How to set yourself apart as an entrepreneur: Key strategies to stand out
In our Business Chat, I had the pleasure of welcoming Geoff Minna, founder and CEO of Moxie, a leading CRM designed for freelancers and creative entrepreneurs. Geoff journey from tech startup founder to building Moxie has been marked by a passion for creating solutions that truly serve the needs of small business owners.
From employee to entrepreneur: The birth of Moxie
Geoff began his career in software development at a young age, working for others before launching his first startup in his early twenties. The experience of being "unemployable," as one of his investors put it, fueled his passion for entrepreneurship.
Moxie was born out of a desire to simplify the lives of freelancers. Geoff and his co-founder, Daryl, envisioned a tool that brought together essential business functions like CRM, invoicing, and project management into a single, intuitive platform. Originally named “Hectic,” the software was rebranded to Moxie after users found the old name didn’t align with their vision of calm and efficient business management.
Navigating mistakes: A learning mindset
One of the standout moments in the chat was Geoff’s perspective on mistakes in business. He treats every misstep as an experiment rather than a failure. This mindset allows entrepreneurs to pivot and adapt without the burden of regret. Decisions, according to Geoff, can be categorized into reversible and irreversible. Understanding this helps in making more calculated choices about when to take risks and when to stay the course.
“If you go through your life as an entrepreneur with the mindset that everything's an experiment...then you're not fighting this constant internal dialogue around mistakes and regret.”
Adapting to change: freelancers need to pivot
Geoff emphasized the importance of adaptability, especially in a rapidly evolving market. With technology like AI reshaping industries, freelancers who embrace change and are willing to pivot stand a better chance of thriving. Rather than seeing shifts as threats, successful freelancers identify new opportunities and adjust their strategies accordingly.
Embracing community and feedback
What sets Moxie apart from other CRMs? Geoff credits Moxie’s success to the community-driven approach. Unlike many competitors, Moxie actively listens to user feedback, rapidly implementing changes and new features based on user suggestions. This close-knit relationship between the company and its users creates a unique experience, making customers feel like they're co-creating the product.
Starting as a freelancer: Easing into entrepreneurship
Geoff’s advice for budding freelancers is clear: ease into the journey. Starting with freelancing as a side hustle allows you to build skills, understand client needs, and get a handle on business development without the pressure of immediate financial success. This gradual approach helps maintain the joy of freelancing and reduces the stress of managing inconsistent revenue streams.
Key takeaways for aspiring entrepreneurs
Embrace mistakes as learning opportunities: Viewing every decision as an experiment helps reduce the fear of failure and keeps you flexible.
Listen to your community: Actively engaging with your audience can shape your product and create loyal customers who feel invested in your success.
Adapt and pivot when needed: The business landscape is ever-changing. Stay informed, and don’t be afraid to change direction when necessary.
Start slow, grow steady: Jumping straight into freelancing can be overwhelming. Begin as a side hustle to build your confidence and client base gradually.
Geoff’s journey with Moxie highlights the importance of community, adaptability, and a willingness to experiment in building a successful business. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting, there’s always something new to learn—and maybe, just maybe, the next big idea is just a chat away.
Geoff’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and community. As Jeff says, the real spirit of entrepreneurship lies in creating something you love so much it doesn’t feel like work. For him, that’s the ultimate success.
I personally use Moxie and love it!! It's been an invaluable tool for streamlining my business operations. For more information on how Moxie can benefit your business and explore its features, you can visit their website.
