Welcome to the very first blog post in a new series I’ve named “Inside The Journal”. Here I want to share the unfiltered reality of running a small business. A real warts and all insight into the highs and the lows of small business life, and what I’ve learnt along the way.
Confession time: I’ve wanted to write a small business/behind the scenes type blog for such a long time, and you know what the biggest sticking point has been? The name!
I wanted something catchy, that reflected the theme of the blog, but also what we do around here, which is to create fun, cute and productive stationery. But, despite lots of brainstorming, I was coming up blank. Titles were either too long, too boring, or had no connection to Oops a Daisy.
So on this mornings run, while listening to yet another marketing podcast, I decided…
“Done is better than perfect”
Sheryl Sandberg
What should you expect from this blog series:
Inside the Journal will be an honest reflection of running a small business. I will share what I am currently focusing on, (right now, that is email marketing!), reflect back on past successes and failures, while sharing the day to day challenges that are thrown our way (this week this included rude emails on a Sunday night).
Why do I want to write it?
I’m a huge believer that you should always be learning and growing, (hence the marketing podcasts while I take another attempt at Couch to 5k). I have learnt so much in the 8 years that I’ve been running Oops a Daisy so far. I wish now I had started this blog back then so I could see all the challenges, successes and spectacular failures that have led us to this point!
As a solopreneur, you have the challenge of wearing all the hats and juggling what to prioritise, and then when you are lucky enough to be able to grow the team you then have the challenge of delegating and time planning (where previously you’d just stay up as long as was needed to get something done!).
So while this blog will add another thing to my never ending to-do list, I hope that it will also be a kind of therapy, allowing me to get things straight in my mind and vent when things don’t go the way I’d planned!
Why not a Vlog or Podcast, this isn’t 1998!
Yeah I know, I’m late to the blogging party (maybe i’ve missed it completely… we shall see). I did consider a Vlog or Podcast, but to be completely honest with you, I know I will make one or two and then it will fall by the wayside as its just too much additional work to my already very full plate. A blog feels accessible to me, I can write whenever I feel inspired and it can be archived nicely on our website. You never know it might even provide a little bit of extra SEO goodness to pull people into the world of Oops a Daisy! (A special “Hello” if you’ve just found us via this blog!)
A little rant before I sign off…
Before I sign off, here is a bit more meat to the bones of my early complaint about rude emails!
I won’t share names, because that isn’t my style, but in the past few weeks I’ve received a handful of pretty rude emails, pointing out things on our website that need updating or perhaps weren’t as clear as they could be.
To be clear, I am very happy to receive emails and messages to let me know that something isn’t working on the website. In fact, I am very grateful for our lovely eagle-eyed customers to let me know when there is a typo or a link not working.
The website is a BEAST, it currently has over 1200 product listings, 107 active pages and 161 blog posts. We are a team of 4, with just 2 of us focused on keeping the website in top shape. Mistakes will be made and things will be missed, but on the whole I think we do a bloody good job.
These emails, received from 3 different people, had an entirely different tone. Initially, my response has always been to err on the side of caution. Tone is difficult to read in written text, so I always reply politely, thank the sender for letting me know and reassure that I will make the necessary changes. However, there are times when I think it is necessary to let the person know that they have been rude (politely, of course). I wouldn’t accept being spoken to this way in real life, so why the hell should I behind the protection of a computer screen?!
This makes my inner people pleaser very stressed (she really just wants to apologise ALL the time), but I do feel like I am a little bit more empowered as a result. It really helps me to remind myself that I am speaking on behalf of Oops a Daisy as a team, not just myself, and sometimes you have to stand up to rudeness!
That’s all for now…
Thank you for sticking with me until the end, drop me a little comment below if you read the whole thing!
I’d also love to know what you’d like to hear about in future blog posts. I can’t promise but as always i’ll do my best!
Big Love
Jo xx (aka @oopsadaisyuk)
Psst.. Want to read more?
Lucky for you I’ve created a special homepage just for small business stuff, take a look here.
P.S. Don’t forget to pop your details below to be added to our very special small business newsletter list! ⬇️
Love the new blog and I think it’s great that it’s written rather than a video which I don’t always have the time to watch. Really interesting although I am annoyed that people have been giving you a hard time. It is hard to detect tone in emails, but it’s a shame that people are so rude. I think the website is amazing and it’s clear you are all so passionate about your work. My Journalling has improved so much as a result of your products and revitalised my enthusiasm. I don’t know how I managed without you!
Have you considered doing a range of stencils/stickers for reading journals? I know you have more than enough work to do, but I thought I’d be cheaply and ask!
Finally, I just want to say a huge thank you to you all for everything you do. Xxx Rachel
Hi Rachel, thanks for the lovely comment 🙂 We actually have a whole section of the website dedicated to books and reading themed stuff! You can find it here: https://oopsadaisyuk.com/product-category/by-theme/books/
Thanks Kate, I’ll take a look xx
Hi Rachel! I know Kate has already replied re the book stuff, but just wanted to say thank you for your lovely feedback on the blog! xx
love this blog 😍
Jo, never forget how amazing you are and how far you’ve come! I’ve supported you since the very beginning and I couldn’t be prouder seeing how much you’ve grown. I love supporting such a small, loyal, UK business.
Thank you so much Gem, so super grateful for your support and everything you do in the Creative Team xxxxx
Knowing how nice you and the whole OAD team is going up and beyond for your customers, I’m more than a little irritated that 3 different people felt the need to be rude, however I’m proud of you standing up for yourself and your business 💪
Xx Claire
Thank you Claire! I find it a really tricky thing to call people out like this, as by nature I’m a real conflict avoider! Sometimes it is necessary though xx