Let’s say, one day, I walk into the hardware store because I want to build a house.
I buy some lumber, plumbing supplies, electrical wire and anything else I’ve heard is necessary to get my home construction project underway. I figure, I don’t need a blueprint as I’ve seen homes being built around town before. A foundation? Nah, the dirt is flat where I’m planning to build so I will be okay. Besides, I have friends on local construction crews – I can always ask them a question if things get a little tricky.
I start nailing lumber together. Seems a little wobbly. I start adding some joists – not because I really know what those are for – but I’ve heard the term used around. I decide to add the plumbing. I dig for a bit, but my arms get tired so I decide pipes don’t need to be that far below ground, right? I grab a sheet of drywall and nail that up too, I’ve watched The Learning Channel! Electrical seems pretty intimidating – what’s wrong with candles anyway? I pile my wires decoratively in the corner.
Needing a break, I head to the local watering hole where I encounter a friendly construction crew. I tell them about my new home building project. I sigh in frustration – they nod in solidarity. I rail against the unfairness of my local Home Depot – telling me I could build a house but leaving me on my own to do all the work. The crew looks knowingly amongst themselves, but says nothing. I then blast the permits department for all the rules – though I’ve never read them, they sound harsh. Surely, my new home would be nearly done by now if it weren’t for all these regulations. Next on my list, the unpredictable weather – I mean really, how is anyone supposed to work on a building project in these conditions?
Finally, one of the crew interjects and asks, “Have you thought about hiring someone, an expert in this field who can help you out?” “No, I don’t need an expert”, I respond, “I had someone build a house for me last time and I really hated the layout of the kitchen. No sir! I’m going to do it myself this time and get it done right!” “Maybe hire a consultant just to keep you on track?” another crew member offers, but I shake them off with reassurances that I have it all well in hand.
The crew smile and nod, then bid me a kind farewell as they head back out into the cold weather to study their plans and follow the permits, to nail, dig, hoist and move, to make their clients happy and get the job done right. It’s a lot of work.
Later that night, as I curl up under my lumber pile, I tell myself that I will spend more time on my building project tomorrow. I’m not worried. I can do this myself – I’m watching the DIY Channel first thing tomorrow – just as soon as I figure that electrical out.
You see, when I go to Home Depot, though it offers grand projects like a kitchen remodel – I know what I can or let’s face it, will do. I stick to painting a deck or planting my flowerboxes. Facebook too, is simply an opportunity. It can be challenging – depending on how big your goals are and what you want to accomplish. As long as you know that going in, you can pace yourself and learn or hire someone to help make it an effort that’s worthwhile.
Leah Goold-Haws is the Creative Director/Marketing Strategist for LGH Marketing/Strategy. Leah’s experience has included campaign development and strategy implementation for multi-agency collaboratives, corporations and non-profits as well as entrepreneurs and small business clients. You can now meet with Leah at the Small Business Development Center. The SBDC provides low or no cost business assistance. Schedule an appointment today by calling 242-7630.
