So, way back in the early 2000’s, I bought a convenience store as an investment.  

 

It wasn’t anything special…basically a building with coolers, a cash register, gas pumps, and an apartment above. 

 

When I bought the place, I didn’t know anything about the convenience store business.  

 

I just thought it would be a good real estate investment, as it was close to a large city park. And, being on the outskirts of the city, I believed future expansion would increase its value. 

 

Anyway, my goal and my first mistake was to NOT spend too much time at the place. 

 

My second mistake was when I hired someone I believed to be a close friend. I thought I could trust him to take care of the place. 

 

Long story short, after about three months in I noticed my bank account had taken a hit. 

 

I mean, it was way down. 

 

I had $9000 dollars in the bank, a huge mortgage, and a stack of invoices I had to pay. 

 

All because…I wasn’t paying attention to the business. Which was my third mistake. 

 

Well, after the initial shock wore off, a little investigation revealed that my “friend” was stealing from me. Big time. 

 

So in an effort to make up for lost ground and dig myself out of a hole, I dove into the business full-time.  

 

Now, I don’t know if you’ve ever had to deal with someone close to you stealing from you, but it’s not a great feeling.  

 

Makes you question your relationship with everyone. 

 

But the reality of this situation is…it was all MY fault.  

 

I’d made three major blunders…and only had myself to blame because I enjoyed the ego-high of being an absentee owner.  

 

You know, having the ability to say I owned a business that I didn’t have to do any work at. 

 

I know, pretty lame. 

 

Well, after I took back control of the business it took me about two years of painstaking work before I could show a profit. 

 

Here’s a fun fact about the convenience store business…the term “shrinkage” isn’t just for shoplifters. It’s loss due to theft by customers, employees, and vendors.  

 

Anyway, eventually I was able to sell the business for more than twice what I’d paid for it.  

 

But I’m not telling you this story to brag. There’s nothing to brag about. 

 

I almost lost everything. 

 

I made some major screw-ups and spent years of my life cleaning up my mess. 

 

I tell you this because regardless of where you are in your business, there’s always a way to make it work. 

 

Whether you feel stuck working for Agero or you’re going head-to-head with low-balling competition, the road to profitability and feeling good about your business again is available for the taking. 

 

…If you’ve got the right marketing company in your corner. 

 

Now, you might have had bad dealings with marketing companies in the past. And you may have decided that they’re all the same.  

 

Just in it to line their own pockets, and treat you like a number once they have your credit card information. 

 

And, I get it. 

 

Most of the people you talk to are just salesmen. 

 

Once you sign their contract, you’ll never hear from them again. 

 

Because they ARE just playing the numbers. 

 

I believe the reason for this is their management has trained them that most business owners are fickle and prone to sudden change. 

 

So they don’t expect to develop long-term relationships. 

 

Which is probably why most of their customers only stick with them for about six months.  

 

Well, I’ve been doing this since 2016 and I’m thankful that many of the customers who came on board back then are still with me. 

 

Why? 

 

Well, it’s not just because I get results, but because I’m just a phone call or text away.  

 

I’m here to answer questions, look for alternative solutions to problems, and provide guidance, when necessary. 

 

Because I’ve been where you are. I have first hand knowledge of the challenges you deal with every day because I’ve been in your shoes.

 

So, my advice to you is this. If you’re happy with the results you’re getting from the company you’re currently with, stick with them.  

 

Jumping from one company to another is the surest way to not gain any ground.  

 

But, if you need help with your business and would like a trusted friend in your corner, either respond to this email or schedule a call with me. 

 

Don Archer 

P.O. Box 104432 

Jefferson City, MO 65110