What is the Worst Part of What You Do?
I’m very lucky.
When faced with the possibility of having to go back to work, I somehow managed to start a business that is successful enough to allow me to stay home with my kids. It’s pretty incredible when I really think about it!
My first year was so scary. I didn’t know what the heck I was doing. I made a lot of mistakes, but I loved it, every minute of it.
Then things got busier, my inventory grew, and Christmas time was crazy busy! A good thing, of course, but I felt the pressure.
Last year, the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas were insane. I was up until midnight packing orders. I was making mistakes, mixing up orders and getting calls from customers.
I broke down.
I had a good cry one day, but eventually pulled myself together and got through it. The paycheck at the end of the season was awesome, but man did I work for it!
Yes, the life of a mompreneur is not all glamour and good times. Most often, it is a LOT of work. And while I love most of it, there is one part of my particular business that is the worst.
Packing orders.
I love talking with customers, finding beads for them that represent something important in their lives. I love converting an irate customer into a loyal fan because I make right by my mistakes. I love doing marketing, shopping for new items for my store, even prepping my packaging materials.
But the one thing I dislike is packing orders. Which is double bad because I would say I spend 50% of my time packing orders!
I put the bead in a jewelry pouch, I fold up the customer’s packing slip, I stick everything in an envelope, and I close it. That’s it. Nothing strenuous, but nothing exciting, either.
It is the worst part of my business, but a very necessary one. I find my mind wandering as I stuff the envelopes. I even try to read or check my Facebook status! Anything to keep me busy.
But I know that there’s always going to be something that I’m not going to like about owning my own business. If it’s not packing orders, it might be doing payroll, or maybe going to a trade show someday. These not-so-great moments are all part of this adventure.
So I do it, every day, but you can bet when I get big enough for a staff, the first person I’m going to hire is someone to pack. my. orders.
Tell me – what is the worst part of what YOU do?
I've got 3 kids (under 7) & I run my own business from home. Yep, I'm busy! I'm sharing my lessons learned & fun finds that will make YOUR busy life easier.
Sofia
Twitter: frompdxwithlove
:
October 23rd, 2012 at 9:20 AM
Well, I am a mom, that is about it. But lately I have been feeling the need of doing something from home, whether it is selling my photography, selling jewelry, selling something. I just do not know where to start or how or what I need.
Do you do all the packaging all by yourself? Have you tried asking girl friends to help you out? Any tips for a mom who wants to become a work-at-home entrepreneur?
Sofia recently posted..Coming Home
Brooke Adametz:
October 23rd, 2012 at 10:10 AM
I love being a mother and a blogger, but on days that my husband works late, the two do not mix well together. Sometimes its really hard to ignore the feeling that something is being ignored, whether it be the housework, writing, or playing with the kids! I’ve learned to somewhat let go, because its only a matter of time before the kids are in school and I’ll be lonely! Haha!
Brooke Adametz recently posted..Hunters Giveaway! Ends 11/12
Susan Bewley
Twitter: BudgetEarth
:
October 23rd, 2012 at 11:32 AM
I think the worst part of having a business is the government paperwork! Its just so darn stressful. Second would be dealing with new clients that just aren’t happy no matter what you do!
Susan Bewley recently posted..Citradish Dishwasher Detergent Review
Jennifer
Twitter: katies_charms
:
October 24th, 2012 at 5:29 PM
I actually just “hired” a friend to help me with the packing for the holidays.
As far as tips – how much time do you have?
I would say be patient is the best tip I could give you. Things don’t happen overnight. Be persistent but patient, and your business will grow!
Linda Stanhope
Twitter: AngleArmor
:
October 25th, 2012 at 7:27 AM
I agree with Susan above. Government stuff, taxes etc. Hey by the way, we are looking for a “world” or “globe” bead for a necklace we are creating. Ever see any of them?
Thanks, Linda
Linda Stanhope recently posted..Like a Signet Ring What? Who Me? YES!
another jennifer
Twitter: anotherjenb
:
October 25th, 2012 at 8:25 AM
I always say that I wish I could have someone who would read and answer all my emails. I’d get so much more done if I didn’t have to sift through hundred of emails every week!
another jennifer recently posted..The added benefits of a new file cabinet
Just Moms » Blog Archive » Customer Complaints: Its Not Personal:
October 25th, 2012 at 9:01 AM
[...] What is the Worst Part of What You Do? [...]
ArcyEm:
December 22nd, 2012 at 8:05 AM
Packing orders in my worst job, too. I keep trying to develop “systems” to make the process more efficient, but we creative types are allergic to efficiency, I guess.