Progress!

I’m writing at my PTB job again this week. I feel like a little boy doing something I know is wrong but doing it anyways because I wanna. I think that’s a little bit what’s happening. Anyways. I’ve been looking forward to writing this post. I have lots to share.

Whew! This was a big week. After the frustration of last week’s challenges, this week was a huge relief. First and foremost, we decided on a name for the company! We’re going to do business as Garden Unit Media. My brother and I first lived together post-childhood-home in a garden unit apartment in Chicago so there’s some nice meaning there, plus, and maybe most importantly, the name wasn’t taken by another company! Also, for those who know us personally, the initials of the company name is a little nod to our last name. Cheeky.

Before I dive deeper into the actual tasks we took on this week, I want to note the help we had in taking these steps forward. Our mother, who has been an incredible resource and support from day one, connected us with a family friend who has lots of experience living and working as an entrepreneur herself. I reached out early this week and I’m so glad I did. We talked for quite some time about what my brother and I are doing, what our goals are, her experiences as an entrepreneur, things to look out for, and effective resources. It was very generous of her to offer her time and insight and it was so, so helpful. If you’re reading this, thank you!

My brother and I have already experienced an incredible amount of support and assistance from friends and family. I’ve been reflecting on these moments of good fortune and supportive connections and I think they’re enabled by vulnerability and openness. If we weren’t so open about what we’re working on and sharing honestly about what’s working and what isn’t, connection would be impossible.

So, we have a name! Deciding on a name really opened the flood gates in terms of tasks that can now be started and/or continued. My brother and I have started to clarify our roles a bit more and most of the legal, financial, and structural tasks are on my list. He’s going to be more focused on creative, our equipment, and on-the-ground operations when it comes to actual shoots. That being said, we consult each other on almost everything. We’re a real team and I love it.

The next big task for me was filing our Articles of Organization to legally form the company. We decided to form an LLC because it’ll be the most effective legal structure for our business, in the beginning at least. We’re waiting on the official confirmation, but things are looking good. Having a name finalized also allowed me to create our business email and digital workspace accounts. This was such a gratifying step. Additionally, I started really wading into the world of business insurance, payroll, and bookkeeping. Exciting stuff! Truthfully, I am kind of enjoying it. Well, at least right now, while I’m learning and implementing. TBD when all of that needs to be maintained.

So, big week. I think I want to share some more specifics about the programs and software we’re using and the resources that have been helpful so far in next week’s post, but TBD. Who knows, maybe I’ll randomly meet a mysterious angel investor at a bar and they’ll write us a check for $500,000 on the spot. If that happens, next week’s post will definitely be about that.

I hope you’re experiencing some positive developments in your own ventures this week.

Wishing you steps forward,

Will

P.S. The name Will Barnes is an alias. As mentioned in my first post, I can’t leave my current job until I have another comparable stream of income and I’d like to prevent my boss from firing me first. Please don’t seek out my real identity. I will reveal myself when the time is right.

You can reach me via email at [email protected] or on Twitter, Instagram, and Threads @BosslessBlog.