Entry 010
Right now, I’m looking forward to so much—my business cards arriving, gaining more supporters, seeing samples for the buttons, exploring new opportunities, and embracing this new beginning. It all feels like a whirlwind, but in the best way. Today, I managed to squeeze in a run, which felt great. During it, I met someone who runs his own business. We exchanged a few words, and I shared a little about my film. He looked at me with curiosity and asked, “Do you have a card?” That’s when it hit me—I wasn’t prepared. Not a single card in sight, at least not until UPS calls me to pick mine up. Luckily, I had a mockup saved on my phone, so I showed him. He took a look at the campaign site I’d put together and said something that stuck with me: “Next time I see you, I want you to have a card. You seem promising—don’t lose that, no matter what.” He patted me on the back, shook my hand, and said, “I’ll see you around soon.”
His words hit hard in the best way. I realized how much I need to get out there and shake more hands once those cards arrive. That fire inside me, already burning, was ignited even more. Later today, I had a conversation with my mentor, and he gave me some valuable feedback on the reservation page. After getting questions and feedback, I realized the page needed to be more intuitive. So, I sat down with the team, we brainstormed, and made some changes. It’s much clearer now, and I feel more confident about the direction it’s headed.
Thinking about expanding my network, I’m already planning where to drop off the new business cards once they’re in hand. A Christmas party full of strangers, a nearby comic book shop, and a local running club with a big event this Saturday all seem like perfect opportunities. It’s time to branch out and introduce TTB? to new people who might help make this vision a reality. On top of that, one of our first customers is receiving their buttons today, which is a small but meaningful milestone. I’m planning to document the moment with a few pictures—every step forward counts, and this one feels especially rewarding.
Today was a big lesson in double-checking things before moving forward. I picked up my business cards without testing them out first, and the design wasn’t quite right. It was frustrating, but it’s a lesson learned. I’ll take them back and see if I can exchange them for something better. It also made me rethink things for the next batch—I’ll add the website address under the QR code so that even if it doesn’t work or someone doesn’t know how to use it, they’ll still be able to find the project online. Always check before you take something—lesson learned the hard way. Time to fix it and keep moving forward.
While dealing with that, I also took action on another important piece—getting the QR code working properly. The first company said it was reactivated, but I still had questions, so I emailed them again to ask how long it would stay active. No response yet, but I couldn’t let that stop me. I moved forward with a second batch of cards using a new QR code company, adding the landing page as a backup. They’re supposed to be ready by Monday, so I’m feeling much more confident about this batch. Even with the hiccups, I didn’t let it stop me. I handed out 15 cards in just one day, talking to everyone I could about TTB?. It felt great to finally get out there and share the project.
Along the way, I connected with Michael, a friend I met before this project even began. He shared some ideas and offered a valuable connection that could help bring me closer to my goals. I also talked with Sara, and she found the concept really interesting. Both of them took cards, which has me excited to see where those conversations go. I’m looking forward to seeing what comes from these connections, and I can’t wait to see the cards make their way into more hands. This is just the beginning, and I’m excited to see how it all plays out.
Today was also about stepping out of my comfort zone. I decided to go door-to-door and let people know about TTB?. I was nervous at first, especially because I was just winging it, but as I kept knocking and pitching, I grew more confident. My pitch improved with every door I knocked on, and to my surprise, I actually made a sale! That felt like a win, and I was really grateful for it. Along the way, though, I noticed a problem—shipping costs were eating into the earnings meant for the transitional budget to move forward into Act One. It was a tough decision, but I raised the price to $35 (from $26) to ensure the budget wouldn’t get drained by shipping. I was worried at first, but I knew it was necessary.
To keep things transparent, I wrote a quick note on the page explaining the price change:
“For those who noticed the price change after previously viewing the page, the price is now $35 (previously $26) due to shipping costs impacting the profits meant to serve as a transitional budget for Act One of the campaign for ‘The Timid Bunny?’. I believe in being transparent—thank you for your support and understanding! Questions? Email us at echopport@gmail.com.”
It was simple, but I think it’ll clarify things for everyone. As we move forward, I feel more secure knowing the funds will be there for the campaign. Looking back, I realize how much my experience as a door-to-door salesman helped me today. Without that, it would’ve been harder to push through when things felt uncertain. But this is my project, my baby, and I kept pushing—even with the no’s. It’s that fire inside me that keeps me going. The journey doesn’t stop here, and I’m sure not stopping either.
12/25/24
