6-13-19 Movies as a source of education

One of the special treasures on Whidbey Island is The Clyde Theater in Langley.  It is one of the few single screen movie theaters remaining in the United States (it opened in 1937). What is especially significant about this theater is that The Willefords who have owned it for decades and are now passing the baton to their son, are great at choosing foreign and independent films that often remind you of the power in creating a film with a strong message.

In the last two days, we saw a couple of films that are entertaining, stimulating and educational.  First, we saw an Icelandic production (I had no idea Iceland has a film industry) called “Woman at War” that was a quirky film that depicted a woman committing acts of domestic terrorism to protest the environmental destruction being done in her country (and, of course, all around the world).

The second film, “The Serengeti Rules,” is a documentary that follows five scientists/biologists who discover “Keystone” animals and vegetation that are links to the survival of many species.

Both are incredibly stimulating films, and they reminded me how much we can learn from a well-made film.  Thanks to our Clyde Theater for bringing these to Whidbey.

6-6-19 Is it more important to make money or to do something about which you are passionate?

One of my on-going themes for having a successful business is the importance of being passionate about what you do.  I have written several stories about people who moved to Whidbey and became entrepreneurs, often doing something very different on the island than they had done previously.

Then, I got this response that really impressed me:

“I once had a business that was also my passion but I found that when you absolutely must earn a living from that thing, it can take the joy and pleasure right out of the thing that once fed your soul. For me, it's been much easier to NOT earn money from "what makes me passionate," but to do something else that can enable me to do my passion outside of work, without it having to be reduced to the grind of needing to make me money.“

I’ve read this over several times.  I certainly understand the point that was made. 

And yet, on Whidbey especially, I see so many examples of people who really love what they do while they are making a living from their business.

I think what I have observed is that many people who move to Whidbey need to find a different way to earn a living since there are relatively few jobs on the island.  Many decide to follow a dream they have had but never acted upon.  Running any kind of a business isn’t easy, but I have crossed paths with many who moved to the island, decided to do something as a business that they had never done before, and find themselves feeling very contented with their business choice….even if it isn’t earning the money they might have gotten from their city job off the island.

There really is no pat answer to the dilemma of job/business satisfaction vs. making enough money to live comfortably.  Obviously, if you can follow a passion and earn as much as you need to get by, it’s a formula for a happier lifestyle.

5-29-19 Farming is a business

Sorry for missing a Blog post.  I was out of town for a week.

If you haven't looked at the Business Spotight on Whidbey Local recently, I invite you to look at the last two stories about the Organic Farm School on Whidbey Island (https://www.whidbeylocal.com/article/view/2210) and (https://www.whidbeylocal.com/article/view/2213).

When I made an appointment to talk with Director Judy Feldman about the program, I had no idea just how much doing farming requires understanding how to create a business.  I was very impressed with all I learned and with this special school on Whidbey Island. 

If you want more information first hand, tours of the farm are offered every Friday.  The times and contact inforation are in the article.

5-16-19 Hugging is part of marketing on Whidbey

Each time I travel off the island I have to watch myself: hugging family and close friends is OK, but may not be the norm in many places I visit.

A typical day on Whidbey usually includes numerous hugs. And, not just with people I know well. Usually, I meet someone I know in the grocery store (whichever one I visit), when I walk around Freeland or Langley, or simply taking a walk. I am always surprised at how often I meet someone who gives me a hug, wherever I go on the island.

The reason I mention hugs in a marketing blog is that when I visit the merchants on South Whidbey, I know many of them, and a visit to their stores usually includes hugs. I am sure other small towns create this same experience, but, it’s not the norm in most big cities and suburbs.

Anyway, part of what makes Whidbey such a sweet, lovely place to shop for me (and I would guess for many of us) is to walk into a store and not only get greeted warmly, but to have the business owner walk out and give me a welcoming hug.

This type of shopping experience is one of the major reasons I would rather shop on the island, even if prices are not as low as the big box stores. It’s such a great feeling to be truly appreciated as a potential customer…..or maybe just as a neighbor.

5-9-19 Hearts & Hammers on Whidbey Island: Businesses, skilled people and folks who just want to help others, give back to the community

In a small community like South Whidbey, you notice how much the local business people donate to the local non-profits and help out in many other ways. 

Last weekend was Hearts & Hammers.  Rich and I have participated in this wonderful community program for several years.  The concept of having large numbers of people come together on a single day to help elderly or low-income people with home repairs so they can comfortably stay in their homes has become a template being used in many other communities.

Somewhere around 400 – 500 volunteers participate.  Many, like my husband and I, simply show up and do what we can to help.  But, there are also many skilled crafts people who donate their skills, as well, like the master carpenter who was on my team.  Electricians, plumbers, roofers and other skilled people who have their own businesses, participate.  Many of the large commercial businesses in the community offer special prices for materials needed for the projects.

When you see businesses giving back to the community, it certainly makes you want to do business with them whenever you can.