My Business Journey: Lessons, Wins & A Few Cringe Moments
I’ve built multiple businesses over the years, some successful, others… not so much. Each venture has been a learning experience, shaping the way I approach business today. Because let’s face it, there’s no one-size-fits-all formula. What works for one person won’t necessarily work for another. The key is figuring out what makes you tick, and that’s exactly what I did.
The First Business: A Cringeworthy Beginning
In my early 20s, I launched my very first proper business, boldly naming it "DOS" – Danetre Office Services. Looking back, I can’t help but cringe. My grand plan? Creating CVs, managing invoices, and offering admin support. It worked, sort of. I had clients, I was earning money… but I quickly realised something was missing.
➡️ Lesson #1: Understand what truly motivates you. I discovered that working solo on admin all day wasn’t my thing. I needed variety and people.
👥 Finding My Passion in Recruitment
Craving more interaction, I took a job in a recruitment agency, quickly climbing the ranks to Senior Recruiter, then Branch Manager. It felt like home, I was mixing with people, enjoying the variety, and building connections.
In 2003, I took the leap and launched my own recruitment agency. It was a fast-paced, ever-changing industry, and I loved it. Success in recruitment is all about networking and building strong relationships, a skill that has served me well in every business since.
After selling my agency to an international company, I pivoted into social media and digital marketing, helping recruitment agenices establish their online presence.
➡️ Lesson #2: Build a strong network, it’s your biggest asset and don't be afraid to pivot.
💡 A Joint Venture That Didn’t Quite Work Out
During my marketing business days, I also teamed up with a friend to launch a joint venture which we called The Recruitment Supermarket. Sounds impressive, right? It was a total flop.
The problem? I don’t work well in partnerships. I like doing things my way and compromising on key decisions left me feeling frustrated. It was an expensive but valuable lesson that reinforced what I already knew: I thrive when I have full creative control.
➡️ Lesson #3: Know your working style. Not everyone is built for partnerships.
🌍 The Birth of Adventure Geek & Navigating Uncertainty
Fast forward to 2019, just before COVID-19 turned the world upside down, I launched Adventure Geek, my current business. Operating a walking and adventure company during a pandemic was, to put it mildly, a challenge. But I was able to diversify, adapt, and survive, thanks to creativity, flexibility, and the fact that I was mortgage-free.
Nowadays, my biggest challenge isn’t a global pandemic, it’s climate change. Frequent storms and unpredictable weather aren’t great for a business that relies on the outdoors. But, as always, innovation is key.
➡️ Lesson #4: Business is about adaptability. If you’re not willing to evolve, you won’t last.
📌 Why This Matters for You
Over the years, I’ve helped countless business owners launch, scale, and refine their businesses. I don’t just coach from theory—I’ve been in the trenches, made mistakes, and figured out what works.
I’m also not afraid to challenge ideas if I believe they need refining. A good coach doesn’t just agree with you, they push you to think differently. And that’s exactly what I do.
➡️ Lesson #5: The best business decisions often come from asking tough questions.
If you're ready to build a business that works for you (instead of the other way around), let's chat. No fluff. Just real strategies, honest feedback, and a clear plan to get you where you want to be.
