Well, it is official… Like all blogs, this blog officially went through a right of passage - the hiatus. The culprits were the usual suspects that cannibalize focused time. One of the most noteworthy was jumping into the hustle culture and starting a “side gig” called To Many More. In this blog, I will step through my experience and share learnings.
To start, what was To Many More? The purpose was to create a unique and exciting gifting experience.
Specifically, it was a gift box that counted down a gift a day (advent-style) to the celebration moment. At the time, it was a novel idea, but alternatives popped up, so you may have
seen something similar recently.
The reason I jumped into this opportunity wasn’t to hit it big, but an opportunity to grow and learn. Sure, if it ended up advantageous, I was not planning to close up shop, but I always saw it as a win/win.
To further explain, I wanted to create my own opportunity, to make my own decisions and learn from my mistakes. I knew setting up my own business would give me a new perspective and insight. Even from a tactical level, I could pick my own tool set, experiment and iterate. To go even more granular, take “business profiles” on social platforms, if it’s not your business, you never feel like you are fully at the wheel. It’s one thing to read instructions in a book or hear about it on a podcast, but it’s next level to explore and test what works yourself.
Ultimately, I learned it wasn’t sustainable to focus on family, career and this time-intensive venture. It gave me what I was looking for and had run its course. I accomplished my goal of learning, but fell short of starting something bigger. I’m still in the process of phasing it all out to refocus my attention on my family and next steps. However, I end it with no regrets.
A few key things I learned that are worth sharing:
Doing and learning everything by yourself is enlightening, but takes time. If you are wanting to ramp up quickly, reset your expectations. Thank goodness for technology and businesses that make this possible. Without the ability to “do it yourself” with tools like Canva, plug and play systems like Monster Insights or freelance marketplaces like Upwork to connect and collaborate with professionals, it would be extremely slow and difficult.
There is quite a bit of downtime in waiting for things to be set up. Dual path as much as possible. If you are just figuring this out, there are many steps to creating a business. Whether it’s forming an LLC, creating a business bank account, waiting on quotes or shipping your inventory there is always a number of items that keep you waiting. Time is of the utmost importance so if you get stuck, start on something else. There is always something else.
Hustle culture isn’t for everyone, it is situational. FOMO shouldn’t cloud your vision. Everyone gives advice through a single filter, but that filter isn’t the same for everyone. Not everyone can just gut it out and be less than themselves for their kids, significant others, etc. There is no shame in that. Life is short and priorities matter.
I’m still testing, still learning, still analyzing what works best and what does not. Learning doesn’t stop, but sometimes it shifts course.