July 12..2004

Here we go

Well, we have finished our real JOBs and are now onbeginning this new direction. It is very overwhelming.Lots of emotions, the worst of which is fear. But when thinking about the worst that can happen, it REALLY wouldn't be the end of the world!

Today brings meeting with a couple of distributors, applying for an EIN number with our Uncle Sam, getting the stain and paint purchased for the exterior, ....

We are attempting to have the doors open for business before the July 4th weekend with a limitedmenu offered and everything in place for the weekof July 5th.

I ran across this quote the other day, one of my favorites, and so appropriate at this time:"Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out." - Art Linkletter

Here's to making the best in the coming days and months.

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That was my post just before (we) opened the restaurant, Monday, July 12, 2004. It was to be the last for quite some time as there was NO time for the blog, let alone anything else.

Today -- Wednesday, July 12, 2006 -- my life, thoughts, feelings are many. Some kind of emotional....I quoted Art Linkletter. The past 2 years I have really had to make the best of things, and I believe things will turn out for the best.

It's Happy 2 Year Anniversary. But there is a lot to contemplate.

5 things that come to mind about having your own business

There was life before being in business and life after or should I say life in business. There is a big difference.

Here's 5 things I've learned since being in business:
(I should note that the restaurant business I have is a 7 day a week, breakfast, lunch and dinner joint...but the following apply across the board. Just ask my fellow owners.)

1. There is no such thing as an 8 hour day or weekends.

I get up early and I go home late. Everyday. But, I do have the flexibility to get out during the day when I want to (as long as an employee has not shown up) and I can take time off (which is rarely) when I can afford to...which financially has been a challenge being that I am in the first 2 years.

2. Business has cycles..BILLS do not!

It only takes ONE set back and it doesn't have to be a big one to put you in a hole financially. With a very low margin, my business can not make it up quickly. I wish I could charge 10 bucks for that cup of coffee this week, but that ain't gonna happen. What is true is that supplier, company rep, utility bill, LANDLORD is coming for their money and they WANT their money...I mean YOUR money.

3. EVERYONE thinks you are RICH.

...because you have a business! You're living their dream! All I can say is it is true that I have never seen nor had access to so many $100 dollar bills...but unfortunately they go from "Peter to pay Paul." I am looking forward to the day, which is not guaranteed, that the money begins to flow Into the business at a rate greater than it flows OUT of the business. And should that ever happen, I worry what "they" will think of me THEN...that rich, cheap, greedy, s** o* a b***!

4. There are times I long for that previous simple life.

Honestly, there are days/mornings/evenings when the 9 to 5 grind, paid vacations, health benefits, having a BOSS/manager who is responsible for the bills, breaks, pay days, weekends off...that all sounds pretty good....some times...

5. I love the challenge and it has been satisfying.

I am comfortable (to an extent) with the daily challenge of what the business brings. Most businesses are people businesses and that makes it fun. Taking the risks and learning the ropes (much still to learn) has been most rewarding (not financially, yet) and personally satisfying.

Do you have a business or a perception of those that do? Leave me a comment. I would be interested in your view.