Grandma's Wisdom for Business & Life by Crystal Hutchinson Tummala 

 I grew up surrounded by a home based business.  Around the World Knitting Machine News & Views magazine was founded by my grandmother, Alles Hutchinson.  Since her death it is under different ownership. 

This books is both a "how to" guide to get you started in your own business and it is a look behind the scenes at the wisdom of how my grandmother operated her business. 

It will serve as a timeless informational and inspirational resource for the creation of YOUR home based business.  It is designed to be and easy-to-read, practical book that you will return to again and again. 

You can benefit from grandma's wisdom and apply her time tested, business basics for success as a business owner.  This book intentionally explores the importance of a work/life balance.  The included stories directly relate to Alles' role in nurturing family relationships. 

She was a dedicated Christian business owner who relied heavily on her faith to guide her in her business. 

The book stands out from other business books because it is both an emotionally touching and practical book. 

Table of Contents:

Copyright Notice and Dedication 1

Table of Contents 2

Why I Wrote This Book 6

Who Was Alles Hutchinson 8

A Brief Background 8

Reflections 11

Warning About Asking Advice 13

Why Do Businesses Fail 14

Recipes 15

The Sayers Versus the Doers 16

A Conversation With Yourself 16

Having Your Own Business Instead of

Working for Someone Else 17

The Advantages 18

Improved Productivity 19

Federal Home Office Deduction 20

Disadvantages of Self Employment 21

Start Up Costs 21

Loss Of Co-Worker Contact 22

Long Hours and Accountability 23

Do You Have It In You 24

A Roll Up Your Sleeves Attitude 24

A Loving Affirmation 25

Family Support 26

The Decision 27

Preparing For Business 28

Finding the Right Pursuit 29

The Product Or Service Choice 30

Grandma’s Supplier Story 32

How Grandma’s Business Idea Found Her 33

The Home Based Business 35

Determining Your Space Needs 35 3

Space Needs Change, Sometimes Quickly 36

Grandma’s Space Needs 37

How Much Space Do You Really Need 40

Zoning and the Home Based Business 42

Grandma’s Zoning Lesson 42

Start Up Costs 44

Eliminating Mental Obstacles 45

Testing the Waters and the Size Of the Pond 46

Market Research 46

Who Are Your Customers 47

Sizing Up The Competition 50

Comparing Yourself With the Competition 51

Grandma’s Guests 53

Test Marketing 54

Pricing Your Product/Service 56

Business Formalities and Putting the Plan On Paper 57

Mission Statement 58

Naming Your Creation 58

Find A Mentor 59

Choosing the Right Legal Form Of Business 59

Sole Proprietorship 60

Partnership 60

Corporation 61

Grandma’s Business Structure 62

Protection Of Your Valuable Ideas 63

Trademark/Servicemark 63

Patent 64

Copyright 64

The Business Plan 65

Insurance 65

Planning the Day 66

A Routine Day For Grandma 67

Establishing Your Schedule 69

Include the Children In Your Work 71

Grandma’s Helper 71

Keep Yourself Motivated 72

Join A Club 73 4

Grandma’s Source Of Encouragement 73

Advertising and Promoting the Business 74

Logo 75

Monitoring What Works In Advertising 76

Customer Service 77

Be Available 77

Grandma’s Availability Pledge 78

Ask the Customer, and Then Listen 78

Grandma’s Request For Input 78

Take Complaints Seriously 79

Provide Goodies and Extras To Increase Sales 80

Word Of Mouth Promotion 81

Encouraging Growth 81

Sell Advertising 82

Grandma’s Advertising Dilemma 82

Encourage Referrals 83

Promote Yourself 84

Grandma’s Approach to Promotion and Marketing 84

Grandma’s Machine Knitting Club 85

Grandma’s Use Of Trade Shows and Seminars 87

Becoming An Employer 88

Delegate 91

Grandma’s Delegation In Practice 92

Motivate Your Employees 96

Grandma’s Modernizations 97

Monetary Recognition 98

Benefits 99

Grandma’s Benefits 100

Faith 101

The Life Side Of the Work/Life Balance 102

Encouraging Entrepreneurship In Your Family 103

How I First Knew Alles Was More Than Just Grandma 103

Grandma Encouraged Creativity 105

The Sewing Machine 105

Giving Family the Gift Of Your Time and Talents 107

The Red Jumpsuit 107 5

Recognizing and Nurturing Family Talents 111

The Swing Set 111

Building Family Self Esteem and Confidence 114

Giving Back 116

Giving To Charity 116

Frugal Living 117

Automobile Savings 118

Cost Conscious Clothing 119

Frugal Investing 120

Grandma Taught Her Grandchildren How To Fish 121

Planning For the Unexpected and Succession Planning 123

Don’t Count Me Out 124

Gone Too Soon 126

Your Succession Plan 128

Closing Thoughts 132