Playplanit started off as an idea which I viewed as a small side project.  And then it became a partnership & a business.  And then it became a part-time job.  And then it became interesting, thought-provoking and exciting.  And then it became a full-time job.  And then it became the full-time job which requires you to keep your blackberry on you at all times.  And the full-time job which you spend time on once you put the baby down at night.  And the full time job that can be all-consuming if you let it.

A few months back I told my friend Holli that I was starting my own business.  Holli is getting her MBA at St. Mary’s and she had lots of useful information for me.  One point that she mentioned quite a few times was that the small businesses that are successful are not side projects because they require loads of time, work & energy.  They require passion & dedication.  They require giving 150%.

I listened to Holli’s input trying to take it all in.  But somewhere in my mind I was thinking, “That might be most small businesses, but it’s not going to be ours”.  I was convinced that our business would be fun, it would be easy, and once we got the site up we’d just take our babies to activities all day & talk to the business owners about playplanit.  Piece of cake.

After 2 weeks post-launch all I can say is that based on what little information I have Holli is getting her money’s worth at St. Mary’s.

It turns out, there is a TON more work involved.  And I almost think it’s like parenting.  I heard having a child was a lifestyle change, I heard it was a lot of work, I heard you don’t get “me” time anymore.  All of that is true and I wouldn’t change a thing about it.  Same goes for playplanit – lots of work, exhilarating, thought-consuming & so thrilling it’s crazy.