Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tristan Irons, Managing Director of Platypus Consulting, located in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Platypus Consulting (formerly RAK Consult) is a high-end boutique consulting firm providing tailored strategies and solutions to SMEs.
Tell us about yourself
I grew up in a very small town, Whitehorse, Yukon, in Northern Canada, and I knew from a young age that I was destined to travel, and I have always had an affinity for business. So left my small hometown and started my first company when I was 17 in marketing. Since then, I have had multiple companies around the globe and a myriad of industries.
I'm now a seasoned business consultant with 25+ years of experience in various industries, cultures, and languages. I've traveled to 62 countries, and I'm always looking for new ways to learn and grow. I started my career in startups and mergers/acquisitions in the telecoms industry, and I've since pivoted from pop culture and entertainment into my own boutique consulting agency. We are currently working with clients in the Middle East, the UK, Canada, and the USA, and I'm excited to see what the future holds.
I'm passionate about helping businesses grow and succeed, and I'm always looking for new ways to add value to my clients. I'm also a strong believer in giving back, and I'm committed to using my skills and experience to help others.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment would be creating something that I am proud of and the positive impact it has on my personal life. Running a business is a rollercoaster and can affect personal relationships by putting strain on time. Focusing on making a business model to fit my lifestyle was an important factor in the early stages. Having a work/life balance is important, and I feel it has a cause and effect on the quality and quantity of my output.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Sometimes the lack of control over everything that happens, like unexpected changes in the economy, competition, or regulations, can be tough to navigate. Sometimes, no matter how much one plans, it may not be enough! Despite this, it can still be very rewarding when working toward what I am passionate about.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do your research, and have a PLAN. Have business goals, strategies, and how you plan to achieve them. These will help you think through all the key elements of your company and can be used to attract investors.
- Be ready for hard work. If you are passionate about your business, it shouldn't feel hard, and you will only get out what you put in.
- Stay the course. Very little in life goes perfectly to plan. Be persistent, consistent, and diligent.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.platypusconsult.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/platypusconsulting/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/platypus-consulting
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.