A Year in Review Part 1

As September approaches I realize that I have almost been in business for one year already.  I took over the rent and inventory on August 30th last year.  My business did not have a Grand Opening until October 1st but the business was mine for the whole month of September.  I have much to review and write about so my posts for the month of September will all be reflections, things I would change or not change, and just lessons learned.  I will also cover my one year anniversary planning.  I am hoping to get to all of these things because I think it is important to share with other who hope to start a business.  Some of you may have noticed my posts have slowed down the last few months but business has picked up and my time is spent with my customers which is how it should be and growing my business.  Plus it has been summer time and I have spent as much time with the family as possible.  In the next year, I may need to expand in personnel or volunteers to help cover all day to day activities.

One thing I have noticed is you need a great deal of start up money when starting a business but it does not require as much to maintain operations.  I am getting renewal notices for all my licenses and tax filing information. Renewal is cheaper than original filing.   I had to learn new accounting tips last year for tax season and this year, I have kept things sorted differently making it easier come tax season.  I do order items to complete everyday operations but they are not all required up front when you run out of paper you order or go get the paper you need.  Not the trip for envelopes, cards, paper, tape, and etc.  I no longer stress out about the little things since it has become routine.  Filing quarterly taxes has gotten easier.  When I first started it was overwhelming.  I used to pay bills as they came in but now once a month I write checks and pay bills.  These are all just small things you may not think about that change over the course of the first year in business. 

Hindsight being 20/20 I am not sure if I knew then what I know now that I would have continued this journey but I think that is the plan.  If we didn't go into business blinded by the joy and love of what we do when starting a business most businesses would never start.  It is like being pregnant and going through child birth(sorry men but women will totally understand).  If we knew the pain without the joy, would we have kids?  I am not saying I am disappointed or that I am not happy with my own business but it was a journey with experiences and work that I never expected.  I am glad I was blinded by the joy and love because that is what gets you through day to day.  Well that and a strong support system.  I recommend having as many people to help support you mentally during the first years of starting a business.  Many THANKS to my support system, I could not have done this without you and I hope you know who you are!!!!!