MYGROUNDUPSTARTUP Week 7 “Thankfulness”

February 4, 2022

I want to take a moment and write about how thankful I am and how blessed I’ve been during this entrepreneurial journey so far. 

My boss, who owns the birdhouse business I work at, makes deliveries to some stores in the Chicago and St. Louis areas. On one of his trips, he called me and gave me some fantastic news. He said he was talking to the owner of a garden center that he sells to and asked them if they sell any clocks. They told him that they don’t have very many but would be interested in some. 

He called me right after and told me. I didn’t know what to say. I was blown away by the generosity and opportunity that has been thrown at me. Not only has my boss allowed me to use his tools and woodshop but also his own wood supply. And now he’s asking people if they’d want to buy my clocks too!? What’s going on? I just can’t believe it. But regardless, I’m very thankful. 

This week’s lesson is to stay thankful for what you have regardless of what it is. You could always have less. Use what you have, who you know, and get to work. 

Fewer Styles and Sales plans

I’ve had some issues with being productive at clock building recently. I’ve been feeling incredibly overwhelmed with the number of clocks that need to be built. Looking at this sheet that my girlfriend and I made, there are so many clocks. And then on top of that, I have to build them all in different sizes too. That’s just too much. I need to zero in and just make a select amount. I can always add more styles in the future, so there is no need to start with a million different designs. I’ve made a new list of the clocks that I want to launch with.

I’ve also been thinking about where I’m going to sell and to whom. I think one of the best options right now is doing a craft show. If I made several clocks and did a craft show, I would be able to get a good idea of what sells and what doesn’t. And I would hopefully make a decent buck too. This is how my boss told me he got his start.

My oldest brother built several impressive coffee tables and did a few craft shows so he would be able to help me. Doing this would also help get my name out a bit too. After I do a show are two, I could then set up a website and sell online. 

Side Note: My clock stencils came in! They look so awesome. Now I can finally, actually finish some of these clocks. I’m so excited. 

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