Newsletter; May 2025

Welcome to the new and improved Crum Consulting newsletter! Each month we strive to provide you with a variety of helpful resources, tips, and practices to support your continued success, both personally and professionally. Because we work with a diverse demographic of clients, industries, and backgrounds, we aim to provide content equally as diverse. If you have any questions, or if you would like to learn more about any particular topic, don’t hesitate to reach out to us! If you are a new client, please click here to fill out a consultation form, and we will be in touch to schedule a session with you.

Article Spotlight

Prepare for Takeoff

Starting a new business can be a thrilling yet daunting endeavor. As you navigate the journey from concept to launch, it's crucial to consider several global steps to ensure your business's success.

If you have any questions surrounding this month's article, or would like to further explore opportunities, please feel free to reach out to schedule a session with us! You can reply directly here if we have worked together in the past. If you are a new client, please click here to fill out a consultation form, and we will be in touch to schedule a session with you.

Sustainable Growth

Open Ears & An Open Mind

The practice of having open ears and an open mind is a cornerstone of successful business management and growth, particularly for those navigating the nuanced paths of minority-owned businesses. Here are a few strategies to ensure your business thrives through engagement, continuous learning, feedback, and communication.

Network, Interact, Engage: One of the most effective ways to broaden your business horizons is through networking. Seek out events that introduce you to a new audience, such as conferences, trade shows, lectures, or festivals. For example, attending an industry-specific conference or a local business expo can provide invaluable access to potential clients, partnerships, and collaborations. Engaging in such events not only broadens your network but also opens doors to new opportunities and insights, fostering a diversity of perspectives that can enrich your business.

Model Continuous Learning: Continuous learning is essential for staying ahead in any industry. Explore opportunities that can provide new, relevant information to enrich and inspire your business. This could include pursuing certifications, reading industry-relevant books, enrolling in courses, joining professional groups, or watching educational videos. For instance, taking a course on digital marketing can equip you with the latest strategies to enhance your online presence. Continuous learning keeps you informed, inspired, and prepared to tackle new challenges with innovative solutions.

Always Ask for Feedback: Feedback is a powerful tool for growth and improvement. Regularly engage with your professional connections outside your immediate work environment to gain fresh perspectives. For example, you could reach out to a mentor or a peer in a different industry for their insights on your business practices. These conversations can reveal blind spots and provide constructive criticism that can help you refine your strategies and operations.

Meaningful Meetings: The effectiveness of your meetings can significantly impact your business's productivity and morale. Reflect on your current meeting structure—are they regularly scheduled? How effective are they on a scale of 1-10? Consider ways to enhance their effectiveness, such as setting clear agendas, keeping meetings concise, and inviting feedback from your team. Regularly revisiting and refining your meeting practices ensures they remain purposeful and productive.

Internal Communication Standards: Establishing clear communication standards is crucial for maintaining a seamless workflow. Determine a reasonable turnaround time for all internal and external communications, and ensure your customers and clients are aware of these expectations. If your email inbox feels overwhelming, consider integrating project management software to streamline your communications. Tools like Slack or Asana can help manage tasks and reduce email volume, making your communication more efficient.

Interpersonal Communication Standards: Develop and adhere to standards for handling internal discipline and difficult customer interactions. Having clear processes for these situations can prevent misunderstandings and foster a supportive work environment. Additionally, establish retention methods and flows to maintain strong client relationships. Continuously seek opportunities to improve your communication skills through workshops or training sessions, ensuring you remain empathetic and effective in all interactions.

By implementing these strategies, you can navigate the road less traveled with confidence and clarity, ensuring your business is well-supported, continuously learning, and effectively communicating.

Highlights

Coach Crum on Socials

We’re excited to share that Crum Consulting is now on TikTok (@crumconsulting) and Instagram (@crum_consulting)! Our team will use these platforms to share practical business tips, industry insights, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of how we approach business challenges—all in a way that’s relatable and actionable for you.

We’re thrilled for the chance to connect with you more authentically. These channels will be a space for lively discussions, real-world advice, and fresh perspectives on business growth. Consider this your invitation to experience business and entreprenuership through a more personal and accessible lens—we’d love for you to be part of the conversation!

Join Us!

Beyond Business

The Grand Adventure of Time Wrangling: A Guide to Time Mastery!

Buckle up—we’re about to warp through the cosmic calendar and master the art of scheduling like Dr. Strange. ⏰✨

Self Time Extravaganza

The important thing to focus on is that you take time dedicated to only YOU at least once a month. Spend some time with yourself alone; give yourself space, love, and time.

The Spa Odyssey: Imagine robes softer than unicorn fluff. Schedule a spa day—hot stones, cucumber eyes, and a soundtrack of whale songs. Bonus points if you emerge with a newfound ability to levitate.

Hike Quest: Grab your trusty hiking boots (or sneakers with attitude). Venture into the wilderness, where trees whisper secrets and squirrels judge your snack choices. Breathe in the forest air—it’s 80% magic.

Novel Wizardry: Remember that half-forgotten novel? The one with characters who’ve been waiting patiently (or impatiently) for their next chapter? Dust it off, summon your muse, and type like a caffeinated squirrel.

Songsmithing: Grab a guitar, a kazoo, or a xylophone (because why not?). Write lyrics that make the moon jealous. Sing them to the plants—they’re excellent listeners.

Canvas Conundrum: Channel your inner Picasso. Splash colors like confetti. Paint sunsets, dragons, or abstract feelings. Bonus points if you accidentally create a portal to another dimension.

The Great Two-Day Escape

Ensure you take a minimum of 2 days off a week. This may seem like common sense to most people, but life has a way of completely consuming our time when we need the break the most.

Day 1: Pillow Fort Construction: Declare it “No-Pants Day” (pants are overrated). Build a pillow fort—the kind with secret passages and a moat made of blankets. Read comics, nap, or plot world domination.

Day 2: Wanderlust Whirlwind: Spin a globe (or use Google Earth, because it’s 2025). Point randomly. That’s your destination! Pack a bag (or a metaphorical bag). Explore your own city like a curious alien. Find hidden cafes, street art, and quirky shops.

Family & Spouse Time

Nurture these dynamics with everything you’ve got, because they are the ones that will lift you up and carry you through your hardest moments. Shoot for one event per month.

Date Night Under the Moon: Dress like you’re attending the Oscars (or a cosmic ball). Take your partner out—whether it’s candlelit dinner, stargazing, or a midnight picnic. Discuss dreams, aliens, and the meaning of life.

Family Fiesta: Gather your clan—siblings, cousins, chosen family, and that weird uncle who collects rubber ducks. Play board games, share embarrassing childhood stories, and laugh until your belly hurts. Family is like a subscription to joy—renew it often.

Life isn’t just about deadlines and spreadsheets. It’s about the magic of stolen moments—the ones that light up your soul, and become your fondest memories. So, wield your calendar like a wizard’s wand, and may your days be as epic as your wildest dreams! 🌟

Thank you for being a pivotal part of our journey here at Crum Consulting. We would be nothing without you, and your continued support. Please feel free to share our content with others to pay it forward. We relish in receiving feedback, so if you have any suggestions or if you'd like to share your opinion on any of the content we have provided here, please let us know! If you have any questions about anything we covered here, or if you'd like to explore potential opportunities with Crum Consulting, we are here for you! Reach out anytime!

“There’s a lot of people in the world that will take the challenge to climb the mountain. But when you get to the top of the mountain, you become the mountain, because everyone’s shooting at you, to be who you are.” -Nick Saban

“But the great ones can get to the top of that mountain and say, ‘You know what, I can be even better.’”. -Bill Belichick

Until we meet again, take care of yourself, and others. Thank you.