What Business Are You Really In? Stepmoms Redefined.

What If You Were in the Memories Business?

I have my M.B.A.  I often think about the first business class that I attended.  That class always started with the same lesson.  The professor would ask, “What business are you in?”

Seems like a simple question.  Before you start any business, you must define what business you are in. For example, my husband’s business, Specialized Office Systems (SOS), is a company that sells printing, premium products, and office supplies.  At one time, they defined themselves this way.  Today, they define themselves as a professional procurement company that increases their clients’ efficiency.  SOS looks completely different due to this change.  Besides the initial product lines, they provide technological solutions for businesses and sell everything a company could need. (Apologize for the shameless plug)

The answer to “What business are you in?” changes the entire trajectory and focus of the business.  It can change your life as well.  So, I am now asking all the stepparents:

What business are you in?

The mommy business?  Daddy business?  Meeting planning business? (I know that’s a favorite!)  Are you a consultant?  Life coach?

Like a business, the answer to that question is life changing.  Tell me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think many of us have given that question much thought.  Let me throw out an idea for consideration.

     What if we decided we were in the memory business?

I love that idea.  As professional memory makers, we are providing a living scrapbook.  Everyday, we strive to create a picture that our families want to save.  No, we don’t have to have wild events every day, nor do we have to be perfect. Think about it.  Scrapbooks have pictures of beautiful flowers as well as photos of family events.

A memory can be created by silence.  Memories are created when we “walk the talk” rather than complain.  The smell of brownies in the oven is a potent memory.  A kind word is powerful.  Cooking the children’s favorite foods is memorable.  Allowing a child special time alone with their bio parent presents a beautiful picture.  Sharing your triumphs and your fears with your family is a photo they will keep forever.

I’m just dying to know.  What business are you in?  Write me here or tweet me @StepmomSpeaks.