Starting a Baby Boutique & Clothing Line

Growing pains of a small business

April 23rd, 2008

Isn’t everything a mixed blessing? Business is going so great that we’re really growing. Growing is painful. I remember reading some book way way way back when I first started about “growing your business”. I was REALLY curious about how I was going to make this happen - as if it was a real concern (little did I know it’d be years before I’d have to worry about that one!). But here it is - it is actually happening in real life. It’s a great, great, great thing - but I’m really scurrying to figure out how to make it all happen.

I know that we need more help. We’re even picking up more help - especially with production and sales. But the worse part is that I keep talking myself into getting “just a few more” things ironed out perfect before I seek out the help. I have to get over this glitch or it’s going to kill me. I have to be ok with where we’re at and just ask for help. I am lining up the jobs that will be easy to train on and pass off and I’m lining up the next level of suppliers. So, see, I’m working through it - even though I feel like a deer in the headlights.

I let my stress get the better of me today and had a totally uncalled for outburst. Shame on me. Lame of me. I even thought I had prepped myself for the day - I certainly prepped my daughter when she got out of school: “Mommy has a shipping deadline today and I’m already behind, so I’m going to need your patience for just a little bit.”

I didn’t make the deadline. WHAT?? I always make it. Even if I’m flying out the door at the last minute - I make it. But not today. And it cost me a pretty penny b/c it was a rush order that we promised would be there. It will be there, it just cost us for express shipping. Oh, and side-tracked my daughter’s homework for the evening.

I’ve landed a guest blog column on a business magazine site (ha ha that won’t make me busier) and since I owe them content, my first column will be about the real effect having our own businesses have on our families. Believe me, everyone in the family sacrifices to make it happen - but everyone reaps incredible benefits too.

***Have you checked out the forums? Sometimes I’m not able to get around to answering emails as quickly as I’d like, but I’ve noticed some of you are helping each other and asking questions on the forum. This is fantastic!!!

Entry Filed under: Planning beyond the collection, Sales & Marketing, Shipping & Fulfillment