The Business of Adventure Podcast

Hosted by Adventure Collective

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Aug 2024

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Discover how to make a living from adventure. In these conversations we talk with people doing what they love and getting paid (well) for it! While the backdrop may be endurance cycling, rock climbing, kayaking or mountain biking, the challenges we’re talking about are finding customers, building a reputation, and managing finances. adventurecollective.substack.com

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15 recent

August 2, 202440 min

The Adventure Start-up Series - episode 3

Nearly a year in to his start-up adventure travel business, Run Weekends, Nick Butter fills us in on how it’s going as the summer season hits full swing. (Short answer: ‘really well, but it’s far more intense than he expected!’)Describing our chats for the pod as ‘business therapy’, Nick takes some time to step back and reflect. Some of the key points we cover include:* Choosing your marketing spend: online vs IRL* When to take the risk of hiring your first employee* What skills your business needs to grow* Should you get a business partner?If you’re thinking of starting an adventure business (or any kind of business really!), or you’re on your own start-up journey, then take a listen, and you may want to check out episode 1 and episode 2 as well.And if you enjoy this episode please like and share!About NickIn addition to being the first and only person to run a marathon in every country in the world over 23 months, Nick went on to run North to South of Italy totting up 100 marathons in 100 days, and then doubled that distance by circumnavigating Britain, running 5250 miles around the coast of UK in 128 days. He’s also an author, speaker and coach. Follow the links below to find out more, and if you know people who’d be interested in this podcast, please share now!Key links:https://www.runweekends.com/https://www.facebook.com/runweekends/https://www.instagram.com/runweekendsEpisode 1:https://adventurecollective.substack.com/p/the-adventure-start-up-series-episodeEpisode 2: https://adventurecollective.substack.com/p/the-adventure-start-up-series-episode-2d3 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit adventurecollective.substack.com

May 31, 202432 min

The Adventure Start-up Series - episode 2

In episode 1 of ‘The Adventure Start-Up Series’ we heard about the launch of new venture Run Weekends from its founder, record-breaking marathon runner Nick Butter. In episode 2, we’re a few months into operation and Nick’s still feeling excited and anxious but also has a growing sense of confidence about how it’s going.There’s lots still to learn but he’s getting some great feedback, cashflow is going OK and he’s thinking about how he can bring more people on board to help.If you’re thinking of starting an adventure business (or any kind of business really!), or you’re on your own start-up journey, then take a listen. There’s lots to learn (including on funding and financials, as well as marketing and operations) and Nick’s enthusiasm is inspiring!And if you enjoy this episode please like and share!About NickIn addition to being the first and only person to run a marathon in every country in the world over 23 months, Nick went on to run North to South of Italy totting up 100 marathons in 100 days, and then doubled that distance by circumnavigating Britain, running 5250 miles around the coast of UK in 128 days. He’s also an author, speaker and coach. Follow the links below to find out more, and if you know people who’d be interested in this podcast, please share now!Key links:https://www.runweekends.com/https://www.facebook.com/runweekends/https://www.instagram.com/runweekendsEpisode 1: https://adventurecollective.substack.com/p/the-adventure-start-up-series-episode This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit adventurecollective.substack.com

May 17, 202429 min

Surround yourself with the right people. And just go start the journey!

The second of two podcast chats with one of our subscribers, Paul Reeve of Sky Blue Adventures. Listen to the first episode to find out more about what the business does and how Paul got it started. In the second part of our discussion we talk about:* The key commercial skills you need and how you go about learning them. The sort of business skills you may not have needed til you are running an adventure business* The state of mind to cultivate in order to make a living from adventure* Reinforcing how being really clear what you want to be known for helps you with so many things (including in this case things like price negotiations)* The sort of people you will want to get support and help from. (For example, the coaching group Paul is part of.) Find out more about Paul Reeve and connect with him here:https://skyblueadventures.co.uk/https://www.facebook.com/SkyBlueAdventures/https://www.instagram.com/skyblueadventures1/https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-reeve-7a103545/Know anyone earning a living in the world of adventure who would like this podcast? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit adventurecollective.substack.com

May 3, 202432 min

Building strong foundations for an adventure business

In this first of two podcast chats, we talk to one of our subscribers, Paul Reeve of Sky Blue Adventures. Over a career in the police, he had a range of roles where he built up a strong network of contacts with people in the various “Blue Lights” services. Meanwhile, in his spare time he was doing lots of freelancing in the Mountain Leader world, growing his qualifications as he went.He started Sky Blue Adventures over a decade ago and now runs it full time. The business specialises in supporting Charity Challenge Events. Things like The UK’s Three Peaks Challenge as well as bespoke international challenges like the Emergency Service Challenges in Nepal and Tanzania. As it stands now they have over a hundred events booked in for this year.In the first part of our discussion we’ll be talking about:* What the differences are between being a freelancer and running your own business* How it feels at the different stages of growing a business – and why this is an important guide to help you choose the right business strategies to focus on* How the clearer you can define what you want your business to be known for, the easier it will be to find the right clients – and the right staff and people to work with.And finally we’ll get some tips from Paul on the all important topic of selling and how to do it so you don’t feel awkward.Find out more about Paul Reeve and connect with him here:https://skyblueadventures.co.uk/https://www.facebook.com/SkyBlueAdventures/https://www.instagram.com/skyblueadventures1/https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-reeve-7a103545/Know anyone earning a living in the world of adventure who would like this podcast? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit adventurecollective.substack.com

April 12, 202419 min

"Enjoy the moment but it won't last for ever"

In our first interview with Moose we learned a bit about how he’s become an incredibly experienced outdoor professional, now based in the Yosemite National Park in California.In part II of our recording, he gives us some more valuable advice, including the importance of adaptability and not becoming too wedded to one vision of your life, business and career. He says, “What you want from life and work will change, so enjoy the moment but it won’t last for ever.”He’s also got some valuable insights to share on * Working abroad - the pros and cons* Why it pays to write a book (but not necessarily in £ or $)* The ‘opportunity of the awful British weather’!Let us know what you think of Moose’s sometimes controversial views? And if you’d like to feature on the podcast get in touch!Listen to part I of the chat with Moose here.Find out more about Moose and connect with him here: https://www.moosemutlow.com/https://www.instagram.com/moosemutlow/https://www.facebook.com/FLOresourcesKnow anyone earning a living in the world of adventure who would like this podcast? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit adventurecollective.substack.com

March 29, 202418 min

How to build a long-term international outdoor career

In this first of two podcast chats, we talk to one of our subscribers, Moose Mutlow - an incredibly experienced outdoor professional who got in touch from his base in the Yosemite National Park in California.Now in his 50s, Moose has built a decades-long career and has some fascinating insights to share, including:* The pros and cons of working outside the UK: Moose has worked in the US, Australia, France and Botswana among other destinations.* What it takes to build a long-term outdoors career: how to adapt your skillset and recognise your physical limitations with age* The value of experience over formal qualifications Let us know what you think of Moose’s sometimes controversial views? And if you’d like to feature on the podcast get in touch!And episode 2 of our chat with Moose is available here.Find out more about Moose and connect with him here: https://www.moosemutlow.com/https://www.instagram.com/moosemutlow/https://www.facebook.com/FLOresourcesKnow anyone earning a living in the world of adventure who would like this podcast? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit adventurecollective.substack.com

February 16, 202437 min

The Adventure Start-up Series - episode 1

Our latest podcast is the first in a new mini-series where we follow a new start-up called Run Weekends, from inspiration and gestation to launch and through its first year of operation.We track the highs and lows, the excitement and the anxiety. We find out about financing and research, marketing and cash flow. And how to manage your time, energy and expectations as the founder.Our interviewee for this series is Nick Butter, an athlete who made a name for himself by becoming the first and only person to run a marathon in every country in the world. Following the success of this 23 month expedition, Nick went on to run North to South of Italy totting up 100 marathons in 100 days, and then doubled that distance by circumnavigating Britain, running 5250 miles around the coast of UK in 128 days. He’s also an author, speaker and coach.Despite his past career, Run Weekends is a new departure for Nick - and in this first episode he tells us what motivated him to create the business, how he developed the concept, what went to plan and what didn’t. He shares his key learnings about the need for self-belief, perspective and the challenge of balancing ‘work’ and ‘life’. And equally importantly he opens up about how he’s feeling in this start-up phase - a key indicator for us all to tap into as we move through the business life-cycle. If you know people who’d be interested in this podcast, let them know about it now!And if you’re not already a subscriber, why not sign up?Episode 2 of the Adventure Start-up Series is available now here: Key links:https://www.runweekends.com/https://www.facebook.com/runweekends/https://www.instagram.com/runweekends This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit adventurecollective.substack.com

January 12, 202437 min

How finding a niche can pay off

Regular followers of the Business of Adventure will know how much importance we put on having a clear positioning strategy (knowing what you want to be famous for, and making this the driver of your decision making). In this podcast interview with climbing coach Esther Foster, we hear how her positioning has evolved, her belief in focus, and the value that’s driven in her business.She also talks about her passions and values, and how that’s helped her find strategic direction, working with women and under-represented groups in her sport. Plus there’s advice on outsourcing and pricing, and we discuss the value in being open to learning from others, as well as what the outdoor industry needs to do to evolve sustainably.If you know people who’d be interested in this podcast, let them know about it now!And if you’re not already a subscriber, why not sign up?And if you’d like to know more about Esther and positioning strategy, check out these blog posts and links:https://www.estherfoster.co.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/estherfosterclimbinghttps://www.instagram.com/esther_foster/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit adventurecollective.substack.com

December 15, 202319 min

Jenny Graham Part 2: advice to my younger self!

In our second interview with the holder of the women’s Guinness World Record for the fastest cycle round the planet, we talk to Jenny Graham about * How her career has developed since she finished the ride and how she manages her time and energy* Her recommendations for choosing brands to work with * Advice to adventurers starting out on building a commercial career - summed up as ‘back yourself’!* Top tips for writing a book* How she’s proud to be a role model for women and girls in the world of adventure And if you need Christmas gift inspiration, we couldn’t recommend Jenny’s book, “Coffee First Then the World”, enough! Follow the links below for more info.If you missed part 1 of our chat with Jenny, you can catch up here, and to hear the rest of our podcasts and receive every blog as it’s published, make sure you subscribe now.Connect with Jenny:Buy her book, Coffee First, Then the World!https://jenny-graham.com/adventures/https://www.instagram.com/jennygrahamis_https://www.facebook.com/jennygrahamishttps://twitter.com/jennygrahamis?lang=enKnow anyone in an adventure or outdoor activities business who might like to listen to this episode with Jenny? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit adventurecollective.substack.com

December 1, 202331 min

Jenny Graham - making The World her business

In the first of two fascinating interviews, we talk to Jenny Graham - the holder of the women’s Guinness World Record for cycling fastest around the world, and now a successful author, broadcaster and entrepreneur. Achievements she’s realised without a background in either professional sport or in business.We find out how she got into endurance cycling and then hear how she’s turning her adventures into a sustainable income, including through publishing her cracking book, “Coffee First, Then the World”.In this episode, she talks to us about * How working in the outdoors doesn’t have to mean becoming an instructor* Overcoming her discomfort in commercialising her adventures and acquiring the business skills she needed* The value of networks and mentors in helping her achieve her goalsTo hear the second of our interviews with Jenny, make sure you subscribe now!Connect with Jenny:https://jenny-graham.com/adventures/ https://www.instagram.com/jennygrahamis_ https://www.facebook.com/jennygrahamis https://twitter.com/jennygrahamis?lang=en Know anyone who owns or manages an adventure or outdoor activities business? Share this podcast with them if you think they’d like it: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit adventurecollective.substack.com