#week10update

This week has been a bit of a reality check for me, but in a good way. I’m starting to see how the business actually works in real time instead of how I assumed it would work when I planned everything out.

What is working One thing that is working really well is client interest and communication. I’ve had more people booking meetings, asking questions, and scheduling appointments than I expected, which tells me there is demand for the service. Even when clients aren’t ready to file yet, they’re still reaching out early, which helps me stay organized and plan ahead. I’ve also noticed that once people understand the process and what documents they need, they feel more comfortable coming back.

What is not working What hasn’t worked as planned is the number of completed tax returns this week. I had planned for four clients but ended up with two. The main reason is timing - many people are still waiting for their T-slips from employers. I didn’t fully account for the fact that in Canada, employers have until a specific deadline to issue these, and without them, clients can’t move forward. That’s been a learning curve for me.

How I feel the project is coming Overall, I actually feel pretty good about how the project is coming along. Even though the numbers were lower than expected this week, I don’t feel discouraged. If anything, I feel more confident because I can see that this is a timing issue, not a lack of interest or effort.

What I am learning about running a business I’m learning that running a business isn’t just about offering a service - it’s about understanding external factors that are completely out of your control. Timing, deadlines, and client readiness all matter. I’m also learning that interest and future bookings are just as important as immediate sales, especially in a service like tax filing.

Now that I’ve reached Week 10 of the term, my start-up venture Refined Finds is starting to take real shape. It’s been a rollercoaster—but one that’s teaching me more than I ever expected.

✅ What’s Working: Sourcing and prepping items has become much smoother. I’ve developed a system for cleaning, testing, and photographing products that saves me time and gives a more professional touch. I also started using Canva to create simple promotional visuals, which has helped my Facebook Marketplace listings stand out. Positive buyer reviews have started building credibility.

❌ What’s Not Working: Marketing through social media hasn’t picked up as fast as I hoped. Engagement on Instagram is low, and converting views into actual buyers is still a challenge. I’m learning that social media takes consistent content and time to build a following—something I need to improve.

📈 How the Project Is Coming Along: Overall, I’m proud of the progress. I’ve met my mid-term sales target and feel more confident with each transaction. With just a few weeks left, my focus is now on maximizing exposure and preparing for a smooth wrap-up.

💼 What I’m Learning About Running a Business: It’s all about adaptability. Plans change quickly, and small wins count. Also, customer communication—before and after a sale—is crucial for building trust.