We have written about small businesses and startups, but we’ve never talked about our experience as a small business startup!

Very much in our infancy, we find ourselves facing the challenges that many small businesses face on a daily business.  We get it – and that’s why our mission is to help box companies grow and connect with the consumers who will benefit from your boxes.

Brand Recognition For A Startup

Brand recognition is key to your growth and it’s one of the biggest initial challenges for businesses – especially if you don’t have a big budget.  A good marketing strategy takes some effort, knowledge and planning but you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg on marketing.

We are lucky since we have Jenn who has 20+ years of experience and has started and sold a couple of successful businesses.

Side note: Marketing is one of the areas we want to help box companies (product companies too). Reach out to schedule your free marketing consultation with Jenn (no sales pitch, and no obligation, she’s just willing to give you an hour of her time to give you some actionable advice)

Social Media is another opportunity to build awareness and amplify your voice. Kaia handles ours and we are so grateful. Find help with your socials, if you can.

Startup

Amplify Your Voice

 

Communication and outreach is also important – build relationships and offer real value, to help boost your recognition and reputation. I focus on our communications and am really loving getting to know so many people.

How Many Hats Can You Wear?

As a small business, you often have a skeleton crew who are responsible for EVERYTHING!  This means juggling and wearing multiple hats. Sometimes it feels like a circus. It also means stepping out of your comfort zone and learning new things on the fly.

We Get Extra Hours In The Day, Right?

There is never enough time. It’s almost daily that I wish for more hours. I’m sure it’s not just me! For most people, being a startup means you likely already have a full-time job. Then you have to care for a home, maybe a family and have a social life too. But you still need to find time to work on the business you believe in. Oftentimes, late at night when all you want to do is go to bed, you still have important items on your task list that are calling your name.   

…And Some Extra Money to Grow, Right?

All businesses have start-up costs. And the thing we all want more than extra time, is extra money. Learning how to best use your budget and get the most you can for your money is a skill that small business owners learn pretty darn quick. We feel ya!

It’s Not All Bad

While building a business can be stressful and difficult, it’s worth committing to following your dreams. And there are definitely upsides – meeting wonderful, kind and supportive people has been a huge perk for us. 

Shout out to Brielle from Essentials Eco, Melanie from Highway 522, Mandy from BlisstuBox and Rolla who works at Loti Wellness – it has been an absolute pleasure to get to know you and you’ve all supported us. Please excuse us if we missed anyone – you are all important.

Starting a business from the ground up is a labour of love, and let me tell you, we have a lot of love to give!

In addition to the people, we have found products and information that have bettered our lives. It’s a perk we didn’t anticipate and it’s one that keeps us humbled and grateful.

To everyone battling to succeed every day – keep it up, it’s worth it!

To the consumers who see this – thank you for supporting these amazing box companies – keep it up.

We have big plans and have success already – we look forward to continuing to grow and using our success to help you with yours.