Last week I wrote the post, “Candle Wax + Rising Fuel Cost = Zero Profit” and was amazed at the responses I got almost immediately. I want to thank everyone who took the time out to read and respond to my article. I took all of your comments into careful consideration.
In response to my article; reader Mark Riffey wrote “Quitting For The Wrong Reasons” on his blog, Business Is Personal. I really enjoyed reading Mark’s post written from his point of view and the quality comments it produced.
I realize from the business side that shutting down my candle shop was probably not the best or smartest choice. However, I had to make that decision because it worked best for me at the time. Not to worry though, your comments have given me new focus and the courage I need to move forward.
About The Author: Amanda Stillwagon started her career as an office manager for a 4 doctor veterinary practice but her love of candles and her entrepreneurial spirit led her to launch her own business, Kiski Valley Kandles. That business introduced her to the online world where she now appears as the assistant editor here at smbceo.com and author of her own blog myfindsonline.com.
It’s great to hear that you’re not going to let the economy dictate your future. Isn’t it great to get so much advice for free just by posting an article? That’s one of the nice perks of blogging.
Amanda,
Good to hear back from you on your thoughts about the responses! If you ever decide to get back into it…I’m sure posting here with a request for ideas will produce a plethora! Good Luck…and I look forward to reading more from you.
-Dan
Amanda, I am glad to hear how you responded.
In the end you must make the decisions in your business, and live with your decisions. Because the rest of us can give opinions, but we won’t be around when it comes time to run the business. 🙂
Best,
Anita
Hi Amanda!
Glad to found this site. I would like to share my experience as well. I have been employed for more than 15 years and I quit because I found starting my own business is better. Glad you started your business though it might not worked that time for you but you shouldn’t get lose of that entrepreneurial spirit within you. There is always a room for improvement. Just remember, you may get a lot of opinions from your readers but no one can do it for you but only you. Be firm!
Hi Amanda!
You shouldn’t be! You shouldn’t be giving in yourself to the dictate of economy however we have to cope up and fit ourselves to it. I attended just a very short seminar and I remember people are people. They will never stop consuming and becoming customers as long as they associate your product to be really a part of their needs. Why don’t you try something that your neighbors or friends could really not help it without. Glad to hear from you that you are not going to surrender. Keep it up!
Hi Amanda,
I too have failed from business before. I got tired and lost that spirit in doing business. But now, I regained that spirit to give it a try. We shouldn’t be losing that entrepreneurial spirit! It’s worth giving ourselves another chance 🙂
Amanda,
Thanks for the update. Best to your future endeavors.
David
Amanda,
I’m glad you’re not giving up. I believe entrepreneurship is best learned by experience. I believe that experience of yours will help you with the next step on your entrepreneurial career. Good luck!
Hi,
There’s only one thing I would like to remind you of: “There’s always a room for improvement!” I believe you learned a lot from this experience. Good luck!
Amanda Stillwagon,
I have “failed” too in my start-up company, but I see it as one “fall” forward and one step closer to success. I will send you and inspirational video email that you could use for your business if you are interested to find international customers.
By the way: I don’t get why I have a Canadian flag as my picture. It is not linked to my own profile at MyBlogLog.
Hi Andrea,
Im looking forward to seeing what happens next, no matter what you decide. Thanks for sharing your situation with us.
Mark
From the sounds of it, Amanda was only taking a temporary hiatus anyway. Obviously, this was a decision that she needed to make that was the best for HER personal situation, family, etc.
Just use this time to regroup, reorganize and focus on a new direction with the business . . . in the end, I’m sure you’ll be back up and running – should you decide to do so.
All the best Amanda. I hope you will bounce back to your passion and acquire new passions as you go.