Episode 3 - The First 3-4 Years in Business | Small Business Survival Guide
Welcome back to another episode of the Small Business Survival Guide podcast! Hey there, it's Tom, and I'm Kahlee, and we're thrilled to have you with us today.
Listen on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4OtdlW8...
In this episode, we're diving into the early days of Suburban Pest Management, our business that's been buzzing around for almost three decades now. We've been through quite a journey, and we're excited to share some insights from our startup phase, particularly those first intense 3 to 4 years.
You know, it's been quite a ride balancing the growth of our business and handling family responsibilities. Back then, it felt like we were juggling a lot – the business, the family, and trying to make it all work. But here's the thing, we had some fantastic support, especially from our family. Huge shoutout to our parents who played a pivotal role in supporting us, especially during those early years.
Remember when we moved into our own shed? That was a game-changer, but it brought its own set of challenges. Hiring more staff, outgrowing spaces, and the transition from a small operation to a more significant business – it was both exciting and nerve-wracking.
One of the key lessons we learned was the importance of having clear processes and systems. You see, when you're a small team, you can get away with a lot being in your head. But as you grow, those things can become bottlenecks. We emphasised the need for delegation, efficient processes, and having the right team members to support the business.
And let's not forget about the family aspect. Balancing work and family life is no easy feat. We've had to navigate through having a young family while running a business. Shoutout to our kids and to our parents for being the real MVPs in this journey.
We also want to challenge the concept of a strict work-life balance, especially in the early years of business. It's more about hard work, commitment, and knowing that you might not have a perfect balance, but you're working towards something greater.
As we wrap up this episode, we're throwing in a little quiz about the introduction of cane toads in Australia. It's a fun way to end things, and we hope you enjoy it!
Thanks for tuning in, and we'll catch you on the next episode of the Small Business Survival Guide podcast. Cheers!