Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business consulting and services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with David Pring-Mill, Founder of Policy2050, located in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Policy2050.com produces in-depth reports that could be described as a hybrid of market research and management consulting. This research examines the impact of technologies on the private and public sectors, everything from retail to digital health and education. My clients include venture capitalists and governments.
Tell us about yourself
The mission statement, which I wrote during the launch in 2020, sums up that motivation: ‘We seek to influence the future of tech policy and business strategy to bring about a sustainable, fair, and vibrant economy.’ I bootstrapped this startup, but every day, it comes closer to that original vision, validating the premise that it was ‘time to rethink the think tank.’ The reports directly draw upon the expertise of CEOs and leaders in each sector – tech disruptors, incumbents, and other partners in the value chain. The willingness of experts and leaders to participate reflects the need for a third party in these dynamic spaces and globally impactful market maneuvers. So, I get people talking about the same issues or even talking to each other. Then I synthesize those perspectives and findings to help solve the big, mutual, entrenched problems.
I like to ask myself, what’s something that could happen and probably should happen but probably won’t happen unless there’s a conduit? That’s a good space to be. And that’s what the term “think tank” implicitly promises, at least in my interpretation. Unfortunately, too often, the meaning has kind of flipped into ideological propaganda. Persuasion is important, but actual problem-solving should precede it. We’ve lost that, and we need to get back there.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I’d just reiterate the importance of getting people talking with the prerequisite mindset of honesty and problem-solving. Of course, there are commercial interests that can benefit from some problems remaining unsolved. Still, it’s worthwhile and rewarding when Silicon Valley – or rather, the tech industry that’s increasingly displaced from Silicon Valley – tries to solve real problems with a competitive combination of talent, capital, and culture. So, let’s create the right frameworks for that.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
This largely depends on your personality and background. A perfectionist might struggle with delegation. A creative might be reluctant to impose constraints. A lifelong employee or good student might secretly crave an external framework or accountability metrics. You must know yourself well to identify and stick to the right processes.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Identify your target audience early, and focus on being helpful to them.
- Figure out the right ways to play to your own strengths and weaknesses.
- Remind yourself of your vision when the work of execution gets challenging or even boring.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.policy2050.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/policy2050
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-pring-mill-b5028b130/
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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