It’s 10pm on New Year’s Eve, and everyone in the family has already gone to bed, except me. I’m working away on various Local Eye Site projects. Now that’s excitement.
It hasn’t been completely low key for us, however. I did take the kids downtown for the early, kids version of the New Year’s Eve countdown. Raleigh (the City of Oaks) drops a giant acorn at 7pm and midnight to celebrate the end of 2008, and usher in 2009. It was fun, but New Year’s Eve ain’t what it used to be for me; that’s for sure.
While I was working, I began to contemplate the end of 2008 for Local Eye Site. Although we haven’t yet been in business for a complete year, this is the end of our first calendar year. This time last year, Local Eye Site was just an idea and a dream. I informed my previous employer in February of my intentions, and in early April, Local Eye Site became my full time career. So, we have roughly 9 months under our belts. That’s 9 months with no corporate salary, no company car, no company paid health insurance…woo wee.
So, what are my takeaways from 2008 at Local Eye Site you ask? (Well, you didn’t really ask, but indulge me for a few moments). Here are a few:
1. I’ve been blown away by the support of my friends and family, but especially my wife. You can imagine telling your wife, the one that stays home with your two small children, that I think I’ll quit my job and build a website. Don’t get me wrong, she knows I’m the man, but this was asking for a new level of trust. However, she’s delivered with flying colors. I’m really proud of her. 2008 has probably been the best of our 9 years of marriage.
2. I’ve been encouraged by our investors. There is a group of experienced professionals that believe in the Local Eye Site concept. I know they believe in it, because they’ve put their resources where their mouth is. I’m flattered and very appreciative.
3. I have a new appreciation for small business owners and entrepreneurs. The complexities of our business pales in comparison to many others, however I’ve seen enough already to understand the level of determination and focus necessary to make it stick.
4. Someone told me recently that most small businesses don’t fail…they give up. I think I get it. The life of a company has a lot of peaks and valleys. You have to continue to believe, put aside your fear, be willing to take chances, stay focused, and have a willingness to make changes to your plan.
5. I love it. I know that all of my professional experiences leading up to Local Eye Site have prepared me to take on the challenge of creating a new business, but that aside, I wish I did this a long time ago. I never knew it could be so fun to work this hard.
We have a long, long way to go, and lots of goals unattained. However, we are extremely pleased with our accomplishments thus far and very excited about what 2009 holds. Please continue to follow Local Eye Site, and I look forward to sharing takeaways this time again next year.
Brad
