Small Business Research and Enterprise

Starting a business can be a daunting process, but some strive to make the best of a bad situation growing into spaces that were very unexpected at the start of their journey. We would like to introduce you to Jo Joshi, a female entrepreneur who started her journey in 2020 after being furloughed. She also hosts our Elevating Female Entrepreneurs Network and works with numerous organisation to support more women develop in the SME sector.

By: Jo Joshi, Founder of DMCFinder.com

How did it all start?

It was during the pandemic; I was on furlough and had been working with the hospitality and destination events sector for the last 15 years. I had 2 daughters, so life pre-pandemic was pretty hectic managing work, home and kids and still trying to be an individual. For me, the pandemic was somewhat a blessing – it was the first time in 13 years that I actually had a moment to breathe and figure out what I wanted to do, especially as the girls were now a little older.

I felt like there was a gap in the market in the way Destination Management Companies (DMC’s) around the world were represented and marketed in the digital world. Most DMC’s spend approx £5k – £10k per month to be represented in key markets, with very little return.

Here was the lightbulb moment: why don’t I set up an online platform for DMC’s to list their services so that they are able to receive global enquiries at affordable rates? The pandemic was a great time to put this platform in motion because all the suppliers were at home and were open to new ideas! As you may know if you run your own business, this was the easy part…

I had never set up a business before, so I didn’t know where to start… That’s when reality kicked in – I was embarking on a crash course in business over the next 18-24 months.

– Jo Joshi

I had never set up a business before, so I didn’t know where to start, except that I needed a website and some DMC suppliers. That’s when the reality kicked in – I was embarking on a crash course in business over the next 18-24 months.

You name it – I have been through it all. There are highs and lows (there are many!) but I wouldn’t change anything, as I have grown and evolved considerably over the last 24 months. I have travelled the world, met inspirational people, participated in industry groups and events. I now also host a Female Founder’s community to elevate these founders to grow, which has led to me attending many meetings at Parliament to understand what support is available for Female Founders embarking on their business journeys. It has been the most amazing, opportunity-filled journey but at the same time it’s been crazy, unknown, and always evolving. I still have a long way to go, but the journey is everything – will there ever be a final destination?

We are now a  team of 7 people based around the world and the business has evolved from a small pandemic project to a global business which we are constantly trying to improve and grow.

My key takeaways as a startup founder are the following:

• You are going to fail many times before you succeed – don’t take this personally. Get up and move on to the next goal.
• Be flexible and keep pivoting – your original idea will change and grow as your business starts gaining traction.
• Invest in a good website, this is your digital business card.
• Invest in  a good web developer – I have been burnt numerous times…
• Attend networking events to strengthen your network.
• Collaborate with others – this increases your credibility in the marketplace.
• Believe in yourself – if you have come this far already, you are on the right path. Setting up by yourself takes a lot of courage, strength, and willpower and if you have the passion you will succeed. However, prepare yourself for a journey what will not be a straight path. You will come across many blockers, failures, and stressful moments, but as long as you accept this is part of the journey and work past them, you will reach your end goal.
• Surround yourself with like-minded people who will encourage you on your journey
• Invest in yourself – take some courses as you are setting up your business to fill in gaps you may have in your understanding. For example:
  • Best Tools to use
  • Digital Marketing
  • Google Ads
  • Social media Platforms
  • How to manage your website
  • AI
  • LinkedIn

My overall experience is that there is no one template that fits all – if you have entrepreneurial spirit and you want your idea to flourish and grow – just keep going and don’t look back. Every part of your journey is teaching you something, from strength, resilience, tenacity, faith and much more. Also be prepared to put in the hard work, hours and sacrifices to reach that end goal.

Keep going, you have got this!

Find out more about Jo, DMCFinder and support for Female Founders

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*We strive to do our best when supporting small business and their growth. Our business databases can give you information and data that can help you with advertising, market research, company information, and industry factsheets. If you have already taken the plunge, we would love for you to join us at a seminar, our workshops cover digital marketing, business model canvas and planning, demystifying taxes and intellectual property to name a few. Visit our events page or website for more information.