Chic Spotlight: Sue Glew, President, Best Friend Errand Service

 
Cincy Chic: What was the motivation for starting your company Best Friend Errand Service, LLC (BFES), in 2005 with your then-business partner Sue Packard?
Sue Glew: We had both been working for a large company and realized that at the end of our 40-hour week we still had a lot to do. We heard the same comments from our colleagues and decided to start the business so that we could help others find more time for the things they enjoy doing. Sue and I worked together until December 2007 when she decided to leave the business to pursue other opportunities.

Cincy Chic: How did the moniker for the company come about? Are you and Sue Packard actually best friends?
Glew: Yes, we are best friends. When we were working for that large company everyone in the company had to take a survey that was intended to determine how happy the employees were and how they felt about the company and their job. There were only 12 questions on the survey and one question was, “Do you have a best friend at work?” Sue and I had been friends prior to working together so we both answered “yes.” From that point forward, we just called each other “best friend” instead of our real names. We still do to this day even though we are no longer business partners. We decided the name really fit for the business because when someone is looking for help, the first person they would call would be their best friend.

 Cincy Chic: How has the area responded to BFES? What are your most requested services?
Glew: Cincinnati is a tough, but loyal market. It was difficult getting started but many of our customers have been with us since the beginning. The most requested service is party staffing. For people who love to cook, but want to enjoy the party we come in and help set up, serve, clean up and make sure the host can enjoy the event. I use sub-contractors here for some of the business and I still do some. This year, I have expanded the business with a very large corporate account in Dayton and I have employees working there.

Cincy Chic: Typically, what sort of company will benefit from BFES? Who are some of your clients?
Glew: BFES is geared to small businesses. We found many of our contacts were small business owners who needed some extra help, but were not in a position to hire a full time person. Our years of experience working for a large corporation gave us the tools we needed to help with office tasks in a professional manner.  Our business clients range from a professional artist to a highly technical engineering firm and many in between! 

Cincy Chic: You are in the business of keeping others organized and helping them manage their time more wisely. How do you keep your sanity and manage your own time wisely?
Glew: I live by my calendar! I put everything on my calendar and I have it with me at all times. I find I can relax because I don’t worry about forgetting something.

 Cincy Chic: Describe a typical workday for you, regarding the services you provide.
Glew: Every day really can be different and that is what I love about what I do.      

Cincy Chic: What advice would you give someone struggling to successfully manage his or her personal time?
Glew: Prioritize and delegate. My husband and I just talked about this last night! We decided to make a list at the end of the day of what we absolutely have to get done the next day. We keep that list with us and make sure to check off all that we accomplish. Even though we know that unexpected things may get added to the list, we will feel good about what we did get done. If the same things keep getting added to the list then maybe that is something we need to delegate to a professional or an errand service!

Cincy Chic: What advice would you give businesses struggling to successfully manage their company and employees’ time?
Glew: Prioritize and delegate. Focus on the things you know that you do best because you are your biggest asset and find ways to outsource the things you dislike or don’t do well. For a small business, you may need to be creative to accomplish this but you may be able to find someone who is willing to barter or you can try hiring a business service! Also, consider some of the free services from SCORE advisors and the Small Business Administration’s Development Center. I also belong to a group geared for entrepreneurs called Legacy Connection. I have used all of the above.

Cincy Chic: What do you do in your free time?
Glew: This year, my free time seems to be taken up with weddings. My stepson got married at the end of June and my stepdaughter is getting married later this year. Luckily, my 11-year-old isn’t planning to get married for a while!

Cincy Chic: What’s your favorite thing about Cincinnati?
Glew: Definitely Skyline Chili. Besides that, it is a big town with a small town feeling. No matter where you go here you will always find someone you know.

PHOTO CREDITS:
Photo: Best Friend Errand Service, LLC (BFES)