Signed, Sealed, and Scale September 1st, 2012. I couldn’t believe it. In less than 2 years, I signed a lease with the Port of Portland. Rhett PDX would be located between Delta and Southwest Airlines cargo offices. I would have 1700 square feet of office and warehouse space. I was so proud of myself. I…
Month: January 2019
Neighbors think I’m a drug dealer. Time to move…
Bootstrapping my business Having my bookkeeping in order gave me even greater insight into the health of my business. I could pull up reports and statements and compare data from one period to another. I could see where I was doing good and where I could do better. I bootstrapped my new business from the beginning….
The benefits of having a virtual team
I get to be a full-time father first, entrepreneur second A growing child has plenty of “firsts”. I get to be around for a lot of them. This time, I was able to be with London and watch him roller skate for the first time! Don’t get me wrong, being a fulltime father is NOT…
Building the plane while it’s in the air – This is what entrepreneurship feels like
(Photo by Zachary Young on Unsplash) Building the plane while it’s in the air For those that dream of having their own business, I salute you and encourage you to go for it. Create a business plan, if you choose. But just remember, that no matter how long and thoughtful your business plan, be prepared that things may…
What is a business coach? Am I ready for one?
(Photo by Kristopher Allison on Unsplash) What is a business coach? Am I ready for one? I’ve never had a professional coach or mentor before. This was something different for me. Its like having a boss or manager but instead of working for them, they are in a way, working for you. And instead of getting paid by…
Why I hired a coach for me and my business…
(Photo by Burak K from Pexels) “Genius is 1 percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration” – Thomas Edison Starting a business is easy Starting a business is easy. Sustaining a successful business… well, that’s different. It takes consistent action, discipline, and persistence. Personally, I’ve had plenty more failed businesses than successful ones. Each time is disheartening and exhausting….
The hustle isn’t always sexy…
(Photo: Makaila stitched this. I love it and keep it in my office) “The reason most people do not recognize an opportunity when they meet it is because it usually goes around wearing overalls and looking like Hard Work” – Anonymous The hustle isn’t always sexy Looking from the outside in, I knew that most…
Knowing my numbers gave me valuable insight into what’s possible
(Photo: my workstation June 2012. Working out of my basement. My desk was a plastic folding table. Humble times, but I was excited.) Basic arithmetic What started as a way to sell off things that I didn’t need anymore to generate some additional cash, began to look like a sustainable business. At first, I did…
Rising from the ashes. How the remains of a failed business turned into so much more…
(Photo by Rakicevic Nenad from Pexels) Generating a profit I sold the remaining supplies and equipment leftover from my previous business. But I wasn’t just liquidating and taking a loss. I actually made a profit, selling it for more than I originally bought it for. I realized I had a knack for sourcing business equipment…
Back to the fundamentals. One sale a day…
(Photo by Junior Moran on Unsplash) Rest, Relax, Recover, Reflect Taking time to rest and recover from burnout helped me think clearly about what I really wanted. I wanted to simplify things. I didn’t want the feeling of burning out and failing again. I enjoyed the creativity and problem solving of entrepreneurship. I enjoyed the…