Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Manfred Bortenschlager, Founder of 4legsfitness.com, located in Barcelona, Spain.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am the founder of the fitness startup 4legsfitness.com. My mission is to provide practical, actionable health and fitness advice. My typical customers are busy professionals who want to change their lives but don't have the time or expertise. 4legsfitness.com is centered around a comprehensive lifestyle concept that balances the 4 key areas for health and fitness, which I also published as a best-selling book.
Tell us about yourself
Originally an IT professional, I have successfully sold enterprise software. But my passion is, and always has been, fitness and sports. About 5 years ago, I completely started to re-orientate my life towards health and fitness and the things that really matter for happiness. I never look back. I want to share with others what I learned.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
The biggest ongoing accomplishment is seeing positive change in my customers' lives. Apart from that, I am pretty proud of the whole automatic machine I built. Most of my business processes are automatic, including orders, mobile apps, shipping, etc. I am also extremely proud to have built the continuation "Live better, not perfect" together with a group of top global coaches: www.livebnp.com.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Taxes and legal stuff. It distracts me from the real work, the core of the business: helping customers become healthier and fitter. Also, as a solopreneur, you basically do everything yourself. This can, at times, be overwhelming.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't give up. Results are showing up much later than you expect.
- Work with partners. Partners can be an excellent lever for many things (not only revenue). It could be new ideas, new niches, outsourcing, or just fun. Generally, I recommend partnerships where you really enjoy working with that partner on a personal level.
- Enjoy what you do. Reflect regularly if you are still enjoying what you are doing. If not, try to change that.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://4legsfitness.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/4legsfitness
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4legsfitness/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/4legsfitness
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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