We have been live for about three weeks now and these three weeks have been the most agonizing weeks I have experienced thus far in my quest to start a successful company.
Up until this point every second I worked had a very definitive result and pushed us closer to our goal of launching. All my work was directed towards getting the website live, getting us to the point where we could finally start bringing in revenue. In the very early stages I could see, track, and measure my effectiveness and progress. The last three weeks, not so much. It has become incredibly difficult to see what, if any, progress I am making with my sales and marketing strategy. Things are no longer just in my hands. People need to start buying from you. They now have the power.
When you get to the point we are at now, you can work your butt off and see minimal results. Then you start questioning everything you have done. Why aren’t clicks converting to sales? Why aren’t we driving more traffic to the site? We are asking for feedback, if people aren’t happy why don’t they tell us? All of these thoughts will inevitably go through your head at some point. It becomes difficult to motivate and persevere.
What is the saying…Rome wasn’t built in a day? As much as you want to say “forget that” you need to keep perspective. These questions your asking yourself aren’t a bad thing (I think you should be constantly evolving) but you need to stay confident. Entrepreneurship is the most difficult undertaking I have ever experienced. It is surprisingly lonely, everyone is constantly questioning you, your decisions, and your company. If you don’t have thick skin and a natural confidence you can easily be flattened by the pressure and criticism.
You just have to keep pushing on, lean on those few people who support you or who have been through it before. You are doing something that A) very few people will ever have the balls to do, and B) Something that you should be passionate about.
I recently read a great article. Check it out here:
http://www.centernetworks.com/your-startup-sucks
-Brett
#1 by V at December 29th, 2009
Keep the work going Brett. I havent read much about your product or company, but i do know that selling the first product could be toughest task in one’s entrepreneurship career. May be you could ask your lucky mascot to initiate the selling. Just $0.02
#2 by Pete Sveen at January 16th, 2010
Hey Brett. Good article. Being an entrepreneur, you definitely have your ups and downs. There are lots of times I wonder why I got into a venture. Why don’t I just be a mailman? Life would be so much easier and less stressful…. But, I want to build a business, create my own success, and be my own boss. I think that someday (hopefully:), hard work will pay off. I like the quote: ” Never Never Never Give Up” by Winston Churchill. I have this quote as a magnet on my fridge. It is definitely helpful in keeping my spirits up. Starting a business is not easy, I’ve definitely found that out. Best of luck Brett!
#3 by Brett at January 19th, 2010
Thanks for the post Pete,
I hope your venture is going well. Look forward to sharing ideas with you in the future