Holy smokes, what have I done?
Bear with me, because I'm tired, and probably delirious. I have four businesses. Yeah, you read that right - four. Why? Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time....
Look, I know it's not tenable. But needs must.
Here they are, with a little detail:
1. A lab supply business that I inherited, and is about 80% automated. I need to keep up with inventory and do a bit of marketing in July, but it's pretty self-sufficient. Just a tiny amount of money coming in, because it's a microniche. I could and should expand my product line.
2. A consulting business that I started 2 years ago, while I was depressed-and-getting-better. Two productivity booklets and a new book on startups. Plus the 6-week program is almost ready. But I stink at marketing. Absolutely clueless about where to find customers. No, actually, I can find them (I've had several clients, several). I don't know how to reach them or orchestrate the conversations.
3. So I got a job today, selling insurance. It's part time, so I can still work my other businesses, and the owner is paying for the licensing. I figure a year of actual sales will teach me more than I could ever learn any other way.
4. I know you're all going to smack me for this, but I bought up shoot-back.com. Yes, I did. And ordered t-shirts. As soon as the shirts are shipped, I hit the button.
I must be mad.
Oh, so what drives all this? Carrots and sticks, baby; carrots and sticks.
Sticks: 5 kids, some in college, and 2 cars and a house that need maintenance. Credit card debt. And a whopping student loan.
Carrots: the loans and house paid off, kids not struggling for college money, FU money, the boat, the horses, the travel. Being able to buy the talent I need. Not missing out on the next African adventure.
I know that my stuff is good. I know that I have the ability to make good on the plans. And thank god, I take my vitamins.
Bear with me, because I'm tired, and probably delirious. I have four businesses. Yeah, you read that right - four. Why? Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time....
Look, I know it's not tenable. But needs must.
Here they are, with a little detail:
1. A lab supply business that I inherited, and is about 80% automated. I need to keep up with inventory and do a bit of marketing in July, but it's pretty self-sufficient. Just a tiny amount of money coming in, because it's a microniche. I could and should expand my product line.
2. A consulting business that I started 2 years ago, while I was depressed-and-getting-better. Two productivity booklets and a new book on startups. Plus the 6-week program is almost ready. But I stink at marketing. Absolutely clueless about where to find customers. No, actually, I can find them (I've had several clients, several). I don't know how to reach them or orchestrate the conversations.
3. So I got a job today, selling insurance. It's part time, so I can still work my other businesses, and the owner is paying for the licensing. I figure a year of actual sales will teach me more than I could ever learn any other way.
4. I know you're all going to smack me for this, but I bought up shoot-back.com. Yes, I did. And ordered t-shirts. As soon as the shirts are shipped, I hit the button.
I must be mad.
Oh, so what drives all this? Carrots and sticks, baby; carrots and sticks.
Sticks: 5 kids, some in college, and 2 cars and a house that need maintenance. Credit card debt. And a whopping student loan.
Carrots: the loans and house paid off, kids not struggling for college money, FU money, the boat, the horses, the travel. Being able to buy the talent I need. Not missing out on the next African adventure.
I know that my stuff is good. I know that I have the ability to make good on the plans. And thank god, I take my vitamins.
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