Just Do It

This week continues to be a trying week but I know you don't want another excuse. My motto is "no excuses." Although the world can be unpredictable, there is still one thing you can control, EFFORT! I have been pressing my sons to focus on presentation when it comes to homework because it shows effort. Effort in keeping things organized. Effort in doing quality work. Effort in showing their best work. I don't mind seeing bad grades because at some point it will get better. As long as they give it their very best effort. It was a lesson for my oldest boy who constantly makes excuses for his bad grades. I was not hearing it this week. I gave him another opportunity to make adjustments and to do better in the "effort" department. On another note, I have been searching the web for another vehicle to run my business out of. I keep running into the same thoughts and ideas. I don't want another car note, but I also understand that I need one to get my business going. Should I buy used? Should I buy new? Because I am starting a new venture, I was leaning towards buying used and building up my business before thinking about a new vehicle. But knowing my luck, I probably won't get far before the vehicle breaks down and that could be bad for business. So I've been hesitant to pull the trigger on used vehicles. I'm stuck and may need some suggestions as to what I should do. As for the $100 challenge, it's put on hold because I don't have my car back yet. It's still in the shop getting repairs. Currently I'm researching the best profit margin percentage to stay in. At the rate I'm going, I don't know if it will be profitable unless I start marking up my prices a little more. I average a 65% profit margin. I should be in the 25% percentile to meet the $100 challenge. I am reworking the numbers and hopefully I can come up with a solution fast.

When it Rains it Pours

Last week I talked about becoming familiar with set backs and overcoming them. Also, how keeping those optimistic eye glasses on as you go through the journey of life will benefit you in the long run. It always seems like when you are close to something good, the rain gets heavier and the duration longer. When you feel like you have taken 5 steps forward, something goes wrong and puts you back 10 steps. To some it might be too much and they end up quitting. To me, it is an indication I am close to something good and I just have to push through the storm to see the rainbow. I have never been more focused in my life. I'm more aware of the how to fund my project and what I need to get started with the mobile detailing business. It's funny because one of my trials this past week is car problems. My truck decided to quit on me and the repair is going to be close to $1500 dollars. Of all the times I needed my truck to work, this was the time. To get to work, I've been taking Uber. I know I am not losing focus on the bigger picture because every Uber ride I catch I am starting to notice how I can clean their car. So the desire to serve is stronger than ever! I have a few things to work out but I know with a little faith and hard work, I can push through the storm.

Trying to Stay Optimistic

This week has been such a challenging week. First, we got kicked out of our apartment so the maintenance guys can make repairs to our bathroom. In fact, it was so bad they had to replace the framing and sheetrock in the bathroom and in the process change the adjacent walls to the kitchen and bedroom. With trying to coordinate hotel stays, work schedules, kid's school rides, and homework I tried to stay optimistic in keeping my business project in sight. I have to admit, I was discouraged for a minute. I told myself I would have to put the business on the back burner for now. As part of my homework assignment, I was watching a video interview of Desh Deshpande. An immigrant entrepreneur who made millions even though he came to the country with $8 dollars in his pocket. I remember him saying that with every trial you go through, you become more comfortable, more familiar with setbacks. You have two choices, you can run and quit, or you can sit on it and see it for what it is. Most times it's not that bad. I learned that you have to put on your optimistic glasses to get past all the setbacks. You will be better for it. It is a good quality to have as an entrepreneur. So this coming week, I want to keep those glasses on to help me see my current situation for what it is. Just something to overcome and get through.

Something For the Next Generation

Ever since I decided to start this business, I had a goal in mind to teach my sons the principle of hard work. As I see them grow up I recognize the my lack of control in the things around them. Their school, the workplace, society in general is more and more unpredictable. With the recent shootings in Las Vegas, it proved to me one thing. I really need to be around my sons a lot more. I did not want to create a business that took more time away from my family. So the next best thing was to include them in the journey. In preparing my business plan I realize my mission statement was initially focused on making money. I now see another purpose. I plan on using the business as a teaching aide to propel my sons future with intangible but useful tools. Things like hard work, consistency, persistence, financial awareness, and money management. Sometimes the best way to teach a child to swim is to throw them in the pool. Immediately they learn how cold the water is and how to hold their breath. It leaves a lasting impression on them and they expect it next time they go swimming. Same thing with mobile detailing. My sons love cars but they have not idea how to take care of them, how to appreciate all the engineering and design gone into the body and paint. The curvature of the hood to make it more aerodynamic, or the size of the tires to make it stick to the road. They can't experience those things unless they touch it, hold it, wash it, take care of it. My purpose is clear. My intentions are even clearer. I know what to do and it starts right now.