This is 3Bits & Change, an email about building a service and retail business. This one was written to the sounds of a dog fast asleep.
Good day,
I’ve been home from Japan for 19 days. If feels like 3 or 4. No, really.
Two drafted posts from Japan have yet to be finished (11 trains in a day, Thanks guys, 3G is slow). They’ll come later.
For now, I’m focused on building and staffing the new shop.
IKEA
IKEA will sell you cabinets faster than any custom joint will reply to your email and tell you they might be able to make something for you, someday. Yet, if you go IKEA then you’re on the hook to deal with the WEIRDness of IKEA systems and to get the cabinets built. Good luck. :)
I thought I had a work around this time. I hired a person who said they’d build cabinets while I was gone. So, I up and left the country. Simple.
Upon return, I found 1/4 of the cabinet job done. I went to work and have had a slew of interactions with IKEA that did not go as they had promised. But, hey, lunch was Swedish meatballs, potatoes and peas for three of the 5 days last week. There is always an upside.
As it stands today, the 42 feet of lux kitchen knife shopping is nearly ready to receive it’s custom uppers. But, don’t hold your breath. Those uppers are coming from a custom shop… someday. That’s a whole separate story.
We’ll open with 1/2 the cabinets as planned. But, we’ll open - soon.
An EA
I’m hiring an executive assistant.
After some review and assessment, I’ve become convinced that I have a longer list of regular tasks that the business would be advantaged by having completed regularly than by having them done by me once in a while. These include accounting tasks, adding things to shopify, research, drafting marketing emails, seo maintenance, and on and on.
I’m going through the hiring process with a partner agency now. I’m cautiously optimistic. I only wish I’d have hired for this role months ago. It’d make the current work easier.
We’re hiring for the shop, Again
As the unexpected goes, I’ll be opening the new knife shop at 50th solo. That is unless you all or the algorithms or whom ever nudges more talented folks who actually reply to potential employers ( :) ) to my inbox, soon, e.g. this week.
Who do you know that’d make a great Assistant Manager, Knife Specialist or Kitchen Guide? Please hit reply and let me know! Or, forward this email with a friendly nudge to apply.
Sum
I’m sleeping way better than I was last year at this time. I was building out a shop that October too. I’m eager to grow the team and get this shop open. However, I’m going to do it well and not rush it. Wish me luck. This is a crucial week.
Change
The agency I’m working with for the EA role
The podcast that pushed me over the edge on an EA. I’ve just completed my third listen, at regular speed
Plan your IKEA gear with this sweet tool. :)
I’ve not yet wanted a front view camera on my car until this week. I think I’ll get one on order soon. Any recommendations?
On Your Way
I walked the lake with the dog on Saturday morning. It was cold. It was rainy. It was FALL. I was a bit depressed. And then… I went to get my ski boots repaired.
May you have a similar enlivening and energizing experience of anticipation and joy as I had preparing for SKI season! The snow is coming!
Let's. Go. Skiing!
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