Kelly Nelson

Three Generations, Three Sets Of Ideas
November 12, 2007

From buying to decor, there are often conflicts involved in a multi-generational family business.  One generation may think that sending cheesy junk mail to people is a good form of advertising while another generation finds e-mail blasts to be more effective (tell me if you detect any bias here).  In most cases there is something to be gained from each side of the conflict.  What do you do, though, when the older generation just won't listen?

As many of you know, ours is a store that employs 3 generations of passionate, hard-headed Howards & Nelsons.  There are 2 active members in the first generation, 3 in the second, and 3 in the third.  This makes for a bizarre cross-section of ideas and solutions which rarely match from generation to generation.  Is there anything to be said for the fact that the youngest generation in the business represents the current customer population?  Sometimes.  

This sort of conflict/discussion of ideas also carries over to family gatherings.  What then of the holidays?  Are Thanksgiving and Christmas truly a break from work and a time to enjoy family togetherness?  Again, sometimes.  It varies from year to year.  When you work, play, and live with the same people all the time, these people will, inevitably, work on your nerves.  Well, I guess I should look forward to summer vacation instead?  Ha!  Again, an ongoing business meeting... only more sand than normal.  

Is there such a thing as a break from your family business?  I doubt it.  I think it's sort of like the mafia, once you're in you can only get out one of two ways... death or the witness protection program.  Anyone concur?

Posted by Kelly Nelson on November 12, 2007 | Comments (0)