Speed Networking???

It's like speed dating but instead of dating your networking. Meeting others in the area who have done what you are doing, have businesses, and basically been there done that. What a great idea! I wish I thought of it.

Things are progressing slowly. I wish they would go faster, but what can you do. I just am hanging in here, being as patient as I can be. Reading, reading, reading. You would be amazed at the education you can receive at the local library.

Meetings, meetings, meetings.

And so it begins. My first meeting. It's with a Small Business Advisor through the SBA. We are going to go over my business plan, and generally discuss the in's and out's of start-up and financing. My biggest fear is that I won't get financing and then all the work I have done has gone down the drain.

I'm very excited though. It will be nice to have an outside person look over the business plan and financials. And to glean knowledge. I love to learn and this is a big learning opportunity for me and will help me out immensely with the management of Pipsqueaks.

Mail !!!

So, the postman came and went today and I really didn't think anything of it. You would have thought I was waiting out by the mailbox today for him seeing as how I still haven't received my licenses in the mail yet and that is the only thing other than fear holding me back from trying to get a loan. Anyhow, lo and behold.... they came! I am so nervous, what if I can't get the funding I need? What if I can't find a great place? What if no one comes.

Gasp.

WHAT IF NO ONE COMES!!!!!?????!!!!!

The Waiting Game

I think the hardest part about starting a business is the serious anxiety you have over the whole thing. Are you going to get the loan? Will you open on time? Is this even going to make any money? What about employees? Are they going to like you? Will you get them to stick around for the long haul or are you going to have high turnover?

See, this is the thing that plagues me while I'm waiting for all the legal documents to get here so I can try and get a loan. And it keeps me up at night. Late into the hours trying to figure out the what-ifs. Going over and over the numbers. Working again and again on the marketing plan. I really need to find an outlet for the anxiety.

Maybe I'll take up boxing.

Oh my!

So, I got word that my LLC is approved as well as my Masters Business License and my Federal Employer ID Number. What does that mean?

That means that I officially own Pipsqueaks. It also means that I am now waiting for all my documents so I can apply for my business loan. I also need to start scouting locations. I'm so excited, and I'm so nervous!

I've spent the better part of today "shopping" making lists of the things I need to get from Costco, Sam's, Ikea, etc. I'm on a hunt for really cool childrens toys that don't require batteries. Dress up clothes, play kitchen stuff, blocks, puppets. You know, things that you actually have to use your imagination for. I think this is the funnest part. Making the lists, checking it twice. I almost feel like Santa Clause.

The first post...

It's always such a hard one. What to say? Where to start? Ooooh, that just gave me a great idea!

Who: Well, my name is Onica and I am the owner of Pipsqueaks.

What: Pipsqueaks is an indoor play facility. Mostly geared to the younger kids (0 to 8 years old). There will be open play, birthday parties, classes, some retail items and my favorite... Parents Night Out!

Where: Hopefully in Covington, WA... but Kent East Hill would work (as long as it's REALLY east!)

When: JULY 2007!!!

Why: Well, many reasons. I've always wanted to own my own business instead of running someone else's. I love kids, which is a good thing because I have two of my own. I need a creative outlet. Oh, and I like to be in charge! This also gives me a way to take my kids to work with me... everyday! And it also helps with the economy, I have to hire staff!


Well, here goes. Off to press the publish button. Stay tuned. I will be updating the blog twice a week... more if anything exciting is going on. And in start-up phase, something is ALWAYS going on!