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 Posté le: Mar Oct 01, 2013 12:49 am Sujet du message: Family business report: Expanding roles |
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{Family business report: Expanding roles}
Scrublovers owners Sharon Milbradt,[url=http://www.moncler-sale.org]moncler down jackets[/url], left,[url=http://www.moncler-sale.org]moncler sale[/url], and daughter Jami-Lee Prasad: putting fashion into functional apparelBy Sheryl GrayTue Jun 25,[url=http://www.moncler-sale.org]moncler on sale[/url],[url=http://www.moncler-sale.org]moncler on sale[/url], 2013 12:01am PSTWhen Sharon Milbradt couldn't find scrubs that looked good, fit well and were functional for her nursing job, she decided to make them herself.Together with daughter Brandi-Ann Milbradt,[url=http://www.moncler-sale.org]discount moncler jackets[/url], she launched Scrublovers,[url=http://www.moncler-sale.org]moncler sale[/url], a manufacturer and direct seller of medical-quality scrub uniforms. Their catalogue includes fashionable scrubs for men and women in all medical-related fields,[url=http://www.moncler-sale.org]discount moncler jackets[/url], and their yogawear-inspired Signature Stretch line."From the moment I initially thought about launching a scrub line, I called Brandi-Ann. She was a fashion designer and buyer for a major clothing chain,[url=http://www.moncler-sale.org]moncler outlet[/url], and she was immediately on board," said Milbradt. Younger daughter Jami-Lee Prasad eventually joined the pair, focusing on the business-development side of the company.Scrublovers started as online sales and distribution through major retailers. Shifts in the economy and business practice of their retail clients resulted in losing the distribution side of the company a few years ago.Scrublovers continued to thrive through word of mouth and online sales, and customer demand encouraged the Milbradts to open their first retail outlet, located in Langley, this past May.As the business evolved, so have the owners. Jami-Lee has found a passion for design, and Brandi-Ann is consulted on business development. The family members each contribute to all aspects of their company."Roles have evolved. We're all seeing different sides of ourselves," said Prasad. "We have to take risks and be open to developing new skills."Ian Macnaughton, president of TransitionPoint Coaching, works with families who are in business together and believes that role clarity is one of the most important things for ongoing success of family-owned companies. He advises learning to become succinct in communications to avoid ambiguity and misunderstandings, which inevitably lead to hurt feelings."It's normal for businesses to have to work out task and process issues, but in family businesses you've got feelings, too," said Macnaughton. "Use codes to make it clear what you need from each other. For example, tag emails as 'FYI' when you're just keeping people in the loop, and 'input required' when you actually want feedback. Defining this ahead of time can avoid hurt feelings."Milbradt is grateful to have had close personal relationships with both of her daughters throughout their lives. She believes that their business success has depended on their strong bonds and respect for each other as individuals. But that doesn't guarantee easy business communications,[url=http://www.moncler-sale.org]moncler down jackets[/url], and the Scrublovers women eventually found themselves needing to make changes in order to move their business forward."We've had to learn to communicate in a respectful but honest way. We were OK with taking feedback but not that great at giving it. We never wanted to hurt each other's feelings," said Prasad. "It took a long time to work this out. When you're dealing with family, it affects everyone."Macnaughton believes the cornerstones for effective family business communication are distinct identification of roles: ownership, business and family. When entering into communications, all parties must understand what the purpose is. Are we making an ownership decision? Are we discussing an aspect of the business? Are we talking as family?Milbradt admits to having an overriding sense of being "mom" no matter the circumstance. In working together, Prasad has been surprised to learn new things about her mother. Growing up as the daughter of a direct-care provider,[url=http://www.moncler-sale.org]moncler outlet[/url], she hadn't been aware of her mother's entrepreneurial spirit and ability to set a full business in motion."There's a way for 'mom' to move from parent to mentor in family businesses," said Macnaughton. Mutually beneficial mentoring relationships between junior and more experienced employees can be part of any company, whether family-run or not. "Family businesses can be really challenging, but can bring the best out of everybody."The new retail outlet will provide another opportunity for personal development. Prasad has relocated the business office to the Langley store and is enjoying the opportunity to connect directly with customers.Interaction with family is not as easy. With Brandi-Ann in New York and mother Sharon in Kamloops, most "live" discussions are via Skype."It would be easier if we all lived in the same town," said Milbradt. "That way, meetings would take place in the board room, and not over Thanksgiving dinner." •Tags: fashion, clothing, retail, family business, entrepreneur
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