Photo courtesy of Ariel Nay Nebeker
A lot of people have been asking us, “What’s The Simple Plan all about? What can I expect from my 2 days of business planning with you ladies?” We thought it’d be great for you, dear readers, to hear it first-hand from someone who has attended our business plan workshop.
Tara Bliven, owner of Ephemera, Inc. and custom letterpress stationer joined us for The Simple Plan in Seattle this past November. Here she shares with us her experience…
Tara Bliven
Ephemera, Inc.
Established 2006
Attended The Simple Plan Seattle 2009
What The Simple Plan was like…
I thought The Simple Plan would be basic information that was sure to help me focus, and I had been feeling very unfocused, so it sounded good. Really, I signed up on a whim thinking, “Hey, it couldn’t hurt.”
I had written a business plan or two before – leaving out very important sections, mind you! – and I knew a business plan was “important” in a general way, but I didn’t realize how important it was until I had been at the workshop. I realized that a good plan drives every decision you make as a business owner – and this means that it can even help you make decisions when you don’t know what to do next. That guide was exactly what I had been missing. I knew I had felt like I was flailing a little bit, but wasn’t sure why or what I could do about it. It was truly transformative.
About the Investment… Was it worth it?
Absolutely – in fact, I told Michelle and Kelly to double the price! (You’re welcome J) I walked in with an inkling of what was wrong with my business, and I walked out not only sure of what my mis-steps had been, but also a plan of attack on how to fix it, PLUS the confidence to know it was right.
What changes were you able to implement right away?
Right away, I firmed up my mission statement, and got my financial sections straightened out.
How did it change your mindset about your business?
Oh, in so many ways! One that sticks out is that when I had written those aforementioned incomplete business plans, the sections I always left out were financial. I just didn’t really get it. I thought, “How do I know what sales will be like?” That is actually embarrassing to admit, but it’s true. However, Michelle used to be an accountant, and she taught it to us. Guess what? It is a skill that you can learn – duh! And it is true that knowledge is power. Now that I know how to create sales projections, balance sheets and everything else, I feel so much more in control of my business.
How did the collaboration affect you?
Something Michelle and Kelly really emphasized is that collaboration is key. We are all entrepreneurs because we wanted to do something of our own – but it can be so isolating to feel like you’re really out there by yourself. I came in knowing for sure that I was not using networking to its full potential. The Simple Plan really inspired me to get out there and make new friends with similar businesses and struggles so that we could help each other in our endeavors and celebrate our achievements. I really connected with Ariel Nay Nebeker – she is an uber-talented photographer who recently came out to take some photos of our 100 year-old Chandler and Price printing press in action. And soon, I’ll be having coffee with my accountability partner, Rebecca Ellison!
Other thoughts from Tara…
If you’re feeling lost, uninspired, or so new you don’t know where to start, sign up for The Simple Plan. Even if you have to travel to a strange city where you don’t know anyone, and it’s the first money you’ve spent on your business. It is easily the best money I’ve ever spent on mine – I just wish it had been offered 3 years ago! It inspired me to make those changes to my business that had been nagging me for quite awhile. I’m still not quite done reinventing Ephemera, but at least I know what to do.
Thank you Tara! We loved having you collaborate with us at The Simple Plan! Your knowledge and enthusiasm was a benefit to us all.
by Michelle Loretta
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