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We asked serial entrepreneur, Charlie Baron, how to launch and grow a business
In todays feature, we look at the story of Charlie Baron, Co-Founder of Tribe. Using his experience from prior businesses, Charlie has managed to form a unique business which aims to tackle the loneliness pandemic in big cities.
A serial entrepreneur, Charlie shares with us an exclusive dive into his journey sharing with us what has led him to where he is today, as well as his top advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Charlie, could you share a bit about your entrepreneurial journey thus far?
I've always had a bit of a knack for starting businesses. I guess you could call me a serial entrepreneur - I've started up quite a few ventures over the years. It all began when I was just 14 years old. I had moved to a new school during GCSE's and found myself trying to fit in with my new classmates. Being from a more modest background, I was envious of kids with all the latest gadgets. Everyone seemed to have the latest gadgets, especially the newly released iPhone, and I couldn't help but feel left out.
I was determined to change that though. I needed to find a way to make enough money to buy myself an iPhone. So, I turned to what I knew best - spotting opportunities. Abercrombie and Fitch clothing was the big brand at the time, but it came with a hefty price tag. That's when it hit me - why not buy second-hand Abercrombie clothes and sell them to my classmates?
And that's exactly what I did. I started off small, selling to kids at my school, but soon I realised there was a bigger market out there. I took my business online, selling imported clothes to people all over the UK through platforms like eBay. It was my first taste of entrepreneurial success, and I was hooked.
Throughout university, I dabbled in various e-commerce ventures, experimenting with different ideas and building up a portfolio of brands. But it wasn't until after I graduated that I took the plunge into my first major business. It was a bit of a leap of faith, but looking back, it was one of the best decisions I ever made.
E-commerce, or electronic commerce, refers to the buying and selling of goods and services over the internet. It encompasses a wide range of online business activities for products and services, including retail shopping, banking, investing, and rentals.
If you're interested in learning more about e-commerce, check out this great explainer by Investopedia.
What is your current venture Tribe?
Tribe's mission is to address the loneliness epidemic, particularly prevalent in big cities, by facilitating real-life connections through shared experiences. This idea stemmed from my personal struggles in London, where I found it challenging to meet new people and build a sense of community. Moving to Lisbon, a hub for connection, inspired me to tackle this issue head-on.
Recognising the severity of the loneliness epidemic, especially among younger demographics, I became determined to make a positive impact. Tribe emerged as a solution to encourage people to come together in person. Currently based in Lisbon and Madrid, with plans to expand to the UK, Tribe aims to become the premier platform for real-life communities.
Our focus extends beyond connecting individuals; we're committed to supporting existing communities in their growth and sustainability. Our platform addresses the challenges faced by both users, seeking community engagement, and community leaders, struggling with monetisation and expansion.
Launching Tribe into the UK represents an exciting opportunity to further our mission and empower communities to thrive. It's a space I'm deeply passionate about, and I'm eager to see the positive impact we can make.
Just as Charlie has found something that he is truly passionate about, check out this TED Talk by Scott Dinsmore on how to find and do work you're truly passionate about:
Having been the founder of many companies, is there a knack in doing it or is it something that comes about with experiences?
Whenever I'm mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs, I often emphasise the importance of just diving in and trying things out. My first business was actually in clothing, even though fashion wasn't my passion. Through that experience, I learned the fundamentals: pricing, branding, marketing, and sales.
From there, I kept bouncing between ideas, always brainstorming and keeping an eye on trends. Each venture taught me valuable lessons, sustaining my lifestyle and serving as stepping stones to the next project. Early on, I grasped the importance of branding and marketing, crucial for any consumer-facing business.
My recent ventures have revolved around technology and consumer markets, which can be a tough nut to crack. Consumer businesses require reaching millions of users. My advice? Find your passion and keep building and failing in that space. Eventually, you'll hone your skills enough to create something big enough to sell or grow into a substantial business.
In another interview we did on Pragmat with Ahana Banerjee, the CEO & Founder of Clear, she said very similar things about learning through doing and how entrepreneurship helps hone your skills very quickly.
Check out said interview with Ahana right here.
What was the first big business that was a success?
During university, my friend, a product design student, and I, studying business and marketing, formed a unique partnership. Together, we established a product design and marketing agency, where we developed our own consumer brands and products, alongside offering consultancy services to budding inventors.
Our pivotal moment came with the creation of a Nintendo Switch battery case, addressing common console issues. The Kickstarter campaign saw phenomenal success, with preorders exceeding $200,000 within hours. This propelled us into retail and international markets.
The success of the Nintendo Switch accessory led to our next venture, Charged Up, a phone charging network across thousands of UK locations. Leveraging our expertise, we identified and filled another market gap. Charged Up continues to thrive today, showcasing the ripple effect of entrepreneurial success.
How important is initiative and thinking outside the box when forming new business ideas?
I've always admired Scott Galloway's advice on business, which emphasises finding your expertise rather than just following your passion. While many rush into businesses aligned with their hobbies, like football, it's often saturated. Instead, I learned early on to focus on what I'm good at creating brands and marketing them.
Although I wasn't particularly passionate about gaming or Nintendo switches, I recognised my talent for brand building and marketing. So, I ventured into a niche where I could apply these skills effectively. Rather than competing in overcrowded markets, I found success in areas with less competition.
My journey underscores the importance of honing a craft and finding a niche where you can excel. It's not just about passion; it's about leveraging your strengths to carve out a unique space in the market.
Scott Galloway is a renowned professor of marketing at NYU Stern, an entrepreneur, author, and public speaker known for his insights on technology, business, and the economy.
Check out this great video below where he talks about following where your expertise lies:
Was there hesitation from consumers when Tribe was first launched?
Over the past year, there's been a noticeable shift as people increasingly seek connection. However, the comfort of staying home during COVID remains a challenge. To combat this, we're implementing a reward system, starting with a membership in Lisbon and soon in London. Members receive incentives like free coffee and drinks for venturing out, encouraging them to try new experiences.
We're also partnering with big brands to make events more accessible, addressing the affordability barrier. By leveraging smart reward strategies inspired by successful platforms like Duolingo, we aim to incentivise people to step out of their comfort zones regularly. The early success in Lisbon and Madrid is promising, and we're eager to bring this initiative to cities like London and Paris.
Taking inspiration from successful companies is one of the best ways to develop and improve your product or service.
Is there a noticeable difference in running a business outside of the UK?
The shift to remote work due to COVID has been a silver lining, especially for early-stage startups like mine. Running a remote-first business has allowed me to bootstrap effectively, assembling a diverse team spanning Lisbon, Central America, the Philippines, and the UK. Location is no longer a barrier; what matters most is prioritising mental health, which is why Lisbon has become our base.
Many entrepreneurs are opting to start their ventures outside major cities like London, drawn by the lower cost of living and better quality of life. This has been a game-changer for us, as living costs are lower in Lisbon, making it easier to attract talent. Moreover, our team thrives in Lisbon's community-centric atmosphere, aligning perfectly with our business ethos.
Despite our remote setup, we remain a UK-based business, benefiting from the country's robust startup ecosystem and support network. The UK offers excellent funding opportunities and tax benefits for early-stage ventures, enhancing our growth prospects. Balancing the advantages of a UK headquarters with the flexibility of remote operations has proven to be a winning formula for us.
How important is prioritising mental health in order to be a successful business person?
Prioritising mental health is crucial for sustained success in business. In my experience, I only invest in entrepreneurs who are aware of the risks of burnout and make their mental health a priority. Burnout is a common reason many businesses fail early, as founders exhaust themselves and give up.
With this, achieving a sustainable work-life balance is critical. It allows founders to meet business demands without compromising their well-being. Technological advancements now make affordable outsourcing possible, alleviating pressure on founders and enabling them to take some time for themselves. Outsourcing tasks to remote teams, such as those in the Philippines, has become a popular strategy and one I have implemented myself and would highly recommend to all entrepreneurs.
As Charlie mentions, avoiding burnout as an entrepreneur is critical. With that, check out this video below with 14 top tips for avoiding burnout:
Have you faced any significant obstacles on your entrepreneurial journey?
In the face of adversity, particularly during the COVID pandemic, my ventures encountered significant challenges. With our Nintendo Switch product line, manufacturing delays nearly bankrupted us. However, transparency with our manufacturer and their willingness to extend a loan facility saved the day, enabling us to fulfil critical orders and avoid financial ruin.
Yet, the most daunting ordeal came with our previous business, which relied heavily on the hospitality sector. The onset of COVID obliterated our revenue overnight. Faced with two options - downsizing or innovating - I chose the latter. Leveraging our team's skills and assets, we pivoted to address pandemic needs, ultimately launching the largest hand sanitiser dispenser network in the UK. This bold move not only saved our business but also laid the foundation for a subsequent successful venture in point-of-sale payments.
Through resilience and creativity, we transformed imminent failure into unforeseen success, illustrating the power of adaptability in navigating turbulent times.
What advice do you have to young entrepreneurs who are looking to pave their way?
I've been through it myself, building multiple businesses from scratch. It's not easy, and I've had my fair share of failures along the way. But here's the thing: failure is just part of the journey. Every successful entrepreneur I know has stumbled a few times before finding their footing. So if you're young and hungry for success, don't be afraid to take risks. Your 20s are the perfect time to make those bold moves because, you've got less to lose. I remember scraping by on next to nothing, living on cheap noodles, but I was driven by this burning desire to make something of myself.
And you know what? Having a partner in crime makes all the difference. Find someone who shares your passion, someone you can bounce ideas off of and weather the storms with. Statistics show that having a co-founder significantly boosts your chances of success. It's like having a built-in support system, someone to share both the burdens and the triumphs with. Trust me, it makes the journey a whole lot less lonely.
But perhaps the most important lesson I've learned is to never be afraid to ask for help. People in the entrepreneurial community are incredibly generous with their time and resources. Don't hesitate to reach out for advice or support when you need it. I've been amazed at how much assistance I've received from grants to just a friendly ear to bounce ideas off of. So, if you're starting out on your entrepreneurial journey, remember: embrace failure, find a partner, and don't be afraid to lean on others for support. It's all part of the ride.
Lastly, what is a podcast or book that you would recommend that had a significant positive impact on you?
A huge thank you to Charlie Baron for sharing his time with us and providing a fascinating insight into his journey in navigating the running of several business, some successful and some used as a learning curve.
We hope this interview has inspired you as much as it has inspired us. Now, we’d love to hear from you! Please let us know what you thought of the interview and leave your comments below on other guests you would like to see featured in this series.
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