Today’s guest is a great example of how patience and persistence can really pay off. It took 7 years for Martin Halphen’s business, thefruitbox.com.au, to become cashflow positive, but now it is thriving with over 10,000 active customers across Australia and 30,000 deliveries every week.
Martin is a down-to-earth guy who is an inspiration to us all. He freely admits he didn’t have the best business plan and that he has made a multitude of mistakes along the way, but what we can all learn from Martin is how simply getting out there and doing it can pay dividends.
Here are some of Martin’s top tips:
* Put yourself in the game. You don’t know whether a business idea is going to work out, but taking the risk and just doing it opens you up to a word of opportunity even if the original idea fails.
* Making mistakes is good. Just don’t make the same mistakes twice!
* A lot of entrepreneurs start because they need something. Don’t be too scared about waiting for that knockout idea. If you feel it, go for it.
* There are many great ideas out there, but what’s more important is the execution of whatever idea you have, and for that you need patience.
* Look after your staff. In a small, growing business, the cost of constantly trying to fill the gaps left by staff leaving can be massive.
In this episode of Business Brain Food you will learn:
* How persistence can win the day
* The milk revolution
* The consequences of diversifying
* How to set yourself up to be a successful entrepreneur
Resources mentioned in this episode:
* This week’s show sponsor is Sponsor More Clients Fast. Visit http://www.moreclientfast.com.au for 50 super strategies for attracting more clients to your business, or call 1300 884 571.
* The SMEA has teamed up with Action Coach to deliver over 50 free business coaching workshops across Australia. Go to http:smallbizsept.com.au and find your nearest workshop. And as an extra bonus, any attendee of the workshop will get free membership to the SMEA for a year worth 400 AUD.
* Martin’s two businesses, delivering to companies across Australia: http://www.thefruitbox.com.au
* http://www.themilkbox.com.au
* Ben’s Daily Business Tips: http://www.dbtpodcast.com
* Facebook: facebook.com/businessbrainfood
* Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessbrainfood
* Twitter: https://twitter.com/bfewtrell
* ActionCOACH: http://actioncoachanz.com/itunes
* ActionCOACH: http://actioncoachanz.com/stitcher
“When surfers ride the wave, they’re not visualizing exactly where it’s going to end”. Wise words from Martin! You can’t map out every last detail of your future as an entrepreneur – don’t sit about waiting for the day when you think you can. Take action!
Also, if you are enjoying these Business Brain Food podcasts, then make sure to share them via social media sites or email the links to family and friends. A lot of time and effort goes into producing each of these podcasts with the goal in mind of the more people we can inspire about business the better. You can help us do just that!
Until next time, have a profitable day.
Cheers,
Ben Fewtrell
(02) 9111 5000