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  1. Johannf

    Solar installer in South Africa → B2B e-commerce in Germany.

    INTRO 
    Honest update. I started this business for financial freedom. Three years in, it feels worse than a job: less pay, more stress, more responsibility. The numbers back up the feeling. About 60 % of an average month’s sales just gets us to break-even. In a quarter of the past year’s months we...
  2. Johannf

    Steve, 42

    INTRO 
    Really difficult now that everyone is a developer thanks to AI. Rather go into something practical, like producing food, equipment or services.
  3. Johannf

    Solar installer in South Africa → B2B e-commerce in Germany.

    INTRO 
    Yes we are. But just enough to cover the business expenses and our living expenses. Ideally we would like to grow the stock and capital in the business and also have same savings and discretionary spending for us.
  4. Johannf

    Solar installer in South Africa → B2B e-commerce in Germany.

    INTRO 
    I really thought this forum would be more engaging, helpful and supportive.
  5. Johannf

    Learning what AI tools are actually worth paying for

    INTRO 
    Claude cowork is the best, especially when combined with connections and skills. I use it all the time everyday.
  6. Johannf

    Solar installer in South Africa → B2B e-commerce in Germany.

    INTRO 
    Any insights or advice in how to make the business model more sustainable and scalable would be highly appreciated. We have a bit of runway left but not much.
  7. Johannf

    Solar installer in South Africa → B2B e-commerce in Germany.

    INTRO 
    Point made, and taken. That's the Entry weakness in my model, and better to hear it here than from a buyer in due diligence. I've sent you a PM. I'd value your view on how to build a moat on top of the hardware.
  8. Johannf

    How to find Excellent Stuff

    INTRO 
    Hi. His book also cured me of the Fire mentality. Regarding the repair business. Currently I am in Germany the only way to get a phone repaired here is to send it in to Samsung by post. Theses days with people totally dependent and addicted to their phones that is a big ask to be without a phone...
  9. Johannf

    Solar installer in South Africa → B2B e-commerce in Germany.

    INTRO 
    Thanks, appreciated, and fair point on the numbers. I've kept the company name out of the thread for that reason. B2B solar and storage in the Netherlands is close to my world, so I'd value your view. I'll send you a PM.
  10. Johannf

    Solar installer in South Africa → B2B e-commerce in Germany.

    INTRO 
    Thanks, fair challenge. Some context on why I haven't simply doubled down. What works is narrow: one product line (portable energy loggers, €1,000–1,700) through Google Shopping in Germany. But it's a niche. Revenue swings between €4.5k and €19k a month, and I'm not convinced German search...
  11. Johannf

    Solar installer in South Africa → B2B e-commerce in Germany.

    INTRO 
    Hi all, Johann here. South African, living in Germany. BACKGROUND I ran my own solar installation business in South Africa for years. Then I moved to Germany and spent four years as an employee at a solar company. Reading MJ's The Great Rat Race Escape during that time was the push I needed to...
  12. Johannf

    Trying to get my first web design client as a young fastlaner.

    FEEDBACK WEB DESIGN 
    It might be a good idea to get experience in web design first, either as an employee or on Upwork. Then just selling your services is a really bad business model. It is like owning a job, selling your time for money. Rather look for opportunities to develop a SASS after getting the experience.
  13. Johannf

    How did MJ create his limo website?

    MINDSET 
    I recently used this AI tool. Works really great. You can just do a screen grab to use the logo created for free. https://looka.com/onboarding
  14. Johannf

    Good idea?

    IDEA EXECUTION 
    Hi Everyone, I currently have shares in a business in South Africa, we import and sell energy meters. It has been getting very successful lately. We sell about 15 units at 600 USD profit per unit. The problem is I only have a 40% share in the business. Also, what happens if everyone that needs...
  15. Johannf

    Moving out. Choosing to either go to a new city or a new country.

    MINDSET 
    Hi Wasq, I lived in the UK for 18 months and also got seriously depressed. I lived in sunny South Africa all my life, so weather and environment do have a huge effect. Also living in a big city like London did not help. Lots of unhealthy fast food, cold people, sound and air pollution. My...
  16. Johannf

    New business idea

    INTRO 
    Hi everyone. I have an idea for a new business but feel uncertain if it will work and if it is viable. I do not want to invest a lot of time and money and find out it does not work. The idea is the following. To create an app where people that wants a ride can be matched up with people want...
  17. Johannf

    How To Make A New Business Seem "Bigger" Than It Actually Is?

    MARKETING EXECUTION QUESTION 
    What do you plan to do in your software agency? If you plan to develop software for other people, it will be like owning a job and not a business. Not much scale or automation in that.

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