March 8th, 2020

Today is International Women’s Day, and as a woman business owner and entrepreneur, I wanted to celebrate by reviewing my experience and discussing how business has changed and stayed the same over the past three decades.

Two and a half years ago, I decided to take a big risk. It was to fulfill a dream of starting my own business, and in doing so, leverage my 27 years of banking. Taking the risk allows me to use my finance knowledge in addition to the experience gained from managing both people and projects in a corporate sphere. I’ve seen both fantastic and less-than-satisfactory strategies over nearly three decades of being in the banking industry. By starting my own business, I have the opportunity to share and help others and this has been thrilling to say the least. 

1.    Managing Transactions to Managing Data

A lot has changed in the banking industry since I first became a Sales Associate (Teller/Banker) at TCF Bank in May of 1990. It was not uncommon to run 300+ transactions and open five or more new accounts during a busy part-time shift back then. Information we received was in the form of memos interofficed to the branches each day, or a once-a-month branch manager meetings. Even as a part-timer, it was not difficult to keep you with promotions, procedure changes and company announcements. Even on the busiest of days, between customers, you could read and sign-off on memos or talk to your co-workers to learn what’s new. It is quite different now with the digital age. Even with far fewer customers visiting branches each day, it is insurmountable for branch employees to keep up. Procedure manual changes, new promotions, product changes, new products, new rates, online training, demos, online training, and the list goes on. It is difficult to keep up when there are so many competing priorities and messages being sent out to the branches.

Tip: Determine the most important messages and prioritize them across the organization. Figure out better ways to consolidate the information flowing to employees and make it easy to find and refer back to.

2.     Adapting with the Industry

Be prepared to change as the market does.  Right now we are looking back on the massive impacts the introduction of the internet had on business.  Some businesses skyrocketed with success, embracing everything the internet had to offer early. Other businesses did not, and perished much like we are seeing with Sears right now.  We are seeing large and new transitions even now, including cloud storage solutions and block chain authentication. Being ahead of the curve rather than playing catch up can give your team the advantage!

Tip:  Consider reviewing your IT solutions every six  months and making sure your business is taking the most advantageous strategies in both storage and security.  You should never risk being behind in either!

3.    Reach Outside your Comfortable Social Circles

You have no idea where you might find a mentor or inspiration!  I would never be where I am now without having been introduced to so many new ideas and opportunities by my peers and other members of local business circles.  Joining local business clubs and networking events can open up new doors you would have never anticipated. Trade shows for both your own industry and others are an amazing way to meet new clients or new employees.  Never underestimate the human-resources all around you.

Tip:  Catalog old contacts like you would customers and set reminders every 6-12 months to contact them.  Even just an email is enough to keep yourself in someone’s mind.

In 2017, my burning desire to become an entrepreneur came true with the launch of PIM Savvy, Inc. I look back at my banking years fondly and take with me the lessons I learned, like the ones shared here. With 2.5  years under my belt now as a business owner, I am happy to say that the teamwork, the relationships, the training, the lessons and the opportunities were all invaluable for getting me to where I am today.  Everything you encounter now can be fuel for your future. Happy International Womens’ Day!

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Are you interested in starting a business in Washington State but don’t know where to start? PIM Savvy can help you develop a business plan and walk you through each of the steps required to open your own business. We will work with you to develop a business plan, conduct market research, and ensure you have all the necessary components in place such as the proper licenses and permits to register and open your business.

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¿Está interesado en iniciar un negocio en el estado de Washington pero no sabe por dónde empezar? PIM Savvy puede ayudarle a desarrollar un plan de negocios y guiarlo a través de cada uno de los pasos necesarios para abrir su propio negocio. Trabajaremos con usted para desarrollar un plan de negocios, realizar investigaciones de mercado y asegurarnos de que tenga todos los 2 omponents necesarios, como las licencias y permisos adecuados para registrar y abrir su negocio.

Servicios que brindamos:

  • Crear planes de negocios
  • Realizar investigaciones de mercado objetivo y de negocios competitivos.
  • Asistencia con el registro de empresas y los identificadores comerciales unificados (UBI)
  • Orientación sobre licencias y permisos comerciales
  • Ayuda con las solicitudes del Número de Identificación Fiscal Federal, también conocido como Número de
  • Identificación del Empleador (EIN) Información sobre cuentas corrientes comerciales
  • Desarrollar programas de seguridad en el lugar de trabajo, incluidos programas de prevención de accidentes (APP)

Buscando un cambio de carrera? ¿Necesitas un trabajo lo antes posible? ¿Su currículum está desactualizado y necesita ser actualizado? PIM Savvy está listo para ayudar con todos los aspectos de la búsqueda de empleo, desde actualizar currículums hasta solicitar empleo. Lo guiaremos a través del proceso de búsqueda de empleo brindándole recursos, investigaciones y asesoramiento de expertos para que pueda tener confianza y estar listo para comenzar una nueva carrera.

Servicios que brindamos:

  • Asistencia con currículum y carta de presentación
  • Consejos para entrevistas y mejores prácticas
  • Investigación y exploración de carreras
  • Orientación sobre itinerarios educativos
  • Conceptos básicos y herramientas de networking
  • Soporte para solicitudes de empleo
  • Habilidades de organización para ayudarle en su búsqueda de empleo
  • Ayuda para navegar por plataformas y listados de búsqueda de empleo

 

Comuníquese hoy para preguntar. Complete el formulario o envíe un mensaje de texto con la palabra ‘Coaching’ al 206-565-2961.

Are you interested in starting a business in Washington State but don’t know where to start? PIM Savvy can help you develop a business plan and walk you through each of the steps required to open your own business. We will work with you to develop a business plan, conduct market research, and ensure you have all the necessary components in place such as the proper licenses and permits to register and open your business.

Services we provide:

  • Create business plans
  • Conduct target market and competitive business research
  • Assistance with business registration and Unified Business Identifiers (UBI)s
  • Guidance on business licenses and permits
  • Help with Federal Tax Identification Number, also known as the Employer Identification Number (EIN) applications
  • Information on Business Checking Accounts
  • Develop workplace safety programs including an Accident Prevention Programs (APP)s

Looking for a career change? In need of a job as soon as possible? Is your resume outdated and needs to be refreshed? PIM Savvy is ready to help you with all the aspects of job seeking from updating resumes to applying for jobs. We will guide you through the job search process by providing resources, research, and expert advice so you can be confident and ready to start a new career.

Services we provide:

  • Resume and cover letter assistance
  • Interview tips and best practices
  • Career research and exploration
  • Guidance on education paths
  • Networking basics and tools
  • Job application support
  • Organization skills to help your job search
  • Help navigating job search platforms and listings

 

Reach out today to inquire. Fill out the form or text Coaching to 206-565-2961.

  • If there are no appointments available, you can try walking in.
  • No appointment is needed if dropping off tax information for virtual tax filing.
  • Eligible individuals and families can receive the Working Families Tax Credit – a tax refund up to $1,255 for Washington workers. If eligible, we will help with the application. See flyer in English; Spanish; Ukrainian; or Other Languages.
  • If you have any questions, email vita@pimsavvy.com or text 206-565-2961.