Launched 12 months ago to crickets. Reflections of Year 1.

Just over a year ago i started a service business from scratch in the travel industry. I was bringing new products to the local market which meant i had and continue to have the monumental task of A making visitors aware they can buy services like mine when they come here, and then B why should they spend their money on my products anyway.

I had some money to put into the business. Basically enough to run at a loss for 12 months which is what happened and thats ok. My wife was working so luckier than some.

Right now my business is firing. Im now generating enough income to be well and truly profitable. Im hoping to hire some internal help asap. I won Best New Tourism Business at state level and was a finalist at national level. Here are 10 learnings that could be useful to others in a similar boat.

1. If theres no passion or clear purpose, the business is doomed. In the early days this is all youve got to keep you going. If you arent 100% invested, you'll work slower and be left behind.

2. Building a business from scratch is hard work. Long hours. Often 7 days. There is a mountain of work to be done and in the early days, you'll have to do most if not all of it.

3. Its been said to death because its true. Seek out people who know more than you about your industry. Get a mentor. They'll see things objectively. Be grateful for the people who cheer you on, but listen to the ones who are prepared to challenge you.

4. Involve AI in your business. ChatGPT knows more about my business than me. Ive also trained it not to just agree with me. Everything from research, planning, marketing strategy, content creation (dont just copy & paste), data analysis, product development. I 100% would not be where im at without it. Ive been able to do the work of 4 people.

5. Marketing is critical in my industry anyway. If you dont have marketing skills, invest in someone who does. You have to be able to cut through.

6. Beware of becoming to reliant on paid advertising. 90% of my sales currently come from Meta campaigns. Basically now if i drop ad spend, the bookings reduce. Double edged sword. Im investing in an SEO expert to gradually lift organic bookings to counter this.

7. Partnerships are critical. Ive now partnered with around 15 local businesses to create better products. It ads credibility, new ideas, more people talking about your business.

8. The business relies too much on me. I drop dead, the business is over. This is a problem. If it stays like this, the business will be unsellable until there are systems, training, HR in place. My goal is to sell in 2030 (and buy a boat haha). Ive engaged a business expert to help me with this.

9. IMO you need money to make money. I was fortunate. I dont know how i could have done it without heavily investing in predominantly social media marketing (1k a month).

10. Kindness is the secret sauce. Its my guiding principal. If you for some reason are unhappy with my service, 100% money back with just 1 question..how can we do better? Over 500 customers. Not one complaint. I go out of my way to offer amazing service. I want them to tell their friends!

And to those who wonder if theyre too old, im now 56. Totally new industry and career. Loving it.

And finally to those who struggle with mental health issues. Previous to starting this business i went through 7 years of depression hell. Its possible to come out the other side and do amazing things. Hang in there.

If you made it this far, i hope you got something out of this and best of luck with your own business!