21: Reframing the Rat Race: How to Use Your Day Job to Prepare for Entrepreneurship with James Anderson of Forged Axe...

What went into building an (almost) seven-figure axe throwing business that earns hundreds of five-star reviews?
For James Anderson, it all started well before he left his 9 to 5. 
As a marketer and tour guide, he learned how to create buzz, split-test, design systems, and craft world-class experiences… skills James later put to use bootstrapping the Whistler, B.C.-based business he co-founded.
In this episode, you’ll learn why James believes market research is “the most important work that you never get paid for.” He gives us his tips for measuring the effectiveness of both online AND offline marketing campaigns, reveals his company’s current profit margins, and shares a hilarious story about an exhausting grand opening that forced him to temporarily shutter the business on its very first day.
You’ll also learn how James diversified his business by developing scorekeeping software, how he handles insurance, what lessons he learned from a previous Christmas light venture, and the BIG opportunity most entrepreneurs aren’t taking advantage of today.
James’ story is a real blueprint for how to transition from a traditional day job into entrepreneurship, so if you’re interested in doing the same, make sure you listen to this episode today.
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In This Episode We Cover:
Using your 9 to 5 as an internship for entrepreneurship
How James started with planting trees for 10 cents
How he got the idea of Forged Axe Throwing
What “soft adventure” is
James and his partner's business plan
How they found venues for axe-throwing
Their marketing strategy centered around creating excitement
Why they had to close on their first actual day of business
How to automate customer service
Traditional marketing vs. online marketing
How to track offline marketing efficacy
Decreasing “friction” for customers
Why they didn’t franchise
Opportunities for buying businesses
And SO much more!


Links from the Show
BiggerPockets Survey
Buzzfeed
Burning Man
TripAdvisor