“It’s tough.”
That would be my initial response had someone asked me what I’ve thought of starting a new business venture so far. To have the idea is one thing. To execute it successfully is another. There are a lot of challenges to overcome. Spreading the word about EtURNal Ride is one of them, but every day I sit at my computer, read my books, and learn a little more about marketing and making connections. Finances are tricky too. There is a lot to learn and that college accounting class I willed myself through is not coming in the most handy right now. I’m on top of it, but boy are there a lot of things to consider and think about. Getting people beyond the “interested” phase is another. There are a lot of folks out there who think this is a great idea. However, I think like any idea, the creator is wishing that more of those interested would turn into customers. At this point, though, do you know what the most frustrating part has been for me?
“Winter!”
Yes. I said winter. Now admittedly that is tough for me to admit because I actually love winter. I love Christmas, play and coach hockey, and am always up for a snowmobile ride, but to be honest with you, it’s frustrating when your small business focuses around an activity that requires no snow. I blame myself a little bit though. Before I started EtURNal Ride, I would miss riding during the winter months, but was able to focus on other things until the sun warmed everything up and it was time to go. Now, it’s all I think about. I could compare it to food. You know when you haven’t had favorite meal for a long time, but for some reason everyone wants to talk about it – how it’s cooked, what it tastes like, how soon until you can eat it again? The more you talk about it, the more you think about it. The more you think about it, the more you just…can’t…wait. Thats what EtURNal Ride has done to me. Everyday I am making connections with motorcycle dealers, and reading blogs, and looking at pictures, and hearing about bikes, and talking about past rides, and planning future rides. By then I just can’t handle it. I get up, walk to my garage, stare at my bike and just sigh.
“sigh”
In all seriousness, this has been really great so far. I have had great support from my wife, friends, family and some social media type friends that I’ve met along the way. I’ve also gotten to work with and learn from some amazing individuals who have helped me take EtURNal Ride from a drawing on a piece of notebook paper to a unique way to say goodbye to a loved one. I’ve been humbled by my experiences in meeting and working with customers too. Everyone has a story to tell. So yeah, it’s been tough, but I’m having a lot of fun. Plus, it gets easier every day. And every day that passes means we are one day closer to riding season. And I just can’t wait for riding season!
