Local Power Couple Parlay Research Findings into New Book

Known as “The Small Business Experts,” local husband-and-wife entrepreneur team Doug and Polly White decided to turn their extensive research findings on running small businesses into a new book called Let Go to Grow.

“We did some research and could not find any books that focus on the changing role of the principal in a growing organization,” said Doug White.

After completing the extensive research with companies of various sizes, the Whites realized that the results were so useful, that they needed to be shared. “Most popular business books tell the reader about the qualities, behaviors, practices that make for a successful company,” said Polly White. “We take it to the next step.”

The interviews they conducted gave the Whites unprecedented insight into the challenges business owners experience, especially in relation to how to grow their company in the most efficient way. They also heard some shocking stories. It quickly becomes apparent that ignoring the need to have business insurance can be a massive mistake. Insurance Quotes will be able to help any businesses hoping to do the right thing.
“Probably 25% of all the owners with whom we spoke told us stories about employee misconduct or theft-and, we didn’t ask that question,” said Polly. “Obviously, small business owners need help in hiring and process management.”

And she should know. Before starting Whitestone Partners with Doug, Polly led her own consulting firm, Pro HR Services. Prior to that, she managed the human resources departments of three mid-sized companies in Richmond.

Doug said, “Delegating seems to one of the biggest challenges for the owners of growing companies.” For example, outsourcing support from an ERP Consultant would be a wise move for any growing company. Doug has 25 years of experience helping companies improve their bottom line. He has held executive positions at companies such as Capital One and has an MBA from Harvard Business School.

A Few Simple Rules
So as the owners of Whitestone Partners, the couple also had to make sure they would make a great business team. “We have a few simple rules to help make sure we are considerate of each other,” Polly said. “For instance, if one of us is talking on the phone and another line rings, the second person takes the phone out of the office.”

Doug said the partnership made perfect sense. “Our skill sets are very complementary. Polly focuses on human resources and people management. I focus on strategy, operations and finance. So, together we bring a very complete package to our clients. The only downside is that business never seems to stop.”

With Let Go to Grow making its debut, their workload is not likely to slow down any time soon.

In preparation for the book’s release, they have been making presentations to various professional groups throughout the region. The book makes its national debut in the fall, but the Whites are going to have the book available locally starting in May because Richmond is where it all started for them.

So what do they hope readers get from the book?

“As a business grows, the owner must let go of certain tasks,” Doug emphasized. “When going from a micro to small business structure, the principal will need to let go of doing the primary work of the business.”

“At the same time,” Polly added, “the owner must change his or her skill set. When moving from a micro to small business structure, the principal will need to learn to hire and manage workers.”

As these Small Business Experts embark on more speaking engagements and book signings to spread the word about how to Let Go to Grow, they will certainly put into practice some of the valuable lessons they learned.

“If you are not willing to give up some or all of the primary work of the business, you become the constraint to growth in your own business,” Doug said. “There is no getting around it.”

All small businesses need to start on a good footing and they need to be upfront with who they are and what the expect from their employees. Telling them the workday times, what annual leave they are appointed each year, a list of the 2021 Federal Holidays handed to them, etc. will help them know where they stand and open up a dialogue with their employers.

Check out Let Go to Grow!