In the past few months, what have you been experimenting with and learning from it, CEO at Hear Hear Media and Commercial Director, Partner at Taitopilvi, Minna Ruusuvuori?
At some point in our lives, we all want the freedom to create and build something of our own. For me, that moment came some time ago when I finally had the courage to plunge into the world of entrepreneurship.
It all started somewhat accidentally, with our podcast Lähtijät, when my podcast co-hosts Ulla, Liisa and I started a company to be able to produce the podcast at the level of our standards. It soon became clear to me that the successes we were able to achieve brought me such joy that I had almost forgotten about in my working life. More of this, I thought!
Even though the desire and the fire were there, it was still a bold step that required a lot of courage to believe in our idea of a “not just a podcast” production company, and the determination to jump into the world of the unknown by spreading your wings and trusting that you could fly.
Finally, one day over lunch, we decided to do it. Hanna, who helped us with Lähtijät, also jumped in as a partner. Hear Hear Media was born.
There are so many things I have learned so far.
Firstly, I have learned that starting a company requires a serious commitment, both in terms of time and resources. One of the most important aspects is big-picture planning, such as ideation, identifying the target market and the competitive landscape. But I have also discovered that the most critical details come to light through doing. When you get down to the nitty-gritty, you discover little details that can make a big difference. It’s by getting your hands dirty that entrepreneurs learn as much about the industry as they do about the customers they serve.
Second, sales is king; without paying customers you will never create a sustainable business. Crafting a compelling story that encapsulates the essence of your brand is critical, as is knowing who your audience is, their pain points and the unique proposition your service can offer them. Today’s customers are more discerning than ever and will only engage with brands that align with their interests.
It’s also OK to make mistakes and iterate quickly. It’s easy to think you have to get things perfect, but the only way to succeed is through trial and error – even if it means going back to the drawing board. Building a business takes time and you need to learn to balance success and failure and learn from both.
In conclusion, the leap into the world of entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart, but the rewards and satisfaction that come with creating something of your own are invaluable. By experimenting and embracing the challenges of starting a business, you will gain insight into your strengths and weaknesses, develop a growth mindset, and build a strong foundation for your entrepreneurial career. It’s OK to make mistakes, it’s OK to pivot often and, most importantly, it’s more than OK to have faith that your hard work and dedication will be worth it in the end. That’s what I’m experimenting more with Hanna, Ulla and Liisa from now on.
Thank you, brilliant Minna! I’m also warmly recommending Lähtijät -podcasts!
Photo by Sam Jamsen
Small experiments and inspiration 