On Sleeping Better

I came across a blog that summarizes a recent survey from the American Institute of CPAs. It reports that 83% of small business owners worry most about adequate cash flow, a subject that frequently keeps them awake at night. Still, more than half don't use budgets or forecasts and 32% don't have metrics in place to track performance. The blogger concludes: "Surely you can do better. Take the time to determine key metrics for your business and make a pledge to keep on top of them next year. You'll sleep better."

It's not that I disagree with the call to action but the first thought that came to mind is why I find it hard to do what she says, especially after I spent an entire Sunday afternoon struggling with our forecast because I couldn't get the links and formulae to work in my spreadsheets. We put it off because it is lonely tedious work.

We are in private launch currently but actively seeking feedback on the service. It fundamentally is about taking lonely tedious work and making it more effective by engaging in a community-based service. Like the open source communities that were an inspiration of sorts, you can short-cut the planning and decision process by comparing yourselves to peers. So far we are getting great feedback but are looking for more.

As for the value proposition--we had adopted "make better informed business decisions faster" but I'd be willing to push for "sleep better!" Let us know what you think. And if you're interested in joining the private test community, please enter your contact info on the site and check the box for private launch.

Leaping Lily Pads

Last night I took a few moments to read from a book by one of my favorite writers of essays on spiritual journeys. It had been another long day of testing and bug-noting so I needed a mental break before trying to sleep.

I just happened to open to her notes about how her journey has been like stepping from one fragile lily pad to another, working to get her balance before moving to the next. It struck me how closely that metaphor fits launching a new company, especially one that is so directly for people; aspiring to touch them where they live out some of their fondest dreams and their darkest fears . . . the launching and building of their own companies.

We have been on that journey too and are not yet across the pond. I can see lots of wobbles and a few dunkings behind us. I don't regret any of it though. What better way to stay close to the very experience we want to make easier and more inspiring for the community we hope will ultimately join us?

For now, we are opening the service to the first test users. We are looking forward to feedback and new ideas. We hope to hear the beginnings of "lily pads" seeming somehow more stable or at least those who choose that route experiencing the support and inspiration of others on the same journey.