If at first you don't succeed...

Thomas J. Watson was the CEO and chairman of International Business Machines (IBM) during one of the greatest growths the company ever had from 1914 to 1956. Watson was a self-made man who went through multiple jobs before finding success with IBM. Before he died in 1956 he was considered one of the richest men of his time and the New York Times called him the world's greatest salesman. This man also left a gem of advice that came quite in handy today. Here is the formula for his success:

"It's quite simple, really. Double your rate of failure. You are thinking of failure as the enemy of success. But it isn't at all. You can be discouraged from failure or you can learn from it. So go ahead and make mistakes. Make all you can. Because remember that's where you'll find success."

-Thomas J. Watson

And on that note, let me tell you about Mama's Wooden Spoon's first vending fair today. It was just a small community yard sale but I felt like I made a fool out of myself! I found out how ill-prepared I am to set up a display worthy of MWS. Having to juggle a five-month old while setting up is tough in itself, especially when you even forget the table! I tried to make due with some cardboard boxes and a tablecloth which is a terrible combination when mixed with the wind. I guess I was going for shabby chic? It was a day that would have made Lucille Ball proud!

But with that disaster of a display I found out how important it is to be prepared. I came home and looked up some Gucci folding tables for my next vending event. I'm learning as my small business is growing. What's important is that I am fixing the mistakes I make. I believe in Mama's Wooden Spoon. Even one of the greatest salesmen like Thomas Watson had to start somewhere. I'm excited to document the beginning of my own business through the ups and the downs.