Do your homework, Sleep on it, Do it again.
It's Saturday afternoon, just hit up the farmers market and now I'm having espresso and cake at 'Brew' in Downtown Jacksonville. I'm listening to Belle and Sebastian's 'Dear Catastrophe Waitress' album. A nice folk-rock Saturday, I was offered sparkling water with the 'spro, which is always super appreciated, one of the best regular gestures in coffee. This week I got moved into a house nearby and am finally mentally back on track.
It's been a couple weeks since sending back the first Architect draft. As of Thursday we've been in communication for a month now total, and I was told we'd be ready to go in 3-4 weeks. So I email the architect to ask what's up. I ask if they're considering a carbon filter and a grease trap, I ask if I should be reaching out to the state or the Dept of Agriculture (as a cafe, I'm in their jurisdiction, whereas a restaurant would fall to the health dept.). He said he's working with contractors to get the 'MEP' (mechanical electrical plumbing) ready, and needs the manuals of all equipment.
Suddenly, well before I expected to buy it, I need to decide on all my equipment.
This is a big deal. Equipment means the menu the cost and the workflow are mostly in stone. I had this impression that once the counters were built, I could decide on what makes sense. Like, a month or two from now. Realistically we need to consider equipment in advance to be ready for the build size, plumbing, and electrical. Luckily I had done all this, but sending the model numbers would have a sense of finality that I wasn't ready for.
So I used this opportunity to do my homework one more time.
This is the fourth time in the last 6-7 months I've looked at all my equipment, compared it, price matched it, thought about it practically. Every time I do this I feel like I come away more confident and learn a little bit more. The first time it took me actual weeks, this most recent time it took about 8 hours. I wonder if I should do more, if I should finally get that barista hustle subscription or buy that new book Sprudge is promoting so that I feel ready. Ultimately you have to step away from the rabbit holes and have confidence in yourself, but as a good rule of thumb, sleeping on decisions does a lot for your perspective.
This week I was given the vinyl samples for our sign above the building and was told they'll likely fade out if we don't choose other colors. Looking at our other options, doing some mockups, sharing them, and sleeping on it; I chose to stick with our original colors anyway, because they felt like the best fit faded or not, and that felt like a hard call! But our vinyl guy respected it and I appreciated him stopping to ask. Sometimes you have to say no to preserve your vision, remember your collaborators on your side and you're working towards a common goal.
Another reason it's important to do your homework and take your time >>> If you're working with professionals and you aren't ready to make a call, they will make it for you. Tell them you need a day, talk to your friends or your partners, think about it every step of the way. DO THE HARD WORK NOW, IT'S NOT GOING AWAY!
Okay, have a great weekend!
- Elias
