A firm handshake? A warm hug? A quick peck on the cheek? Hold on there! This is a business! In this episode, Beth and Marilla explore the many ways a small business owner has to maintain boundaries. They also welcome special guest Debora Kraeger of Exquisite Wax & Tan who has lots of thoughts on the topic.

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When you open a small business you spend months, maybe even years, thinking about every conceivable detail of how that business is going to operate. Still, some customers and clients have a pretty good idea that you've forgotten something fundamental. In this episode, Beth and Marilla share some of their most...memorable...suggestions for operating their small businesses.

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We're back! The holidays are behind us, and now that we've had a little time to breathe we're ready for a new season of TYFU. This episode, Beth and Marilla welcome one of our favorite neighbors (and a previous 5-star review recipient), Yvette from Earthly Possessions, for a talk about true crime in retail.

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Building a small business may be a marathon, not a sprint. But, for retailers the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas are a marathon AND a sprint. In this episode, Beth and Marilla talk about what's coming both for their businesses and the podcast including an announcement about how you can show your love for TYFU.

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You know how you're not supposed to talk about politics in polite company? Well, small business isn't always polite and neither is TYFU. As we approach election day, Beth and Marilla talk about navigating politics in the workplace where so many customers are ready to share their opinions.

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Our annual Halloween show. A TYFU tradition since Episode 11. Beth and Marilla trade true stories of retail nightmares including an unexpected twist around the grand opening of Marilla's Mindful Supplies' Rochester location. Plus, our friend Kevin Dunn stops by with a really spooky tale!

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"The customer is always right." -- attributed to Marshall Field (among others)

"Hold my beer." -- Beth and Marilla, depending on the day

The topic has been widely suggested and requested. In this episode, Beth and Marilla and their guest Carley Pulford of Zefiro compare notes.

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From the glowing 4-star review to the 1-star review without explanation, online reviews can sure live in our heads. In this episode, Beth and Marilla talk about reviews...especially bad reviews...and welcome restauranteur Dick Austin, who takes reviews (good AND bad) very seriously.

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The best thing about owning your own business is you get to be the boss...right? In this episode, Beth and Marilla compare notes on just how nice it is to be the boss.

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Are you running the business, or is the business running you? This episode, Beth and Marilla welcome longtime Finger Lakes business owner Jim Hogan to the show. Jim has a lot of wisdom to share. But, Marilla has a surprise up her sleeve, too. If you follow us on social media, you may know already. If you don't...

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Please share Thank You for Understanding (TYFU) with your friends and be sure to subscribe for future episodes and rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform.