I've been running my own design company for 5 years and currently struggling with cash flow - from delayed projects, slow client payment, and unhealthy industry like non-paid pitch, unappreciative clients. On top of that, just got lots of feedback about how I conduct my business that are somehow true, and makes me feel 'am I really that bad? There must be at least one that I do right' - but in reality there are more wrongs than rights. So I currently feel horrible, tired, and unmotivated with everything. People say you got to be persistence, consistent, and determined in business. But the whole situation really got me cornered. Either entrepreneurship is really not for me or I just learn to do things differently. But at this stage of my life? Now how do I see this in perspective, and how do I break the news to my people? :-(

What is it that you are doing "wrong"

Chuck,
Thank you for your attention. There has been an inner fight in my role as a designer (doer) and as a manager (delegator) since the beginning. I started the company with a friend-another designer- in the first year, then on my own for 4 years, then recently with a friend who has managing n marketing background. I learnt a lot about giving wrong estimates for doing client projects, or being trapped doing unexpected/unforeseen extra works, clients making unlimited revisions and don't seem to appreciate our efforts and even mind if reminded about the extra charges- and this happens a lot of Indonesian clients. So because of that, I write terms n conditions my current partner sees as a 'barrier' in the beginning of a client relationship. His feedback on this is: my being uptight in the beginning makes us appear cold, not an easy agency to work with, bla bla bla, and at the end, (partly) resulting in having clients difficult to be invoiced, they're not coming
Back, etc. Well - that's just one of the feedbacks.

Another feedback is me having difficulties trusting n delegating works to people. What I'm doing now is actually way better than last year in terms of trust and delegation. I'm not as hands on as I used to be. In terms of that, I think I've improved in that sense, and the result might come later, not instantly. But anyway, I realize that I enjoy the process of creating something cool and beautiful (including managing it actually) better than managing a business to be bigger and more profitable. I mean, who doesn't want his/her business to be successful? But that requires concentration to make that happen, and my interest/concentration sometimes goes to the individual design/creative project. So yes, I better find the right partner who (doesn't mind) balance my weakness/interest and let me do what I'm best at. But at the end, I see myself struggling with the same business issue in the next 5 years if I'm still doing this business: designing company profile, logos, websites, which again I like the creation process, but not the time/budget/slow and low payment/unlimited revisions negotiation with the clients, which ironically I'm better at now actually. But too much negativity in me. I don't want that to affect my people and clients. It's time to let go... I'm convincing myself. Goooossssshhhhh...

Chuck,
Thank you for your attention. There has been an inner fight in my role as a designer (doer) and as a manager (delegator) since the beginning. I started the company with a friend-another designer- in the first year, then on my own for 4 years, then recently with a friend who has managing n marketing background. I learnt a lot about giving wrong estimates for doing client projects, or being trapped doing unexpected/unforeseen extra works, clients making unlimited revisions and don't seem to appreciate our efforts and even mind if reminded about the extra charges- and this happens a lot of Indonesian clients. So because of that, I write terms n conditions my current partner sees as a 'barrier' in the beginning of a client relationship. His feedback on this is: my being uptight in the beginning makes us appear cold, not an easy agency to work with, bla bla bla, and at the end, (partly) resulting in having clients difficult to be invoiced, they're not coming
Back, etc. Well - that's just one of the feedbacks.

Another feedback is me having difficulties trusting n delegating works to people. What I'm doing now is actually way better than last year in terms of trust and delegation. I'm not as hands on as I used to be. In terms of that, I think I've improved in that sense, and the result might come later, not instantly. But anyway, I realize that I enjoy the process of creating something cool and beautiful (including managing it actually) better than managing a business to be bigger and more profitable. I mean, who doesn't want his/her business to be successful? But that requires concentration to make that happen, and my interest/concentration sometimes goes to the individual design/creative project. So yes, I better find the right partner who (doesn't mind) balance my weakness/interest and let me do what I'm best at. But at the end, I see myself struggling with the same business issue in the next 5 years if I'm still doing this business: designing company profile, logos, websites, which again I like the creation process, but not the time/budget/slow and low payment/unlimited revisions negotiation with the clients, which ironically I'm better at now actually. But too much negativity in me. I don't want that to affect my people and clients. It's time to let go... I'm convincing myself. Goooossssshhhhh...

Hi Brave,

Running a successful business requires insight, vision, determination and guts (intrinsic motivation). It is not for everyone. Many very good doctors are p*** poor business people. However they are smart enough to realize this and hire the right people. We all have strengths and weaknesses, know yours.

You have taken the right first step, you have to understand yourself and what you can do and what you can't. Or what you want to do and what you don't. Many professional and successful business owners realize what they are good at and hire those people that are 'specialists' in the 'other' things that your business requires done. Surround yourself with these good people to do the these things.

My partner is good at operations and admin, he almost has a climax when he finds an 'O' ring that fits perfectly. I prefer sales and customer service/relations. We work well together in the business because we fit together like two pieces of a puzzle. Without the sales and customer retention there would be no business. If the operations and admin were bad the business would fail.

I knew when I was only 13 that I wanted my own business and I strove to that end since then.

I suggest that you bring in a business management company to get into your business and make suggestions to correct it. And listen to their suggestions, some may be difficult to implement for the business and for you personally.

I also suggest that you take a short break and stand back and look at your business from the outside in. Look at the mechanics of the daily routines and the overall. Along with who is doing what and their success at their tasks.

And finally, I personally put all my CYA's (Cover your @ss) in my proposals which when signed become a contract.. I have learned a long time ago it is way better to make your customers aware of your needs and your disclaimers up front. Saves you a lot of heartbreak and losses later. IMO your decision to do that was a good one, just word it in such a way that is not detrimental.

Good luck, and success (there is not a better feeling).

Stringer

Hi stringer,
Thank you very much for your insight! I felt really horrible when I wrote my statement above yesterday. It's like: I've been doing some things wrong for the past 5 years, now how can I fix it? I'm so glad I have my friend who's going towards partnership with me right now, and he gave me good inputs. It just felt terrible when I heard them all.

But your input is greatly appreciated. Short break is a luxury right now since a lot of my clients are pending the projects until who knows when, and I have to figure out how I can get some money coming in this month! Well, I'll do both!

Thanks again for your reply.
Bb

You are welcome brave, I wish you clarity and strength.