Small Business Man (1) - Just Try

Michael Scott, the ultimate Small Business Man.

I mentioned previously that this blog may include topics around business. While general posts have been built around custom tailored suits and budget-friendly style tips, I have finally had time to reflect on the first half of 2015 and I thought I'd share a few tidbits.

YourSuit came from my desire to start a business, fused with my interest in menswear (kind of sounds like Michael Scott's Shoe-La-La, eh?). 

It was formally created at the beginning of 2015; prior to that, I operated under my own name. Looking back at the last six months, I really wish I had created YourSuit earlier; the response has surpassed my expectations, and it makes me wonder where I'd be had I started sooner. But, hindsight is always 20/20 I guess.

Fear of failure was the biggest reason for procrastinating the start of YourSuit. When you want to start something (or create something new), you're taking a risk, and that may ultimately lead to the risk of failure. A second concern I had was the reaction of others; I wondered whether my peers would think I was crazy, in over my head, or just plain obnoxious.

The exact opposite has been true. My colleagues, friends and complete strangers have been extremely supportive, and many have either become loyal clients or brought me referrals. From YourSuit, I've met some really interesting - and inspiring - gentlemen; aspiring athletes, fathers, industry professionals, grooms-to-be and their respective entourages, etc. I was able to snap a couple photos with some of the gents, shown below. 

Dakota Sinclair - stopping pucks (and hearts) since 1995.

Jim Baba, Baseball Canada - looking like a grand-slam.

Tuan Le, OHCD LLP - giving Beckham a run for his money.

Rob Peixoto, Halogen - who has gone through an incredible
transformation (he used to be 300lbs).

Knowing what I know now, I should have started YourSuit years ago. But the act of trying tends to freak a lot of people out, whether it's a new food or something else. Not too long ago I was having dinner with a friend of mine and he mentioned how he's always wanted to start a kale farm; had he told me this a year ago I may have thought he was a bit nuts, but now my first reaction is, "OK, what's step one?"

There will always be a reason (or a person) to tell you not to do something, and the reasons will be valid. In business, it's usually that someone else is already doing it, or that competition is too fierce. But for those who give it a try, the lessons learned from trying, in my opinion, far outweigh the common sense used in abandoning the idea. You miss 100% of the shots you don't take, said the Great One, and I could not agree more.

Or was that Micheal Scott who said it...?

Anyway, the first half of 2015 has been great and the second half is shaping up to be quite interesting. A few weddings and corporate events are on the way; I'll try my best to keep this blog updated.

Have a great weekend, and enjoy that summer air while it lasts.