When business expansion isn't what it's cracked up to be
Phew! Exhausted. Seriously. Whoever said that expansion was a walk in the park needs their head read.
While the first week was the most exciting time of the year to date, the second week was riddled with sleep deprevation, home-sickness and a case of missing the basic home comforts that I have come to enjoy.
On top of that, I realized that although getting new clients was relatively easy (for today) it is twice as hard to get everything else organized around that from an administrative point of view when you don't have your entire administration team at your disposal.
And... the time difference means that instead of 12 hours a day at work it was now 16 hours a day with little time to spare and if I was really lucky, I would get Sunday off, but probably not, because there is so much to do.
While the first week was the most exciting time of the year to date, the second week was riddled with sleep deprevation, home-sickness and a case of missing the basic home comforts that I have come to enjoy.
On top of that, I realized that although getting new clients was relatively easy (for today) it is twice as hard to get everything else organized around that from an administrative point of view when you don't have your entire administration team at your disposal.
And... the time difference means that instead of 12 hours a day at work it was now 16 hours a day with little time to spare and if I was really lucky, I would get Sunday off, but probably not, because there is so much to do.
As a buddying technology developer alongside a roving entrepreneur with an ambition to be something that is possibly attainable I realized that it is not without a shitload of sacrifices. Sorry about the language but let's be frank here... I am entitled to lose my cool every now and again on only a few hours sleep a night.
What no-one told me was that instead of setting up a business and hitting the road running - that as a marketer, sales may come slightly more easily than envisaged but setting up a business and understanding the law of the land is twice as hard. I have to learn everything I have learnt over the past 20 years from an administrative and legal perspective all over again. Additionally, the laws of the land on a State by State basis are different and if I don't get it right the first time, I possibly cannot change it without being seen as some type of corporate mishap who may be trying in vein to do something that is possibly illegal or not exactly what is the done thing in the area.
Given that I am so square, any illegal activity is out of the question, but gosh, there are mistakes to be made and I am trying my heart out to minimize those - all at the expense of my back pocket and the amount of hours I can spend snuggling up to my hotel pillow that I am slowly becoming very fond of.
It is also interesting to know that culturally, there is a big difference between Australia and America.
I mean a BIG difference.
I adore my American friends and just quietly, they don't mind me either or at least they don't mind my Aussie accent that stands out like "dog's balls". Ok... Australian humor falls on deaf ears more than I care to admit.
Cleverly, I have sucked up much of my uncertainty on what to do, when to do it and how to do it but it appears that I am now almost 7 weeks into the expansion plans and I am failing - at least in the emotional stakes. If you haven't realized it yet, I am a woman and I am in desperate need for someone to hold my hand. Stuff this "feminist" bullshit. I happily would like to be the woman who has someone alongside that shows me the way. I hate the fact that I have to navigate unfamiliar waters without a paddle boat to keep me afloat.
A man would be brilliant right now not only to open doors but to protect me from all of these scary things that keep coming my way and ensuring that I am constantly second guessing my decisions that are creating havoc with my mindset.
Now, this doesn't necessarily need to be a man, but what a man represents in the traditional sense: the protector, the person you trust and who watches your back when you can't see what is behind you.
So, yes - expansion isn't what it's cracked up to be, but for me, I will walk forward and continue to strive to be my best and to deliver on the business goals but occasionally I think I am going to need that shoulder to cry on.
If this experience appeals to you, there are more where this come from so follow us on twitter or for that matter, follow one of our favourite clients.
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comments ( 6 )
hoossyceS
11 Mar 2013Nice Post.
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Emma
26 Feb 2013Being an entrepreneur isn't a 9-5 job, its a lifestyle. You think, breathe, live business. Always thinking of new business concepts, ways to grow your business and innovation. So just being an entrepreneur is exhausting let alone expanding your business internationally. It is very courages and inspiring the way you are leading your business to greater success even though you may be uncertain exactly what you do. You have to risk it to win the biscuit!
Replymina
24 Feb 2013Why do so many small businesses fail? For some businesses, it's because they decided to expand
ReplyIt isn’t always bad to expand. In fact, for many businesses it’s a necessity or they’ll never become profitable or be taken seriously. But don’t just expand for the purpose of ‘looking bigger’ or ‘feeling bigger’ or because you think it will ‘legitimize’ what you’re doing. Stay true to your business model and your business customers and your profit margin. Growing too fast can cause your business to over commit revenue that is needed to sustain business and can cause you to fail for no other reason than you just expanded when you should have maintained.
Manon
24 Feb 2013Be an entreprenarial woman is very hard. When you want to expand your business, it is always difficult. But Mellissah you are very smart and your passion for Marketing Eye will permit you to reach your goals. I wish you a lot of success in your projects.
ReplyArnaud
24 Feb 2013To be an entrepreneur is such a concession in life. You live, eat, sleep business.
ReplyBut I believe we always have to see the good side of our life. And getting your own business, doing what you want to do is such an amazing thing.
I wish you courage and even more success than the one you already have!
Melinda
24 Feb 2013"Given that I am so square, any illegal activity is out of the question"- Such a casual yet hilarious statement. Despite all the apparent stress and worries you've depicted in this blog post, kudos to you, Mellissah, for the refreshingly honest rant. It doesn't take a genius to recognise and appreciate your dedication and passion in taking Marketing Eye yet another step ahead in the rat race. You've done it thus far without the "man" and that serves as an inspiration to the rest of us females trying to 'make it' in the business world.
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