In my pursuit of sharing #14daysofbusinesslove here in France and shining some well deserved light for fellow business owners, day thirteen is about Gayle Feasey - etcetera magazine. Gayle is the driving force behind one of the most successful English language publication aimed primarily, but certainly not exclusively, at the ex-pat community. The magazine has developed from black and white to colour and is a highly talked about magazine in the area in which I live and work and has been hugely instrumental in my husbands business. I have the pleasure of being a contributor to the magazine each month. I certainly get a sense that the weeks must fly by very quickly for Gayle, as no sooner is one edition ready to rock and roll, the planning of the next one is nevr far away.
What's your #1 tip when dealing with clients?
Always be polite, professional and positive. Oh, and know you can never please everyone all of the time.
What is your most memorable experience as a business owner in France?
Every month! And the early days, when we were just starting out were particularly memorable, but probably because it was a crazy time for us all. There was so much going on, plus 2 already existing full time jobs that hadn't quite finished. Crazy days.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
Being able to create a publication that helps the English speaking community. I love putting it together. There is an enormous amount of work involved each month, but I really enjoy it. I also love being my own boss, for me, the positives outweigh the negatives.
What do you do to switch off from your business?
Two young children help me with this, coupled with the need to get off my chair, move (as opposed to being seated for ridiculous amounts of time each day) and actually GO OUTSIDE!
What advice would you give to someone starting out in business in France?
Do your research. Take professional advice, there is a reason these people are professionals so use their expertise when you can. The French system can be complicated, so acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses and then delegate.
What's the best book you have ever read?
That's a hard one to answer. Books that have made an impact on my thought processes come to my mind. I read The Alchemist years ago, and more recently, The Chimp Paradox. I like books that make you question yourself and give you a better understanding of others, why we are the way we are. Oh, and Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, there's a load of good advice in there.
A penguin walks through your front door wearing a sombrero. What does he say and why is he there?
I think he's definitely lost. I would imagine he would be asking for directions.
Website: www.etceteraonline.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/etceterafrance
Twitter: twitter.com/etceterafrance
Yours socially
Micala
What's your #1 tip when dealing with clients?
Always be polite, professional and positive. Oh, and know you can never please everyone all of the time.
What is your most memorable experience as a business owner in France?
Every month! And the early days, when we were just starting out were particularly memorable, but probably because it was a crazy time for us all. There was so much going on, plus 2 already existing full time jobs that hadn't quite finished. Crazy days.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
Being able to create a publication that helps the English speaking community. I love putting it together. There is an enormous amount of work involved each month, but I really enjoy it. I also love being my own boss, for me, the positives outweigh the negatives.
What do you do to switch off from your business?
Two young children help me with this, coupled with the need to get off my chair, move (as opposed to being seated for ridiculous amounts of time each day) and actually GO OUTSIDE!
What advice would you give to someone starting out in business in France?
Do your research. Take professional advice, there is a reason these people are professionals so use their expertise when you can. The French system can be complicated, so acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses and then delegate.
What's the best book you have ever read?
That's a hard one to answer. Books that have made an impact on my thought processes come to my mind. I read The Alchemist years ago, and more recently, The Chimp Paradox. I like books that make you question yourself and give you a better understanding of others, why we are the way we are. Oh, and Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, there's a load of good advice in there.
A penguin walks through your front door wearing a sombrero. What does he say and why is he there?
I think he's definitely lost. I would imagine he would be asking for directions.
Website: www.etceteraonline.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/etceterafrance
Twitter: twitter.com/etceterafrance
Yours socially
Micala
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