Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with David Jackson, founder of Beneficial Beer Co, located in Sydney, NSW, Australia.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We’re in the beer business. Our customers are the people who are thinking: “I want to drink a beer that is beneficial to people and the world.” These people want to cut down a little (or altogether) without compromising on flavour. They want to make a difference in the world by consuming ethically crafted products. They’re keen to make sure people are the focus of the product, not profits. They’re the customers we’re aiming at!
Tell us about yourself
I went sober about two or three years ago. I found non-alcoholic alternatives were a great way to tackle this challenge but I struggled to find a beer (specifically a lager) that I really enjoyed. So, being the ‘all or nothing' person I am, I decided, ‘Let’s make the best tasting non-alc lager in the world!’ And here I am. Getting our beer out there so people can enjoy this flavoursome beverage is what motivates me every day.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is dreaming big and taking people on the journey. Start-ups are not easy; they’re a huge amount of work! And quite often, you have to convince people of what you’re doing. I pride myself on being able to not only communicate that dream but deliver on it. Building the Beneficial Beer Co and making it a reality was a proud moment.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Time. There’s never enough of it, and you’re never content with how fast you’re moving. Doing things quickly and with polish is one of the key things in business and is also the hardest. People wanted it yesterday, and they want it to look good too!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Plan it out – yes, this is the boring bit. But businesses don’t plan to fail
they fail to plan. Sit down and map out what you need to do. It will give you the guardrails you need. - Involve others – you’re not Superman. You need help. Get people you trust with the right skills involved. They’ll make things happen that you couldn’t.
- Never give up – you’re always going to hit roadblocks, and you need to accept that. But overcoming those roadblocks is what defines your business.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Make sure you’ve got a support network. People need community in all parts of their life, and work is no different. Get them behind you – it makes all the difference.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.beneficialbeer.co/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beneficialbeerco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beneficialbeer.co/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beneficial-beer-co/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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