If you actually know me or my story, you’ll know that my first business involved me making a product and getting it distributed across the country. It was such a total cluster*uck much of the time, but I really, truly loved my business. At least for awhile.
You see, I was just so damn desperate to find a way out of a job I hated that I probably would’ve taken off running with any viable idea I had. That in itself is not a bad thing, in fact I think a key trait of an entrepreneur is having no fear to just take a risk, get something out there and go with it. No, my problem was that I certainly got something out there and went with it, but I needed to take some time after jumping in to look at my numbers, develop a marketing plan and just PLAN my business. When I got three years into my business and finally realized my numbers were just not working, it was nothing short of devastating.
What is my point? Along the way, I met a ton of other people making cool things and distributing them. And everyone was struggling with the same problems. I really love the people I met, I love their products, I love their businesses and I think what they’re doing is just so freaking awesome. For people who are thinking about getting into a business making and distributing products, or those already in business who need some guidance, I bring you Philly Maker Week.
Much like Philly Beer Week or Tech Week, Philly Maker Week will take place September 17 to 21 and feature different events across the city that feature informative talks hosted by some of Philly’s coolest makers. If you’ve ever wondered who is behind a certain Philly brand, how someone expanded their business into hundreds of stores, or how someone got their branding down so well, there will be an event for you during Philly Maker Week.
I’ve got some great folks partnering with me on this, I’m not sure if I can announce our collaboration yet, but I’ll keep you posted.
Super thanks to Sarah Shaak Creative for the great logo.