Rik Spruyt – From $0 to 7-figures in 5 years.
Rik’s business is the ultimate example of “Think big, start small”. I also love his story because the whole business is a reflection of Rik’s personality. Rik is a ‘people person’ – he knows a lot of people around the world and who are the right people to trust. If you are similar but you’ve always wondered how on earth you monetise this trait, listen to this podcast.
Episode Highlights:
“At that moment (in 2014) I had 20 years of corporate life with that same company and you start to feel that maybe you have evolved as a person and also the company has changed and you’re not that compatible anymore.”
“At the same time I was getting convinced that the glory days of those big powerful companies were coming to an end, and that there was definitely value for small businesses, and that small business can make a difference in so many ways. Actually this was because of reading Screw Work Let’s Play.”
“Let’s start to play! Not necessarily leaving your job at that moment but getting your brain into action and getting to think about what you can do in the future.”
“I don’t only see my members as customers, I think of them as a community, as a support group and people who are like minded and thinking in the same direction for the future. And I think it’s so important that we all want to survive in the new digitalised future. And to all want to fight for that. I think this is the real difference and the real value of a network with local heroes.”
“For some people logistics is not the sexiest topic in the world, but for me, your story actually has the elements of every kind of successful business you would want. Starting from zero, starting from an idea, and growing it to wherever you want to be and it’s allowed you to create the life you want.” [John]
“John, I need to tell you, that period now, the past 5 years wouldn’t have been possible if we wouldn’t have met. This is something I think about a lot and I wasn’t sure if I was going to say this; you can cut it out if you want, but you need somebody at a certain point in life that says:
“OK, I understand what you want to do – but let me give you a few points about what you should do first and what you should do next, and how you’re going to do it.”
And if you don’t have this person helping you, call it a mentor, call it whatever you want, then it is extremely difficult. I really want to sincerely thank you, because for me this was you, who ignited all this and when we first started I had no idea where it would end, even today I don’t know, but it’s moving in the right direction.”
Topics covered:
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- How John’s book Screw Work Let’s Play changed the course of Rik’s life
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- The power of getting the right mentor
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- How to start a membership with 0 members (the network effect)
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- How to run your own successful event when you’re just starting out
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- The key to getting your customers to believe in your offer – even when you’re just starting out
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- Choosing the right industry to start a business in
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- How to stand out from competitors
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- How to keep your members engaged
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- How to build a killer app in your industry
- Why Bangkok is the place to be right now
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Where to find Rik:
ALL EPISODES
Show references:
- Screw Work Let’s Play
- Crosstrades
- Logistics
- Africa – China trade agreement
- Belt and road initiative
- Brexit
- Maritime silk road
- Silk road
- Y Combinator
- Bangkok tech scene
- Network effect
Music provided by Argofox:
TheDiabolicalWaffle – My Wish
https://youtu.be/sRWEMjYR6e4
