Editor's Journal

Food network star, Paula Dean

"Happy Thanksgiving Y'all!"

Hi Friends, I hope this column finds all of you and your families well and eagerly looking forward to Thanksgiving turkey and beyond to the Christmas Holiday so rapidly approaching. For some reason this has been the shortest year I can remember. It seems like the days and months have flown by. With the exception of the Presidential election - that seemed to drag on for decades - in every other way 2008 will end being a blip on my radar.

Was I having that much fun this year? No I don't think that was it... Ever notice though, that when you're having a good time the minutes just zoom by? But, no that wasn't it for me. I figured it out last night when I ran across the Winston Churchill quotation I posted above. I Figured out where I was when 2008 was happening... I was working hard, day in and day out trying to turn the Stumbling Blocks the year has thrown my way into Stepping Stones. I have been trying to polish every dull copper penny that rolled in into a shining opportunity.

So, it is that I have figured out for myself where 2008 has gone in 0 to 365. I have been hard at it, working to stay ahead of the game in a very uncertain economy. And I don't think that those of us who are self employed can just work hard anymore and expect to stay contentedly afloat. No, that isn't enough. We also have to work twice as smart! Just getting up early to catch the proverbial worm isn't going to be good enough in 2009 I predict. We are going to have to set a really blockbuster trap for that worm or stay up all night to get there before our competition.

I saw a show on television the other day that really inspired me. It was a program dealing with the upcoming holiday season but couldn't have been a better reminder of something I try to do daily but I fall short on. Adopting an attitude of Gratitude! When you remember to make a list regularly of the things you are grateful for, it just seems like nagging difficulties and negative energy around you automatically improves. Why? Because Gratitude is a mood elevator and when we feel good emotionally (and spiritually) we just are better prepared for decision making and dealing with the ups and downs in life. One company I ran across in my online travels listed "Gratitude" at the top of their list of traits of successful employees. It wasn't initiative or perseverance but a spirit of Gratitude.

So, when I read in the paper that the television shopping company QVC is laying off hundreds of employees - 900 in the next 14 months I will remember to be grateful for our NCE website, for our antiques business and the antique mall we are in, for eBay (even though they are letting the small operator down these days), and for you - our readers and loyal friends. I am also going to work harder in 2009 to find the opportunity in difficulty - Thanks Winston! Who knows - maybe things won't take the financial downturn many expect. Cup-half full Georgia!

And just a few more tips:

• Don't quit the business - cut your overhead if need be, but if you get creative and hang in there you will prosper with the coming changes ahead as the economy works its way back.
• Keep talking to your customers - Remember that your customers will always tell you what they want to see from you and your business.
• Network more - look for ways to network with other Dealers. By sharing experiences and ideas you may open new doors for your business. The nature of retailing at flea markets, antique malls and shows makes our industry very isolating. If you can't seem to make face-to-face contacts where you sell, try Blogging or other Internet options for networking with other sellers.

Happy Thanksgiving To All...

Until next time - here's to great sales and arrive home safely,

Until next time, happy selling and if you travel on the highways and byways, arrive home safely.

Georgia Goodridge

NCE Editor