Nearly a year in to his start-up adventure travel business, Run Weekends, Nick Butter fills us in on how it’s going as the summer season hits full swing. (Short answer: ‘really well, but it’s far more intense than he expected!’)Describing our chats for the pod as ‘business therapy’, Nick takes some time to step back and reflect. Some of the key points we cover include:* Choosing your marketing spend: online vs IRL* When to take the risk of hiring your first employee* What skills your business needs to grow* Should you get a business partner?If you’re thinking of starting an adventure business (or any kind of business really!), or you’re on your own start-up journey, then take a listen, and you may want to check out episode 1 and episode 2 as well.And if you enjoy this episode please like and share!About NickIn addition to being the first and only person to run a marathon in every country in the world over 23 months, Nick went on to run North to South of Italy totting up 100 marathons in 100 days, and then doubled that distance by circumnavigating Britain, running 5250 miles around the coast of UK in 128 days. He’s also an author, speaker and coach. Follow the links below to find out more, and if you know people who’d be interested in this podcast, please share now!Key links:https://www.runweekends.com/https://www.facebook.com/runweekends/https://www.instagram.com/runweekendsEpisode 1:https://adventurecollective.substack.com/p/the-adventure-start-up-series-episodeEpisode 2: https://adventurecollective.substack.com/p/the-adventure-start-up-series-episode-2d3 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit adventurecollective.substack.com

In episode 1 of ‘The Adventure Start-Up Series’ we heard about the launch of new venture Run Weekends from its founder, record-breaking marathon runner Nick Butter. In episode 2, we’re a few months into operation and Nick’s still feeling excited and anxious but also has a growing sense of confidence about how it’s going.There’s lots still to learn but he’s getting some great feedback, cashflow is going OK and he’s thinking about how he can bring more people on board to help.If you’re thinking of starting an adventure business (or any kind of business really!), or you’re on your own start-up journey, then take a listen. There’s lots to learn (including on funding and financials, as well as marketing and operations) and Nick’s enthusiasm is inspiring!And if you enjoy this episode please like and share!About NickIn addition to being the first and only person to run a marathon in every country in the world over 23 months, Nick went on to run North to South of Italy totting up 100 marathons in 100 days, and then doubled that distance by circumnavigating Britain, running 5250 miles around the coast of UK in 128 days. He’s also an author, speaker and coach. Follow the links below to find out more, and if you know people who’d be interested in this podcast, please share now!Key links:https://www.runweekends.com/https://www.facebook.com/runweekends/https://www.instagram.com/runweekendsEpisode 1: https://adventurecollective.substack.com/p/the-adventure-start-up-series-episode This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit adventurecollective.substack.com

The second of two podcast chats with one of our subscribers, Paul Reeve of Sky Blue Adventures. Listen to the first episode to find out more about what the business does and how Paul got it started. In the second part of our discussion we talk about:* The key commercial skills you need and how you go about learning them. The sort of business skills you may not have needed til you are running an adventure business* The state of mind to cultivate in order to make a living from adventure* Reinforcing how being really clear what you want to be known for helps you with so many things (including in this case things like price negotiations)* The sort of people you will want to get support and help from. (For example, the coaching group Paul is part of.) Find out more about Paul Reeve and connect with him here:https://skyblueadventures.co.uk/https://www.facebook.com/SkyBlueAdventures/https://www.instagram.com/skyblueadventures1/https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-reeve-7a103545/Know anyone earning a living in the world of adventure who would like this podcast? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit adventurecollective.substack.com

In this first of two podcast chats, we talk to one of our subscribers, Paul Reeve of Sky Blue Adventures. Over a career in the police, he had a range of roles where he built up a strong network of contacts with people in the various “Blue Lights” services.  Meanwhile, in his spare time he was doing lots of freelancing in the Mountain Leader world, growing his qualifications as he went.He started Sky Blue Adventures over a decade ago and now runs it full time.  The business specialises in supporting Charity Challenge Events.  Things like The UK’s Three Peaks Challenge as well as bespoke international challenges like the Emergency Service Challenges in Nepal and Tanzania. As it stands now they have over a hundred events booked in for this year.In the first part of our discussion we’ll be talking about:* What the differences are between being a freelancer and running your own business* How it feels at the different stages of growing a business – and why this is an important guide to help you choose the right business strategies to focus on* How the clearer you can define what you want your business to be known for, the easier it will be to find the right clients – and the right staff and people to work with.And finally we’ll get some tips from Paul on the all important topic of selling and how to do it so you don’t feel awkward.Find out more about Paul Reeve and connect with him here:https://skyblueadventures.co.uk/https://www.facebook.com/SkyBlueAdventures/https://www.instagram.com/skyblueadventures1/https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-reeve-7a103545/Know anyone earning a living in the world of adventure who would like this podcast? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit adventurecollective.substack.com

In our first interview with Moose we learned a bit about how he’s become an incredibly experienced outdoor professional, now based in the Yosemite National Park in California.In part II of our recording, he gives us some more valuable advice, including the importance of adaptability and not becoming too wedded to one vision of your life, business and career. He says, “What you want from life and work will change, so enjoy the moment but it won’t last for ever.”He’s also got some valuable insights to share on * Working abroad - the pros and cons* Why it pays to write a book (but not necessarily in £ or $)* The ‘opportunity of the awful British weather’!Let us know what you think of Moose’s sometimes controversial views? And if you’d like to feature on the podcast get in touch!Listen to part I of the chat with Moose here.Find out more about Moose and connect with him here: https://www.moosemutlow.com/https://www.instagram.com/moosemutlow/https://www.facebook.com/FLOresourcesKnow anyone earning a living in the world of adventure who would like this podcast? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit adventurecollective.substack.com

In this first of two podcast chats, we talk to one of our subscribers, Moose Mutlow - an incredibly experienced outdoor professional who got in touch from his base in the Yosemite National Park in California.Now in his 50s, Moose has built a decades-long career and has some fascinating insights to share, including:* The pros and cons of working outside the UK: Moose has worked in the US, Australia, France and Botswana among other destinations.* What it takes to build a long-term outdoors career: how to adapt your skillset and recognise your physical limitations with age* The value of experience over formal qualifications Let us know what you think of Moose’s sometimes controversial views? And if you’d like to feature on the podcast get in touch!And episode 2 of our chat with Moose is available here.Find out more about Moose and connect with him here: https://www.moosemutlow.com/https://www.instagram.com/moosemutlow/https://www.facebook.com/FLOresourcesKnow anyone earning a living in the world of adventure who would like this podcast? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit adventurecollective.substack.com

Our latest podcast is the first in a new mini-series where we follow a new start-up called Run Weekends, from inspiration and gestation to launch and through its first year of operation.We track the highs and lows, the excitement and the anxiety. We find out about financing and research, marketing and cash flow. And how to manage your time, energy and expectations as the founder.Our interviewee for this series is Nick Butter, an athlete who made a name for himself by becoming the first and only person to run a marathon in every country in the world. Following the success of this 23 month expedition, Nick went on to run North to South of Italy totting up 100 marathons in 100 days, and then doubled that distance by circumnavigating Britain, running 5250 miles around the coast of UK in 128 days. He’s also an author, speaker and coach.Despite his past career, Run Weekends is a new departure for Nick - and in this first episode he tells us what motivated him to create the business, how he developed the concept, what went to plan and what didn’t. He shares his key learnings about the need for self-belief, perspective and the challenge of balancing ‘work’ and ‘life’. And equally importantly he opens up about how he’s feeling in this start-up phase - a key indicator for us all to tap into as we move through the business life-cycle. If you know people who’d be interested in this podcast, let them know about it now!And if you’re not already a subscriber, why not sign up?Episode 2 of the Adventure Start-up Series is available now here: Key links:https://www.runweekends.com/https://www.facebook.com/runweekends/https://www.instagram.com/runweekends This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit adventurecollective.substack.com

Regular followers of the Business of Adventure will know how much importance we put on having a clear positioning strategy (knowing what you want to be famous for, and making this the driver of your decision making). In this podcast interview with climbing coach Esther Foster, we hear how her positioning has evolved, her belief in focus, and the value that’s driven in her business.She also talks about her passions and values, and how that’s helped her find strategic direction, working with women and under-represented groups in her sport. Plus there’s advice on outsourcing and pricing, and we discuss the value in being open to learning from others, as well as what the outdoor industry needs to do to evolve sustainably.If you know people who’d be interested in this podcast, let them know about it now!And if you’re not already a subscriber, why not sign up?And if you’d like to know more about Esther and positioning strategy, check out these blog posts and links:https://www.estherfoster.co.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/estherfosterclimbinghttps://www.instagram.com/esther_foster/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit adventurecollective.substack.com

In our second interview with the holder of the women’s Guinness World Record for the fastest cycle round the planet, we talk to Jenny Graham about * How her career has developed since she finished the ride and how she manages her time and energy* Her recommendations for choosing brands to work with * Advice to adventurers starting out on building a commercial career - summed up as ‘back yourself’!* Top tips for writing a book* How she’s proud to be a role model for women and girls in the world of adventure And if you need Christmas gift inspiration, we couldn’t recommend Jenny’s book, “Coffee First Then the World”, enough! Follow the links below for more info.If you missed part 1 of our chat with Jenny, you can catch up here, and to hear the rest of our podcasts and receive every blog as it’s published, make sure you subscribe now.Connect with Jenny:Buy her book, Coffee First, Then the World!https://jenny-graham.com/adventures/https://www.instagram.com/jennygrahamis_https://www.facebook.com/jennygrahamishttps://twitter.com/jennygrahamis?lang=enKnow anyone in an adventure or outdoor activities business who might like to listen to this episode with Jenny? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit adventurecollective.substack.com

In the first of two fascinating interviews, we talk to Jenny Graham - the holder of the women’s Guinness World Record for cycling fastest around the world, and now a successful author, broadcaster and entrepreneur. Achievements she’s realised without a background in either professional sport or in business.We find out how she got into endurance cycling and then hear how she’s turning her adventures into a sustainable income, including through publishing her cracking book, “Coffee First, Then the World”.In this episode, she talks to us about * How working in the outdoors doesn’t have to mean becoming an instructor* Overcoming her discomfort in commercialising her adventures and acquiring the business skills she needed* The value of networks and mentors in helping her achieve her goalsTo hear the second of our interviews with Jenny, make sure you subscribe now!Connect with Jenny:https://jenny-graham.com/adventures/ https://www.instagram.com/jennygrahamis_ https://www.facebook.com/jennygrahamis https://twitter.com/jennygrahamis?lang=en Know anyone who owns or manages an adventure or outdoor activities business? Share this podcast with them if you think they’d like it: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit adventurecollective.substack.com

In this episode, Bodhi Aldridge talks about aspects of running an adventure business that often get overlooked in the rush to get better qualifications, get more clients, get equipment ready for the day and do everything else that needs doing. Bodhi will challenge you to think about the driving force in your business (you!) in ways you may never have done.Some of the key takeaways for us are:* “If I believe there’s not enough money, that’s what I am going to experience”. Many adventure business owners have a resistance around money, sales and building a business. Addressing these can do wonders for the business - and the owner.* “You can bring the experience of freedom and flow into the whole of your life”. The joys of adventure are often experienced as freedom and flow. Tapping into and cultivating those feelings can do wonders for your business, your relationships, your parenting - the whole of your life.* “90% of our day is driven by our subconscious mind.” Do you know what yours is telling you?! Learning to get present is one of the fundamental ways Bodhi helps you spot this voice.What are the key things you take from Bodhi’s insights? And have we gone to far off-piste with this episode?!If you like what Bodhi has to say, then we’d really recommend listening to his podcast True Freedom.You can also connect with Bodhi and learn more about his teaching on these links:https://bodhialdridge.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/bodhialdridge/https://www.instagram.com/bodhialdridgementoring/https://www.facebook.com/BodhiAldridgeMentoring/Know anyone in an adventure or outdoor activities business who might like to listen to this episode with Bodhi? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit adventurecollective.substack.com

In this episode we talk to Chris Woodfield of TYF in Pembrokeshire about how a small adventure business can do the right things in terms of sustainability and the environment, and still be financially successful and give people fun days out.If you thought having a sustainability strategy (and becoming a B Corp) was something for large corporates with big budgets, you’ll think again after listening to this episode. Some of the things we learnt include:·         how it’s possible to be a small business and commit to a sustainability strategy - just start small if it feels daunting.·         the importance of living your values – TYF really strives to do that in the ways it supports its team, works with clients and is planning for the future. ·         why outdoor businesses have a huge inbuilt advantage in communicating change – apparently you’re 8 times more likely to remember something that you learn in the outdoors!Useful links:https://www.tyf.com/https://www.instagram.com/tyfadventure/https://www.facebook.com/tyfadventurehttps://twitter.com/TYFAdventureChris Woodfield’s email if you want to chat about this issues he raises: chris.w@tyf.com Venture Shift https://www.ventureshift.org/  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit adventurecollective.substack.com

In the second of two interviews, Mark Beaumont shares his thoughts on the skills you can take from the world of adventure into the world of commerce and how you can go about learning the business skills required to earn a sustainable living. It’s hard to choose the top bits of advice Mark has to offer, but here goes anyway -Key takeaways:* There isn’t a split between being an adventure person and being a business person. If you’re putting bread on the table you are a business person too. You need to own that.* Learn your trade and then shoot for the stars. Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t think big.* Clearly you care. But be clear why other people (backers, clients, followers) should care.And the most surprising thing for Mark about working in the world of adventure – listen on to find out!Connect with Mark:https://www.facebook.com/MarkBeaumontAdventureshttps://www.instagram.com/mrmarkbeaumont/https://twitter.com/MrMarkBeaumonthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-beaumont-47906728/https://markbeaumontonline.com/Know anyone who owns or manages an adventure or outdoor activities business? This podcast is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit adventurecollective.substack.com

In the first of two interviews, Mark shares how he got started in endurance cycling and some of the key success factors in making a sustainable living in the adventure world, including:* Are you prepared to take risks and “back yourself before you ask others to back you”?* The importance of a clear intent, professionalism and a commitment to developing essential commercial and business skills * The value of talking to people, finding mentors and asking for help * Why you need to get outside your siloConnect with Mark:https://www.facebook.com/MarkBeaumontAdventureshttps://www.instagram.com/mrmarkbeaumont/https://twitter.com/MrMarkBeaumonthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-beaumont-47906728/https://markbeaumontonline.com/Know anyone who owns or manages an adventure or outdoor activities business? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit adventurecollective.substack.com

In this short trailer find out what’s coming up on the first Business of Adventure podcast mini-series.  Adventure Collective founders Paul Griffith and Victoria Ash chat about the idea behind the series and talk us through some of the guests they’ll be interviewing about how they make a successful living from working in the world of adventure and the outdoors.Get inspiration and new ideas from the people behind adventures and if you’d like more stories like these, subscribe to the Business of Adventure blog! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit adventurecollective.substack.com