Comments on: Breaking it down to build it up http://startupkidsline.com/2007/11/04/define-business-schedules-to-build-business/ Journals our expreriences starting a children's clothing line and apparel manufacturing business. Wed, 07 Jan 2009 16:53:58 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: amber http://startupkidsline.com/2007/11/04/define-business-schedules-to-build-business/#comment-1549 amber Wed, 14 Nov 2007 14:45:22 +0000 http://startupkidsline.com/2007/11/04/define-business-schedules-to-build-business/#comment-1549 Well, we've managed to accomplish a lot by designating certain hours of the day to certain tasks. we're getting good at the 'to-do' lists, I update it every night and cross stuff off throughout the day. But we're still struggling to define a project schedule. We figure a good place to start is by tracking how long various tasks are really taking us. robin, I have to laugh about the "just getting caught up" - are we ever? Everytime I get some black cloud off my shoulder there is a new one on the horizon - send this, email so and so, call this company, drop this off, order this, pick that up, and don't forget the kids!! LOL And yet, we love it. I guess I prefer to deal with my own insanity vs. someone else's. Well, we’ve managed to accomplish a lot by designating certain hours of the day to certain tasks. we’re getting good at the ‘to-do’ lists, I update it every night and cross stuff off throughout the day.

But we’re still struggling to define a project schedule. We figure a good place to start is by tracking how long various tasks are really taking us.

robin, I have to laugh about the “just getting caught up” - are we ever? Everytime I get some black cloud off my shoulder there is a new one on the horizon - send this, email so and so, call this company, drop this off, order this, pick that up, and don’t forget the kids!! LOL
And yet, we love it.
I guess I prefer to deal with my own insanity vs. someone else’s.

]]> By: London http://startupkidsline.com/2007/11/04/define-business-schedules-to-build-business/#comment-1546 London Tue, 13 Nov 2007 03:37:21 +0000 http://startupkidsline.com/2007/11/04/define-business-schedules-to-build-business/#comment-1546 tradeshows have a way of throwing off your schedule. It will get better. I did the Atlanta show in July and I'm JUST now getting caught up. That was the longest recovery period after I show that I've ever had, but business has also grown and my lists are getting longer too. Just keep the end goal in sight to keep you going through the busy, hectic and rough times. It all pays off! Isnt' that what we have to keep telling ourselves? tradeshows have a way of throwing off your schedule. It will get better. I did the Atlanta show in July and I’m JUST now getting caught up. That was the longest recovery period after I show that I’ve ever had, but business has also grown and my lists are getting longer too. Just keep the end goal in sight to keep you going through the busy, hectic and rough times. It all pays off! Isnt’ that what we have to keep telling ourselves?

]]> By: Jamie Lentzner http://startupkidsline.com/2007/11/04/define-business-schedules-to-build-business/#comment-1530 Jamie Lentzner Mon, 05 Nov 2007 03:21:04 +0000 http://startupkidsline.com/2007/11/04/define-business-schedules-to-build-business/#comment-1530 small goals - that is what I do. I would reccomend keeping that silver ring at the end of the merry go round always in your sight, but small goals each day. I have so many lists, so many events, and so wear so many hats that if I do a list and at least cross SOMETHING off it - it has been a good day. Don't be too hard on yourself either - you have done soooo much more than I ever did my first year in business!! Step back and pat yourself on the back every once in awhile - Rome was not built in a day. :) small goals - that is what I do. I would reccomend keeping that silver ring at the end of the merry go round always in your sight, but small goals each day. I have so many lists, so many events, and so wear so many hats that if I do a list and at least cross SOMETHING off it - it has been a good day. Don’t be too hard on yourself either - you have done soooo much more than I ever did my first year in business!! Step back and pat yourself on the back every once in awhile - Rome was not built in a day. :)

]]> By: Amber - RuffleButts http://startupkidsline.com/2007/11/04/define-business-schedules-to-build-business/#comment-1526 Amber - RuffleButts Sun, 04 Nov 2007 20:17:31 +0000 http://startupkidsline.com/2007/11/04/define-business-schedules-to-build-business/#comment-1526 Great advice! This is my goal for the week - breaking down each project into weekly increments. I did this in the very beginning and not only did it help me stay on track, but it also held my vendors more accountable for deadlines, as I shared these breakdowns with them as well. Thanks for your comment on our weather challenges. My prayers are with all of the CA families as well, as I can not imagine what it would be like to be surrounded by fire! It was definitely a reminder that I need to be more proactive than reactive in this business. I was so focused on getting this first production run out to our customers, that I never really even considered a back-up plan for any kind of disaster. Thanks for the advice - have a great week! Great advice! This is my goal for the week - breaking down each project into weekly increments. I did this in the very beginning and not only did it help me stay on track, but it also held my vendors more accountable for deadlines, as I shared these breakdowns with them as well.

Thanks for your comment on our weather challenges. My prayers are with all of the CA families as well, as I can not imagine what it would be like to be surrounded by fire! It was definitely a reminder that I need to be more proactive than reactive in this business. I was so focused on getting this first production run out to our customers, that I never really even considered a back-up plan for any kind of disaster.

Thanks for the advice - have a great week!

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