Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Andrew Neilson, Owner of Twisted Orange, located in Exeter, Devon, UK.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Our business is to help other businesses; whether that be in Food, Retail, FMCG, Leisure, Manufacturing, Logistics, Supply Chain, probably any sector you need support in, we have that experience and knowledge.
We do and can provide support and assistance in the following manner/categories:
Consultancy, Training, Marketing and Innovation, Procurement, Sales, Distribution, Logistics, Supply Chain, Travel, Procurement Training, Sales Training, Project Support, Commercial Transformation, Mentoring, Retail, and Business Transformation.
We don't just advise you on how it should be done; we work alongside you, offering our different areas of expertise in a combination of packages to suit your needs, whether that be training, fixed-term projects, or interim support. We love what we do, but we also want to love working with our clients and, more importantly, that our clients love working with us. We want to be different; we challenge, we question, we drive positive change; if you do not like change or challenge, we are not the people to help, sadly.
Tell us about yourself
The business was first started in early 2016 with the following mantra/core value: "Zest:- Living life with a sense of excitement, anticipation, and energy, approaching life as an adventure ensuring motivation in challenging situations or tasks." And that is how we have structured our everyday approach; we facilitate, we provide that personal level of support, we invest ourselves into our clients' needs and aims, and we absolutely love it. As a two-person business, we each offer something completely different to the market, but that offer is also harmonious with a "one-stop solution" for clients of any size. We love learning new things as we engage with current and new clients; we grow as they grow, and their success is our success.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Personally, still being here!... has been tough for so many people, and we are extremely grateful to all of our clients and network for the support and loyalty that we have experienced both during and post-pandemic; it hasn't gone unnoticed or unappreciated. We, I feel, punch above our weight; we are an organization that people want to talk to / engage with because we are recognized as experts in our respective fields, and we are agile to provide unique solutions to all parties. Small enough to flex, large enough to deliver.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I would suggest that it is the potential uncertainty of the future, but after six years, we, thankfully, a haven to have to worry about it. Sometimes it is lonely, you are constantly second-guessing yourself, and undoubtedly the dreaded "imposter syndrome" is a constant nagging over your shoulder.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be brave and have confidence in your abilities.
- Be clear in your business goals and objectives.
- Network, network, network.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.twisted-orange.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twistedorangeltd/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/twisted-orange/
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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