NICOLAS LANGELIER, FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR OF ATELIER 10

When he launched the social enterprise Atelier 10 in 2012, Nicolas Langelier initially sought to fill a void in the Quebec media landscape with Nouveau Projet . “I wanted to create a high-quality general-interest magazine that would reflect the spirit of the 21st century, a space to disseminate new ideas with a depth that wasn’t necessarily found on the web,” explains the author, journalist and columnist. A crazy project at a time when the print crisis was in full swing? “I opted for a business model that would allow me to diversify our sources of revenue—particularly with book sales, the store, and events—in order to subsidize the magazine and ensure a certain balance.”

The bet was bold, but it was brilliantly met as a community quickly embraced Atelier 10's offering, which has since received B Corp* certification. "In business, no matter the field, there is always an opportunity in counter-trends. While we were abandoning the printed version, I bet on paper based on my desires. I knew there were still readers for this type of publication."

Nicolas Langelier now plans to develop “antennas” elsewhere in Quebec and to produce digital content on a more frequent basis.

*B Corp certification is awarded to companies that act in the public interest. They are defined as for-profit companies that act in a socially and environmentally responsible manner.

ENTREPRENEUR AND… MANAGER IN SPITE OF HIMSELF

Solution tracks from the Quebec School of Entrepreneurs …

When asked what motivated you to take the plunge into business?, entrepreneurs mostly answer: doing what I love.

However, a new entrepreneur must perform a range of tasks that are not necessarily linked to their initial motivation. Hence the disappointment of feeling that he is moving away from his passion and becoming more of a manager.

Not all hats will suit you!

When starting out, the entrepreneur or self-employed person is often alone in carrying out all the tasks related to the operation of his business. And there are many: financial forecasts, accounting, sales and customer service, operations, marketing, decision-making, supplier and employee management.

No one could claim to excel in each of these spheres. With this in mind, one of the most common pieces of advice given to new entrepreneurs is to know how to surround yourself well. Having a good lawyer, a good accountant becomes necessary to make informed decisions from the start.

Delegate: yes, but…

However, the well-surrounded entrepreneur has an advantage in having a minimum of skills to maintain a certain control over the company. Having some accounting skills allows him, for example, to analyze the figures and keep an eye on its financial health.

This management training is often done "the hard way", through trial and error. The entrepreneur benefits from developing his skills in the weakest links of business management, with the help of one-off training . As tasks evolve at the pace of the company's growth, it will be necessary to reinvent oneself and equip oneself over time.

Freeing up time is not a luxury!

In order to keep your head above water in this sea of operations, you need to know how to free up time to carry out the tasks you prefer, to rediscover the pleasure of your work, but also to take a step back.

How to do it knowing that time is a scarce resource and that business life is full of surprises? Plan!

• Schedule a monthly brainstorming session. A time to reflect on deep issues, to come up with new ideas. Getting out of your usual workplace can help clear your mind of all the daily imperatives and stresses.

• Two or three times a year, take a step back and think about strategic directions. This can be done in light of the financial results, or based on feedback from customers, employees or collaborators.

TOOLS

By using Outlook or Google Calendar, your colleagues or associates will be able to access your schedule and not interfere with what is on the agenda.

For project management, apps like Trello and Asana can help you list, plan, assign tasks, and track them over time.

Do you have difficulty disciplining yourself?

Following a coaching program for growing business leaders or calling on a mentor can be excellent ways to force these moments of stepping back and reflection that are so essential to the sustainability of your project and your happiness index. Take the time to regain control!