What it takes for success in Sisters

The business climate in Sisters can be tough. Customers dwindle in the winter, forest fires can keep traffic away and the long hours are demanding.

The good news is there are many resources to help businesses succeed.

Central Oregon Community College offers many courses to help new and existing businesses. Several long-term businesses in Sisters credit the classes for their success.

“Underestimating the difficulty of starting a business is one of the biggest obstacles entrepreneurs face,” said Beth Wickham, Director of COCC’s Business Development Center.

Wickham said only about half of small businesses are still open three years after they started. The Small Business Administration states the top three reasons for business failure are: lack of experience, lack of capital, and poor location.

“The biggest failure of all is their lack of commitment,” said Bob Grooney, owner of Gallimaufry which has been in business 26 years.

Over the years, Grooney has seen stores come and go and thinks many new business owners underestimate the amount of time it takes to make a business successful.

For example, The Gallimaufry is open evenings when many Sisters stores are closed. He points out store hours must meet customers’ expectations rather than the convenience of the owner.

Grooney recommends researching the demographics of the area to make sure “the thing you want to sell is what people want to buy.” He adds if business owners don’t do their homework, they “end up buying a job” instead of running a thriving business.

Grooney participates in a group called Opportunity Knocks (OK), which provides problem solving for small businesses.

“It’s like having your own Board of Directors,” said Grooney.

Bend resident Jim Schell, author of “Small Business for Dummies,” founded OK, which brings together small business owners and managers to assist them in solving business problems.

Members meet once a month to present business challenges and provide solutions. They make a commitment to be accountable to their team members and act on their advice.

Schell said the top problems are in the areas of marketing and employee issues.

The Central Oregon chapter now has 22 teams and about 200 members.

“Business failure is not only common with new start-ups but also with businesses that have been around for some time regardless of how successful,” said Wickham.

COCC has classes on topics worthwhile to long-term business owners such as planning, financial management, and marketing.

Wickham said success is possible with patience and hard work.

Grooney has found “the road to success takes flexibility, total commitment, and experience.”

Resources include http://www.opp-knocks.org and http://www.cocc.edu.