with Linda Brunini and Jon Zucchi
International Etching & Two Hands, Inc. 
Providence, RI

In The Trenches

Key Idea #1 A partnership can be the perfect way to build a business.

Jon was able to take a failing business and turn it around by "partnering" his strengths with those of Linda's. Jon brought technical expertise to the business, and Linda brought sales expertise. Instead of working for Jon, Linda wanted to "buy into" the business. After proving herself, Jon sold her 50% of the company. Together they now have two small businesses, each with about 20 employees and they are growing.

Topic for discussion:

What are some advantages of a partner versus an employee?

1. Owners are generally more committed to a business.
2. An owner normally commits her personal money to get the business started, or, "buys in" as Linda did. If an owner quits, she walks away from cash and "sweat equity." An employee merely walks away from a job.
3. Owners share profits; employees expect their salary whether or not the business is profitable.

What are some disadvantages of a partner versus an employee?

1. If the business is successful, your partner will likely take more of the profits than would a salaried employee.
2. Partners must determine how decisions will be made, whereas an employee will follow the owner's direction.
3. Dissolving a troubled partnership is more complicated than terminating an employee.

Key Idea #2. A stimulating work environment will attract great employees.

When Linda and Jon started Two Hands, Inc., their goal was to build a business that would benefit their community. They partnered with a school for disabled children, and the employees of Two Hands found themselves involved in the lives of some very special people. The mission of Two Hands is: "We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give." This kind of mission statement and philosophy attracts people who have good attitudes about life and who want to work for a company focused on service not just making a profit.

Why is attitude important to employee productivity?

People can have the skills required to do a job, but, if they don't enjoy the work they do, or, if they are upset about some personal problem, they cannot produce at their best. Creating a workplace where people feel valued and appreciated is the most important job of the entrepreneur.

Key Idea #3. When you set out to do good, good comes back to you.

International Etching was making profits but Jon and Linda felt uninspired personally. They wanted to do something for the community, they wanted to use their creativity, and they wanted to develop a new revenue stream. With these large goals, you might think it would take years to see success. Not so. Two Hands was profitable in its first year, even though Jon and Linda gave away 1% of their gross sales. And, while making more money, they are enjoying their business more today than ever before.

Topic for discussion:

What are some other ways a business can "give back" to its community?

Here are just a few examples:

Adopt-a-school programs are excellent.

The business can create jobs for local kids to fill.

Employees can be paid to work a few hours a week for a charity.

Employees can be encouraged to become Big Brothers or Big Sisters by allowing them to leave early once a week to spend time with their little brother or sister.

Hire disabled adults.

Quote: Choosing the business that's right for you is the most important decision you will make. -- Stephen C. Bursten, The Bootstrap Entrepreneur

Quote:

You can do it. Colonel Sanders was collecting Social Security when he started his fried chicken empire. H.L. Hunt was a bankrupt cotton farmer before becoming a billionaire in the oil business. -- Greg Straughn & Charles Chickadel, Building a Profitable Business