Before I started my own business, and let’s be honest getting started is the hardest part, I had a few expectations of what it would be like to run a business. Some expectations were very positive and inspirational, such as choosing to work with my ideal clients and being able to continue to work from home, and others were more realistic, such as having to do everything myself and you are going to have moments of self doubt.
However, on my list of expectations was not meeting other amazing people in business. The people I have met have been so useful in sharing insight and advice, providing support and honest feedback, and some have built into new friendships.
As a start-up business with limited funds, I have also been swapping services with other businesses. From marketing and business development to website building and SEO to professional branding photography (see above), this has been a great way to share and complement different services that our businesses provide.
I have completed eco assessments of different businesses, providing practical advice on ways to save time and money by reducing power, fuel and paper use and minimising waste. These swaps in services have work so well and provide a great way to learn about different business processes.
I look forward to many more wonderful personal connections along this business development path.
Congratulations on such a professional and comprehensive startup – it looks like you are well on your way to success as an owner/operator business.
Mt Barney Lodge was in a similar position to you 15 years ago, and we complemented our 80 hour working weeks with help from WWOOFERS, and trading services for accommodation and adventure. Now we are a small-medium business with over 10 staff, but more importantly, those early networks of helpers have become friends and long-time supporters of our business.
We are an authentic Ecotourism business for accommodation and adventure activities at Mt Barney – and your recent Instagram post caught my eye as it neatly sums up what it is to be “green”.