[Plushpaint]

Hi everybody,
I've stalked this site since the beginning, but haven't posted because the time difference from the UK makes for dis-jointed posting. But hey, here's one for you to look at in the a.m. while I'm half way through the day.

Have just read "The Dip" by Seth Godwin. Here's a bit from the blurb

".......Every new project (or job, or hobby, or company) starts out exciting and fun. Then it gets harder and less fun, until it hits a low point: really hard, and not much fun at all. And then you find yourself asking if the goal is even worth the hassle. Maybe you're in a Dip: a temporary setback that you will overcome if you keep pushing. But maybe it's really a Cul-de-Sac, which will never get better, no matter how hard you try. According to best-selling author Seth Godin, what really sets superstars apart from everyone else is the ability to escape ends quickly while staying focused and motivated when it really counts. Winners quit fast, quit often, and quit without guilt: until they commit to beating the right Dip for the right reasons. In fact, winners seek out the Dip. They realize that the bigger the barrier, the bigger the reward for getting past it. If you can become number one in your niche, you'll get more than your fair share of profits, glory, and long-term security. Losers, on the other hand, fall into two basic traps. Either they fail to stick out the Dip - they get to the moment of truth and then give up - or they never even find the right Dip to conquer......"

You might say its common sense, but it struck a chord with me at the moment, (and its a short book!)

 

[Humble Abode]

That's excellent. Thank you for sharing it. I'm in my fourth year and experiencing such a dip. I feel like sometimes that I am in the make or break portion of my business ownership.

I'll get that book.

and welcome to the site! Don't worry about the time difference a lot of us keep very strange hours.

 

[Humble Abode]

Do you happen to have the ISBN?

 

[Humble Abode]

Nevermind I found him. It's Seth Godin, no W. He co wrote The Guerrilla Marketing Handbook which I have and have read.

 

[Plushpaint]

Of course. Trying to help daughter with homework, they don't do math's like in my day

 

[Tmrrptr]

Well that's about as clear as the rules for scoring darts!

Seems to me all the self help books generally present the point that the problem is yourself when it could be outhouse luck or economic downturn.

I'm presently having a problem with "the E-myth Contractor," because i do NOT want to grow my business and get other people to delegate the various aspects to do it for me. I like small and will stay that way!

I seek different venues because not all stay busy, all the time.
r

 

[Workaholic]

I just purchased the e-myth i hope it is good i have heard a lot of talk about it.

 

[Humble Abode]

I just purchased the e-myth i hope it is good i have heard a lot of talk about it.

I liked it.

 

[Workaholic]

Well when it shows up i will let you know how i like it.

 

[Plushpaint]

I paint because its what I'm good at.

But...
I'm getting older (46, m'God where'd it go)
I cannot support the family on one man band.

E-myth suggests I finish with a craftsman's life and become a businessman. Of course I might not be very good as a businessman, but if I make a go of it I will certainly have to push through the "Dip" of employing people.

To support me as a manager I reckon I would need a minimum of 6 employees. A businessman would probably conclude that in the area I live, thats a lot of work to find.

Hmmm. better get my work clothes on then

 

[scottyd2506]

what works

I think some of this is true, we get tired of what we do and lag off.
Any kind of job, weather it's working for yourself or the other guy/gal, gets borring after awhile.
It is true you have to "Leave your comfort zone" to advance yourself most of the time.

You can make more money by going from a one/two man show to a 15 man crew outfit, you will be managing more than working, you will make more profits as long as you have enough employee's, as you will not make as much profit per man as you did by yourself.

You will generally not get the job done as good or as fast, employee's slag some when your not around.

You will need to spend more on advertizing to keep those employee's working so they don't file unemployment on you.
The market does have slowdowns, seasons, other paint outfits poping up or established ones growing can all a sudden cut you off..

You will have extra paperwork for those employee's, and other tasks...
Most people say they are much more stressed managing 20 guys than working small, and they have to work more hours, it can be a risk, or can make you more money.

If it isn't broke, don't fix it!

I think if your in a dip or getting bored, try working in a fast food place or a temp in a factory job for two weeks... take the time off and JUST DO IT, you will appreciate your business after your first day, and everyday after that even more so. If you make it two week, you'll come back to your work with hearts flowing from you and realize how good you have it.

scott

 

[Plushpaint]

Oh don't get me wrong. I LOVE what I do, and am definately not trying to run away! But I don't want to be on the brush when I'm 60, my back and lungs won't take it.

I guess its all a matter of risk, if I make the effort to leap the gap to proper business-hood, will I emerge into glorious sunshine or a become a nervous wreck.

 

[Tmrrptr]

Plush, I'm in the same boat.
And many of the rest of us shall be.

I enjoy the building trades, and do not enjoy office type paperwork shuffling.

Some are good at it, others are not. Some like it!

And then there is sales... ALL the time! If that becomes your end of the business, solely, you may never pass up an opportunity!
...or someone else gets the job!

Best of luck to you,
I'll need it!
r

 

[Slingah]

this is a great thread, and I sure can relate...thanks for the tip on the Dip...I will be sure to read it...as well as th e-myth