Bookshed lessons for business

The Pukerua Bay Bookshed just had its 7th birthday. I’m delighted it’s been successful and (as you can tell from the picture on the right) is popular and packed with books.

While it was created as a fun family project and a community experiment, it also demonstrates something relevant to business.

A) Something simple can be a great success.

We got the basics right:

• it’s visually appealing
• it’s functional and the location works
• it’s well-used and there is an engaged audience
• it pretty much looks after itself

B) You can’t always rest on your laurels.

Out in the real world things change and updates are needed:

• the window broke
• the wind pulled the door apart
• wet weather and rotten boards led to leaks
•  the catch got stiff

C) Work out what needs to be done to keep providing a service.

Then deciding:

• which jobs fit into your skill set (for me painting, roof maintenance and trading skills with others)
• which jobs you need to outsource (in this case the carpentry)
• who to ask (luckily for me friends and fellow community volunteers)

D) There may be the odd hiccup.

I could mention the painted bench seat that got stolen… but I’ll save that story for another day!