Chaos

I’ve been meaning to write for two weeks…but the problem is finding the perfect time to write a perfect blog. There has been none.

I was just about to move “Write blog” from my Friday to-do list to my Monday to-do list when I thought, “Wait a minute, people reading this blog are likely interested in what it is REALLY like to have a small business”. Well, what it is really like is often not having time to write the perfect message.

The last two weeks have included the new menu launch and all the twists and turns that has entailed; the annual PGB party which is a big affair taking up a fair bit of mental space; the return (with requested edits) of the PGB cookbook I am working on with Random House; the resignation of a key baker; and a call from the Food Network about PGB possibly being on a show called “Food Factory”.

I like to be busy but the last two weeks have been over the top – and I say that even with my aversion to saying,”oh I’m so busy”… see my earlier post on that very subject.

I just met with Andrea a few minutes ago and we talked about how we both love the adrenalin and challenge that come with lots of growth and activity…but that every once in a while it all just feels like too much. I’m not sure, but I suspect lots of entrepreneurs feel the same way…although everyone tries very hard to always look cool, calm and collected, I think an important truth about running a small business is that some days you will want to throw in the towel.

What has always helped me on those overwhelmed days has been (1) the realization that these days have happened before and that they are a normal part of the package; and (2) a supportive friend or partner who just listens and says, “Yeah I hear you”.

So that is the blog for today…if you are also feeling like you’re caught in a tornado at the moment, hang in there because “this too shall pass”. And I’ll try to offer up a more carefully drafted blog next week!

being overwhelmed; entrepreneur chaos

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Jean Blacklock

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