Thursday, April 2, 2009

Thursday 04/02/09

I got some bad news at work today. My only contract customer is not renewing their contract at the end of the term. I run a very small computer repair business, and I want to build my commercial business, and this news really bummed me out. I didn't even work today, I just sat at home and moped around. I ate some extra peanuts and pretzels this afternoon, but nothing too drastic. I just don't know what to do. I'm behind on one bill (a big advertising bill).

I'm in a slump at work. I just don't have any confidence in myself. It seems every time I pitch something to a business, they say it's too expensive, yet my prices are lower than everyone else. To be honest, I just want to sit down and cry, but fortunately I haven't done that yet.

Ironically, I lost my contract customer because they want to spend a lot of money on a system. But, they want to spend it on a voip phone system that integrates with their email, and they also want blackberries with a blackberry server. I don't do phones but I do blackberries. Of course, the new person they found to do the phones says that he prefers to manage the entire network and phone system, which makes sense.

I researched the phone system that they are implementing and it's actually very easy to setup and install. So, I might start trying to sell it. But, like I said earlier, every time I pitch something over $1000, the business balks at the price. I guess I should start targeting customers that want this stuff, but my confidence is so low because others say no to what I've pitched.

My business goal this year is just to break even. I really don't want to go into bankruptcy.

I will not be renewing my phone book advertising.

Sorry my thoughts are all over the place, but I am really depressed right now. I feel like I don't know what I'm supposed to do.

I'm going to sell my camera gear and studio lighting. I can probably get $2500 for that. I'm thinking about selling my drums because they have been sitting in the corner collecting dust for years. I do want to set them up to play, but I must set my priorities.

I was just thinking that my spending is like how I used to eat. I buy anything I want on credit card like I used to eat anything I wanted. I AM on a spending diet right now, but it may be too late.

I hope you had a better day than I did.

B:
2 turkey bacon
2 scrambled eggs
1 pumpernickel toast with cheese

S1:
pretzels

L:
sandwich: 2 pump, 1 turkey, cream cheese
cottage cheese
yogurt
cinnamon apple sauce

S2:
pretzels

Extra Snack:
peanuts
pretzels

D:
1.5 chicken breast baked
broccoli with salad dressing
pork and beans

W:
2 liters

E:
nay nay

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7 comments:

  1. It will turn around. You just have to target the right customer base. Start spreading the word more on Twitter and your blog. Get a Facebook page. Offer some free tech support to let potential clients know what you can do.

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  2. So sorry to hear about your job. That sucks. I know I always feel better after I have a good cry. Go for it! Glad you didn't binge over it. All the best!

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  3. Thank you for the comments. I'm feeling better already, and I am starting to put together a plan for my business.

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  4. Hey, don't think it's too late. It's never too late! You're doing great and things will turn around. Have faith in yourself :)

    You know you're good at what you do, and right now everyone's tightenting up the purse strings, but if you can make it through this rough patch, I think things will start flowing again with work. Just don't give up.

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  5. Don't get yourself down Stephen. There are free ways you can advertise and get your name out there. Diversification is how most businesses like your stay afloat. Look at Andy: MITM started off doing only web design but so many people were asking for graphic design that he diversified his business and MITM took off like a rocket.

    I read this blog everyday and no matter how your mood is, you have succeeded in keeping with your diet so that is a major victory. YOur biggest victory was starting your plan for a better life so this should be a small stepping stone.

    Keep positive, you're doing great. Things will turn around, I promise you.

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  6. Thanks Trisha and Kevin, today was much better than yesterday.

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  7. I hope business improves for you soon.

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