12/ 01/ 2006
by Summer Huggins
Spending a day at Dell changes the business plans for the winner of the 2006 Dell/NFIB Small-Business Excellence in Customer Experience Award
The list of names in Sew What? Inc.'s portfolio reads like a major concert lineup: Dave Matthews Band, Sting, Neil Young, The Red Hot Chili Peppers. Their work has even graced the cover of Rolling Stone magazine and has helped a family find comfort in a new home on ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition."
Based just outside of Los Angeles, Sew What? is a theatrical drapery manufacturer and custom sewing service that works with the entertainment, special events and trade show exhibit industries. The multimillion-dollar small business with 35 employees has come a long way since Megan Duckett began with one sewing machine on her kitchen table.
Technology plays a starring role: The owners--Duckett and her husband and business partner, Adam--have technology to thank for that growth. "Technology has been key to letting us get into the bigger market," Duckett says. "It has streamlined and turned around the way we do business."
It also won them recognition earlier this year when Sew What? was chosen as the winner of the 2006 Dell/NFIB Small-Business Excellence Award. Established in 2004, the award honors small businesses that instill the spirit of innovation and apply information technology to improve the customer experience.
"I felt compelled to enter the competition immediately after reading the application," Duckett says. "If I hadn't known better, I might have thought that they were actually describing our company.
"We have always been passionate, adventurous and willing to try technological advancements. Had we not been selected as a finalist I would not have felt any disappointment; however, the process of simply writing the application was very motivating. I think that it helped us realize the many advancements that we have made over the years."
A new way of thinking: Along with $30,000 in technology and services from Dell and a lifetime NFIB membership, winners of the award also receive a two-day visit to the Dell headquarters in Round Rock, Texas (just outside of Austin), and a personal visit with Michael Dell.
"The prizes awarded and the knowledge gained during the visit will enable us to continue our growth and commitment to technology," Duckett says. "We plan to institute the 'Dell way of thinking' in our business."
Duckett says their company's answer to pressure and growing pains used to be hiring more people and renting more space. But after their visit to Dell, they'll ask themselves a very important question: "How can we streamline current procedures to eliminate inefficiencies and improve output?"
For business owners considering applying for the 2007 Dell/NFIB Small-Business Excellence Award, Duckett says go for it. "In writing the application, you will find inspiration and a realization of all you have achieved.
"Beyond that, you will have the opportunity to be the finalist for a priceless experience," Duckett says. "This goes well beyond the physical, such as computer hardware and NFIB membership benefits--it reaches to a total immersion in a truly entrepreneurial spirit, which is the 'Dell experience.' The experience has changed both our personal and professional lives."
Here's Your Chance Enter your business in the 2007 Dell/NFIB Small-Business Excellence Award. Applications will be available in January at www.NFIB.com/ceaward.
