I run a small business. I started it six years ago without realizing it would become a going concern. It crept up on me, like the tide. What was a hobby and a desire to connect with like-minded moms has become a business with salaries, meetings, and deadlines.
I know this is a common phenomenon amongst well-meaning entrepreneurs like me. I read all about it in Michael Gerber's book The E-Myth. But today it's weighing on me like a ton of freshly baked bricks. Here's what I'm finding so hard about running a small business.
The Nut That Keeps on Growing
As the business grows, so do your costs. This sucks.
It's Like Herding Cats
Have you seen the amazing group of bloggers and experts who create amazing content for the site? They are eclectic, busy, and live all across the country. Try having a meeting with time strapped talented parents who live across a variety of time zones. Good luck to the sucker trying to do that. Oh wait, that's me.
The Big Time Suck
As the business grows, so do the demands on my time. Now, not only are we making sure that all the Ts are crossed in our day to day business, we also need to think ahead, brainstorm and plan for the future. But there are only so many hours in a day. What's a tired mom to do?
What's The Answer
That's what I have to do about twenty times a day. Come up with an answer for any number of important business-related questions. Despite a healthy stream of coffee, sometime my brain gets tired and I. just. don't. have. the. answer. But we need an answer. So, I find an answer. Kind of.
Exceeding Expectations
And when our business is rocking it—winning awards, working with awesome clients, growing your team—it feels like everyone is watching. And waiting. What's next? How are they going to outdo themselves THIS time?
It is Crazy
You know what's crazy? I absolutely love what I do. Most of us with this entrepreneurial gene have this crazy ability to somehow scramble over obstacles, catch our breathe and continue on in this maddening marathon of creativity, ingenuity, and tenacity. YMC makes me crazy sometime, but I'd be crazier without it.
RUNNING A SMALL BUSINESS IS LIKE PULLING A BUS. UPHILL. IN HEELS. ON A HOT DAY.
Know what I mean?
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