How Did I Start My Business Adventure
When I first decided to start a business at 16, it was because I saw an unexplored opportunity in the market. Social media was buzzing with drop-shipping products, and I wanted to offer something different – faster delivery and superior customer service. Among these trending items were Aroma diffusers, and I sensed an opportunity to ride this wave.
The Entrepreneurial Path
After researching on bol.com and other internet sources, I discovered there were only two other companies selling these products. Here I knew my business adventure could begin. Digging deeper, I realized the profit potential – about 20 euros per product. This was a revelation. With €1000 of my savings, and a discussion with my parents, I jumped on this business venture.
Learning and Growing
Being young and inexperienced in the business world, I lacked the knowledge and network of entrepreneurs to seek advice from. So, I decided to dive, learn from my own faults and learn along the way.
The Initial Success and Its Sweet Taste
Setting up the business was straightforward at first. I created a simple yet effective website through a hosting service and set up an account on bol.com, listing all my products there. However, I soon realized that creating a website was just the beginning. My knowledge of SEO and SEA was non-existent. Balancing my life as a fourth-year-high school student and an entrepreneur was challenging, especially when I realized that a €10 advertisement wasn’t enough to boost my business forward.
A High Point of My Journey
The real success started to show on bol.com. In the first week alone, I received 15 orders, which was incredibly motivating. I distributed flyers, talked about my business adventure everywhere, and while I made some sales through my website, the majority of my success came from bol.com.
December was a turning point. The festive season brought in a good amount of orders, with over 80 packages shipped, resulting in a turnover of more than €2500. It was amazing!
Adapting to Change and Overcoming Setbacks
However, the post-holiday season saw a decline in demand. I had limited stock left, and the interest in Aroma diffusers seemed to have cooled off. Not to be deterred, I reinvested my earnings into new products like fragrance sticks and other types of diffusers. But this came with its own set of challenges – the prices had increased significantly, and I encountered quality issues with the products, leading to many returns.
Balancing School, Social Life, and Business
Throughout this journey, balancing my schoolwork, social life, and business adventure was surprisingly manageable, especially with the onset of COVID-19. The pandemic meant more time at home and less time with friends, allowing me to focus more on my business. The highlight for me was making two sales in my first day. That moment, when I called my parents to share the news, I felt an immense sense of accomplishment and independence. It was a realization that I didn’t need anyone else to make something of my life.
Change and Looking Ahead
The changing market dynamics, especially the increasing importance of social media, videos, and branding, presented new challenges. I lacked experience in these areas and found it hard to keep up with consistent posting and network building.
Reflections and Future Dreams
Reflecting back, there are many things I would have done differently. Prioritizing the branding of my business, building connections, and seeking advice from more experienced individuals are at the top of that list. I learned that doing it all alone isn’t always good. It’s important to listen and learn from others.
Eventually, I decided to close the business adventure when the rising costs made it unprofitable. It wasn’t a sad moment, but rather a period of growth and learning. I’m now exploring new product ideas and dreaming bigger than ever before.
A Message to Young Entrepreneurs
My advice to young entrepreneurs is this: Chase your dreams and work on bringing your ideas to life. Start a business, go play an sport that you like. You’re young, and you have little to lose. Don’t dive into heavy debts; instead, seek experiences and set goals that bring you closer to your dreams. Remember, every step you take is a learning opportunity, creating the way for your future success.
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