As we know, there seem to be a lot of negative things going on in the world right now. Sometimes it's hard to be optimistic. But there are far more positives than negatives and one of them is the huge growth in entrepreneurship. The Covid crisis caused many to lose their jobs and to devise many creative side hustles.
Also, many started commuting digitally and discovered that they could work just fine without someone looking over their shoulder. A whole new crop of entrepreneurs waiting to be born! As a lifelong entrepreneur myself (I'm not suitable to be an employee) I thought some might be interested in some brief ramblings on the birth of Audette Collection's AC SHOP.
It's hard to believe that it's been two years since we launched the AC SHOP. And I'm pleased to report that the toddler is doing just fine. I've launched a number of new businesses over the years and it's interesting how similar their growth process has been, regardless of the type of business.
At first, in their infancy, they are unable to breathe on their own and they have no innate energy. The energy is all provided by you. So there is a phase when you do the breathing for them and provide all of the energy required for their growth. I call that the Maniacal Phase as since all of your energy is needed, you have no life. You need great enthusiasm to get through this phase, which can be either naive enthusiasm or confident enthusiasm (I think the most powerful is naive enthusiasm but that's a one off).
Well, after so many start-ups I'm afraid that I don't have a whole lot of naivete left but there has been some success so I soldier on with a bit of confidence. Especially confidence that if I plow ahead there is a great chance that something magic will happen, as it has happened before. There's a lot of plain old doggedness at this point. And just as you're starting to wear out, if you're fortunate, the magic happens. The life force you have been trying to create, a new company, starts to breathe on its own. You feel it very clearly. It's like when your toddler walks on their own.
That moment happened a few months ago with the AC SHOP. Things start to flow more smoothly. Processes are in place. Your demographic is becoming aware of you. You know your trade better. You get positive feedback. You're on a roll. Fun stuff!
Until you need to start hiring employees - that's another lengthy chapter. One of my companies had almost 100 employees and I discovered there's a big difference between being an entrepreneur and a manager. But that is one of life's better problems as good companies can always find buyers.
Don't be afraid to create and build. All of the opportunity - and the tools - are there as never before. And the beauty of being your own boss is that you can work any 60-80 hours a week that you choose.
