Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Daniel Hardcastle, Managing Director and Owner of Benowa Consulting Group, located in Benowa, QLD, Australia.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a full-service consulting business that helps customers to create growth. We specialize in FMCG and Hospitality businesses that require a rethink to their approach. We help map out your 'Why' and bring clarity to your situation.
Tell us about yourself
After 25 years with Intercontinental and Sara Lee, I decided to rethink my life. Working long hours and being away from my family was not feeding my Why. We moved to the Gold Coast so I could spend time with my family. I fell into my first consulting gig in 2018 and have not looked back. Word of mouth travelled fast, especially in food service businesses that wanted to pivot into retail during covid. Post covid, I have been working with hospitality-based businesses wanting to "Bounce Forward" and open new digital revenue streams.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Creating purposeful connections has been my biggest accomplishment. It can be lonely as a solopreneur, so having partners is so important. Helping one another and creating wealth opportunities together, winning together.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Loneliness and doubt – always doubting yourself with questions like have I done the right thing? Have I invested my money and time wisely? Could I have done this differently or better? That little voice in your head can be soul-destroying. I am responsible for my family, supporting my kids through Uni, helping them into their first home, ensure my wife and I have enough money to live well into retirement.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Make sure you have capital. Do not go into this lightly (can you survive for 18 months with no revenue?)
- Surround yourself with supporters. Join networking events or Facebook groups; most of those are free.
- Never listen to family. They want you to be safe and happy, so they are programmed to help you, which is you going back to work and having a safe and steady paycheck.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.bcgconsult.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BCGbusiness
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielhardcastle/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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