I love the GARAGE period!
Posted on 10. Mar, 2009 by Sujimy in Make It Work
Are you starting a business? Go for it!
There’s this period called “garage” period that all entrepreneurs will go through. I borrowed this “garage” term from a friend who described it aptly.
Like any garage, you would need to manage every single little thing: the cleaning, the tools, the maintenance, the fixtures – you get what I mean.
I just love this period because it is really the exciting part of setting up a business. The adrenaline is the highest here too!
You are simply trying things out. The garage period is really the do-it-yourself period. I remembered mine.
I operated my business from home “garage” for few months – actually it was from the corridors of my in-laws’ living room. I planned my business there and made few cold calls. Not bad returns. Because – very low overheads lah. It was just the two of us and a fax machine!
Then we decided to take it to the next level. Rented a small room at Pasir Panjang Building. It was a no-frills office then. No lifts. No outstanding fixtures but the office came with a very nice view of the port. I just loved the view there.
We did everything ourselves. Carried the sofa, fridge, table and computers up to 4th floor. Imagine no lifts. Very tiring but completely satisfied.
I was the salesman, debt collector, dispatch and office boy.
It was also very difficult to employ anyone. No one knew us or had any confidence in what we can do.
There were many other hurdles to overcome during garage period: cashflow, invoicing systems, facilities… you don’t have much to work with.
But why was the garage period the most exciting part?
Well, things were simple and YOU were the centre of your company’s growth. Everything revolves around what you do or what you didn’t do. You will celebrate every little success (like the successful telephone line installation!). You will also celebrate the simple pleasures of a business deal. Meeting and convincing clients – hoping hard they go with you.
Given another chance, I would go through the garage period again anytime in the week and twice on Sunday.
If you are going through the garage period, savour every moment. It is the beginning of a great journey.
Make it work.
Helmi Hakim
10. Mar, 2009
Well written article, Sujimy!
Garage period is a litmus test to one’s beliefs in his mission, one’s determination in persevering his business goals, one’s resilience in overcoming all obstacles, and one’s commitment in crystalising that hope with a true spirit of an ENTREPRENEUR.
It is a challenging period, but the sweetest victory is when you see, your dreams begin to manifest into reality. Seeing that all your sacrifices, pays off.Seeing that baby steps you take, brings you to a new destination, evoking a whole new refreshing experience….
…and best, seeing your dream business reaching new heights, that you can ever imagine! Only then, you can proclaim to be one of the true blood businessman!
Fadzuli
11. Mar, 2009
My business is at that stage! haha..
Sometimes it is very tiring and its always exciting tooo.
Sujimy
11. Mar, 2009
Helmi: Thanks very much! yes yes the outcome is really sweet.
Fadzuli: Be prepared for good times. At the rate you’re going, you are deemed for success!
shahib
11. Mar, 2009
Love this.. really inspired!!~ thanks for sharing.. look forward for this kind of post experience based education for small business…
Alaniah
11. Mar, 2009
Wow ! This is an excellent ‘written advice’ and exactly the best piece for what i’m going through now. N surely will be one of my motivational factor for me.
Thanks for the sharing, Sujimy ! Gotta love the ‘Garage’ period ! =D
Sujimy
11. Mar, 2009
Ah I see this kind of article hit the right chord with fellow entrepreneurs… no worries, I will share my experience as much as I can. For those going thru garage period, it will soon be over. Just push on. My next article will be about the BREAK OUT period. This is after Garage phase. Equally exciting….. akan datang.
nora effendi
01. Apr, 2009
I am motivated!
thank you for sharing sujimy.
appreciates.