The best laid plans

It's nearly three years ago that I started this business and, when I look back, the learning curve seems steep and rocky... the best analogy for my approach to learning about licensing is that each day I'd don my leotard, climb into my cannon and fire myself against a brick wall. Eventually something had to give. I'm still here.

The plan for the first three years was something like:

1) learn about licensing
2) sign licensing deals
3) represent significant brands
oh and in a very special fourth place) generate enough revenue to survive....

With these achieved, it's time to set some new goals. Interesting how our goals govern our behaviour. Deferment of gratification is supposed to be a sign of intelligence and discipline but, I wonder, isn't it time for some instant gratification? Brand licensing agencies are masochistically addicted to deferred gratification, our patience knows no bounds. The pipe dream of long term royalties whilst we sit back and count the money sustains us almost as effectively as real income....

The next three years ending June 2008.... would have to involve scaling up the business, but in my experience you've got to be careful what you wish for....