Giving business owners control to work ON their business rather than IN it.
Johann Du Toit has always loved computers. Trained as an electronic engineer his career has taken him around the globe. After many lessons learned through developing software for other companies, he founded his own - Wink Reports - a startup that builds easy-to-use software to uncomplicate the most complicated business reports.
At I2N’s Startup Stories at I2N Hub Honeysuckle on Wednesday 1 June, Johann shared his story of how he built his business to help other people grow theirs.
Wink Reports has assisted hundreds of companies in becoming more profitable by freeing up countless hours through eliminating blind spots in reporting and data collection, without having to be data experts.
Catch up on Startup Stories with Johann Du Toit
Top Takeaways:
- Life does not always go to plan, but changes can lead to great opportunities.
- You may not make a profit at first, but your first customers give you confidence that people will pay for the solutions you create for them.
- Sometimes people assume mistakes can be avoided – but most ‘mistakes’ end up becoming learning experiences; our mistakes shape and teach us.
- When there is a lot of competition out there, focus on your competitive advantage and the skill sets you have. This means you must discover what your competitive advantage is.
- Cashflow is vital when you are bootstrapping; try to be cashflow positive from day one.
- Getting involved in the local startup ecosystem enables new connections which can help your business. I2N Connect events are a great place to make new connections with other founders like Johann.
The University of Newcastle's I2N works with individuals and organisations from across the Hunter region and beyond to turn ideas and challenges into opportunity. As a leading driver of economic and business growth, the I2N cultivates an entrepreneurial mindset that is behind many of the region's most innovative businesses and leaders.
Keep up to date with future I2N events, programs and opportunities by subscribing to I2N's monthly newsletter or visit www.newcastle.edu.au/i2n
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