The Koerner Office - Business Ideas and Deep Dives with Chris Koerner - 017: An Easy $2k/Month Side Hustle

Episode Date: September 19, 2023

Today, we're about to unravel the journey of a business that not only weathered the storms of entrepreneurship but also emerged as a beacon of triumph. We'll highlight what went right, the pivotal decisions made along the way, and the principles that propelled this business to greatness. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just embarking on your startup adventure, the lessons from this story are invaluable.So, get ready to embark on this enlightening journey as we explore the remarkable tale of success and uncover the hidden gems that can illuminate your path to entrepreneurial excellence.

Welcome to Startup Gems where we find undiscovered startup growth hacks, stories and case studies from every random nook and cranny of the internet. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, an aspiring startup expert, or simply someone seeking inspiration, startup gems is your source for the stories that ignite the flames of innovation. Today, we're about to unravel the journey of a business that not only weathered the storms of entrepreneurship, but also emerged as a beacon of triumph.

We'll highlight what went right, the pivotal decisions made along the way, and the principles that propelled this business to greatness. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just embarking on your startup adventure, the lessons from this story are invaluable. So, get ready to embark on this enlightening journey as we explore the remarkable tale of success and uncover the hidden gems that can illuminate your path to entrepreneurial excellence. Let's dive in. In this story, we share Chris Reimer's entrepreneurial journey and the end. evolution of his business, Bousa Tech, which specializes in portable phone chargers. He provides insights into his background, the challenges he faced, and the strategies he employed to build a successful business. Chris Reimer, founder and chief power officer of Bousa Tech, started his business

in September 2017 in St. Louis, Missouri. Bousa Tech focuses on selling power banks, portable phone chargers designed to alleviate low battery anxiety when smartphones dip below critical battery levels. As a one-person operation, Chris manages every aspect of the business, from website management and social media to customer service and marketing. Despite having a full-time job as a director of creative services at a local university, Bousa Tech's website went live in June 2018 and has been averaging about two grand per month in sales. Currently, Bousa Tech offers two power bank models, the macro M1, which can charge your phone three times over, and the MIDI M1, a slim version that will last for about one and a half charges. They also sell iPhone charging cables.

Chris's passion for promoting workplace happiness and fulfillment, inspired by his book Happy Work, drives his commitment to his business. Chris's entrepreneurial journey started at a young age when he and his brother sold golf balls they found in the woods behind their house. His interest in business grew further as he witnessed his grandfather's window manufacturing company and pursued a career in accounting. However, his entrepreneurial spirit fully blossomed when he launched Rizotis, a funny T-shirt company.

He discovered the power of social media and marketing, which led to a career shift. The idea for Busa Tech arose when Chris realized the necessity of portable phone chargers in his own life. Despite fierce competition in the market, he saw an opportunity to educate consumers about the true benefits of these devices,

Due to his financial stability, he doesn't rely on Busa tech as his primary income, allowing him to build the business without excessive pressure. To design, prototype, and manufacture his first product, Chris extensively researched existing portable phone chargers and identified their strengths and weaknesses. He established relationships with manufacturers in China and worked with one that met his criteria for quality. His manufacturer also handled packaging and printing.

Chris invested around $5,000 in his initial. inventory, making it a cost-effective venture. Chris initially intended to sell his products exclusively through Amazon's FBA program, but faced significant challenges when Amazon unexpectedly changed its policies regarding power banks. This setback led him to shift his business model to a Shopify website. Despite initial difficulties, the new approach proved successful, and Busa Tech officially launched in late June 2018. Since its launch, Busa Tech has prioritized email marketing, and Chris emphasized the importance of capturing email addresses and maintaining a close relationship with customers. Offering PayPal as a payment option has also proven valuable, as many customers prefer this method.

While Chris acknowledges some challenges with Facebook ads, he continues to explore ways to improve his advertising efforts. Chris's dedication to excellent customer service, quick shipping, and prompt problem resolution has earned him repeat customers. Additionally, he has made significant sales to organizations buying Bousa Tech products in bulk, despite limited outreach efforts. Future plans include expanding the product line to include wall chargers, car chargers, charging cables, wireless chargers, and a high-capacity model for MacBook users. Chris aims to achieve 10 grand per month in sales and set new goals from there. Throughout his entrepreneurial journey, Chris has learned the importance of patience, overcoming fear, and embracing challenges. He emphasizes that

entrepreneurs must focus on what next when facing adversity. While he acknowledges moments of self-doubt, he encourages others to take risks, set deadlines, and not wait for perfect conditions. Chris Reimer's entrepreneurial story serves as an inspiration, highlighting the resilience and determination required to build a successful business. Now let's uncover three critical principles that have played a pivotal role in this success story. Principle one, customer-centric focus. Bousa Tech's journey. begins with a relentless commitment to its customers. Chris Reimer recognized the universal frustration of low smartphone battery life and addressed

it head on. He understood his customers pain points and designed products that directly alleviated their concerns. By prioritizing customer satisfaction and providing top-notch customer service, Boussatec not only gained loyal customers, but also earned their trust. This customer-centric approach is evident in the business's dedication to quick shipping, efficient problem resolution, and a seamless shopping experience. Bousa Tech doesn't just sell products.

It offers solutions to a common problem, making it an indispensable part of customers' lives. This unwavering focus on meeting customer needs has been a driving force behind the company's success. Principle 2, adaptability and resilience. The second principle that sets Bousa Tech apart is its adaptability and resilience in the face of adversity, when faced with unexpected challenges such as Amazon,

policy changes that derailed the initial business plan, Chris Reimer didn't give up. Instead, he pivoted and transformed the business model. This flexibility allowed Bousa Tech to navigate rough waters, overcome obstacles, and emerge stronger than ever. By being open to change and not letting setbacks define the business's trajectory, Bousa Tech demonstrated a crucial aspect of entrepreneurship. This adaptability ensured that the company could evolve, stay relevant, and meet evolving market demands. It's a testament to the idea that in business, it's not always about avoiding obstacles, but about how you respond to them that truly matters. Principle three, passion and persistence. Lastly, the third principle driving Boussatac's success is the sheer passion and persistence of its founder,

Chris Rimer. Although he didn't consider himself a natural entrepreneur, Chris had a burning desire to bring his idea to life. He pursued his vision relentlessly, even while managing a full-time job. This passion fueled his determination to build Bousa Tech, and it continues to be a driving force behind the company's growth. Passion and persistence are powerful motivators in the world of business. Chris's unwavering belief in his mission to eliminate low battery anxiety pushed him to overcome challenges, take calculated risks, and strive for excellence in every aspect of the business. It's a reminder that successful entrepreneurs often share a common trait. An unrelenting passion for their vision. In conclusion, Bousa Tech's success can be attributed to these three fundamental

principles, a customer-centric focus, adaptability and resilience in the face of adversity, and the unwavering passion and persistence of its founder. These principles have not only propelled the company's growth, but have also made it a shining example of what can be achieved in the world of entrepreneurship. Applying the principles that have led to Bousa Tech's success to your own business is not only feasible, but can significantly enhance your chances of thriving in today's competitive landscape. Here's how you can adapt these principles to your entrepreneurial journey. Customer-centric focus. Start by deeply understanding your target audience. What are their pain points, needs, and desires? Tailor your products or services to directly address these concerns.

Prioritize customer satisfaction and build strong relationships with your clientele. actively seek feedback and use it to continuously improve your offerings. By putting your customers at the center of your business, you'll create a loyal customer base and establish trust, which is crucial for long-term success. Adaptability and resilience. In the dynamic world of business, change is inevitable. Be open to adaptation and ready to pivot when necessary.

If you encounter obstacles or setbacks, view them as opportunities to learn and grow, analyze the market, stay updated on industry trends, and be willing to adjust your strategies accordingly. Remember that resilience is a key trade of successful entrepreneurs. Embrace change, persevere through challenges, and use them as stepping stones toward your goals. Passion and persistence. To succeed in any venture, you must have a deep passion for your mission. Your enthusiasm will serve as a constant source of motivation, enabling you to push through the inevitable challenges and setback.

Cultivate a growth mindset and stay committed to your vision even when the going gets tough. Surround yourself with a supportive network, seek mentorship, and continuously educate yourself in your industry. With unwavering passion and persistence, you'll have the determination to overcome obstacles and turn your business dreams into reality. By incorporating these principles into your business strategy, you'll not only enhance your chances of success, but also create a foundation for sustainable growth. Boussatech's journey serves as a testament to the power of customer focus, adaptability, and unwavering passion in achieving entrepreneurial goals. Thank you for being part of today's adventure through the world of startups and innovation. Did this episode ignite any fresh perspectives or ideas?

Share your reflections and favorite takeaways in a review wherever you're listening now. Remember to stay curious, continue to forge your own path, and subscribe and follow Startup Gem. to be the first to access stories that will fan the flames of your entrepreneurial passion.