Building Business Success: Nathalie Rafah Unfiltered Advice | Splashup
Surviving the Entrepreneurial Jungle
Listen and watch the full episode here.
Starting a business is like diving into the deep end of a pool without knowing how to swim. When I first started out, I thought I had it all figured out. Spoiler alert: I didn’t. There were more surprises and lessons than I ever imagined. Here, I’m sharing some of the most important things I’ve learned, hoping they’ll help you avoid some of the pitfalls and fast-track your success.
The Foundation: Choosing Your Business Partner
Let’s start with a big one—choosing your business partner. Imagine going on a road trip with someone. It’s fun if you get along, but if you don’t, it’s a nightmare. The same goes for business. Just because someone is a great friend doesn’t mean they’ll be a great business partner. You need someone who shares your vision and work ethic. Trust me, I’ve been through the drama of a co-founder breakup. It’s like a bad divorce without the prenup. Make sure you’re aligned on goals and expectations right from the start.
The Power of Networking
Why should you care about networking? Because it’s like having a secret weapon. When I first got into e-commerce, I knew nothing outside my little bubble. But getting out there, meeting people, and building relationships changed everything. Your network is your net worth. The connections you make can open doors, provide support, and offer advice that can be game-changing. So get out there, shake some hands (or Zoom call), and build those connections.
Patience and Perseverance: Keys to Long-Term Success
Here’s the deal: success doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Whether it’s securing funding, landing your first customer, or perfecting your product, it takes time. There were moments when I was ready to throw in the towel, especially after meeting with dozens of investors and getting nowhere. But patience and perseverance paid off. Sometimes, just when you’re about to give up, things start to fall into place. Keep pushing, and find joy in the journey itself, not just the destination.
Strategic Financial Management
Let’s talk money. One of the best pieces of advice I got was to keep my business and personal finances separate. Treat your business account like it’s sacred. Don’t be afraid to invest in essential services like legal advice, even if it feels expensive. It’s worth it. Think of business spending differently—sometimes you need to spend money to make money. Be smart, but don’t be stingy. It’s about strategic spending, not penny-pinching.
Conclusion: Embrace the Journey
Starting and running a business is a wild ride. It’s full of ups and downs, but each challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow. Embrace the journey, keep learning, and stay true to your vision. By choosing the right partners, building a strong network, persevering through tough times, and managing your finances wisely, you’ll set yourself up for success. Remember, the road to success is long, but with the right mindset and strategies, you’ll get there. So dive in, enjoy the ride, and make the most of every moment.
About Our Guest
E-commerce has had it’s ups and down with the Covid boom and Natahtlie Rafeh has ridden those waves like a champ.
Nathalie is the founder of Splashup who is Creating the largest network of brands and retailers that allow cross-promotion at checkout to cut the costs of customer acquisition. She is also a mentor and startup consultant at various universities acorss Sydney, Australia.
Learn More Here
Listen and watch the full episode here.
About Our Guest
E-commerce has had it’s ups and down with the Covid boom and Natahtlie Rafeh has ridden those waves like a champ.
Nathlie is the founder of splashup who is Creating the largest network of brands and retailers that allow cross-promotion at checkout to cut the costs of customer acquisition. She is also a mentor and startup consultant at various universities acorss Sydney, Australia.