Episode 111 | Business Lessons for Outdoor Industry Startups
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Summary
In this episode of the Backpacking Light podcast, Ryan and Lloyd discuss lessons learned from starting a business in the outdoor industry.
In this Episode:
What’s New at Backpacking Light?
- October 30, 2024 – Webinar: The Science and Performance of Outdoor Fabric Structures and their Impacts on Moisture and Heat
- November 13, 2024 – Webinar: The Science and Performance of Fibers in Outdoor Base Layer Clothing, Part 1: Natural vs. Synthetic Fibers
- December 5, 2024 – Live Online Course: Minimalist Footwear: Design, Materials, Technologies, & Performance for Multi-Day Backpacking
- December 11, 2024 – Webinar: The Science and Performance of Fibers in Outdoor Base layer Clothing, Part 2: Alpaca vs. Merino
- Find information about all of our upcoming Member Q&A’s, Webinars, Live Courses, other live events, and more on our Events Calendar Page.
Featured Brands and Products
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- Available in both grizzly and black bear/rodent-resistant model options.
Business Lessons for Outdoor Industry Startups
- Lesson 1: Simplify to amplify.
- Lesson 2: Output (value) is a result of input (work) – if you’re doing the right type of work.
- Lesson 3: What’s the monetary value of the time you (the founder) spend doing work for the company, and why does it matter?
- Lesson 4: This isn’t a crisis, this is your business.
Links, Mentions, and Related Content
- Essays:Â Ultralight Cottage Gear Makers Reflect on the Last Few Years
- Podcast: Episode 103 | Outdoor Industry Trends
- Podcast: Episode 104 | Outdoor Industry Jobs and Interview with Bennett Fisher
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Credits
Executive Producer - Backpacking Light; Show Director and Host - Ryan Jordan; Producer - Chase Jordan; Theme music: Look for Me in the Mountains written by Chris Cunningham and Ryan Jordan, performed by Chris Cunningham (acoustic guitar, lead and harmony vocals, harmonica), Chad Langford (upright bass), and Tom Murphy (mandolin), produced by Basecamp Studios in Bozeman, Montana.
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Disclosure
Sponsorship Policy: Backpacking Light does not accept compensation or donated/discounted products in exchange for product mentions or placements in editorial coverage, including any podcast episode content not excplicitly identified as sponsored content. Some (but not all) of the links in these show notes may be affiliate links. Learn more about affiliate commissions, influencer marketing, and our consumer advocacy work by reading our article Stop wasting money on gear.
Discussion
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Companion forum thread to: Podcast 111 | Business Lessons for Outdoor Industry Startups
In this episode of the Backpacking Light podcast, Ryan and Lloyd discuss lessons learned from starting a business in the outdoor industry.
I love thinking about the analogies between “doing an expedition” and “running a business”. The one that Lloyd brought up in this episode, “simplify to amplify” is really profound when you think about the impact this philosophy has across multiple areas of your life. When we’re spread too thin, it seems like mediocrity is the only inevitable outcome.
I really enjoyed this one. I had to chuckle a bit at the similarities between an expedition and a business, mainly because I consider myself quite competent on executing big trips, yet admittedly struggle with many aspects of running a business…lol
Work to satisfy the top 1% of enthusiasts (the super committed, not the super rich). They’ll influence the top 10%, who’ll influence the rest, all the way down to the casual hobbyist and average joe.
In my business, I came from the the serious hobbyist community and all my products and how I conduct business are viewed through that lens. I don’t spend on advertising, there is always a clever way of getting out there. For example instead of freebies for review, I offer reviewers a discount and early access (the offer stands regardless of what they say and I make the same as selling tona retailer). I sell everything I make and my facilities are running at max capacity.
When satisfying enthusiasts, you need to consider your reputation with every move you make.
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