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Hi! I'm a Chris

Sometimes Growth Looks Like a Bit of a Mess! Here’s Why That’s Okay

Published 4 months ago • 5 min read

Howdy! Reader,

This week felt like a bit of a shift... not in a dramatic way, but more like settling into a new pair of shoes that still need breaking in.

You know those moments where you can see the progress… but it hasn’t quite clicked into full rhythm yet?

That’s where I’ve been sitting.

And I wanted to share some reflections from this space... not just to document my own path, but in case you find yourself in a similar transition season too.

BUT FIRST a couple of callouts!

BACKPACKS 4 VIC KIDS $20,000 Fundraiser:

WHATNOT SHOW #003:

🤷🏻‍♂️ Life & Thoughts

Weekly Lessons:

Lesson 1: Progress isn’t always comfortable.

Even when you get what you asked for... more help, more time, more opportunity it still takes adjustment.

I brought in new team support (Dion’s been great), but because of staggered availability and overlapping roles, it hasn’t been the full force I envisioned just yet. We’re in build mode, not flow mode. But that’s part of the journey.

📌 Takeaway: Give yourself grace during the settling in phase of growth.
Expansion always looks messy before it gets smooth.

Lesson 2: Systems multiply potential.

What is exciting is that once all systems are firing... photo booths running, listings ramped, new hires settled etc etc... the output and consistency should explode.

But that doesn’t happen by luck. It’s about:

  • Doubling down on training and SOPs
  • Refining what makes our service valuable
  • Turning knowledge into repeatable execution
📌 Takeaway: Systems build scale. Don’t chase speed at the cost of sustainability.

Lesson 3: Micro wins > major stress

This month came with some heavy expenses! New hires, annual software, packaging, insurance.
Honestly? I’ve had those moments where I looked at the numbers and felt that pit in my stomach.

But then I zoomed out.

  • We’re still increasing weekly revenue.
  • ASP dropped slightly, but volume held.
  • E-waste pipeline dipped, yet we stayed strong (without it being 15%)
  • Small tweaks (like switching to extra-small satchels) are saving hundreds a month.
📌 Takeaway: You don’t always need a breakthrough, you just need enough small efficiencies, consistently applied!

Where I'm At Now

🔁 Adjusting.
🎯 Planning smarter.
📦 Listing better stock.
🔧 Tightening systems.
📊 Tracking the right metrics.

August will be about recouping, refining, and re-energizing.

What About You?

  • What part of your life or work is still “settling in”?
  • Where are you planting seeds for bigger future results?
  • Are you tracking what’s actually working not just what’s “ideal”?

These questions matter.

Because whether you’re building a business, chasing a goal, or figuring out your next chapter it’s not about doing more…

…it’s about doing what matters, better.

Business Snapshot for 2025 (currently):

July may still have a comeback! Though I think we will land either very low in positive, or still in the negative... this month is a dip in a larger rollercoaster ride... Of course, I am accountable and responsible for it.

Content

Latest Content:

Closing thoughts

I hope to see you around via my Youtube, my Instagram or maybe even in person!

Thanks!

Chris Furlong // say hello@clfurlong.com

LINKS & AFFILIATES:

AMEX:

I recently got the American Express® Business Platinum Card to ease my cash flow - not saying it’s a must-have, but if you’re considering, definitely worth a peek! (Not financial advice.) If you are curious or looking for one, reach out as I can send you a referral for some bonus points.

PEOPLE:

📊 Reseller Spreadsheet:

  • ​Click here, to see the VIP offer for you as one of my biggest supports.
  • Watch the DEMO, live with Ethan Rooshock
    ​

PRINTER I USE: https://ausprint.co/collections/shop/products/ausprint​​
​Get $20 off your order with CHRISFR20 with a printer or labels over $249.
AUSPRINT USB Printer Review: https://youtu.be/wUFJhe12kmE​

I use this printer now EVERYDAY.

Also, I have had more people in the last week ask me what boxes and bags do I use for my Clothing on eBay, so here they are:

MAGIC MIND - https://www.magicmind.com/clfurlong​

use CLFURLONG20 to save up to 56% off Magic Mind

PREVIOUS READS: First and Latest:

Week 1: https://ckarchive.com/b/lmuehmh9od64​
​Week 186: https://artisanal-teacher-7863.kit.com/posts/remember-to-zoom-out-before-you-focus-in-again
​Week 187: https://artisanal-teacher-7863.kit.com/posts/it-s-taken-5-years-but-i-am-ready-for-the-next​
Week 188: https://artisanal-teacher-7863.kit.com/posts/will-you-commit-to-being-a-better-you​
Week 189: https://artisanal-teacher-7863.kit.com/posts/that-fear-isn-t-a-red-light-it-s-a-signal-that-you-re-about-to-grow?​
Week 190: https://artisanal-teacher-7863.kit.com/posts/why-you-should-never-listen-to-the-doubters?​
Week 191: https://artisanal-teacher-7863.kit.com/posts/1-491-days-later-and-i-cannot-believe-it​
Week 192: https://artisanal-teacher-7863.kit.com/posts/it-s-scary-it-s-risky-but-it-still-feels-right-to-do​
Week 193: https://artisanal-teacher-7863.kit.com/posts/a-year-from-now-you-will-have-wished-you-started-today​
Week 194: https://artisanal-teacher-7863.kit.com/posts/the-reality-of-why-you-get-annoyed-at-others​
Week 195: https://artisanal-teacher-7863.kit.com/posts/five-years-ago-i-had-no-plan-now-i-run-a-business-out-of-a-warehouse​
Week 196: https://artisanal-teacher-7863.kit.com/posts/why-i-am-happy-to-continue-to-focus-long-term​
Week 197: https://artisanal-teacher-7863.kit.com/posts/7-tactical-lessons-for-you-to-leverage​
Week 198: https://artisanal-teacher-7863.kit.com/posts/i-have-to-get-out-of-my-own-way-you-might-too​
Week 199: https://artisanal-teacher-7863.kit.com/posts/the-new-quarter-welcomes-a-new-opportunity​
Week 200: https://artisanal-teacher-7863.kit.com/posts/what-s-one-unsolved-puzzle-you-re-working-on-right-now​
Week 201: https://artisanal-teacher-7863.kit.com/posts/start-small-stay-consistent-and-build-your-path
​Week 202: https://artisanal-teacher-7863.kit.com/posts/when-is-the-best-time-to-plant-a-tree-spoiler-today
​Week 203/204: was on break
Week 205: https://artisanal-teacher-7863.kit.com/posts/remember-to-take-a-break-here-and-there​
Week 206: https://artisanal-teacher-7863.kit.com/posts/the-beginning-of-the-end
Week 207: https://artisanal-teacher-7863.kit.com/posts/what-building-a-business-around-my-lifestyle-really-means-to-me
​Week 208: https://artisanal-teacher-7863.kit.com/posts/why-5-years-later-i-m-glad-i-never-quit?​
Week 209: https://artisanal-teacher-7863.kit.com/posts/confidence-is-doing-over-doubting-repeated-enough-times​
Week 210: https://artisanal-teacher-7863.kit.com/posts/and-with-that-fy25-comes-to-a-wrap?​
Week 211: https://artisanal-teacher-7863.kit.com/posts/it-can-be-scary-to-start-all-over-from-0
​Week 212: https://artisanal-teacher-7863.kit.com/posts/new-chapters-come-with-growing-pains-and-that-s-okay​
Week 213: https://artisanal-teacher-7863.kit.com/posts/what-have-i-learned-from-20-000-sales-on-ebay​

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Hi! I'm a Chris

and I am building a business that suits my lifestyle

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