Why Did the Peacock Cross The Road? To Start Her New Business Venture
Hopefully, I didn’t give away the ending too soon. But yes, after several decades of working for someone else I finally decided it was time to strike out on my own in a new business venture. Was it scary? Scary, no; exciting, yes. Would I be successful? I believe I would. Could I make it happen? Definitely, yes. And in the end, it was as simple as “crossing the road.”
So, what had changed? Business was the same as usual.
After 35 years I had developed some freedom in my position which on the surface seemed appealing. I had managerial status, could make my own hours and had a support staff that I enjoyed working with. Over the past decade, more and more clients expressed surprise that I didn’t own that store. You may have been one of my clients that asked me “don’t you want to buy this business?” to which I would always reply “never.” I could do without the headaches of business ownership. And that still remains true: I would not want to jump into a large-scale investment in a franchise. But once I changed my perspective and thought about how I could take all of my expertise in the printing industry and structure a company for me and continue to service my clients it became very appealing. I could take all the best parts that I enjoyed about my job and make it my own.
As soon as the idea started to germinate, I nurtured it by tackling the easier tasks. What would I name it? Could I get a web domain with a business name that I wanted? What would my family think of the idea? My friends? My colleagues and clients? The more people I talked to about my “idea” the more real and possible it became. The feedback I received was validating and it fueled my excitement. This wasn’t a scary new business venture. It was an exciting second chapter in my career.
What did I need to do to get “across the road?”
First on my list was come up with a name. Peacock Print Co was available as a domain and fit my brand concept. Next, I talked to my accountant and lawyer and figured out the tax and legal end of what I needed to do. I reached out to vendor partners that I had cultivated solid relationships with over the years and gained their support. I also talked with a business marketing consulting team and attended some of their seminars. This was the step that made the difference. I learned about aspects of marketing that I knew nothing about, and I realized that if I had great business coaches who had my back success was almost guaranteed. In short, I gathered a team of experts to help me cross over and start my journey. (By the way, if you want to chat with them, I can earn a referral fee).
Less than five months from the day the idea was hatched, this Peacock was crossing the road!
My first week I spent reaching out to clients, through email and networking, and getting the word out that I was no longer in that building on the corner but was operating from a space that was all my own. Almost immediately I was receiving orders and words of support. I knew then that I would definitely be successful in my new business venture.
It has been a good first month and I wouldn’t go back for anything. I am more energized and relaxed all at the same time. My work feels fresh instead of stale and my appreciation for my clients has grown. I am also able to better balance my work and family life. Each project that I complete and deliver makes me feel “proud as a peacock”.
When you want to make your advertising and business printing something that you can be proud of, email me at mary@peacockprintco.com. Visit my website MaryThePrinter.com or call me at 562-PEACOCK (732-2625). And remember, if you decide to “cross the road”, don’t go it alone.