Stepping Down from SOBCon
February 3, 2008
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This is one of those posts that’s hard to write.
As many of you know, my gorgeous wife Lisa and I were part of the team that founded and put on SOBCon last spring in Chicago along with Liz Strauss, Terry Starbucker, and others.
This past week Lisa and I had a long conversation with the rest of the leadership team of SOBCon. In it we all agreed that the Cree’s would be pulling out of the partnership.
The decision was a very tough one for me to make. We know what a wonderful event SOBCon was last year. And we know how much higher Liz is raising the bar for the experience of all involved this year. Plus, I had a large part in crafting the original idea in the first place.
However, now that Lisa and I are 30 days into the launch of SuccessCREEations, Inc. as a full time venture we are realizing that I had fallen victim of one of the classic business start up blunders: grossly underestimating the amount of time effort and resources it takes to get a new business off the ground. I had this idea that once I left my previous full time employment we’d have lots of extra resources to devote to SOBCon.
I was very mistaken about that. We actually have less. Much less.
So rather than hold SOBCon back we’ve decided to step down from the leadership team.
Liz, Terry & the SOBCon team have a great event planned for everyone. Lisa and I still plan to be there. We just won’t be part of the team that’s running the show.
Hi Chris,
You know you are a founder and always a part. Your ideas, investment, everything — SOBCon is such a part of how our “family” started, nothing can ever change that.
I can’t imagine the event without you both there.
Wow Chris! Good for you and Gorgeous for making such a difficult decision. God bless you both as you kick your company into turbo gear!
[...] I write you as family, because, for me, that’s how it is. I know it was a tough decision to give up your roles in SOBCon08. Don’t think for a second that it changes a thing. Your hands, hearts, and minds are woven [...]
Chris,
I’m with Phil on commending you for making a tough decision. I’m looking forward to hearing more about your journey with SuccessCREEations Inc in the near future!
Mike
Chris (and Lisa), no worries. You guys are doing what you should be doing. I do hope to see you at SOBCon if you can make it! Best wishes with all your exciting work together.
Chris,
Making those tough decisions in the beginning are a sure bet sign that your business will be a success. Many ventures fall victim to the “I can do everything” mentality. I look forward to seeing the business blossom. Welcome to the other side, where work never stops: Not even in your sleep.
Cheers,
Dr. Judy
Liz, being there at the very beginning and with folks who are so much like family made stepping aside that much harder. We’re looking forward to seeing SOBCon a tremendous ongoing success.
Phil, the key word is difficult. It’s never easy choosing between great things to be a part of.
Mike, We’ll be sharing our lessons as we learn them here ’cause it’s what we’ve done all along. I’ve got no plans on changing that habit.
Easton, Thanks for your encouragement. Your help with SOBCon has been immensely valuable. I appreciate your willingness to lend a hand too.
Dr. Judy, You and your husband are a couple that Gorgeous and I look up to. You set a good example for us on how to run a successful growing business together. Thanks for that.
Chris, words cannot describe my love and admiration for the both of you – SOBCon07 was one of the best experiences of my life, and working with the both of you to make that happen was a sheer joy. I truly admire your courage to venture out on your own, and completely understand where you are coming from. I know you are still with us in heart and spirit, so I fear not when it comes to our SOBCon bond. I wish you both all of my very best, and see you in Chicago!
Chris, I know what you mean – I have made the same mistake and realized it a bit too late, when I was getting 5h/night sleep and got so stressed I lost 10 pounds and quite a bit of hair. Good thing you realized this earlier than I did! Good luck in the future and may both of you always manage to find free time!