Checking In Six Months Later

I'm on my way out of town but wanted to share this great article from the NYTimes in case you've missed it:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/12/business/smallbusiness/12hunt.html?ref=smallbusiness

Six months ago the Times Small Business section highlighted three new businesses with the idea that they would follow up six months and a year later. Today's article is the six month update and, in a way, it's actually nice to hear that they've had as many challenges, cash flow issues, changes in strategy, etc as my little business and probably many of small businesses out there.

It sounds like all of the entrepreneurs featured were overly optimistic of how quickly they were going to build their businesses and I have to admit about being just as guilty. However, I tend to believe that entrepreneurs almost have to be overoptimistic because otherwise the number of challenges you face simply getting to the starting line is enough to push you out of the game before you even start. Besides, it's no fun to sit around and dream about how you're going to start your business and blow through a massive amount of cash...where's the fun in that!