Note: This podcast was filmed a few months ago
👇 Get connected with Jessica & her business
💡 ‘A-ha’ moments from the podcast
If you are a part-time founder, you get out what you put into the business. So, focus on finding ways to fit it into your work week and find synergies with your full-time job
“It was more about time blocking - get up in the morning and do a couple of hours. I was energised to have a project I was passionate about…I worked in marketing and was looking for ideas for spaces and try to build networks, so there are definitely synergies”
Feedback is a gift, but be careful about actioning every piece of advice you get from others
“I am always looking for feedback…but everyone also loves to give their opinion and it can be overwhelming. It can be a lot, so I always try to get feedback where I can and work through what is actionable and figure out what is not…I am still figuring it out, but gather feedback, prioritise the feedback and make sure that you are doing it because you see value in it”
Have a personal Board of Advisors, who can give you honest, logical advice on topics you are struggling with
“Always have a council of people you can bounce ideas off…you need people who you can turn to because you are not going to figure out the answers by yourself and you don’t need to feel like you have to, but you need to give these people enough facts and background to help you out”
You often don’t need much to start up. Bootstrapping is a great way to maintain control and enjoy the fruits of organic growth, before you look for external investment
“We are fully bootstrapped…I bought some hangers and rails, and it’s been self funded since. I have toyed with the idea of some investment…but I like the idea of having the control at the moment, and the organic growth factor. Until I have exhausted my ideas, I enjoy that I am self funded”
Think beyond your core product to go above and beyond for your customers
“How can you surprise and delight your existing customers, so that they can spread the word. I always try to not be just a clothes swapping service. Your customers are your biggest advocates, and word of mouth is so much more interesting”
💬 Jessica’s advice to women who want to build businesses on their own terms
“Just challenge the idea of the 9 to 5 working world. That is something I really have to teach myself. My working week is now different week to week. Ask yourself if you were not sitting at your 9 to 5 this week, what else could you be doing…”
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