Tips for Working in a Family Business (When you're not Family)

It can be challenging coming into a family business as a new employee. Alex Bouri has worked as part of his family's business Seament for most of his life. During that time he has seen the dynamics of a growing family business and how they affected the role of new, non-family employees. Here are Alex Bouri's tips for succeeding in a family business—when you're not family:

• Take the time to understand the company culture – Every family-owned business tends to have a strong company culture all its own. As the business is closely tied to the family, some of their personality will color every part of the company culture. This can give a family business a much stronger sense of cohesion than other businesses, but it can also be harder for an outsider to get into. As a new employee, it's important to put in the time and effort to understand the company culture. By starting to share in that culture, you will, in effect, make yourself part of the family. You'll not only fit in better, you'll also find it easier to communicate with others in the business and to have your views and ideas heard. You'll also be able to understand the reasons that things work the way they do.

• Don't take part in family disputes – Ideally, family members employed in a business together draw a careful line between work issues and family disputes, but this isn't always the case. There may be complicated politics between different family members or others may simply not get along, and it can spill over into the workplace. It's important to respect and understand these differences without getting drawn into them. You are not part of the family and their disputes, if any, are not part of your job description. Plus, it's impossible to get involved in a family dispute without taking sides, which is dangerous for your career. Politely keep quiet when family members disagree with each other unless the dispute is specific to your job or role and your opinion is requested – and even then, keep your response professional.

• Let your work ethic speak for itself – It can be hard for a newcomer to find their place in a family business. Be aware, however, that to the family members who run the business, the business is everything—not just their job but the future of their children. That means they will respect and appreciate those employees who show a strong work ethic and competence. If you feel a little bit like an outsider at first, work hard and know that your efforts will not go unrecognized.

What else would you do to succeed at a family business?

Spring Cleaning your Business

When March and April roll around, a lot of people start getting rid of those dust bunnies, taking clothes to the donation center, and letting in the fresh air. Have you ever considered doing the same with your business? Every aspect of your life can use a little refresher every now and then, and your business is no exception. Now's a good time to apply that renewed energy to your biggest asset.

You could start by de-cluttering. Switch from paper files to technology and begin scanning things into the system. Look for a cloud-based storage solution to ensure that all your files are backed-up. Then, get rid of those filing cabinets. The more open and airy your office feels, the more clear-headed you'll be when you go to tackle a task.

Meanwhile, start updating your business's technological wardrobe. Is all your technology up-to-date? Maybe it's time to get some new cash registers, get faster computer software, or find a more organized communication tool for everyone to use. You could even benefit from replacing that old, leaky fridge. New things make everyone feel better and give the physical feeling of a fresh start, which is great for your attitude.

Start organizing your customers and your leads for some more de-cluttering. Even large-scale entrepreneurs like Alexander Bouri have to prioritize their customers every once in a while, and when you can delineate your higher-spenders and ready-and-willing from those who aren't so interested, you can then begin to get back in touch with them. Send them an e-mail or give them a phone call to see if there's anything you can do for them as a great business refresher.

Now might also be a good time to think about re-branding. Even if it's a slight simplification of your logo, a new slogan, or a new pricing model, doing something new not only makes you feel like you have a new start, it makes your customers re-evaluate how they see you as a brand.

Remember, spring cleaning isn't just for your house or your wardrobe. Refreshing your appearance, your car, your computer, or even something as large as your business can be beneficial.

Public Speaking Can Make Your Business a Success

Many business owners aren’t aware of the importance of successful public speaking.  The art of public speaking is a fantastic way to help grow your business and shine awareness on your company’s ideas and messages. Alex F. Bouri, founding father of the highly successful cement holding company, Seament, agrees that public speaking is an effective marketing strategy for any business. The below tips will help anyone improve their public speaking skills.

• Stay Focused - When writing the content of your speech, it’s important to stay on point and focused throughout. Through your engagement, you should ensure that you are answering the following two important questions:  “what do I want my audience to know?” and “what do I want them to do with the information?”  Through developing thoughtful answers to these questions, you will inspire your audience and call on them to take action. 

• Practice, Practice, Practice - The only way to get comfortable speaking in front of people is to do it.  In the beginning of your public speaking career you should really take advantage of speaking to whoever will listen.  Don’t miscount speaking in front of friends and families because these opportunities certainly are a great way of getting your feet wet and will help develop your craft.  As you continue to speak to smaller groups you will become more and more comfortable addressing people and your speaking technique will improve with each delivery.  Also, don’t forget to get feedback from each group you address because their criticism will help make you a successful public speaker.

• Be Passionate - When people evaluate public speakers they put great emphasis on whether the speaker was passionate about the topic or not.  When the audience senses someone’s excitement about what they’re discussing, you can’t help but become engaged.  Listeners have admitted to being able to overlook technical errors when the speaker has passion and a clear message.  While addressing an audience always remember to think about why you care about what you’re talking about and let that shine through each and every word.

As a leader, Alex F. Bouri understands the importance of addressing an audience. He urges business owners to brush up on their public speaking skills so they can motivate and excite whomever they speak to. Being an effective public speaker is also a great tool to have when addressing employees because it’s a great way to motivate everyone involved in your company.

Is Your Company Ready to Go Global?

People often chuckle when they hear bands and actors say “we’re really big in Europe.” Although this may be comical to some, going global is becoming necessary for companies that are interested in expanding and becoming more successful. Alexander Bouri, owner of Seament Holding, an international cement products company, has been very successful in increasing his company’s client base by expanding into other countries. Below are questions you must ask yourself to determine if your company is ready or not:

• Is there a demand? Prior to getting involved internationally, a business needs to determine whether there is a big enough demand for their services outside of the United States. In some cases there may be too much competition in other countries or not enough potential revenue to be made. If you’re unsure of what is out there, plan a visit to the countries you’re considering reaching out to so you can get a better feel for the market. 

• What are the rules and regulations? Whenever you choose to consider doing business outside of the Untied States you need to familiarize yourself with each country’s legal issues surrounding foreigners establishing companies. There is a lot involved with this and you should obtain a lawyer to help guide you through the process. Contact the Department of Trade to get more information on what is involved in doing business over seas. Many international business owners like Alexander Bouri suggest obtaining local help so you have assistance moving things forward while you’re not present. 

•  Can you find a supportive team? While a great team in the United States may surround you, you need to ensure that you can duplicate that success in other countries. Determine whether you will be able to deliver your product to customers in other countries with the same accuracy as you do in your current market. 

Going global should only be achieved when a business can stand behind their products, regardless of where they’re being sold. If you’re looking to create a successful global brand that is known world wide as a company that is consistent and reliable you have to be able to deliver on it, regardless of where your product is being used. If you can’t commit to that then it’s likely that you should wait to spread your wings in the global marketplace.

Four De-Stressing Tips for Entrepreneurs

If you own a business, you know how it feels to think that there just aren't enough hours in the day. You want to do it all – sometimes at the sake of your sanity. If you want to have a business and a life outside that business, you have to de-stress and take some time for yourself every now and then. Take it from Alexander Bouri, a man who owns a global country and still finds time for his hobbies, like gardening and playing chess. The more balanced your life feels, the more productive and successful your business will be, so when you're feeling stressed, try one of these tips.

Get Out of the Office for Lunch

If you spend long hours at the store or in the office, you're going to grow weary of it really quickly. Instead of taking your lunch break in the breakroom, go get some lunch at a nearby restaurant or simply eat outside. You need to change your environment in order to truly feel like you're taking a break, and it's an easy way to de-stress.

Make Time for Vacations

Your business may be your livelihood, but it's not your entire life. Don't give up on vacations with your family or friends just because you feel like you need to be there 24/7. As long as you have a partner or manager you trust, the business will be fine without you for a week or two.

Take Up Meditation or Yoga

Meditation and yoga both require clearing your mind to focus on your body in the present moment. A lot of people find it hard to stop the racing thoughts about what needs to be done, but meditation and yoga are actually practices in clearing your mind. You'll feel much better after taking a break from your buzzing thoughts and ringing phone.

Make Personal and Business To-Do Lists

Always make checklists so that you can prioritize to avoid stress, but be sure to keep your "business" and "personal" checklist separate. Figure out what are the biggest priorities on each so that one does not take precedence over the other. For example, don't skip your child's championship game just to make the schedule at work.

Three Things You Should Never Do When You’re Starting Your Business

How many of you reading this wish you could quit your job and start your own business?  Nearly everyone in the workforce dreams about being their own boss, but few are able to start and maintain a successful business.  Alex F. Bouri and other successful entrepreneurs have been in your shoes, and starting a business is no laughing matter.  It takes a lot of planning, effort and money to start and build a business, and it seems like nearly every news site and business blogs have advice on how to do it.  If you really want to learn how to start a successful business, you’d be better off reading articles on things you should avoid doing instead of things you must do.  If you want to have a successful business, avoid making these common mistakes when you’re starting out.

Not figuring out a target audience

A lot of new business owners assume that everyone is potential customer and think that their target audience is the public at large.  This way of thinking may seem smart, but neglecting to identify and research your target audience will only lead to failure.  Go online a do a little research on how to find your target audience, and spend time researching them to get a feel for them.  Find out where they like to spend their time, what websites they like to visit, and their average level of income.  After you learn about your target audience and their interests, you’ll be able to better market your products and services. 

Getting loans from family members and friends

Your aunt or best friend is more than willing to give you the money you need to launch your business, but if you want to succeed you’ll turn their money down and head to a bank for a loan.  Friends, family, and business rarely mix well, especially when there’s money involved.  Imagine having your friends and family members dictate your business decisions because they feel like they need to protect their financial interests.  Envision having to explain to your family member that you can’t pay back their loan on time because of business matters.  Don’t risk any of your personal relationships over a business, do your best to keep your business life and personal life separate.

Relying on yourself for accounting and legal matters

You may have enough knowledge to open your own business, but unless you have degrees in finance and law you shouldn’t handle your business’ books or legal matters.  There’s a reason why self-made businessmen have a team of accountants and lawyers handle their legal and financial matters.  They have enough foresight to know that they don’t have the expertise or the time available to handle their business’s financial needs or legal needs.  It may seem “too expensive”, but you can’t afford to not have a lawyer or an accountant help you when you’re starting out.