Do You Ever Get Frustrated by Your Startup?
December 16, 2007
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I do!! Bah Humbug! I sound like Scrooge, sorry! I ask this question because I can’t be the only entrepreneur out there hitting my head against the wall trying to move to the next stage, unsure what that stage should be! Today I’m frustrated by our darn business model (revenue stream). I know we’re getting close to figuring it out so I’m trying to be positive that there’s a way I can make full-time income for myself and my partners here while serving women entrepreneurs… What’s frustrating is that it seems I can easily figure everyone else’s strategy but my own. It’s always more challenging to look within!
For the past few weeks we’ve been in research mode. Peter Tennis, our strategic advisor has us doing a lot of research and it’s been very helpful to consider the possible business structures, “non-profit”, “paid-membership organization”, “professional organization”, “franchise”… we’re going through each scenario and asking the questions so we can identify which is the best fit for us. We’re also doing branding and marketing research.
Another thing we’re doing is requesting members to participate in a survey. (I realize it’s a very busy time to ask people to participate, but if you could take a moment and help us out…here’s the survey link. Bless you!!!) The survey results tells us what our members want from our community and how we can serve them better. So far the request for more networking is high (online forum, contact me email buttons on profile pages) and also a weekly podcast has been popular. It’s great to get feedback so we know what your experience has been and what your needs and interests are.
I’m excited to evaluate our survey results, our research, and create our action plan, so we can start 2008 with a solid focus and enjoy business because we’re clear about what we want and where we’re headed.
Today’s Magic Wand: Be honest. What frustrates you about your startup? Consider an action plan so you can move ahead and start loving your startup again. What a great Christmas present to yourself!
Three things frustrate me that are closely related - having faith in the path I’m on, staying the course, and being patient while I do those two things. I’m sure these are challenges all businesses experience, especially start-ups, but sometimes it’s really hard to remember that if you believe in what you’re doing and how you’re doing it, that someday the light at the end of the tunnel will begin to appear. I’m still working on my action plan, but it will involve getting the word out cheaply, with three propsecting calls per day, and at least two networking meetings per week. I’m excited for the new year.
Hi new SUP Kelly King! (it’s quite fun to see Kelly join SUP since our names are so similar…I miss being “Kelly King” sometimes..) thanks for sharing, glad to hear that you’ve been working on your action plan, keep up your faith and stick to the daily tasks and let us know how it goes in 2008!
We’re going to be discussing the book Getting Things Done by David Allen in January, those of you whom haven’t read it… it’s one thing that has potential to eliminate frustration in my life, getting organized can help so much!
My biggest frustration is the time involved and how it creeps into every aspect of life. I love what I do and am incredibly proud of it, but never realized how much is involved in running a business. I thought hiring help would make a huge difference, but somehow it only seems to be getting worse!
Hi Jamie - if you haven’t read it, I highly recommend the E-Myth series by Michael Gerber. I’ve only read the E-Myth Revisited, but it talks a lot about the frustration you’re dealing with and how to overcome it. I can’t say I’ve yet to do everything he says, but it sure is helpful to know there are solutions!
Kelly-great suggestion for Jamie, E-Myth is super for understanding how to set up systems so that you can turn things over to someone else and be at peace because your business runs without you. Jory Des Jardins Co-Founder of BlogHer told us in her recent interview that when you take time to train and teach new staff that you are giving them the “gift of history”, the lessons you’ve learned are now a blessing to your business and to another as you share your experience. One thing that I’ve struggled with is the fact that if I’m NOT organized and have the systems figured out then there can be no “gift of history” yet…but a few things at a time, right?
Hope everyone’s enjoying their holidays! I’ve been good. I haven’t checked my email or blog in 6 days, what a record for me..I’m feeling recharged and having fun playing with our new Wii (surprise from Santa!) and we’ve had 9 different house guests over the past week!