I’m not a massive one for new year’s resolutions (though I do love my word of the year habit). This year, having had quite a busy and shake-me-up year in 2016, I’m ready to come back to myself, to blogging and writing and mentoring now that copper boom has some security.
So let’s get really honest, shall we? I’m ready to spill the beans, as I love to do.
One of the things I love about Copper Boom is that it gives me so much more practical experience in running a bigger, more complex business. It is expanding my knowledge, courage and insight in really amazing ways.
Of course, especially in the first six months of business, that has not felt comfortable. Much of the time, I’ve thought I’m failing, or worried that I will.
And the biggest source of worry? Money.
Until 2016, I had a fairly good relationship with money. I’d never been in debt, save a student loan that I paid back through working and some money from my parents. (Yes, I check my privilege here.) I was earned just enough and then a good amount before I left my job. I had a small pot when I started mentoring. And this simple, low-overhead, #onegirlband, sole tradership created a fairly regular income quite quickly.
Now, I have a loan, a staff, a two year lease, and a business not yet earning it’s keep. Every member of staff involved is making more money from Copper Boom than I am right now.
And let me say right now: this is normal.
There’s so much pressure in the entrepreneurship community about hitting six figures, about immediately getting to a huge profit margin, and gaining #lifegoals and lifestyle aspiration immediately.
You guys, it takes a while, especially with overheads and ideas and developing a brand.
I’m fairly risk-friendly these days. I acknowledge that you have to be at least a little bit vulnerable to try something. And you will make the best decisions you can, but there will still be decisions that don’t work out. Or need refining.
I want to talk about this because I think it’s important to recognise we’re all human and working in an imperfect environment. That doesn’t mean we don’t try to do good or look good. It just means we know that we all fail and stall and slow down from time to time.
And for me? The truth of it is I have close to zero pounds in the bank. And a bucketload of ideas and valuable services to offer. Yes, I will continue.
If everyone judged their success on the financial results of the first six months of trading, very few businesses would exist now.
So. I’m going to be here, telling the truth, working hard and being perfectly imperfect.
Join me?
Jx
