Imagining My Own Business | Conclusion

Here we are at the end of this Imagining My Own Business BlogFest. What have I learned and valued the most? Did I answer my original questions, what other questions arose, and what needs further investigation? I’m going to answer this in an unexpected way in a moment, but I can first tell you that this process was invaluable. If I take the plunge, then I’ve already laid the groundwork for diving deeper into exploring my options. It’s not nearly as overwhelming because I know where to start, the creative ways to get around small town roadblocks, and that it’s sometimes easier to land on your target by discovering who it isn’t.

In my first post of this series, I had a little entrepreneurial come-to-Jesus with myself between bookkeeping and baking. I landed on a home baking business for the purpose of this assignment, but here’s the real question. Why can’t I do both? In fact, why can’t I do it all? There’s no rule that says I must choose one occupation. (I realize there’s somewhat of an unwritten rule to that effect, but when you’re starting over and your only goal is to find peace and happiness in your next adventure, then why not leave the door open and see what walks through?)

My first love has always been graphic design, so I could help someone with their logo or collateral needs. I also see a significant need for quality letterpressed greeting cards with a whole lot of snark and sarcasm for people like me who aren’t the fluffy bunny Hallmark type. I’m also pretty stellar at project management and print procurement. (Okay, not pretty stellar. I’m a total rock star and I’ve decided it’s okay to own that.) And, going back to the first post’s bookkeeping question mark, I know from high-level research that accounting services aren’t going out of style. I also know that I already have a network of opportunities that could bounce off each other to create this cool melting pot of services with the end goal of helping others. If you’re a bookkeeping client, I could bring you some treats, which would spark a conversation on how I could bake for your next shindig and/or private emotional eating party for one. If you’re a baking client, I could let it be known that I can also do computer things if that would make your life easier. All with a thank you card that I created on my vintage letterpress as a cross-promo for the card business.

Bottom line, I’d love to support small businesses who are having those semi-freak out feelings that I’m having right now. I could do your books, consult on how to make your life easier, design your logo, secure your printing needs, and soothe your anxiety through tasty treats. And I’m pretty sure I’m also a tile expert now. Bauknight’s Baking & Books. No, I can’t like that. Ooh – how about simply: