February 2nd marked our 5th year in business. What started as moonlighting while working a full-time job and going to night school for my BA turned into a business on Groundhog’s Day in 2009.
That month was kicked off by friends who had businesses and were waiting for me to have enough time to create a nicer WordPress site for them, and I suddenly had all the time in the world to work on sites.
There have been high times and low times. This is actually a low time for us so it felt awkward to write this, BUT IT’S A MILESTONE, and I have faith it will work out. We are doing what we are meant to do, both as individuals and as a family.
Times I conceded I’d get a job if a project didn’t come in by X day and times my wife was insisting she needed to go back to work. Neither of those things came to fruition because the work always came in time.
It’s these times that make me look back at epiphanies like I had a few months ago about where we are now compared to where we thought we could be by now, 5 years ago.
Where were you FIVE YEARS ago? THREE YEARS? Are you more or less where you wanted to be “someday?” For me, I’m well beyond where I would be by now. I hit that just TWO YEARS into business when my wife quit her job. I’m actually living well into my fantasyland from five years ago.
Lessons
I’ve learned a few lessons along the way that are important to remember. Remember where you came from and don’t abandon those people – and don’t get too busy to help the people who first believed in you when you were a risk. It’s a very good idea to give to the community and don’t charge for everything, but don’t go hungry because you helped a friend – business is business. Obey the Golden Rule – everyday. Believe in yourself and surround yourself with those who believe in you. Have trustworthy people you can bounce ideas off of or ask questions before making a major decision – wisdom in the counsel of many if the counselors are wise.
Stats & facts
I spent a little time and compiled some stats and facts from our first 5 years in business and in 2013:
- 228 clients in total since 2009
- 1,300 invoices since 2009
- 313 invoices for site development since 2009
- $342,000 in gross revenue since 2009
- 4 hosts and 5 servers used since 2009
- 4 WordCamps attended since 2009
- 8 desk moves since 2009, including not having one
- 4 desk moves in 2013
- 2 WordCamps attended in 2013
- 75 clients served in 2013
- 24 full sites launched in 2013
- 260 invoices in 2013 (1 per weekday)
- 27 sites migrated to WP Engine in 2013
- 1,654,905 visitors to all of my hosted sites LAST MONTH
Thank you all for the opportunity to serve you and serve with you. I can’t imagine doing anything else right now.