The Hoolet start-up: a year of making businesses memorable

Twelve months ago, I took the plunge and launched a start-up.

Yes, Hoolet has been a thing now for a full year now.

I launched Hoolet in August 2020 with a promise to business owners that I’d make them memorable.

What I’ve learned along the way has genuinely surprised me.

And I work in communications, so here is the inevitable “things I have learned” first person blog.

Lessons from a start-up

1. You have to adjust your mindset

The move from staff to self-employed was a bit of a wrench.

I have no problems with self-discipline when it comes to work. But perspective and motivation have sometimes been more challenging.

As a start-up business, I am my own powerhouse now. Sometimes it is less soaring and more swivelling on my chair in a confused fashion.

I am more used to the ebb and flow of work after a year in business, and no longer think one quiet day makes for a failed business. And frankly, there is always something to be doing.

Finishing my first couple of projects was a learning point. I felt quite smug and though, “right, what now?” Only to work out that managing the pipeline of work and finding the next project is also down to me.

As is arranging invoicing and insurance. And procuring office supplies like printer ink and post-its.

But I have managed to remain motivated with my eye on the main goal, all the while remaining flexible. No matter which hat I’m wearing – and yes, that includes office cleaner. Sometimes.

2. Just say yes

Part of embracing that freedom has been dreaming big. And saying yes.

My first client asked if I could build him a website. My first thought was “I can’t build a website.” But I said yes, and looked to my network of talented individuals. Working together, we delivered a pretty good end product.

I know I’m a good project manager and those skills have been invaluable.

And in the course of 12 months, I’ve also learned to say no. Sometimes after I’ve been saying yes for a while.

I’ve learned that clients need to be a good fit. If they aren’t, it doesn’t make me or them bad people if we go our separate ways. I can usually find them someone better suited to their company or particular path.

3. Network

On the subject of network, I have a new appreciation for the power of people and knowing the right ones.

I’ve met a lot of amazing people in the last year and found it absolutely inspiring. Some of it was through organised (online) events, but some were completely random.

If I found someone interesting, or they’d done or published something interesting, I’d often drop them a line and connect over (online) coffee.

And every time, they have shown or taught me something. The (online) exchange of ideas and sometimes just the injection of motivation and largely perspective was just what I needed. It was invaluable.

Every piece of work that has come my way – bar one – has been through word of mouth.

And that’s the power of a network.

Here’s to it going IRL*

4. Value yourself

I struggle with valuing my experience, insight and practical expertise. In the first five months of my business, I made a grand total of £800.

That was never going to keep me in printer ink and post-its.

But in time, I learned what Hoolet can do that other businesses find valuable. A sustainable business model emerged. And at the turn of the year, I had what could only be termed as a lightbulb moment.

Don’t get me wrong, the investment of time in those first five months was invaluable. I networked, I gave free branding workshops, I networked some more. I studied digital marketing, I sat through SEO webinars, I got my name out there with orange Clubs and caramel wafers. I even tried Clubhouse for goodness sake.

And finally, thank you…

And lastly, the main thing I’ve experienced is the kindness of strangers. I feel a huge wave of gratitude to all the people who gave me their time, attention and guidance, whether they knew me or not.

I guess it’s networking with purpose (I can hear Andrew Smith rolling his eyes as he sees his Cows Not Cow lessons finally land).

These people all had their own pressures and yet they happily shared their experiences, gave their support and advice. Some of them won’t have even realised the impact they had on Hoolet – so I’ve name-checked some of you.

And I hope that in time I can pay it forward and never be too busy to listen to someone who wants to do something and appreciates every single word of advice.

Thank you to all of you.

For practical help, I’d like to thank Victoria Grozier, Stuart Cheyne, Erikka Askeland, Andrew Smith, Simon Morgan, Richard Corrigan, Anja Peter, Jill Simpson, Daniel Muir, Karen Slupinski, Chris Scott, Colin Fraser, Colin Rennie, Andrew Jones, Mark Kemp, Sam Donnelly, James Donaldson, Aisha Kasim, Diane Cosgrove

Personal support came very much from Elaine Stewart, Kim Stephen, Caroline Barclay, Elizabeth Mathie, Mary Holland, Neil Freckingham, Stuart Harrington, Shamus Maclean, Fiona McWhirr, Shona Hendry, Morag Lindsay, Clare Scott, Leanne Carter among others.

My amazing online network of Iska Birnie, Carrie Affrin, Aisha Kasim, Claire Muir, Suz Bird, Elaine Fleming, Scott Lee, James Bream, Adam Bell, Gordon Charlton, Amanda Inglis, Andy Blues.

Michael Mole for my first job and all his encouragement.

And finally, the ever-motivational Tracy Cromar and her faith in me and Hoolet.

Hoolet is a strategic communications consultancy. Come say hello on Twitter at @hoolet_hoots, or follow us on LinkedIn. You can read more blogs here.

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