I’m sure it’s evident from my posts lately that I’m going through a bit of an identity crisis with my company and perhaps if I’m honest, with myself too. Previously I’ve attributed this to the usual culprits such as confidence, life’s ups and downs, lack of motivation… we’ve all been there and some of that holds true. However, after sharing this post, once again, Jan of Daisy Janie threw some words of wisdom at me that made me dig a little deeper:
“You said you’ll just rip the carpet up to reveal the concrete…the foundation of your home, your life. Well, why can’t you do the same with modernemotive? Rip the surface layer off and get to the foundation. What’s down there? What do you see? How can you make it functional? What will it take to build on it?”
It took a while for the “light bulb” to turn on, but when it did it hit me like a ton of bricks. I’m not struggling because my vision isn’t there, nor my passion or drive. I’m struggling because I’m standing on top of a foundation that was rushed and not given time to set. A foundation I’m not confident can withstand the load if I keep building. There are too many cracks that need filling with long-term solutions and goals, not just temporary fixes. Some of that foundation is me and hey, I need a little repair too.
You might think I’m over-analyzing this, but recently I was presented with a few opportunities that would of taken my attention away from modernemotive indefinitely. The fact that I seriously considered them reinforced my belief that the foundation of my company needed some work. They both fell through within 24 hours of each other and the relief I felt made me realize modernemotive is still my home and I’m not ready to up and leave.
So, if I’m going to stay in these digs, it’s time to do some foundation work. Going forward, I need to be able to build on top of what I have with confidence and strength, so it’s time to rediscover and redefine things. Once my foundation is set, I’ll start to brick this goddamn house. After-all, Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Photo Credit: mauresque
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Hi A. Sounds like you are headed in the right direction. I have been going through this a bit myself. What helped me was to research and force myself to write out a business plan. You can not find the answer if you have not defined your goal. Make it just a simple business plan. Google and go. Definitely helped me to focus in on what I was truly trying to accomplish. Good luck and all my best! xo
Erin at Vale Design | February 21st, 2010Sometimes I feel you are blogging my life! Your posts always resonate with me because I am going through similar things right now. My marketing consultancy started so fast I didn’t have a chance to really plan where I was going or how I was going to get there. I didn’t really think about how I would manage things when it grew because I didn’t expect it to happen so fast and I thought I’d have time. I have also had a couple of opportunities present themselves although for me they are related to my biz. I’m excited about taking things forward but know I need to sort out the foundations if I am going to be a success.
Now you know what you need to do, just get on and do it. Write a plan. Go back to the drawing board and you will emerge with a strong foundation that you can build upon. Good Luck!
Isa Maria | February 21st, 2010I also feel like you are blogging my life! I appreciate how honest you are about your personal and professional challenges. Lately I’ve been very frustrated with the progression and growth of my business – although in my case, it’s moving too slow. Sometimes I worry that I’m going to have to abandon my dream and get a “real job.” Unfortunately, at this point, I have no idea what I’d want to do — or what I’d be qualified to do — in the real world. However, just the other day an interesting business opportunity presented itself regarding my stationery business, and while the urge was to jump in and say yes without thinking, I’ve decided to take some time to come up with a plan so that I know the move will actually be moving my business forward. I need to flesh out a full-fledged business plan, but I’m overwhelmed by the thought of it. Maybe we can motivate each other and write our plans together?
PJ | February 21st, 2010Isn’t this one of the best things about blogging? When we’re trying to make a decision, some kinds reader jumps in to point out something that SHOULD have been obvious! Bless Jan! And the comments above point out another great thing about blogs – the connections we can make with other folks across the world that are experiencing something similiar! It sounds like you’ve got some basic things decided, strengthening your foundation is a great way to start!
Candy @ Candied Fabrics | February 22nd, 2010I agree with all of the other posts. Your wall picture was interesting too. I agree that making sure foundations are strong is a good start. The picture though shows a few bricks that have been exposed…and like bigger walls before it…think Berlin if you get my drift…they all come down brick by brick. Yes, I know I needed to shore up my foundations and have done, to allow me to start to achieve my goals…then a letter came regarding my health this weekend and you end up realising that even with the best foundations…sometimes just jumping over the wall and going for it is the best way forward. Life is seriously too short.
Julie | February 22nd, 2010I was really unsure whether I could start my interior design business up this year on my own…and having received that letter on Saturday, I attended a comedy night and out of the blue did a stand up routine! And I did great…which just goes to prove I can do anything I set my mind to…and some random things too. I intend to go for everything…and live life ‘open plan’….and say bye to walls.
I def cannot wait to see what you build, Adele! Thank you for sharing your analysis – it resonated with me, too…
daisy janie | February 22nd, 2010What a great piece of advice! Certainly a solid foundation can help us to grow indefinitely. But don’t forget that none of this process occurs in a straight line. We really need to behave more like water, finding the right direction by not trying to shove our way toward an imagined goal, but by constantly refining our goals and focus as we figure out what works and doesn’t work for us. Just because another blogger/small business owner went in one direction and succeeded doesn’t mean it is the best thing for another.
I started out my business spending a ridiculous amount of time online – marketing, etc., but found that if you divided the amount of time I spent (which because I have a day job meant time snagged from the family) by the sales I was making, it came in ridiculously low. I reworked the business, focused my lines, and have found that I am happier and do better with my work in a gallery setting. It’s best for me. Think about your priorities, and you with find the best path for you – good luck!
FormFire Glassworks | February 22nd, 2010interesting post, adele. your posts these past weeks have been spelling out a lot of what i’m feeling, too [like many of your other readers too, i see!]. i feel like i jumped into this biz with two feet, without really thinking too much about future, ir having a business plan, only that i wanted to make a go of it. now i am realizing that i do need to lay those foundations if i want this to sustain itself, as well as me, for many years to come!!
lesley [smidgebox] | February 22nd, 2010i love jan’s advice in the last post. since the first time i came across jan [about a year ago an modish blog], i have been continually inspired and motivated by her words of wisdom. such a wealth!
adele, i wish you the best in your soul searching, and can’t wait to see your outcome. i think you know by now i’m a big fan, and am so glad to be able to consider you a wonderful new friend, too. off you go, brick by brick!!
Thanks for sharing your insights with us. When you say you have to do some foundation work, what do you mean exactly with that? What do you consider as foundation for your business, in a practical way? Do you have any idea, plans? How to start building the base? Sorry for so many questions, but I’m in a similar situation =)
Silvia | February 22nd, 2010Adele, every time I come here I feel as though you’re writing about my life (as many other posters here have noted too). Is it something in the air here in Canada? LOL!
That Jan… she is a wise woman!
Good luck building – I’ll be cheering you own (and I’ll mix the concrete for ya if you need me to ;))
Cheryl (Pink Panda Fabrics) | February 22nd, 2010[...] many of you commented that you too were going through an identity crisis with your businesses, I hope by sharing my [...]
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