Spent the better part of the day today attending a seminar/sales pitch for SAP logistics software. It really is incredibly comprehensive. What is amazing isn't its computational power, formulas, etc. but the fact that it can penetrate every aspect of your business. When a warehouse hourly scans a barcode in China, we can have computers in the California warehouse prepare for receipt and update pending quantities. When a worker in Cali scans it in, we can close out the PO instantaneously. When it is scanned out, the invoice goes out automatically the same day. The power of this is difficult to visualize at first, but it means we can extend and streamline our supply chain to a much greater degree. Not only do the automatic documentations speed up payment processing, but we can now factor in shipments while they are still on the water. This is two extra weeks of flexibility. This software still costs an arm and a leg, but it seems that in the near future, SME's are going to be able to match the logistics prowess of your UPSs and your Walmarts. Good news for entrepreneurs, indeed.

And back to China we go…

Fresh off the phone with The Canadian, as we call him. It appears he, along with everyone else, does his manufacturing in China, so logistics at least are not an issue. Unfortunately his formula costs about double what we anticipated, throwing the projected retail price of "Emitter" out the window. However, the effectiveness of these new nanotech solutions remains to be seen. If they live up to the hype we should be able to cut costs elsewhere. Just have to stay focused. Today's five minute phone call seems to have sent my business one month forward. It's astounding how much such brief interactions can have such a profound effect on a venture. Rome wasn't built in a day, but it seems sometimes like a company can be.

Life Comes At You Fast: a great slogan

So it only took until the second day for everything to get turned on its head. After going over all the financial models we created, we have decided to shelve our most ambitious product. After a year of development and market research, are greatest scheme has been ended, simply because it has proved to be too damn expensive. What is frustrating is that we are more sure than ever that it will be a great product. We just can't legitimize sending ourselves into debt this early. It's led me to formulate what I call the "logarithmic theory of business development" ie, in order for you to reach the proverbial 'next level' you must increase your scale by a magnitude of 10. This idea is so ambitious that adding another magnitude of ten is gonna put us into the stratosphere. So we are putting it to the side and making way for second-tier ideas. Who knows, maybe something will come along and inject the oomph we need, but for now we are gonna work to flip our bathroom kit for a quick buck, and then reassess the situation.

Into the Fray

Finally settled in and a fair bit closer to being back on Eastern Standard Time, I headed to the office bright and early this morning. It is great to be the first one in the building. The lights are all dimmed and the lack of the usual office hum is quite peaceful. Let's hope I am not also the last to leave tonight.

Today things are gonna get off to a fast start. I am already synced back up with the office network and printing out non-disclosure agreements so we can (fingers crossed) partner up with a chemical company in Canada. It's only the first day and I am already posturing hard to maintain credibility. Luckily this firm only seems to have manufacturing capability and not much in the way of distribution, so they should need us as much as we need them. Now back to reviewing these docs so they can be signed and out on their way with the noon pick-up.

International Blog Man, Day One.

Hi. My name is Andrew Weakland. I am a young entrepreneur. Seeing how this is the very first post and all of a dozen people will ever see it, the formality will end shortly. I want this space to be a public record of my experiences as I take the path less traveled and attempt to be self employed at 22, as well as take the path more traveled and use horrendous clichés such as "the path less traveled." Ed. Note - Clichés may in fact be a vital part of entrepreneurship, more on this later.

Last year, one of my closest friends and I had a few good ideas and incorporated together in the state of New Jersey. As of now I have decided to dedicate myself to this venture fully, and forgo other employment. From here on out it is do or die. Wish me luck.

I am currently at 32,000 feet somewhere off the southern coast of Alaska on a Boeing 747 en route from Shanghai to Chicago, the on to New York. Unfortunately this 747 was manufactured before the seat-back personal video systems and serviced by post-bankruptcy union employees. At least the booze is included. As I sit here, bleary-eyed and cramped, I was thinking it was as good a time as any to get this blog off the ground.

I can't deny it, China was an amazing escape from my former reality. Despite Shanghai's urban mystique and international flair, the Chinese culture is still present in daily life, enough so that a foreigner such as myself could never confuse it with their western home. The myriad experiences I had in China will stick with me forever, I am sure I have already forgotten many, only for them to show up later through nostalgic recollection. I have no doubt that China has changed me, and I am eager to learn how those changes will manifest themselves as I return home and continue on the journey that is Altitude. For now, all I want to say about China is that I am glad I went. More importantly I want to extend my thanks to all the kind and generous friends I met there. You are all an inspiration. Special props to Wu Laoshi. You opened the doors to so many experiences that would otherwise be unattainable, and I am sure your advice will prove invaluable.

In a few hours I can begin experiencing the reverse culture shock (and start reacquainting myself with NYC prices). I hope my friends are still my friends and gas is less than $10 a gallon, and I hope I can get back to work as soon as possible.