21: Reframing the Rat Race: How to Use Your Day Job to Prepare for Entrepreneurship with James Anderson of Forged Axe Throwing

What went into building an (almost) seven-figure axe throwing business that earns hundreds of five-star reviews?

For James Anderson, it all started well before he left his 9 to 5. 

As a marketer and tour guide, he learned how to create buzz, split-test, design systems, and craft world-class experiences… skills James later put to use bootstrapping the Whistler, B.C.-based business he co-founded.

In this episode, you’ll learn why James believes market research is “the most important work that you never get paid for.” He gives us his tips for measuring the effectiveness of both online AND offline marketing campaigns, reveals his company’s current profit margins, and shares a hilarious story about an exhausting grand opening that forced him to temporarily shutter the business on its very first day.

You’ll also learn how James diversified his business by developing scorekeeping software, how he handles insurance, what lessons he learned from a previous Christmas light venture, and the BIG opportunity most entrepreneurs aren’t taking advantage of today.

James’ story is a real blueprint for how to transition from a traditional day job into entrepreneurship, so if you’re interested in doing the same, make sure you listen to this episode today.

If you get value from the show, please rate and review us on iTunes, and subscribe to the BiggerPockets Business Podcast so you won’t miss the next one.

In This Episode We Cover:

Using your 9 to 5 as an internship for entrepreneurship

How James started with planting trees for 10 cents

How he got the idea of Forged Axe Throwing

What “soft adventure” is

James and his partner's business plan

How they found venues for axe-throwing

Their marketing strategy centered around creating excitement

Why they had to close on their first actual day of business

How to automate customer service

Traditional marketing vs. online marketing

How to track offline marketing efficacy

Decreasing “friction” for customers

Why they didn’t franchise

Opportunities for buying businesses

And SO much more!

Links from the Show

BiggerPockets Survey

Buzzfeed

Burning Man

TripAdvisor

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