The last few months at UrbanMoms have been INSANE. There have been so many exciting changes. We have been beyond busy with new clients and new opportunities, fabulous new bloggers, new staff and so much more. Five years ago when I started UrbanMoms I dreamed of the day when UrbanMoms would be legit and big and successful. I didn't have a specific expectation but I was completely driven to build this community and this business.
But five years ago UrbanMoms looked like this:
But five years ago UrbanMoms looked like this:
I know! Can you believe it?! Those were simple days. I was a company of one. I did everything; sales, accounting, writing, implementation, tech support and design. It was nutty, for sure, but it was straightforward. And, it was all me. If it got messed up or missed or if bad decisions were made, I could only look to myself.
Now? Not so much. Now there are 3 staffers, 17 writers, a slew of freelance writers, a sales team, technical support, an IT development group, tons of clients in a wide range of businesses, and a huge range of opportunities for community members and brands. How exciting, right?
And it is.
I wrote a little bit about it in this post. But the one thing I didn't really understand when I wished for this kind of success was all of the other stuff that goes along with it. Now, I am the "leader". People turn to me for answers, mediation, and creative solutions. I am managing people and it is my job to guide them but also to make sure they get what they need. I am their advocate but, and this is the part I really struggle with, I am their boss. The buck stops here, folks, and I have never been comfortable with that.
In my previous job I was a terrible manager of people. Not because I wasn't capable but because I was afraid. I was afraid that people wouldn't like me. That they wouldn't like the decisions I made or the feedback I gave. So I just didn't give much. And that is no good for anyone.
So, this time around I am trying to overcome this and be both leader and, hopefully, role model. It is hard to let go of the fantasy that you can be great pals with your staff and your clients. I would love to be able to bitch about the person making these crazy decisions and be all self-righteously know-it-all-ish. But I can't. The responsibility is 100% mine.
My journey right now during this period of growth is to find a way to be fair and considerate and motivating while still doing what is right for the business and the individual or brand. I need to rise above my personal feelings in order to lead us to the next stage. I need to exude confidence while garnering respect. This is my goal. There are going to be some rough patches along the way but I have a great team of staff, of writers, and of dedicated members who have been with UrbanMoms from the simple days to the growth we are seeing now. And for this, I am hugely grateful.
Life is full of lessons if we choose to pay attention. What part of your journey are you on?
Jen. I am one of the lucky ones who got to watch UM grow from something pretty small into what it is right now...a fabulous community. I can't believe how much it has grown since I started at the end of August in 2006. FOUR YEARS AGO. I also didn't know how much blood, sweat and tears and time and energy etc. went in from you personally until this year...when I started working for you. And now I see. and OHMIGOD...being THE BOSS is really hard. But, for what it's worth, I think you are amazing. And of course thre are going to be shitty days and bumps and bruises along the way...but sometimes you just need to grab a starbucks and take a breath and see what you have built here. YOU.
Thanks, Ali. It means so much coming from you. I know I have to get perspective and focus on the success. And I will. I promise. Thanks for your patience and support.
I feel so much gratitude that I was given the opportunity to be a part of this amazing community.
From our first conversation on the phone all those months ago (my inability to post pics...) you set me at ease and I knew you were somebody I wanted to work for and that UrbanMoms was something I wanted to be a part of.
When we met in June - it solidified it.
With all you have to do, you're never too busy to answer a question or reply to an email.
Your awesome lady!!
I recognize that screen shot :)
Wow... what a great, reflective post Jen. It is funny I have been reflecting on some of the same things as yourself.... I struggle with the need to be liked in business but with your name written all over your business it is so important to make sure you make the right decisions and not just those to keep everyone happy. It is not easy... lots of life lessons there for sure. Keep up the great work... you are so inspiring!
This is your third baby....sounds like you're having all the anxieties of a new mom! I often think of you and how PROUD you must be for all this...I would be! I'm so thankful to be a part of it...like Christine said. Last night someone told me of a whole group of mom's who have become 'fans' of my blog and how it helps them..I could sleep knowing that I actually 'made a difference' to someone. YOu're giving 17 of us a forum to do that ....SO THANK YOU fearless leader!!!
I love this post. I'm just coming back from reading the other one... wonderful stuff, Jen. And I'm so very thrilled to be a part of this ride! I thank you for having me, so very, very much. Really.
You rock, Jen! Look at what you have made. Be proud...accept it...relish it.
And most of all, remember that MOM would have been so proud of you, too!