The birth of a business (and a business owner), Part 3: Growth spurts and momentum busters

A couple of weeks ago, things clicked. I hit upon a business name I really liked: Cre8tive Content Works. It’s both playful and serious. The word “Works” carries a lot of meaning. Used as a noun, it’s a place where things are developed or produced – a workshop. Used as a verb, it tells potential clients that the content I create can help their businesses succeed. My gut told me the name was right. A quick Google search suggested it was available. I ran it by a few trusted associates and their reaction was unanimous: Go for it. Within 24 hours I had: •Determined that no business within my state (Virginia) was operating as Cre8tive Content Works and staked my claim to the name •Purchased the .com, .net, and .org domain names •Formed an LLC through the state website I celebrated a job well done, told myself I deserved a break from my business-building efforts … and stalled. I lost my momentum. I’ve recovered it, but the stumble helped me pinpoint something about myself that I want to change. I must transform myself from a sprinter into a marathoner. Sprinting was the perfect mode when I worked for large companies or on freelance projects. My work – developing and writing content – is deadline-driven. There were periods of intense effort, often several months long, which ended when the product was delivered and approved. Then there would be a lull during which I could catch my breath and get re-energized. It’s different now that I’m launching my own company. I have to pace myself for a long run. I can celebrate milestones (becoming an LLC) as long as my happy dance doesn’t slow me down. Because for the first time in my career, the whole shebang is up to me – the marketing, the accounting, the customer service. There are tools that can help me and someday I’ll be able to hire people to assume some of those roles. But right now, I’m a one-woman band. Not so long ago that idea would have scared me. Today I choose to see it as a challenge and I intentionally surround myself with people and resources that encourage that mindset. I just finished reading Flow, by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (I’ve heard that his college students used to call him Mike), about how people find happiness and meaning in life. Here’s a taste: “…The best moments in our lives are not the passive, receptive, relaxing times….(but) usually occur when a person’s body or mind is stretch to its limits in a voluntary effort to accomplish something difficult and worthwhile.” That’s how I see my business now. No doubt I’ll lose my resolve and stumble again. And then I’ll have to re-read Flow or one of Mike’s other books. I’m in this for the long haul. If you have insights or strategies for staying on track and/or getting through the hard times, please join the conversation. By Laurie Rackas