Discover the secrets of small business success in the heart-felt stories of families who have lived it

When most small businesses fail within five years, it takes something special to survive as well as thrive in today’s marketplace! Award-winning Wisconsin entrepreneur Donna Gray set out on a 3-year quest to find out what makes a family business, or any small business, succeed. She interviewed top family businesses nationwide, and discovered five key ingredients that gave them all staying power. She demonstrates these practical strategies through stories of real family businesses in a variety of industries – shoes, restaurants, awards, groceries, cosmetics, cheese, plastics, pretzels, bakery, frozen desserts, and more. These stories will inspire and motivate you as if it was “Chicken Soup for the Family Business.”


            This 160-page paperback will give you ideas that make a real difference in your business. You’ll learn about the power of values; specific communications strategies; ways to organize time, space, and people; unique promotion methods; and how to make customer service your best selling tool!


            Gray is president of AwardsMall.com/Total Awards, Promotions & Gifts in Madison, Wis. She and her family members have been in business since 1977. She was named Business Woman of the Year in 1993 by her local county, and 1998 Retail Marketer of the Year by the local chapter of the American Marketing Association. She received the 1999 Sam Walton Business Leadership Award presented to only 100 people nationwide. She writes columns for industry publications and presents seminars nationwide on business topics.


 


            Pat Holley of Dynamic Trophies in Shreveport, La., says, “This is a book that everyone in business, especially a family business, should read.”


            William Haight, president of Magna Publications, said, “Donna Gray has managed to get business owners to share not only their successes, but some of the rocky roads as well. Gray manages to attach real solid advice and conclusions to each of those fascinating stories.”


            Jeanie Farmer, CPA, Partner, Smith & Gesteland, LLP, said, “Donna Gray’s book is an entertaining read, full of insight and many interesting family business stories and hints that can help any business improve and succeed.”


            Ann Kincaid, Director, UW-Madison Family Business Center, said, “It’s All Relative reinforces many insights that help business-owning families in their quest to simultaneously manage family harmony and business success. An enjoyable read!”


            Jody Glynn Patrick, Publisher, InBusiness Magazine, and 2007 Small Business Journalist of the Year, said, “Donna Gray brings you the best techniques and insights for running a successful family business… practical tips you can put to work today to survive and thrive in your market!


 


            Copies of It’s All Relative!, as well as Donna Gray’s first book, Never Quit! The Ups & Downs of Running a Family Business, published in 2004, are available from online bookstores, some local bookstores, and the publisher, Veda Communications Co. Contact the publisher at 559-275-3675 or visit www.DonnaGrayFamilyBusiness.com. (Note to editors: Full press kit is available on the website)