I pay attention. I listen. I don’t just hear. I really listen when people are talking to me. Not only does it make me more productive but it also helps me develop things for our business.
Gonen Yohananof was born an entrepreneur. Always ahead of the curve in business, Mr. Yohananof was buying houses and commercial properties, cleaning them up and revitalizing them and selling them off before it was in vogue. Now, several years into Mary Tylor Naturals, Gonen has done it yet again. His love and passion for natural things and helping people evolve led him to start Mary Tylor Naturals. A thriving multi-million dollar e-Commerce business, Mary Tylor Naturals offers everyone from natural enthusiasts to do-it-yourselfers the opportunity to enjoy quality skin care products. For more information on Mary Tylor Naturals, please visit the website at .
Where did the idea for Mary Tylor Naturals come from?
I saw that even with all the technology out there, people wanted a more natural lifestyle. From those who make products themselves to everyday people just wanting ethically sound products. That is why I started Mary Tylor Naturals, LLC.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
I don’t really have a typical day. When you are a small business, you are part of everything that goes on in it. I work with our team on the products and marketing them, help with fulfillment when needed, and am one of our buyers. I am always learning more about the industry so I can bring new products to our customers. I also stay productive because I divide my day into pieces based on what is going on in a given day. While my schedule changes all the time, the actual things I do don’t.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I watch what is going on in the world. I listen and pay careful attention when people are speaking about what is important to them. I research things. Like our name, for example. I decided to research what the two most popular names in America are. One was Mary and the other was Tylor. Therefore, I named the company Mary Tylor Naturals. It resonates and people relate to it. It just makes sense.
What is one trend that really excites you?
I love how the more technologically advanced we get the more important the natural side of life becomes. It is simple and comfortable in a world that is moving at warp speed.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
I pay attention. I listen. I don’t just hear. I really listen when people are talking to me. Not only does it make me more productive but it also helps me develop things for our business.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Pay careful attention to what people are telling you. They are your greatest champions and your biggest detractors. I always listened but I never took note. Take note. It makes a huge difference. I love to hear from our customers about how they feel and use our products. Not only does it form a deeper bond between us but it also gives me great ideas to pass along!
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on?
There really isn’t a Mary Tylor. I didn’t name the company after a specific person. Really!
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing that has helped you grow your business?
I have grown this business through research and listening. Taking cues from what works and expanding upon them. This season we added lip tubes to our product line. We heard our customers were making lip gloss and lipsticks with our products but we didn’t have something for them to keep it in. In the past they had to get that part of the recipe from another vendor. Now we carry them and they are selling like crazy. Sometimes it is the simple ideas that are common sense-based that do the most!
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
Focus on a few things you do really, really well. Then add from there. Make sure your products are top quality. The higher the quality, the better the customer loyalty.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
I used to drive into New York City every day for business. Traffic could never be predicted and I used to get so frustrated losing so much time in the car. It wasn’t really a failure but to me, it was. Finally, I decided I had had enough and I moved my business out of the city. It was hard at first but now I realize I should have done it long, long ago.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Flying cars. I know they have been talked about for years but if we had them we could really travel to and from work much more easily!
What is the best $100 you recently spent?
I bought presents for my children. My work takes a lot out of me so I try to surprise them whenever I can. The little things mean so much in life.
What is one piece of software a web service that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Microsoft Office and Google Drive. With both, I can work from anywhere when I need to.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey. It teaches you how to manage your time and your effectiveness better. A must read for every entrepreneur!
What is your favorite quote?
“I’m a success today because I had a friend who believed in me and I didn’t have the heart to let him down.” Abe Lincoln
Connect:
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/marytylor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/marytylornatura
google plus: https://plus.google.com/+Marytylornaturals
Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLkpVg9H2XS6OqbE3jcm-Ig/videos
facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mary-Tylor-Naturals/848103995270008?ref=bookmarks
Mario Schulzke is the Founder of ideamensch, which he started a decade ago to learn from entrepreneurs and give them a platform for their ideas.