How Not to Start a Business: Lessons from our Journey
The Invention Junkies
5.0from 4 ratings
- 13
- Episodes
- 4
- Ratings
- 2024
- First episode
About How Not to Start a Business: Lessons from our Journey
Can we launch our dream design business in just 3 months before the money runs out? We were unexpectedly pushed off a cliff when we were made redundant from our tech start-up jobs and decided to go all in our dream. Armed with a passion for creativity, deep-tech start-up know-how and a sheer determination we’re sharing our all-or-nothing journey in real time. Each week, we’ll share real-time wins, setbacks, and behind-the-scenes flashbacks to projects that led us here. Will we make it, or will the clock run out? Tune in to join the adventure and see if we can bring this dream to life!
- Publisher
- The Invention Junkies
- Category
- business
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 9 Oct 2024
- Latest episode
- 17 Dec 2024
Latest episodes
13 episodes in the feed.
17 Dec 2024
Episode 12 - How to plan a last minute Christmas party with no budget!
In our 2024 Christmas special we relive a past project where we crafted the ultimate Christmas party event. It involved launching flower pots with a one of a kind vertical rail gun launch system! The budget was small, the team needed a celebration and we took it upon ourselves to create a day which no one could forget. Links to stuff mentioned in this episode* Never Split the Difference - https://amzn.to/3YECEEE (https://amzn.to/3YECEEE) Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562376242834 (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562376242834) Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theinventionjunkies/ (https://www.instagram.com/theinventionjunkies/) YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheInventionJunkies (https://www.youtube.com/@TheInventionJunkies) TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@theinventionjunkies?lang=en (https://www.tiktok.com/@theinventionjunkies?lang=en) X - https://x.com/inventionjunki (https://x.com/inventionjunki) LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-invention-junkies (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-invention-junkies) *Books we’ve recommended in the Podcast The Really Good Idea Test - https://amzn.to/4i6GY7c (https://amzn.to/4i6GY7c) Never Split the Difference - https://amzn.to/3YECEEE (https://amzn.to/3YECEEE) Sprint - https://amzn.to/3Z3yS6S (https://amzn.to/3Z3yS6S) The 4 hour work week book - https://amzn.to/49eMjoZ (https://amzn.to/49eMjoZ) Our course on modern leadership https://www.udemy.com/course/a-crash-course-to-mastering-modern-leadership/?referralCode=0DA0574A5F7FAE07DC77 (https://www.udemy.com/course/a-crash-course-to-mastering-modern-leadership/?referralCode=0DA0574A5F7FAE07DC77) *Please note that some referral links are affiliate links where we earn a small commission on referring products which we are using.
10 Dec 2024
Week 11: Learnings from Paid Ads
This week we talk about what to expect when using paid ads on LinkedIn, we discuss User Personas (what they are and how to use them) and we fight spiders, our most important problem of the week so far Links to stuff mentioned in this episode* Spider catcher: https://amzn.to/3Zn10lA (https://amzn.to/3Zn10lA) Plus X: https://www.plusxinnovation.com/ (https://www.plusxinnovation.com/) BLOQS: https://bloqslondon.com/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA3sq6BhD2ARIsAJ8MRwVSqyXZIl9KxA7Hu7LHaZ84ZhV7ZkUqCjXuSCGgTJ3JHF9BETntFLkaArZYEALw_wcB (https://bloqslondon.com/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA3sq6BhD2ARIsAJ8MRwVSqyXZIl9KxA7Hu7LHaZ84ZhV7ZkUqCjXuSCGgTJ3JHF9BETntFLkaArZYEALw_wcB) Coyote Peterson Black Widow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5E4o0iRoPc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5E4o0iRoPc) PassivHause: https://www.passivhaustrust.org.uk/what_is_passivhaus.php (https://www.passivhaustrust.org.uk/what_is_passivhaus.php) Follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562376242834) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/theinventionjunkies/) YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@TheInventionJunkies) TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@theinventionjunkies?lang=en) X (https://x.com/inventionjunki) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-invention-junkies) *Books we recommend - The Really Good Idea Test (https://amzn.to/4i6GY7c) Never Split the Difference (https://amzn.to/3YECEEE) Sprint (https://amzn.to/3Z3yS6S) The 4 hour work week book - https://amzn.to/49eMjoZ (https://amzn.to/49eMjoZ) Our course on modern leadership https://www.udemy.com/course/a-crash-course-to-mastering-modern-leadership/?referralCode=0DA0574A5F7FAE07DC77 (https://www.udemy.com/course/a-crash-course-to-mastering-modern-leadership/?referralCode=0DA0574A5F7FAE07DC77) *Please note that some referral links are affiliate links where we earn a small commission on referring products which we are using.
3 Dec 2024
Week 10: (not) Selling on Amazon
This week we talk everything we found out about selling on Amazon, the problem with gift giving and we solve the issue with household bins. Links to stuff mentioned in this episode* The 4 hour work week book - https://amzn.to/49eMjoZ (https://amzn.to/49eMjoZ) Rail based bin system https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhYEOG9LOIk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhYEOG9LOIk) Switzerland underground bin system https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LA9FsJXU66w (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LA9FsJXU66w) Amazon fee calculator https://sellercentral-europe.amazon.com/fba/profitabilitycalculator/index?lang=en_GB (https://sellercentral-europe.amazon.com/fba/profitabilitycalculator/index?lang=en_GB) Martin Lewis article on gift giving https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2022/11/martin-lewis-christmas-gifts-help-or-hindrance/ (https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2022/11/martin-lewis-christmas-gifts-help-or-hindrance/) Who Gives a crap video: https://www.instagram.com/whogivesacraptp/reel/DBPad33Cfjl/ (https://www.instagram.com/whogivesacraptp/reel/DBPad33Cfjl/) Their website: https://uk.whogivesacrap.org/ (https://uk.whogivesacrap.org/) Follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562376242834) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/theinventionjunkies/) YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@TheInventionJunkies) TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@theinventionjunkies?lang=en) X (https://x.com/inventionjunki) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-invention-junkies) *Books we recommend - The Really Good Idea Test (https://amzn.to/4i6GY7c) - Never Split the Difference (https://amzn.to/3YECEEE) - Sprint (https://amzn.to/3Z3yS6S) - The 4 hour work week book - https://amzn.to/49eMjoZ (https://amzn.to/49eMjoZ) Our course on modern leadership https://www.udemy.com/course/a-crash-course-to-mastering-modern-leadership/?referralCode=0DA0574A5F7FAE07DC77 (https://www.udemy.com/course/a-crash-course-to-mastering-modern-leadership/?referralCode=0DA0574A5F7FAE07DC77) *Please note that some referral links are affiliate links where we earn a small commission on referring products which we are using.
26 Nov 2024
Week 9: Losing motivation.. "I can't do this"
In this weeks episode we discuss a recent motivation black hole, why it happened, and how to get out of it. We cover proper planning, shooting from the hip as well as the balance between time, quality, and cost. Links to stuff mentioned in this episode* Sprint Book - https://amzn.to/3Z3yS6S Follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562376242834) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/theinventionjunkies/) YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@TheInventionJunkies) TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@theinventionjunkies?lang=en) X (https://x.com/inventionjunki) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-invention-junkies) *Books we recommend - The Really Good Idea Test (https://amzn.to/4i6GY7c) - Never Split the Difference (https://amzn.to/3YECEEE) - Sprint (https://amzn.to/3Z3yS6S) Our course on modern leadership https://www.udemy.com/course/a-crash-course-to-mastering-modern-leadership/?referralCode=0DA0574A5F7FAE07DC77 (https://www.udemy.com/course/a-crash-course-to-mastering-modern-leadership/?referralCode=0DA0574A5F7FAE07DC77) *Please note that some referral links are affiliate links where we earn a small commission on referring products which we are using.
19 Nov 2024
Week 8: How not to price your products. A lesson we learnt the hard way!
Listen-in this week to find out how we're coping with our latest failure... pricing strategy - and how we've tried to fix it. We'll also cover a great new problem of the week and hopefully leave you looking for the brilliant or disastrous designs in your own life! Invention Junkies out! Follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562376242834) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/theinventionjunkies/) YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@TheInventionJunkies) TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@theinventionjunkies?lang=en) X (https://x.com/inventionjunki) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-invention-junkies) Links Simone Giertz YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@simonegiertz (https://www.youtube.com/@simonegiertz) Yetch Store https://yetch.store/en-gbp/ (https://yetch.store/en-gbp/) The mug that hits your eyes https://www.reddit.com/r/CrappyDesign/comments/b258xv/nothing_like_the_smell_of_coffee_and_a_good/?rdt=48514 (https://www.reddit.com/r/CrappyDesign/comments/b258xv/nothing_like_the_smell_of_coffee_and_a_good/?rdt=48514) Our Kallax insert storage solution https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheInventionJunkies?ref=dashboard-header (https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheInventionJunkies?ref=dashboard-header) *Books we recommend - The Really Good Idea Test - Never Split the Difference Our course on modern leadership https://www.udemy.com/course/a-crash-course-to-mastering-modern-leadership/?referralCode=0DA0574A5F7FAE07DC77 (https://www.udemy.com/course/a-crash-course-to-mastering-modern-leadership/?referralCode=0DA0574A5F7FAE07DC77) *Please note that some referral links are affiliate links where we earn a small commission on referring products which we are using.
18 Nov 2024
The Trailer
This is a quick into into who we are, what we're doing, and why you should listen to our journey!
12 Nov 2024
Week 7: Why everything breaks (and how we want to change that)
This week, we’re taking on the world of breakable tech and sneaky business tactics! Ever wonder why your gadgets don’t seem to last? We’ve got stories from the lightbulb conspiracy to phone fails, all exposing how products are designed to keep you buying. But here’s the twist: we’re trying to change all that. Join us as we chat about our journey to creating products meant to last (and we'll maybe throw in a few rants and laughs along the way) Follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562376242834) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/theinventionjunkies/) YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@TheInventionJunkies) TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@theinventionjunkies?lang=en) X (https://x.com/inventionjunki) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-invention-junkies) Links The Google glasses prototype video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5_h1VuwD6g (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5_h1VuwD6g) Our Kallax insert storage solution https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheInventionJunkies?ref=dashboard-header (https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheInventionJunkies?ref=dashboard-header) *Books we recommend - The Really Good Idea Test - Never Split the Difference Our course on modern leadership https://www.udemy.com/course/a-crash-course-to-mastering-modern-leadership/?referralCode=0DA0574A5F7FAE07DC77 (https://www.udemy.com/course/a-crash-course-to-mastering-modern-leadership/?referralCode=0DA0574A5F7FAE07DC77)
5 Nov 2024
Week 6: We're broke!
This week we explore our unfortunate financial situation, how to bring our your creativity and discuss everything wrong with scooters. Listen now! Follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562376242834) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/theinventionjunkies/) YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@TheInventionJunkies) TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@theinventionjunkies?lang=en) X (https://x.com/inventionjunki) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-invention-junkies) Our Kallax insert storage solution https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheInventionJunkies?ref=dashboard-header (https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheInventionJunkies?ref=dashboard-header) *Books we recommend - The Really Good Idea Test - Never Split the Difference Our course on modern leadership https://www.udemy.com/course/a-crash-course-to-mastering-modern-leadership/?referralCode=0DA0574A5F7FAE07DC77 (https://www.udemy.com/course/a-crash-course-to-mastering-modern-leadership/?referralCode=0DA0574A5F7FAE07DC77) *Please note that some referral links are affiliate links where we earn a small commission on referring products which we are using.
29 Oct 2024
Week 5: Holy socks and sweetcorn
In this week's episode the business has made it to user interviews, we're preparing for Kickstarter and in problem of the week we discuss how to solve a real problem: Sewage! Tune in to find out why Matt calls an end to the episode early! Follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562376242834) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/theinventionjunkies/) YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@TheInventionJunkies) TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@theinventionjunkies?lang=en) X (https://x.com/inventionjunki) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-invention-junkies) Links Exploding Kittens & The Key to Running a Successful Kickstarter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCIgcvK8elo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCIgcvK8elo) The Norovirus in Oyster Report https://www.food.gov.uk/research/foodborne-disease/investigation-into-the-prevalence-distribution-and-levels-of-norovirus-titre-in-oyster-harvesting-areas-in-the-uk (https://www.food.gov.uk/research/foodborne-disease/investigation-into-the-prevalence-distribution-and-levels-of-norovirus-titre-in-oyster-harvesting-areas-in-the-uk) Sewage Spill Maps Overview map of previous data https://theriverstrust.org/sewage-map (https://theriverstrust.org/sewage-map) Map of live alerts https://www.sas.org.uk/water-quality/sewage-pollution-alerts/ (https://www.sas.org.uk/water-quality/sewage-pollution-alerts/) Map of live alerts + river downstream prediction https://www.sewagemap.co.uk/ (https://www.sewagemap.co.uk/) Our Kallax insert storage solution https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheInventionJunkies?ref=dashboard-header (https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheInventionJunkies?ref=dashboard-header) *Books we recommend - The Really Good Idea Test - Never Split the Difference Our course on modern leadership https://www.udemy.com/course/a-crash-course-to-mastering-modern-leadership/?referralCode=0DA0574A5F7FAE07DC77 (https://www.udemy.com/course/a-crash-course-to-mastering-modern-leadership/?referralCode=0DA0574A5F7FAE07DC77) *Please note that some referral links are affiliate links where we earn a small commission on referring products which we are using.
23 Oct 2024
Week 4: "Facetube" and the double diamond
In this week’s episode we discuss the double diamond process, celebrate more sales and discuss our findings from our feedback survey. We talk about the pain of unloading the dishwasher and what we would design to solve this problem. Follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562376242834) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/theinventionjunkies/) YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@TheInventionJunkies) TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@theinventionjunkies?lang=en) X (https://x.com/inventionjunki) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-invention-junkies) Our Kallax insert storage solution https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheInventionJunkies?ref=dashboard-header (https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheInventionJunkies?ref=dashboard-header) *The Really Good Idea Test book: https://amzn.to/4dEPDuk (https://amzn.to/4dEPDuk) Our course on modern leadership https://www.udemy.com/course/a-crash-course-to-mastering-modern-leadership/?referralCode=0DA0574A5F7FAE07DC77 (https://www.udemy.com/course/a-crash-course-to-mastering-modern-leadership/?referralCode=0DA0574A5F7FAE07DC77) *Please note that some referral links are affiliate links where we earn a small commission on referring products which we are using.
15 Oct 2024
Week 3: The FIRST SALE and idea testing
In this weeks episode we celebrate our first sale and talk though the process of testing ideas and testing our products with real users. We talk about the pain of getting a hair cut and what we would design to mean we never had to go to a hairdressers ever again! Take our survey! https://forms.gle/665SjoWedfwUo24P8 Follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562376242834) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/theinventionjunkies/) YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@TheInventionJunkies) TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@theinventionjunkies?lang=en) X (https://x.com/inventionjunki) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-invention-junkies) Visit our Etsy store https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheInventionJunkies?ref=dashboard-header *The Really Good Idea Test book: https://amzn.to/4dEPDuk Our course on modern leadership https://www.udemy.com/course/a-crash-course-to-mastering-modern-leadership/?referralCode=0DA0574A5F7FAE07DC77 *Please note that some referral links are affiliate links where we earn a small commission on referring products which we are using.
11 Oct 2024
Week 2: Dog sh*t and the sunk cost fallacy
The new business is underway, in this episode we look back over the many failures that brought us here and discuss the latest failures of the week. Follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562376242834) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/theinventionjunkies/) YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@TheInventionJunkies) Tiktok (https://www.tiktok.com/@theinventionjunkies?lang=en) X (https://x.com/inventionjunki) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-invention-junkies) Visit our Etsy store https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheInventionJunkies?ref=dashboard-header *The Really Good Idea Test book: https://amzn.to/4dEPDuk Our course on modern leadership https://www.udemy.com/course/a-crash-course-to-mastering-modern-leadership/?referralCode=0DA0574A5F7FAE07DC77 *Some of our referral links are affiliate links where we earn a small commission on product referrals.
9 Oct 2024
Week 1: P45s and the beginning of the end
We've been given our P45s, the clock is ticking and we've got a business to launch. This is Episode 1, where we talk about how we got here and why we're so determined to make it work!
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