Discover Handprint a Nature Tech venture with Chief Vision Officer Dr. Simon Schillebeeckx.

In this episode, Dr. Simon Schillebeeckx, Chief Vision Officer of an innovative company Handprint, shares insights on the challenges of growing a small business. He emphasises the importance of identifying the Ideal Customer Persona and making information accessible within the team. Dr. Schillebeeckx also reflects on his journey, offering valuable lessons on sales strategies and the role of thought leadership.
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Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. Also, he shares two insightful articles on growing a small business: "Get a Return from an Effective Chairperson of a Board" and "When Should a Growing Small Business Have a Board of Directors or Advisors?" Both articles emphasise key factors crucial for small business growth.
And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions:
1 .What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business?
Dr. Simon Schillebeeckx identifies the hardest part of growing a small business as defining the Ideal Customer Persona (ICP) and scaling effectively, especially when the ICP lacks a specific role or title. He also highlights the challenge of ensuring accessible information within the team for collective alignment and learning.
2. What's your favourite business book that has helped you the most?
Dr. Simon Schillebeeckx mentioned "The Challenger Sale" as a favourite business book that has been particularly helpful. The book focuses on the importance of educating clients and challenging their assumptions rather than simply listening to their needs, which is especially relevant for complex technology sales like the ones his company engages in.
3. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business?
Dr. Simon Schillebeeckx mentioned that he mainly listens to podcasts for relaxation but occasionally tunes into entrepreneurship podcasts. He relies on LinkedIn and advice from others for professional development, particularly in regeneration and sustainability standards.
4. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business?
Dr. Simon Schillebeeckx recommends having an internal knowledge management system, highlighting the importance of platforms like Notion and Google Drive for organising information and facilitating team collaboration.
5. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business?
Dr. Simon Schillebeeckx would advise his past self to refrain from building anything until securing five or ten letters of intent (LOIs) to ensure a more successful and focused start. He also emphasises the importance of establishing oneself as a thought leader from day one in the industry through platforms like LinkedIn, Slack, or podcasts.
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Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest:
Invest in coaching to grow your small business; mentors can be invaluable - Dr. Simon Schillebeeckx
Success lies in understanding your ideal customer persona and effectively reaching them - Dr. Simon Schillebeeckx
Become the voice of authority in your industry from day one - Dr. Simon Schillebeeckx