One year later…
I knew that Silly Robot’s one-year anniversary was coming up but I wasn’t really sure how I was going to celebrate it. I’ve decided to celebrate quietly and happily on my own as I reflect in what direction I’d like to take this business over the next few years.
So far, this business has been a heck of a lot of fun! I’ve had the time of my life working for really interesting clients, from actors to an athlete and from non-profit organizations to small and medium sized businesses. I’ve built websites, I’ve created ad campaigns, I’ve used social media to generate buzz and to help with fundraising efforts. I’ve expanded my knowledge of everything from web programming to publicity and e-marketing.
And I’ve also used my powers for good as I’ve proudly sponsored two anime conventions, one in Gatineau and another as far away as New Brunswick! Silly Robot has also sponsored some materials and an ad campaign for weightlifter, Isabelle Despres. I’ve hired local artists to create artwork for this company. I’ve always wanted to give back to communities and people that need the help. This business was never meant to solely focus on profit. It has a greater purpose.
That’s not to say that there haven’t been any challenging moments. I learned very quickly that business is not always about saying ‘yes’. Sometimes, you have to say ‘no’. Sometimes, even if it would be easier to just do things for the money, you have to go with your brain and be confident enough to do what’s really hard but must be done, like firing a client or letting go a contractor. Things don’t always work out the way we wish they would.
Oh, and you also quickly learn that juggling twelve clients at a time is probably not a good idea. I managed to make it work out in the end, but that was pretty challenging. It’s always best to create a waiting list and have a bit more work/life balance rather than trying to keep up with demand by giving everyone your time all at once! People are very understanding and the flexibility sometimes has to go both ways. I’ve pushed a few deadlines at the request of clients when they felt overwhelmed with life. It all comes down to being reasonable.
So where do we go from here?
Well, I want to explore the world of web comics a bit more so you should see something new coming up in the fall. I’d also like start offering custom themes but that’s a pretty big endeavour and may only be offered early next year. But for now, it’s steady as she goes. I have a lot of work to do for one of my clients, an Olympic weightlifter, who is on the path to competing at the Olympics in London 2012. Silly Robot helped her obtain funding through crowdfunding campaigns (a first for a Canadian athlete, as far as I know!) and now we have to start seeking sponsorship from corporate sponsors. I also have a few more clients who are seeking my services for marketing and publicity-related ideas and I look forward to working with them this fall! In the end, I love what I do. I love that I can help people with their objectives and their goals. I also love that I’m a woman in business and I can shape this company in any way I want. I can use some of the profits to support projects that I believe in, too.
This time last year, I was taking a giant leap. It was terrifying. And now? Being in business isn’t scary anymore. It’s beautiful. And I encourage everyone, especially women, to pursue the ideas they have and to make it real. Be brave and take a chance. It’s worth it.
