SoKy Local Business or "SoKybiz"

My good friend and Kung Fu Sifu came to visit me in my office yesterday to discuss his new website, which he designed himself because as he said, “I knew you were so busy.” We discussed the particulars and then our conversation turned to; “so how’s it going?”

Sifu Sam mentioned that he would like to see me in class again and wondered when I expected to return. I explained that this new business of mine has taken a huge toll on me this past year. I explained that I could count the number of days off on one hand, and that I have slept at my office more often than at home since starting the magazine. He said, “That’s not good.” I agreed to a point, but then I came into this knowing it would be difficult.

He explained to me how busy he has been learning new techniques and expanding his business. He has made many changes in his techniques and methods and even his own diet. He has been working very hard to master his new skills and make his business better. We talked about the need for balance in life, not only in business, but also in fitness and diet. It was a nice talk and led right into the question; “What are going to do to find balance?”

Ah... balance.

Truth be told, I’m so out of balance these days that even my own wife recently accused me of being a “work-a-holic.”  I explained to her that if I were a work-a-holic, I would not have had the drive and determination to work 24/7/365. I know, it sounds like a contradiction but it’s true.

I am determined to build a business that allow me the freedoms I long for. I am working so hard to earn the freedom and resource to travel, to take up new hobbies, to see and do many new things. I have always known that building this or any new business would take a huge investment in time and effort, especially when trying to build it on limited resource as we have.

I had another encounter yesterday that assured me that my investment has been well placed. Our new salesperson (our 5^th) had a great (best) week selling ads and we had a very encouraging discussion about the short term and long term expectations for the company. We all feel that this magazine has crossed a threshold from obscurity to necessity. Our customers have come to know and trust the company and are now more willing to join us in our journey so to speak.

While the goal is still somewhat out of reach, it is in sight and things are happening now that would not have been possible without the thousands of hours, sleepless nights or the willingness to learn and master new skills.

It’s almost a year to the day that we decided to create this new business and it’s been a long and difficult road. We have learned many things about the business and people in the community. We have discovered who we can trust, and unfortunately, who we cannot trust. Though there are many challenges ahead and there is still much to do, the time continues to be invested to reach our goals and dreams.

The investment of time has been very expensive. I have missed many opportunities, passed up many offers, and even allowed my own health and fitness levels deteriorate to a point that it will take months to correct. There have been many sacrifices in building this business and the fact is, like many investments, there has always been the risk that the time and effort could possibly return very little should the company fail.

There is a term in the investment world, “The higher the risk, the higher the gain.” That term has inspired many people to take a chance on an investment only to lose everything.  That term has also inspired people to take a chance on something and reap huge rewards. That is how I entered this year, I knew it was going to be difficult and I knew there was a chance I would fail. But I also knew that “if” I could make this work, it would be a great thing for me, my family and even my community.

It’s happening!

Interesting mile post; I’ll be getting my truck back this week and it serves as a significant mark in my year long struggle to remake myself. Briefly, I was involved in a head on collision about a year ago right after some significant losses in my business. The truck is one of those things I’ve neglected and not had repaired until now. Heck, I didn’t need it since I was at my desk all of the time anyway. Well, it’s fixed and I should receive it this week. It will grant me some freedom since I don’t have to borrow a ride from someone else. It also marks a turning point in my life from slave to my new company to leader of the new empire. (grin)

I have decided that regaining personal transportation will be my point of resolution to take a few hours for myself each day. Those hours will be in the gym or at the martial arts school. I will go home more often and will do some things that I want to do instead of have to do.

Yes, this past year has been the ultimate investment of time I’ve ever made. I am proud to say that it was a good investment. While it is only the first part of the plan, it is the most significant part as it will allow me the resources to continue the plan.

I can’t get back the year I’ve invested. I can’t rewind time and time is one thing that once spent is gone forever. Had I failed, I think I would have been happy in the effort. Fortunately, I’m not faced with time lost, I am being rewarded for the investment in many ways and it feels good. I have much to do still, and it will require more time; I am willing to make that ultimate investment.

Labels: changes, planning, small business

This was posted by SoKy : 8:32 AM