Speed chat …………
Talking with Jenny Williams from The Detective Project I was interested to dig a little deeper to discover what motivated her to set up her business and what obstacles she had faced and overcome.
What have been the greatest challenges?
Keeping all the balls in the air! I love that I know everything about the set up and running of the company, but the downside is that if I don’t do it – it doesn’t get done!
I have just taken on an admin assistant which has been liberating – I’m looking forward to having more staff in due course.
Yes, that is often what people mention to me most as the most challenging aspect of business ownership I refer to it as keeping all the plates spinning but the same analogy really. Delighted you have some extra support now I imagine that allows you more time to concentrate on the bigger decisions and allows for thinking time – that one is always a challenge
Did you find the change from policing to business mind set difficult?
Knowledge is power, whether that’s as a police officer or business person.
The business side is not rocket science – I went to every course I could fine, many were free. I’m amazed that many so called ‘business people’ don’t continue to educate themselves. It’ll be their loss….
You do need a different mind set – there is no such thing as sick leave or annual leave when self employed. If you don’t work, you don’t get paid – it’s very motivating when you are feeling under the weather!
Yes, the lack of paid leave can be an issue and an interesting aspect to bear in mind when drafting financial plans. That said, working on something that you profit from directly (and really enjoy) is a huge bonus I think.
What are you favourite aspects of your job?
Doing a good job – customers telling me they like what I do and are happy to pay the rates I quote.
I love being my own boss, setting my own targets and working hours to suit me and my family.
Yes, and I think that comes out in speaking to you and on your website – it creates a great energy I think when people love what they are doing. The autonomy to do things as it suits you is very appealing and not found in working for others.
And which are you least favoured?
Admin & accounts. A necessary evil but one I’ll be outsourcing very soon, hurrah!
I am with you there, such a boring aspect but even then when it is moving you to your destination!
Where do you hope to be this time next year?
A network of 10 franchisees trained up and running TDP events round the country
A well equipped HQ office and training base to support the team. (The builders are next door as we speak …..)
Where do you see yourself in five and ten years?
That in 5 Years the TDP brand will be well recognised and respected. We’ll be running events all over the country and (gulp) abroad (can’t say too much at the moment)
We’ll have a team of happy franchisees who are renewing their 5 year licences and running successful local businesses on their terms but with efficient HQ backup.
And in 10 Years?? The world is our oyster.
What do you wish you had known before you set off?
-Hindsight is a wonderful thing 😉 But mistakes are OK as long as you learn from them.
-That not everyone is on your side in business. I trusted a few people I shouldn’t have; fortunately it wasn’t too costly…
-That ALL rates are negotiable, if you don’t ask you won’t get 😉
What would the greatest piece of advice you can pass on?
The difference between an idea and successful idea is a deadline. Just go for it.
I hear you there, so many people talk about a great idea but never take the plunge and sadly others who say – oh I was going to do that – when you ask why they didn’t they never really can answer. I know it does take a leap of faith but the rewards are so worthwhile – not just financially but personally as I think we often surprise ourselves with how much we can achieve.
It would be really great to catch up with one of your newest franchises in the future and get their take on running their own business with support – a great way to start a business once you choose the right franchise.
If you would like to speak to Jenny about her business and how you could get involved do drop her a note at jenny@thedetectiveproject.co.uk or give her a call on 0117 244 0053.
Click through here to have look around Jenny’s brilliant website – lots of information and more than a little inspiration.
Warmest to all
Angela
