Business Start Up

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.

Absolutely! This package is designed for people at the very beginning of their journey. You don’t need an official business setup yet just an idea and the desire to take action.

Over six sessions, we’ll cover everything you need to build a strong foundation, from branding and business setup to marketing and productivity.

Each session is practical, easy to follow, and tailored to your unique business goals.

What’s Included (Session-by-Session Breakdown)

✅ Session 1: Defining Your Brand - we will work through brand identity, the thought behind your business name, personal and business brand identity, tone of voice, setting business values, and understanding your market and your ideal customers.  Creating a niche, your USP (unique selling point), and we will also look at competitor analysis.  After this session, you will have a good direction and walk away motivated with a clear objective for the next step.

✅ Session 2: Business Setup - You are ready to take the next step.  Is your business registered, are you registered for self-assessment?  Do you have a professional domain name for a website and email address, have you thought about bank accounts?  This session is all about the foundation work. It's not exciting, but it needs to be done.

✅ Session 3: Financial Foundations - we are all in business to make money, so in this session, we will build the foundations for financial success.  We will look at simple-to-use accounting systems, learn the basics about cash flow and budgeting, and look at pricing your products and services so that you are competitive but make a good profit.

✅ Session 4: Digital Presence - by session 4 the course starts to generate momentum and the excitement is building. We are launching into the world of digital marketing and will focus on just one social media platform to begin. Let's get your account set up and optimised, and then we can discuss content creation (how much should you post and how often?). Avoid common online marketing mistakes and much more.

✅ Session 5: Email Marketing & CRM (Customer Relation Management) system - Learn why owning your audience is essential.  We will set up your first email marketing system and start building relationships with potential customers.  Email is not dead and has the biggest conversion rates.

✅ Session 6: The Business Growth Mindset -  Productivity hacks to keep you focused.  The power of networking & connections.  Your roadmap for what comes next

🎯 By the end of this program, you’ll have:

✅ A fully registered business with a clear brand

✅ A solid financial foundation & pricing strategy

✅ A simple but effective marketing plan

✅ A clear action plan to keep moving forward

No worries! This programme is designed to work at your pace. While taking action is key, you'll also receive recordings and notes to revisit when you're ready.

For those on a 1:1, private coaching package, once each session is complete, we then agree on a date in the diary for the next meeting.  If you feel that the projects that I have given you will take a few weeks, then we simply move the diary accordingly.

That’s exactly why this programme exists! You don’t need to be an expert, that’s my job. Everything is broken down into simple, easy-to-follow steps, so you build confidence without overwhelm.

You'll receive extra guidance between sessions via email and WhatsApp. You won’t be figuring this out alone!

In addition to this, you have the option to join the group WhatsApp community for The Business Start Up Community.  Here you can brainstorm ideas in a safe environment.

The full 6-week program is £850.

If you decide to join a group session, then the price is significantly reduced to just £550 for the course.

Note:

• Payment plans are available upon request
• Prices are all-inclusive, there are no hidden costs. (no VAT)

If you decide this isn’t the right fit within the first session, I offer a 100% money-back guarantee, no questions asked. My goal is to help, not to lock you into something that doesn’t feel right.

Note: If you have already received a free coaching session then a refund is not applicable.

Nothing but an idea and an open mind! If you already have a business name or some rough plans, great, but if not, we’ll figure that out together.

If you already have a company, a website and a brand identity then the growth accelerator programme is probably a better fit for you.  But, if you feel that you have not got it quite right and would like to perhaps start again, then a more besoke package may suit your needs.  Just ask.

I do not work with large organisations.  My focus is on the solopreneur and the small business owner.  I have specialist knowledge in the recruitment, marketing and outdoor industry sectors, but have a good understanding of most industry sectors.

With so much advice out there, it’s easy to get stuck in research mode instead of taking action. That’s why I created The Business Start Up Package, a clear, step-by-step program to help you launch with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.

Over six sessions, we’ll cover everything you need to build a strong foundation, from branding and business setup to marketing and productivity. Each session is practical, easy to follow, and tailored to your unique business goals.