lifework member Simon Baird sold his furniture business in 2023 and transitioned into running an e-commerce Montessori toy business. His current role is as a Non Exec Director for SME’s. Simon joined the lifework community in October 2023.
1. Why did you join lifework?
I needed to have time away from home (2 dogs and a 3yr old!) lifework provided a peaceful working environment, just 5mins down the road for me.
2. Since working at lifework you have pivoted your business, what have been some of your biggest challenges and how have you overcome them?
Some of my biggest challenges were dealing with factories in Asia. Being told that you can’t open an account as you are a new business/can’t show them any sales volume. Being shutdown by Shopify for 10 days, for no reason other than I was one of the unlucky 0.001% ….a random glitch in their system. Also being told something isn’t possible - I always have to find a way to make something work.
3. What key piece of advice would you give to early stage entrepreneurs?
Probably to not get bogged down with too much detail at the start, see if the business idea actually works and then worry later on about how to be compliant. Ie. Don’t create a Limited Co and/or go VAT registered before you need to. Also to be resilient, if the initial idea doesn't work, then move on to the next idea. Never give up.
4. If you could invite any person (alive or dead!) to speak at a lifework community day, who would it be?
Elon Musk
5. What’s your lifework balance?
My young Son and 2 dogs keep me busy, as well as long walks (in the fields around Hartley Farm), gardening, day trips to the beach, Westonbirt and keeping fit.
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