Business Focus Weekly
A publication focused on helping your business to grow and become more focused.
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Hot Tip of the Week

Think about how you differentiate yourself from competitors in the delivery of your products or service.

Is it based upon one of these items?
  • Technology
  • Speed of delivery
  • Quality
  • Innovation
  • Low-cost
  • Best order taking
  • Best order follow-up
  • Best customer service overall
  • Most consistency in service, delivery, other...
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Client: Centerpointe Financial Services
Owner: Charlie Ker
About the business
Charlie Ker has been in the financial industry for 10 years and opened CenterPointe Financial Services two years ago. His goal? To help his clients - individuals, families, and business owners - to sleep better at night knowing that their financial futures are secured. He does this through comprehensive financial planning.

His best clients are usually those aged 45-60, who are conducting retirement planning and reviewing options to retire. But he also works with young couples that are starting to plan.

He started coaching because...
"I found that it's easy to get really wrapped up working 'in' the business and I wanted to learn how to work 'on' the business."

Like many business owners, Charile was concerned about time management and setting aside time for business development and marketing while also serving clients.

COVID 19 impacts?
Person-to-person networking meetings were cancelled, it has been more difficult to meet new prospects.

His response:
Charlie came up with a regular newsletter with a twist that his clients and prospects like - he has added popular recipes and has gotten a great response. "The main action is continuing to keep communication going, phone calls, email campaigns – both market updates and fun stuff – the recipes have been well-received; they are light-hearted, fun."  
CenterPointe Financial Services
4525 E Jamieson Rd
Spokane, WA 99223
Office: (509) 473-9030
Cell: (509) 951-5512 
charlie@centerpointefs.com
www.centerpointefs.com

Offer:  30% off of financial planning costs if you mention this publication.

Inspiration during a trying time?
Charlie is inspired by overall human resilience in how people are attempting to be the best they can with the unusual ways in the world now. "There are protests, the pandemic, upset – we are all trying to do our best with the situation. People are hanging in there and doing what they can, it is inspiring."
Community Business Focus Weekly
Old Stone Creek Equestrian
Owner: Rebecca Routh

This equestrian center is located in Reardan, Washington and offers horse-focused boarding, lessons, camps, and education for youth, specifically those at-risk. They have been open since 2016.

Youth participate in competitions and owner, Rebecca Routh, said that it has been a tough year with all competitions being cancelled. She said that outcomes of horse training and competition include development of confidence, skills-based-learning, presentation skills, and accomplishments that may lead to higher education. They are still engaging the horses to work with youth on educational pursuits during this time.

Routh is inspired by:
"The children - they have been thrown into a complete unknown; as adults we are supposed to be here to help them, and guide them; these kids are so inspiring, resilient, and adaptable."

Contact them to schedule a visit, or to discuss volunteer opportunities.

Old Stone Creek Equestrian Center
52964 Bission Rd. E.
Reardan, WA 99029
509-593-1918

Nothing Bundt Cakes
Owners: Misty La Force & Annamarie Megrdichian

The franchised business, located on Spokane's South Hill is owned by two veteran franchisees from California. The business offers homemade bundt cakes in 10 flavors with specialty frosting for any occasion. They also sell cakes for corporate gifts.

During the pandemic, as a food service business they were able to stay open with pick-up and delivery of their signature cakes.

Owner Megrdichian said, "We have done well, no matter what’s happening in the world, there are still celebrations. Anniversaries, birthdays, graduations – people are still buying."

Their target audience consists primarily of females buying for occasions. But they also do big business with realtors and others buying gifts for clients.

Their two biggest days are Mother's Day and Thanksgiving.

Special offer: Buy 1 bundtlet and get a bundtlet for free for mentioning this publication.  

Nothing Bundt Cakes
2525 E 29th Ave, Suite 1B
Spokane, WA 99223
(E 29th And S Southeast Blvd)
(509) 535-4864
spokane@nothingbundtcakes.com
Coming Events
Space is limited, register today!
ActionCLUB - Business education in a weekly format for business owners. Meets Wednesdays from 11 a.m. - noon., 12 weeks, weekly sessions. Free to clients, only $99/month for non-clients. Learn more.

GrowthCLUB - Quarterly business planning event for business owners to set goals and learn from experts. September 25, 2020, virtual format, clients are strongly encouraged to attend. If you are not a client, but would like to conduct some business planning for your company, or learn more about ActionCOACH, contact us. Learn more.
In case you missed it!
Local Businesses Share has been retired after publishing over 80 articles for local businesses in the greater Spokane area. Thanks to all who interviewed with us and check out the articles from neighboring businesses in the below link.
Useful Business Thought of the Week
professional-adults.jpg
Do you accept ownership when things go wrong?

Business owners are the top dogs, the boss, the one in-charge. As an owner, it can be hard to accept when you've made a poor decision or a mistake.

However, admitting to mistakes and accepting responsiblity can create power in your relationships. While blaming, making excuses and denial of errors can generate weakness in relationships.

Would you rather have power or weakness in business? I think we both know the answer!