For those of you reading this who are business owners or entrepreneurs, let me tell you one thing I can absolutely guarantee — business will never, ever, ever come to you. You always have to go to it.
Last week, I took time out to fly to China and visit the head offices of some of our key partners.
These are companies who’ve partnered with us for many years — businesses that have grown alongside us, sharing the rollercoaster ride of highs and lows.
The reason we’re still doing business together after all these years is simple: we are true partners.
Taking time to visit their factories, meet their teams, share Chinese tea, and eat together was my way of showing just how much I personally value their partnership with Crafter’s Companion.
Our company is built on a foundation of innovation and let’s be honest, it’s really hard to innovate when you’re stuck in the same office, staring at the same four walls.
But sitting in a new environment, surrounded by product experts and engineers, away from the day-to-day distractions of running a business — that’s when creativity really flows.
I’m not responsible for product innovation at Crafter’s Companion — my Leann is, and has been for over 15 years now.
Watching her in her element this past week — testing, tweaking, brainstorming and innovating, surrounded by people who regard her as the absolute best in the business, made me proud as punch.
Yes, I’m busy — busier than I’ve ever been in my career.
And could I have done without a 26-hour journey to China this week? Absolutely.
But you can’t put a price on what we got out of it: the relationships we deepened, the ideas we sparked, and the impact I know it will have on our company in the years ahead.
So if you’re reading this and feeling like you’ve lost a bit of your mojo, or business feels a little flat — get out there and do something about it.
Because sitting in your office isn’t going to move the dial.
Business doesn’t come to you. You have to go to it.
You have to grab the bull by the horns and chase down the opportunities — that’s the strength of a true entrepreneur!