens will rally around them.

Key points to assure your business the best opportunity to overcome obstacles that may prevent you from fulfilling your mission:

·         Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This is looking like it will be a new normal as we go into grocery stores and other places of business.  While some may think this is over reacting, many of your clients or consumers have been frightened by the information they have received.  Therefore, we suggest looking at companies like Apache Commodities and invest in making sure your place of business makes your employees and customers feel safe.

·         Daily Post. There must be a method behind your post.  Are the post engaging to customers?  Do they create an emotion that can create a call to action?  If you are paying a company to put the same post on your sites as every other one of their clients sites than you are not understanding how daily post work.  In addition, you should be putting daily post on all of your social media sites to make sure you are optimizing the opportunity to reach additional customers. 

·         Blogs. These are written pieces that have the ability to educate the consumer with facts and supporting documents.  Great stories on how the product or service is being used can validate these assertions.  It is also important to insert current events into these blogs.  Letting the public know that you know what is going on in the world is important.  Each blog should include backlinks, mentions and citations to your website and place of business.  They should be original.

·         Online Reviews. Many companies talk about getting a “lot of stars”, but reviews are so much more than that.  The goal is to have customers mention the product/service, why they visited your business and who specifically helped them.  Have you ever notices negative reviews state all of these things, but positive reviews might be a one word or one sentence on why they are happy?  Businesses should make it available and easy for their happy customers to be able to share their complete experience with the world on multiple platforms.  Video Testimonies should also be part of every businesses digital media strategy.  If we can see a customer truly happy, then it is more believable.  If you are a business that still pays for “Fake Reviews” customers can see through this.  Number one, those reviews are not being looked at by the average customer and number two, if you are spending that much time on “Fake Reviews” your business will never achieve maximum profitability.  Recently, Google and Yelp shutdown the ability for your customers to give reviews.  However, they have opened back up.  The most important thing for you to remember is this New Normal will be New to everyone.  Therefore it is inevitable that your company will have a period of adjustments.  It will be vital for you to respond to each of these reviews, both positive and negative.

·         Video Messaging.  There is nothing better than a candid video that talks about your business or the service you provide.  The most searched videos are “How to Videos”.  Everyone utilizes the internet to find information.  If you want people to search your business, you better have the information they are looking for.  These videos can also be archived on your website for future customers to see and hear what you have to say.  The best Online Review is a Video Testimony.  By doing this, your happy customer is validating what you are advertising.

·         Automated Follow-Up. Customer Retention is easier and less expensive than acquiring new customers.  Your digital strategy should have a consistent approach to letting the customer know you care.  This should also be in a digital format to allow your customer to easily share the information with all of their friends and family if they desire.  A follow-up video can be even stronger as the customer will see and feel your sincerity when viewed.

·         Website Optimization.  When it comes to E-commerce, businesses must understand their website is their digital Brick and Mortal Location.  Their contact information should be very easy to find as well as information on their products or services.  Their site must be optimized, but that means all of their social media sites should drive traffic back to their website.  A business website should also have information that shows why their customers should utilize their business with supporting information.  However, this supporting information should not make it where a customer would leave their site and go to a competitor’s site one button click away.  The New Normal will require businesses to be able to sell and provide their services digitally.  For companies like restaurants, they will need to utilize the website to find additional sources of revenue or streamline their services.  A strong website should not cost you Thousands of Dollars a month.

·         Ability to Adapt. If someone asked me 6 months ago if I expected our country to be turned upside down like it is today, I would have brushed them off.  We have always heard about flying cars and telecommuting, but really thought that these futuristic concepts would enter our world when we are gone.  Whether you are looking at clothing, dining establishments, traveling or delivering goods and services to consumers; there will be a New Normal.  If you do not adjust when creating business plans your business will become archaic and lose market share.  Research and follow the mindset of your consumer.  Look into Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology or companies that can provide automated “no touch” programs.  You might not like it, but it is coming!

·         Network and Collaborate.  Now more than ever it is important to talk with others.  As business owners, we have an opportunity to pave the way for future generations.  Join a networking group.  It’s easy to set one up.  Talk to a few clients and schedule a Zoom or GoTo meeting once a month.  Discuss issues that are affecting your business and listen to their concerns as well.  See if you can help each other.  Do this out of kindness.  The more people you help, the more people will want to help you.

·         Be Understanding but Demand Better.  The politicians don’t have all of the answers.  Their job security is based on one more vote than 50% of the votes cast to remain in office.  The media will not always provide the best answers.  Their job security is based on a great story that will create more views, so they can sell more advertisement. The Medical Community is not always right.  Theories and the interpretation of science always changes.  As technology becomes more advance answers will change.  Remember, George Washington died because his doctor used a leach to suck out poison from his body.  He actually bled to death after being sick.  Science will change.  Realize that there are people who are afraid to leave their house by what they have heard.  They may have a loved one who they think might die if they are around anyone who might be sick.  Nobody wants to have a loved one taken away from them.  Now, just because you are understanding does not mean you have to agree.  Demand the best from others and yourself.

·         Be Transparent.  Telling the public what you think is not bad.  Let them know where you stand and why you feel that way.  If you are provided with valid points, listen and change your message accordingly, but let the public know why.  Let your employees know what is going on.  Americans love success stories and they want you to succeed.  By being honest with them, they will identify with you and be more likely to become a customer for life.

DeliveryMaxx has been the leader in this arena over the last decade and continues to help businesses in all sectors reach their potential customers through the most innovative digital strategy utilizing common sense and today’s technology.  Our clients experience positive Online Reputation, stronger SEO, concise content management, increase in social media engagement and advertisement and higher customer retention.  We are able to customize and create a strategy for any entity that is trying to gain more exposure on the web.  With clients in multiple industries and across the country such as Automotive Dealerships, Real-Estate Brokers & Agents, Churches, Service Industry, Sports Teams, Non-Profit Organizations and more; we utilize our Patent-Pending Program to develop a digital strategy that will meet the needs of sales, service and messaging to the masses.

DeliveryMaxx is one of the only digital media company that provides a simple to use app which will allow to immediately collect online reviews, post engaging videos and online content with branding and advertising.  The program is embedded with digital code helping increase SEO which provides first page results on the Search Engines.  It is a tool that is implanted with a complete digital strategy giving their clients a competitive advantage over the competition.  For more information about DeliveryMaxx contact (888) 938-6299 or watch the DeliveryMaxx Introduction Video!