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Category: Small Business News

DreamMachineAI: Video creation with AI

​[[{“value”:” Discover more Ai business tools: Best AI Tools for Marketing and Sales Best Ai Tools for Productivity and Collaboration Best Ai Customer Service and Support Tools Best Ai Data Analytics and Business Intelligence Tool Dream Machine AI is a software platform that utilizes artificial intelligence to simplify the process of creating videos. With over 10,000 happy website users, Dream Machine AI offers a variety of features and examples to assist creators in generating high-quality videos efficiently. This tool is suitable for business managers looking to save time and money on video production, as it can quickly generate videos in a matter of minutes. Dream Machine AI Online is user-friendly with intuitive interfaces, making it accessible to users with varying levels of video creation experience. The platform allows for unlimited creativity, enabling users to explore and experiment with various video ideas. Users can simply input their script or upload a photo and input a script to generate the perfect video. While Dream Machine AI does not offer refunds due to the significant resources required for video processing, the payment service is secure and all financial processing is entrusted to Stripe. Additionally, users can find case studies and success stories on the Explore section of the website. Overall, Dream Machine AI is a valuable tool for businesses looking to streamline their video creation process and explore new creative possibilities. With its user-friendly interface and time-saving features, this platform can benefit businesses of all sizes looking to enhance their video content with AI technology. DreamMachineAI – Features Time-saving: Quickly generate high-quality videos in minutes Easy to Use: Intuitive interfaces accessible to users with varying levels of experience Unlimited Creativity: Explore and experiment with various creative video ideas Secure Payment Service: Payment processing entrusted to Stripe for security Refund Policy: No refunds due to significant resources required for video processing DreamMachineAI – Pricing DreamMachineAI offers a Free Plan with 1 credit for high-quality videos and faster generation, a Starter Plan at $9.99/month for 50 credits, and a Premium Plan at $29.99/month for 200 credits, all with no watermark. Visit dreammachineai.co for more. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter , Facebook and Instagram. “}]] 

Retune: Custom chatbots and autonomous AI agents

​[[{“value”:” Discover more Ai business tools: Best AI Tools for Marketing and Sales Best Ai Tools for HR and Recruiting Best Ai Tools for Productivity and Collaboration Best Ai Customer Service and Support Tools Best AI Tools for IT Management and Security Retune is a business tool that offers a missing platform to help build AI applications for various business needs. From custom chatbots to autonomous agents, this tool provides everything necessary to transform a business using AI technology. One of the key features of Retune is the ability to create a ChatGPT, allowing users to create, customize, and integrate AI for multiple purposes. Whether it’s for customer support, sales, or any other use case, Retune enables users to build chatbots that cater to specific needs. One of the advantages of using Retune is the flexibility it offers in training the chatbot with any type of data. Users can connect their chatbot to any data source, whether it’s from their website or hyper-personalized customer data. This allows for a more tailored and advanced AI experience in handling customer interactions and queries. Additionally, Retune makes it easy to integrate AI capabilities into existing tools and platforms. Users can seamlessly supercharge their favorite tools with AI, all in one centralized location. The platform also boasts a user-friendly interface that does not require any coding knowledge to build AI-powered applications, making it accessible to a wide range of users within a business setting. Overall, Retune provides a comprehensive solution for businesses looking to incorporate AI technology into their operations. With its versatility in building chatbots, training with various data sources, and easy integration with existing tools, Retune offers a valuable resource for businesses seeking to leverage AI for improved customer experiences and operational efficiencies. retune – Features Build custom chatbots and autonomous agents Create and customize ChatGPT Train chatbots with any data source Integrate AI with all favorite tools and platforms Build AI-powered apps without coding retune – Pricing The retune tool offers three pricing plans: Hobby (Free) for personal projects, Grow ($99/month) for startups and small businesses, and Max ($399/month) for agencies and teams with custom security needs. Each plan includes unique features and benefits. Visit retune.so for more. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter , Facebook and Instagram. “}]] 

Supademo: Create interactive product demos with ease

​[[{“value”:” Discover more Ai business tools: Best AI Tools for Marketing and Sales Best Ai Tools for HR and Recruiting Best Ai Tools for Finance and Accounting Best Ai Tools for Productivity and Collaboration Best Ai Customer Service and Support Tools Best Ai Data Analytics and Business Intelligence Tools Best AI Tools for IT Management and Security Supademo is a business tool designed to help professionals create interactive product demos quickly and efficiently. Trusted by over 15,000 professionals at fast-growing companies, Supademo offers a range of features powered by AI technology to drive enablement, close deals faster, and scale product onboarding. With Supademo, users can easily record product demos by clicking through any product or workflow, personalize demos with AI enhancements, branching, CTAs, and more, and share them across support docs, websites, or as public links. The platform replaces static screenshots and video monologues, allowing users to seamlessly demo products and features in a matter of minutes rather than hours of manual scripting and editing. Key features include the ability to enhance product demos with Generative AI, personalize demos at scale with a powerful editor, drive conversions with dynamic variables, conditional branching, and custom branding, and share demos everywhere to drive adoption and engagement. Additionally, Supademo offers advanced analytics, team workspaces for collaboration, and the ability to easily redact sensitive information or annotate screens directly within the editor. Supademo is ideal for teams looking to drive productivity, increase user engagement, and create compelling demos for various purposes such as customer success, sales enablement, and product marketing. The platform has received positive reviews from users who praise its intuitive interface, embeddable features, and ability to simplify the demo creation process. Overall, Supademo provides a comprehensive solution for businesses looking to create high-converting, interactive product demos quickly and effectively. Whether you are looking to showcase product value, drive conversions, or enhance user engagement, Supademo offers a range of features and tools to help you achieve your goals. supademo – Features Create interactive product demos quickly and easily Personalize demos with AI, branching, CTAs, and more Share demos across support docs, websites, and public links Scale team communication with AI voiceovers, text annotations, and translations Drive conversions with dynamic variables, conditional branching, and custom branding View deep analytics on drop-off rates, engagement, and viewers Collaborate and organize Supademos with team workspaces Easily redact sensitive info or annotate screens within the editor supademo – Pricing Supademo offers simple pricing with flexible plans. Plans include Free ($0/month), Pro ($27/month), Scale Most Popular ($38/month), and Enterprise (Custom pricing). Each plan offers different features such as unlimited Supademos, team workspace, custom branding, and more. Start with a 14-day free trial, no credit card required. Visit supademo.com for more. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter , Facebook and Instagram. “}]] 

XDetector: Free AI detector & AI checker

​[[{“value”:” XDetector is an advanced AI content detector designed to accurately identify whether a text is generated by AI or written by a human. The tool utilizes a sophisticated AI detection model trained with 10 billion samples to ensure precise results. With multilingual support for languages from 20 countries, including English, Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese, and more, XDetector aims to provide secure and cost-effective AI content detection services. One of the key features of XDetector is its emphasis on safeguarding data through Web3 encryption, which ensures user-uploaded text remains secure and prevents leaks. This is particularly beneficial for teachers, institutions, students, and writers looking to maintain academic integrity and authenticity in their work. By identifying AI-generated text and avoiding penalties for plagiarism, users can submit assignments, papers, and blog articles with confidence. XDetector has garnered positive feedback from educators, students, and writers alike, highlighting its accuracy, reliability, and ease of use. With over 99% AI detection accuracy, the tool has already processed a vast number of texts, including assignments, reports, emails, and blog articles. Additionally, XDetector is free to use, making it accessible to a wide range of users seeking to verify the authenticity of their content. The implementation of AI detector technology in XDetector involves advanced methods such as corpus-based comparison, language model analysis, feature extraction, classification, and plagiarism detection. By combining these strategies, XDetector has been able to achieve high accuracy rates in determining the origin of text. Overall, XDetector is a valuable tool for businesses, educators, students, and writers seeking to verify the authenticity of written content and prevent the misuse of AI technology. With its advanced AI detection capabilities, multilingual support, and free accessibility, XDetector offers a reliable solution for safeguarding critical text areas and promoting academic integrity. XDetector – Features Free AI Detector & AI Checker Safeguarding data with Web3 encryption Supports multiple languages (20+) Free for students, teachers, and institutions Ability to detect whether content is AI or human High AI detection accuracy (99%+) AI detector technology employs advanced methods such as corpus-based comparison, language model analysis, feature extraction, and classification, and plagiarism detection Does not support plagiarism detection, focuses on identifying if text is AI-generated or human-written XDetector – Pricing XDetector is free to use on the web. Visit xdetector.ai for more. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter , Facebook and Instagram. “}]] 

Klu: Find anything in any app with one search bar

​[[{“value”:” Discover more Ai business tools: Best AI Tools for Marketing and Sales Best Ai Tools for HR and Recruiting Best Ai Tools for Finance and Accounting Best Ai Tools for Productivity and Collaboration Best Ai Customer Service and Support Tools Best Ai Data Analytics and Business Intelligence Tools Best AI Tools for IT Management and Security Klu is a comprehensive business tool that streamlines your workflow by offering a unified search bar for multiple apps such as Slack, Notion, Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Calendar. This tool aims to boost productivity by allowing users to search for emails, documents, and other information across various platforms from a single search bar. For digital agencies, SMEs, startups, and beyond, Klu enables easy connection of Gmail, Google Drive, Slack, Notion, Trello, and GitHub accounts, simplifying the process of finding relevant information efficiently. With the ability to connect multiple app accounts and search across all of them simultaneously, Klu ensures a seamless experience for managing meetings, compiling customer feedback, and assisting in employee onboarding. Klu’s AI search feature enhances the search experience by providing instant answers to questions about internal data stored in connected apps. By scanning through platforms like Notion, Slack, and Google Drive, Klu delivers spot-on answers to facilitate smoother operations and decision-making. The tool also offers secure chat functionality, where users can seamlessly transition from search results to discussing and analyzing specific data with colleagues. Moreover, Klu prioritizes security and privacy, being SOC2 certified and employing encryption measures for all data transfers and stored information. This emphasis on data security ensures that users can trust Klu with sensitive information and business data. With integrations extending to popular platforms like Notion, Gmail, Trello, and more, Klu aims to create a unified digital workspace experience. The tool continues to evolve and expand its integration offerings based on user feedback, emphasizing a commitment to providing a seamless and efficient work environment for businesses of all sizes. For business managers looking to streamline operations, improve productivity, and enhance collaboration, Klu offers a comprehensive solution that centralizes information and communication in one user-friendly platform. Klu – Features Unified search bar for multiple apps Workspace search for connecting Gmail, Google Drive, Slack, Notion, Trello, and GitHub accounts Customer insights by accessing customer data across multiple platforms Employee onboarding by accessing necessary documents from various platforms Instant answers through chat with internal data Direct and secure chat with cloud files, with the ability to upload files and share links or text Security and privacy measures with SOC2 certification and encryption of data transfer and search indexes Klu – Pricing Klu offers a Personal plan for individuals to try for free with limited features, a Personal Pro plan for $12 with additional features, and an Enterprise plan with advanced features for small/large teams. Contact them for pricing details. Visit klu.so for more. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter , Facebook and Instagram. “}]] 

Noodle: Custom AI assistants

​[[{“value”:” Discover more Ai business tools: Best AI Tools for Marketing and Sales Best Ai Tools for HR and Recruiting Best Ai Tools for Finance and Accounting Best Ai Tools for Productivity and Collaboration Best Ai Customer Service and Support Tools Best Ai Data Analytics and Business Intelligence Tools Best AI Tools for IT Management and Security Noodle is a comprehensive business tool designed to streamline and automate various administrative tasks, allowing you to save time and focus on more important aspects of your business. With a custom AI assistant, Noodle can help you save hundreds of hours each week by handling tasks such as client onboarding, managing signatures for agreements, creating and following up on invoices, scheduling meetings, assigning tasks to clients, providing customer service, and more. One of the key features of Noodle is its ability to automate customer communications from lead generation to payment collection and beyond, providing 24/7 real-time customer support through an AI agent trained specifically for your business. Additionally, Noodle offers AI-powered invoice creation, collection, and follow-ups with custom payment plans, making it easier for you to manage your finances. With Noodle’s Ai learning the ins and outs of your business operations, you can create custom AI-powered workflows to handle repetitive tasks efficiently. The platform also offers mobile and web-based customer portals for automated follow-ups, ensuring seamless communication with your clients. Noodle has been proven to help businesses grow rapidly, with a success story showcasing how it supercharged an immigration law practice. By utilizing workflow templates and Ai-driven automation, businesses can achieve efficiencies like never before. Furthermore, Noodle seamlessly integrates with existing tools in finance and government sectors, making it a versatile solution for businesses across different industries. If you’re looking to streamline your administrative tasks, improve customer service, and boost your business growth, Noodle may be the right tool for you. Visit their website to learn more about how Noodle’s customized AI platform can help supercharge your business. Noodle – Features Custom AI assistant to save time on repetitive tasks Automate client onboarding process Manage signatures, invoices, meetings, and tasks efficiently Provide efficient customer service and support AI-powered workflows to handle complex processes Automated follow-ups and smart payments Seamless integration with existing tools Customized workflow templates to drive efficiencies in the business Noodle – Pricing Noodle offers four pricing plans: Starter (free), Growth ($29.99/month), Scale ($79.99/month), and Superstar ($299.99/month). Each plan includes various features such as AI assistance, workflows, and lead management. Additional charges apply for services like SMS support and credit report purchases. Visit noodle.shop for more. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter , Facebook and Instagram. “}]] 

Funding roundup: Fundabl, Cuttable, and NSW’s $500k grant boost 

​[[{“value”:” Dynamic Business brings you the key startup fundraising from this week: NSW announces $500,000 grants for space tech NSW has unveiled a new grant program to support the commercialization of space technologies and elevate the state’s space sector globally. The NSW Space+ Program offers $500,000 in funding to advance NSW’s space capabilities and foster strategic partnerships. The program aims to showcase NSW’s growing space industry at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Sydney in September 2025. Administered by SmartSat CRC, the initiative is open for applications. For more details and to apply, visit SmartSat CRC. Language I/O raises $5m in funding Language I/O is a leader in AI-powered, multilingual customer support technology. The company intends to use the funds to expand operations and its development efforts. With real-time, business-accurate translation technology, the company helps enterprises serve their customers in over 150 languages. Fundabl secures $3.2 million Business lending fintech Fundabl has raised $3.2 million in an equity round to boost its venture debt services for startups. Founded by Ethan Singer and David Salkinder in 2021 and launching in March 2022, Fundabl previously raised $16 million in equity and debt in October 2022. The new funding, from family offices and strategic investors including Matt Leibowitz of Stake, will support portfolio expansion, product development, international growth into New Zealand, and enhance team and marketing efforts. Earlybird AI raises A$1.21 million in pre-seed funding Earlybird AI uses AI and voice technology to transform how employment support is delivered to frontline workers. Backers included Google for Startups, Impact Shakers, Resolution Ventures, Ada Ventures, Syndicate Room’s Access (a data driven super angel fund), Lightbulb Trust, and a range of women angel investors. Cuttable nets $5.5 million in seed round Sam Kroonenburg, co-founder of A Cloud Guru, has launched Cuttable, an AI-driven adtech platform, securing $5.5 million in Seed funding. Cuttable, akin to “Canva-for-ads,” offers automated content marketing solutions. Kroonenburg, now co-CEO with Jack White from Melbourne’s Sunday Gravy, and Ed Ring, formerly of Swisse, head the team. The Seed round, led by Square Peg with contributions from Rampersand and industry strategists, will drive the platform’s development. SeenCulture raises $1 million in pre-seed round SeenCulture, a talent management platform for the workplace, has secured $1 million in a pre-Seed round supported by LaunchVic’s Alice Anderson Fund. Founded in 2023 by psychologist Nikki Tugano, SeenCulture aids in making equitable and efficient decisions regarding promotions, performance reviews, and team design. The platform, already serving over 1,500 users including Atlassian and Culture Amp, is set to enhance its offerings with this new funding. Queensland METS sector thrives with QuantumTX Innovation Queensland’s METS sector is showcasing its innovations at the QuantumTX Accelerator Showcase. Minister for State Development Grace Grace highlighted over $10 million in government investment since 2017 to support the sector. The QuantumTX 2024 Queensland METS Technology Incubator Program provides $25,000 in training and resources to participants. Brisbane and Mackay are noted as key hubs for mining technology, addressing issues like labor shortages, decarbonization, and supply chain resilience. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. “}]] 

Strong job growth, weaker sales: Mixed bag for Australian SMEs

​[[{“value”:” Australian small businesses face mixed fortunes, according to the latest Xero Small Business Insights (XSBI) update.While jobs growth remains strong and payment times improve, sales show volatility, reflecting a complex operating environment. Despite strong jobs growth and improved payment times, sales were volatile, reflecting the complex operating environment for small businesses.  June quarter at a glance:  ● Sales growth averaged 3.9% y/y for the June quarter (3.8% y/y for the March quarter) ● Wages growth averaged 2.9% y/y for the June quarter (3.3% y/y for the March quarter) ● Jobs growth averaged 4.5% y/y for the June quarter (3.4% y/y for the March quarter) ● Small businesses waited 21.3 days to be paid in the June quarter (22.5 days to be paid in the March quarter)  Small Business Index shows further improvement  The Xero Small Business Index averaged 142 points in the June quarter, a notable jump from the March quarterly result (121 points). However, this rise was largely driven by an improvement in payment times in June1, where the Index surged to 162 points. Outside of this outlier result, the April and May average of 132 points is likely more indicative of the current state of small business performance in Australia.  “The continued jobs growth is positive to see; however, the decline in sales in June is something to watch. Softening wages growth suggests small businesses may be managing the jobs and sales mismatch by offering smaller pay rises to employees,” said Louise Southall, Xero Economist.  Jobs growth continues its upward trajectory  Small business hiring remained strong in the three months to June, with June (+5.0% y/y) being the largest rise since October 2022. The ongoing strength in jobs could be due to an eagerness among small businesses to retain staff and avoid risking future skills shortages. There was a noticeable variation in jobs growth across the regions and industries in the June quarter. Public administration (+9.1% y/y) and healthcare (+8.8% y/y), two sectors that are underpinned by public sector spending, led the industry gains, while hospitality continues to show the softest results (-0.5% y/y). Western Australia (+6.9% y/y), alongside South Australia and Queensland (+5.3% y/y), showed the strongest growth across the states and territories, while the smallest rises were seen in Tasmania (+2.0% y/y) and the Australian Capital Territory (+1.3% y.y).  Sales growth shows first decline since early 2021  Sales performance in the June quarter was similar to the March quarter; however, the monthly breakdown reveals a more volatile three months. Sales saw significant growth in April (+12.8% y/y) due to the early timing of Easter, followed by a modest increase in May (+2.5% y/y), and then  1In June, the payment time measures were impacted by the end of financial year, which caused both to fall significantly. This pattern is repeated each year and is expected to return to normal levels in subsequent months. a decline in June (-3.5% y/y), the first since January 2021 (aside from the Easter impacted March 2023 result). This decline was widespread, with only healthcare (+4.4% y/y), public administration (+2.9% y/y)and education and training (+0.9% y/y) showing positive growth in June. All states and territories experienced a sales decline in June.  Wages growth slows slightly  Wages growth averaged 2.9% y/y in the June quarter, slightly below the long-term average of 3.0% y/y. This indicates that real wages for small business employees continue to lag behind inflation (around 4.0% y/y), and that small businesses are unable to keep pace with wage rises offered by larger businesses. Hospitality businesses continue to offer the largest wage increases (+3.6% y/y) across the sectors, while South Australia (+3.5% y/y) and Tasmania (+3.2% y/y) once again lead wage gains across the regions.  Small business payment times impacted by EOFY  Payment times improved in the June quarter, likely due to businesses settling their accounts ahead of the end of the financial year. Small businesses waited an average of 21.3 days to be paid, down from 22.5 days in the March quarter, and payments were late by an average of 5.8 days, down from 6.4 days in March. However, these gains are expected to reverse in the following months.  Theo Konstantas, Sales Director Australia, Xero, said: “The data shows that Australian small businesses continue to demonstrate resilience. We encourage small businesses to know their numbers and work closely with their advisors to find ways to improve productivity. With the stage three income tax cuts set to boost disposable income for millions of Australians this financial year, we hope consumers will use some of this money to support their favourite small business, driving sales performance in the coming months.”  You can find the latest Xero Small Business Insights Australia Update here. To find out more about how the Xero Small Business Index is constructed, see the methodology.  Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. “}]] 

Celebrating the unsung heroes: System Administrator Appreciation Day

​[[{“value”:” Today, July 26, 2024, we shine a light on the often underappreciated heroes of the digital world—system administrators. This day, known as System Administrator Appreciation Day, was conceived by Ted Kekatos, a dedicated sysadmin who, in 2000, was inspired by a Hewlett-Packard advertisement depicting a system administrator being celebrated with flowers and gifts from grateful colleagues. Since then, this initiative has grown into an annual global event, recognizing the invaluable contributions of system administrators and IT professionals. Manu Heirbaut, Vice President of Engineering at Datadobi, underscores the critical role sysadmins play in organizational success. “As someone who has direct exposure to the folks in ‘the backroom,’ I have seen first-hand the invaluable role that SysAdmins play in the success of any organization. While oftentimes, the SysAdmin remains unseen, quietly ensuring that our systems keep humming, I cannot even count the number of times a SysAdmin has come to the rescue. The truth is, without SysAdmins, most organizations would be up a creek, without a paddle. These unsung heroes work tirelessly behind the scenes—truly at all hours of the day or night—to ensure our systems run seamlessly, securely, and without interruption. “As John Wooden, the first person ever inducted as a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame as both a player and a coach, once said, ‘It’s the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.’ So on SysAdmin Appreciation Day, or better yet all year round, take a moment to shake the hand of the individual who contributes so greatly to your success, and say thank you.” DeeDee Kato, Vice President of Corporate Marketing at Foxit, also highlights the indispensable nature of sysadmins in modern organizations. “SysAdmins are truly the backbone of any organization—tirelessly working behind the scenes to maintain secure and smooth-running systems. SysAdmins’ expertise and dedication keep the digital infrastructure humming—allowing the entire organization to function safely and efficiently. Without their constant vigilance and problem-solving skills—even minor issues could escalate into major disruptions, impacting productivity, security, and business continuity. “Of course, it should go without saying, we must provide our SysAdmins with solutions that are the most advanced and proven possible. This is the best—I would even venture to say, only—way to ensure that they can maintain a robust and efficient IT infrastructure. “But we cannot stop there… SysAdmins must also be empowered with cutting-edge solutions—like productivity solutions that embed Generative AI. By adding GenAI into workflows, SysAdmins can boost what employees can do—letting them focus on strategic and creative projects that create competitive advantage, and push the organization forward.” As System Administrator Appreciation Day approaches, it’s an excellent opportunity for businesses and individuals alike to acknowledge and celebrate the critical work of sysadmins. Their tireless efforts ensure that our digital lives run smoothly and securely, often with little recognition. So, take a moment on July 26, and indeed throughout the year, to thank the sysadmins who keep our systems running and our data safe. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. “}]] 

Founder Friday: How a passion for adventure led this coffee brand to millions

​[[{“value”:” The quality of our content has always been a step ahead of most in the industry, which I suppose in the early days gave the illusion that our brand was bigger and more premium than it actually was. Shaun Shaun Lynch, a former electrical draftsman with a rebellious spirit, found his true calling in the great outdoors. His love for hunting and the desire to create a community-focused business led him to co-found Dog and Gun Coffee with his wife, Rachel. Together, they’ve built a thriving brand that combines their passion for adventure with a commitment to exceptional coffee. Shaun never imagined brewing success. A move to New Zealand sparked his love for the outdoors and hunting, inspiring him to find a business opportunity in this niche. Spotting a gap in the market for quality coffee during outdoor adventures, Dog and Gun Coffee was born. Building a successful brand wasn’t a solo mission. Shaun’s wife, Rachel, initially had reservations due to her vegan lifestyle. However, seeing Shaun’s passion and the ethical hunting practices he embraced, she joined his mission. Together, they’ve created a company that fosters a love for the outdoors—not just through their high-quality, convenient coffee but also by offering employees “adventure leave” and prioritizing a work-life balance. Dynamic Business sat down with Shaun Lynch to discuss his entrepreneurial journey and the success of Dog and Gun Coffee. Coffee with a cause Shaun explained that Dog & Gun Coffee wasn’t born from a love of coffee but rather from a passion for the outdoors. “It wouldn’t have mattered too much what the product was, the intention was to always serve the outdoors community and inspire people to chase adventure.  The idea for coffee came naturally during a hunting trip with friends. “The coffee became an obvious option though when I was out hunting with friends – they all loved coffee but struggled to make a tasty brew in the field, especially on longer backpacking trips where weight and space were at a premium. When people were trying to save a few grams by cutting their toothbrush in half but then went as far as bringing whole beans, a hand grinder and an Aeropress to make a good coffee in camp, the entrepreneur in me knew that something was there.” He further elaborated that one of his employees from another business introduced him to the world of specialty coffee. “One of my employees in another of my businesses introduced me to the world of speciality coffee and a chance encounter while travelling in Japan showed me the single-serve coffee drip filters. The combination made a perfect solution for getting tasty coffee on outdoor adventures without the hassle of heavy gear.” Content is king We also give our team unique perks, like a compressed work week and additional paid “adventure” leave to chase their own adventures. This builds internal loyalty and a strong team culture. Shaun explained that they spent a lot of time directly reaching out to customers to talk to them and build relationships. “We spent a lot of time directly reaching out to customers to talk to them and build relationships. We showed up as real, relatable people, not just some anonymous brand. Our customers enjoyed seeing our adventures via social media or talking to us about their own adventures and I think this had a huge impact in building that loyalty. Many of our early customers are still with us today. Shaun also mentioned that they invested heavily in media and marketing. “The quality of our content has always been a step ahead of most in the industry, which I suppose in the early days gave the illusion that our brand was bigger and more premium than it actually was.” The founder emphasised that their community and culture are what set them apart. They focused their marketing to speak directly to people like them, creating a workplace that embodies freedom and adventure. “In terms of innovation, we’ve invested heavily into our media capabilities and then turned that expense into a revenue stream, by offering media production services to other companies. This helps cover the additional overhead required to have a quality team in-house for our own media use. “We also give our team unique perks, like a compressed work week and additional paid “adventure” leave to chase their own adventures. This builds internal loyalty and a strong team culture.” Overcoming challenges “You’ll never have all the information you need to make the ‘right’ decision” Shaun shared that the biggest challenge has been managing burnout. “The biggest challenge has been more personal – managing burnout. As the founder, you’re so invested in your vision that it can become all-consuming and often at the expense of other aspects of our lives like our relationships and our health. When those parts of your life are neglected, it eventually bleeds into your work. “The lesson has been that it’s often necessary to work hard and for long hours but it’s actually so important to deliberately block time in your schedule for other things like gym, meal prep and time with family and friends. It’s important to find a balance that allows you to not just build a great business, but also a great life.” Shaun emphasized the importance of thinking long-term while always acting with urgency. “Action beats everything,” he stated. “You’ll never have all the information you need to make the ‘right’ decision, but over-analysing and stalling will hurt you far more than just making a decision and dealing with the consequences.” Reflecting on key lessons learned on his entrepreneurial journey, Shaun shared several insights: Think long-term but always act with urgency. Nobody will care about your business as much as you do. Go into it with expectations aligned accordingly.  Good data gives clarity. It’s so vital to know your numbers. Always be learning – reach out to mentors, attend courses, study business history. You never know what little insight might be the thing that unlocks your business. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.