Consultancy is a fast-growing industry. One man who has taken advantage of that is successful swimming pool design consultant Charles Lubbat. By working closely with swimming pool projects as they get off the ground, Charles has developed a passion for helping projects succeed.
He focuses especially on the marketing and forecasting side of things. For the past ten years, he has operated in the swimming pool design consultancy business and it has brought him a massive amount of success, which incorporates a bachelor lifestyle and regular international travel.
How did you get started in this business? What inspired you to start this business?
The nature of the swimming pool design consultancy business means I can pursue my passions and enjoy outside interests, such as travel. But in general, I love getting projects off the ground.
How do you make money?
It always depends on the project I’m working on and the client I’m working for.
How long did it take for you to become profitable?
I must admit that for the first six months it was something of a struggle.
How did you get your first customer?
My first customer came from one of my best friends. It was a referral and it helped that my friend came from the world of design.
What is one marketing strategy (other than referrals) that you’re using that works really well to generate new business?
Digital marketing and social media marketing are the two core marketing types that make up my consultancy business.
What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last few months?
Sometimes I must turn down clients because I have too many. The perils of spreading yourself too thin can completely cripple your company. I don’t like turning people down, but sometimes I don’t have a choice if I want to keep standards high.
What do you think it is that makes you successful?
A real passion for what I do keeps me motivated and it makes me want to get better at what I do every single day.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
The moment where I knew I had real freedom to work and travel the world as I pleased. That’s what real freedom feels like.
How long did it take for you to become profitable?
You can become profitable almost straight away if you find the right clients. In most cases clients are willing to provide overhead to get things moving quickly.
What does the future hold for your business? What are you most excited about?
Working with brand new projects and inspiring other entrepreneurs are what make me excited. I enjoy helping others overcome their challenges.
What business books have inspired you?
Adam Grant’s Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World.
What is a recent purchase you have made that’s helped your business?
I recently upgraded my data analytics software, which I’ve seen immediate positive results from.
Why do you enjoy working with startups so much?
What I love is the reward of being able to help my clients overcome the main challenges they have when they start their projects.