In my journey with GinJoint, LLC (DBA BarVision), I had the privilege of being deeply involved in various roles, from a Board Member to the Vice President of Marketing and Business Development, and ultimately as a Co-founder. These seven years were a whirlwind of experiences, learning curves, and accomplishments that allowed me to leverage my skills in growth strategies, business strategy, analytical thinking, and more. Here, I’ll share some key takeaways from my time at BarVision and how they can help others build their companies in the marketplace.
Leadership and Strategic Oversight:
One of my roles as a Board Member was providing leadership, governance, and strategic oversight for the company. It’s here that I honed my skills in problem-solving and business strategy. I learned that the ability to evaluate business impacts, performance, and effectiveness is crucial. It taught me to never underestimate the importance of reviewing budgets, audit reports, business decisions, and legal responsibilities. These skills are transferable and can be invaluable when guiding an early-stage SaaS company through its growth phase.
Co-founding and Innovation:
As a Co-founder, I had the opportunity to be at the forefront of innovation in the liquor and beer industry. Our patented real-time technology hardware and cloud software, BarVision, were revolutionary. In just four years, we increased the value of the company by a staggering 6400%. This experience underscored the significance of creative thinking and product development in the startup world. It taught me that innovation and a unique value proposition can be game-changers in attracting customers and investors.
B2B Marketing and Sales Expertise:
My role as Vice President of Marketing and Business Development allowed me to immerse myself in B2B marketing and sales strategies. We utilized various online marketing tactics, such as direct mail campaigns, e-blasts, banner ads, search engine marketing, and social networks. Tracking and reporting ROI from integrated marketing activities became second nature. Building and managing a robust pipeline of prospects was crucial for sustained growth. These skills are highly applicable in the early-stage SaaS sector, where acquiring and retaining customers is paramount.
Strategic Partnerships and Client-Centric Approach:
At BarVision, we understood the power of strategic partnerships. Collaborating with industry players like the Bar Rescue TV Show and ABC School of BarTending expanded our reach and credibility. Working directly with clients to understand their needs and create tailored strategic plans became a cornerstone of our success. It reinforced the importance of putting the customer at the center of every decision, a principle that applies universally.
Remote Business Management:
Conducting business remotely for 50% of the time was a lesson in adaptability and efficient communication. It emphasized the need for robust digital infrastructure and the ability to manage projects and teams effectively from a distance. In today’s interconnected world, these skills are increasingly relevant.
In conclusion, my journey with BarVision provided me with a wealth of experiences and skills that have been instrumental in my role as a growth strategist for early-stage SaaS companies. From leadership and innovation to B2B marketing and client-centricity, these lessons have shaped my approach to building companies in the competitive marketplace. By leveraging these insights, I aim to help others navigate the challenges and opportunities of the ever-evolving business landscape. Whether you’re in the early stages of a startup or looking to grow an existing business, these lessons can serve as a roadmap for success.