1851

Studies show that 10 percent of Americans re-evaluate their professional plan at the start of the new year and change their course to take on business ownership. With 2017 in full swing, this means that there are millions of hopeful entrepreneurs out there right now just waiting for a new chapter to unfold.

Hopeful entrepreneurs often hold off, fearing the unknown. This has likely the next great idea unexplored. So, before fear destroys yet another up-and-coming concept, it is important to look to examples of entrepreneurs who bootstrapped their brand to success. We asked a few successful business owners for their top tips to help inspire others.

1. Do your research

When brothers Jason and Steven Parker began walking dogs in high school to prove to their mother that they were responsible enough to have a pooch of their own, they never imagined that it would inspire a lifelong business venture. The founders of what is now <a href="http://k9resorts.1851franchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=bootstrapping-your-brand-in-a-brand-new-year-9729" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">K-9 Resorts</a> sold this dog walking business for six figures and set out to start a luxury daycare and resort for four legged friends. The franchise has since grown exponentially with the help of motivated franchises and an investment from a venture capital firm.

&ldquo;The best step we took that I would tell others is to research independently and in the field. We researched the best dog hotels in the business and traveled all over the country to visit them. We networked, spoke with pet professionals, and hired the best consultants in the business,&rdquo; Jason Parker said. &ldquo;This is advice we give to our franchisees to this day. Research how many pet boutiques, vets and groomers are in the area and get to know the market.&rdquo;

2. Network face to face

Known for his energizer bunny work ethic and fierce ambition, <a href="http://www.gymguyzfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=bootstrapping-your-brand-in-a-brand-new-year-9729" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GYMGUYZ</a> founder and CEO Josh York started his mobile fitness concept from his dining room table at home. However, York did not stay at home for long, and he credits the start of this rapid success to face to face networking with potential clients and industry influencers.

&ldquo;Once you have your plan, get out there and network. No matter how creative your concept is, you have to be even more creative about the way you get in front of people,&rdquo; York said. &ldquo;It all comes down to building relationships. I got out there right away. I barely slept. And it paid off.&rdquo;

3. Pace your spending

As the Parkers prepared to design and build out the first K-9 Resorts location in 2005, they could hardly wait to make their vision come to life. As excited as they were, the brothers took a long term outlook and remembered the importance of not allocating all of their funds in one place right away--something that Jason advises hopeful entrepreneurs do as well.

&ldquo;We knew we wanted the high quality materials and did have the funds as teenagers to outfit the entire first facility right away. We also knew that we did not want to take on too much debt from the start. So, we began by just remodeling 30 percent. Then, we would remodel another 10percent, then another 15 percent. We were fully remodeled by 2007,&rdquo; Jason said.

Parker added, &ldquo;I am definitely happy with the way it turned out. This is something I would advise others--be motivated, but also remember to let the business grow naturally while still figuring out the systems and procedures without all of the debt that can come from jumping in too quickly.&rdquo;

4. Make the most of what you have

Tools like marketing materials and branded items are helpful in generating brand awareness for any young business. However, both Parker and York noted that they did not allocate much funding to such luxuries from the get-go, and that they saved them for what they really needed.

&ldquo;Be sure to stick to the basics and save wherever you can. Sit down and determine the bare minimum you can spend and stay true to it,&rdquo; York said. &ldquo;I only had a single GYMGUYZ shirt that I would wear while networking every day and then would go home and wash every night. Sure, it would have been great to have seven or eight shirts but I saved every single penny to keep expanding.&rdquo;

5. Divide and conquer

Jason explained that if you are lucky enough to not be on this journey alone and have a business partner, use each of your skills to your advantage. Start with this common goal and then determine how each of you can go out and make it happen, independently. The Parkers used this same tactic in the initial stages of brand development, and still do so to this day.

&ldquo;We both have our own strengths and weaknesses. I was able to channel my passions and strengths when taking on my set of responsibilities, and he was able to do the same,&rdquo; Jason said. &ldquo;We divided and conquered, and you truly have to be equally as independent and strong willed as you would if you were in this alone.&rdquo;

Bootstrapping Your Brand in a Brand New Year 

1851 Franchise

Develop the brand of your dreams: top tips for the many budding entrepreneurs who have made this their 2017 New Year’s resolution. 

This brand page has been paid for by 1851. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

bootstrapping-your-brand-in-a-brand-new-year

Melting Pot

Photo of interior of Melting Pot restaurant

Lexington Herald Leader: This Restaurant Chain Eyes a Return to Lexington After 10 Years

melting-pot-return-to-lexington

Keke's Breakfast Cafe

Keke's Breakfast Cafe - John and Kimberly Ehrhard - 1851 Franchise

Empowering Leadership, One Pancake at a Time: How John and Kimberly Ehrhard Are Building a Franchise Legacy with Keke’s Breakfast Cafe

john-kimberly-ehrhard-kekes-franchise

Comfort Keepers

More Than a Caregiver: Loretta Smith's Support Extends to Fellow Caregivers, Clients and the Community

more-than-a-caregiver-loretta-smiths-support-extends-to-fellow-caregivers-clients-and-the-community

Photo of Melting Pot CEO John "JC" Crawford

Melting Pot Names New CEO, Celebrates 50th Anniversary With Continued Growth and Leadership Promotions

melting-pot-franchise-mid-year-2025

Layne's Chicken Fingers

Texas Layne’s Franchisee Secures Real Estate in Austin, Set To Open Early Next Year

texas-laynes-franchisee-secures-real-estate-in-austin-set-to-open-early-next-year

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Drone Delivery Takes Flight in QSR: The Future of Franchise Operations?

drone-delivery-takes-flight-in-qsr-the-future-of-franchise-operations

Chick-fil-A Tops Customer Satisfaction Rankings for 11th Year as Challenger Brands Gain Ground

chick-fil-a-tops-customer-satisfaction-rankings-for-11th-year-as-challenger-brands-gain-ground

Technomic Releases Annual Ranking of the Top 15 Fast-Food Chains in the U.S.

technomic-releases-annual-ranking-of-the-top-15-fast-food-chains-in-the-us

Rising Jobless Claims Could Signal Challenges — and Opportunities — for Franchising

rising-jobless-claims-affect-franchising

Hardee’s Lawsuit Highlights the Risk of Going Off-Model in Franchising

hardees-franchise-lawsuit-paradigm-investment-group

Busy Bee Jumpers Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

busy-bee-jumpers-franchise-costs-fees-2025

How-petbar-Makes-Pets-and-Their-Owners-Happy-as-Part-of-the-Family-in-a-Clean-and-Fun-Environment

How petbar Makes Pets and Their Owners Happy as Part of the Family in a Clean and Fun Environment

petbar-franchise-opportunity-boutique-pet-grooming

petbar Franchisees Win the $6.89B Global Market With Complete Transparency, Self-Service and Membership Models, Creating the Happiest Place for Dogs

petbar-franchise-opportunity

Photo of Happinest Brands vans and teams standing together

Happinest Brands Closes Strong Q1 With Strategic Growth, System-Wide Enhancements

happinest-brands-q1-2025-growth

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How To Create a Strong Incentive

how-to-build-strong-incentives-to-attract-prospective-franchisees

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise Built on Heart and Community

Bootstrapping Your Brand in a Brand New Year

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS