There’s a great story about a young man who goes to a very prosperous older man to ask for advice:
“What’s the most important thing in life?” the young man asks.
“Good judgment,” replies the older man.
“And how do I get that?” the young man continues.
“Experience,” replies the old man.
“But how do I get that?” persists the young man.
“Bad judgment,” concludes the old man.
To say I’m on cloud 9 is an understatement. Last February, I created for myself a dream business. I launched my homemade site with huge hopes and dreams.
Only 3 months after launching, I was in North Carolina with my buddy Ryan, as he was helping me take my site to the next level. Quickly after that, I realized that if I really wanted to go for it, I was going to have to invest serious money into my business.
I believed (and continue to!) believe in what I’m doing so my quest for a designer/developer began. Finally, I found a fully equipped professional design/development firm with amazing talent located right here in NYC.
It was very important to me to be able to meet with the team so they understood me, my business and also because I’m slightly a perfectionist (which I have always insisted was a good thing!).
Well, after many months I’ve realized it’s just not working out as much as I want it to. We were really close to launching the new site but ultimately, I just can’t risk waiting any longer. Enough is enough. I rather not get into the details but for all of my loyal readers who were curious to know the deal – I thank you.
The main reason it didn’t work out was a major difference in attitudes. Their attitude was ‘will it matter in 3 years if the site is done tomorrow or in 4 months?’ Their CEO said that to me on numerous occasions.
That was back in January when I was fuming that the site wasn’t ready for the New Year. His mantra for me was ‘patience, Adam, patience.’ And although there’s some validity to that, I really don’t have patience for certain things, especially in business with things that ARE (and should be) in my control.
I don’t know one successful person who has a ‘will it matter in 3 years from now if this is done tomorrow or in 4 months’ attitude. I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t have liked it if I said, “Will it matter if I pay you today or in 4 months from now?”
We’re coming back stronger than ever. I’ve already hired a firm that was highly recommended by Seth.
And as much as my blood is boiling, it is what it is…and as they say, “It could always be worse!”
You’ve been in busy a while so I hope that I’m not assuming by sharing my experience with you. I’ve been running my language school for close to 3 years now and I’m opening up my first school so I understand where you are at with taking your business to the next level.
Pretty much everything that I try to achieve in business takes multiple attempts because the people providing me with services take 2 or 10x longer than expected, don’t perform or outright fall off the map and don’t do anything.
You are right to be pissed and that first web designer should have been fired a long time ago. Usually your first instinct is the right one and someone who doesn’t perform in the beginning and starts giving you the patience is a virtue speech early on is probably showings signs of being a flake.
Patience is a virtue but so is getting things done and on time.
Thanks so much for your comment. I just checked out your site…Well done and very cool! I love what you’re up to.
You are absolutely right. As they say persistence is not doing the same things over and over. It’s wanting the same thing over and over.
I’ve learned whatever someone says, add at least one month to their projections.
All of these flakes though make it very easy for people to build a business with loyal clients…
How so? Just do what you say you’re going to do!
Thanks for sharing!
Pura vida!
-Adam