Introduction
Company Culture Building the Base is about the core fundamentals of a business, what I see them as, and what I see as important. It is also about how I see that growing, and why it is important.
What is the base?
When I think of the base, I’m thinking of you, the customer. I started the company with set ideals, and set ideas, and I want to stay true to them. I am, and will always be an avid gamer, RPG player/writer, and modeller. Being able to get the models I want when I want for a fair price has, at times been a challenge. I want to make sure that I cater to all you modellers out there who want models to build. Good/sound business tactics would tell you to look at the core, ensure you focus everything on a specific demographic. To a degree I get that, but at the same time I refuse to turn my back on anyone. As far as I am concerned modelling as a hobby should be for everyone.
How do you reach the customer base?
This one isn’t so easy. The internet is a big place, and people are spread far and wide. I, however, count myself as exceptionally lucky with being a part of a community that existed long before I was into GunPla models. But that is only one way to reach potential customers and make them aware of anything, and everything you have to offer. Predominantly these communities are for discussion and enthusiasts and as such I try very hard to not be overtly “selling myself”. I try and separate my “advert” posts from my normal, genuine interest in the hobby posts. I think of that as just trying to be a good internet citizen.
There are other ways as well. Being a small business my funds, as you would expect, are not the same as a much larger organisation. That leads me to try and focus as much of my resources as possible into the places I can, and to make use of the free offerings. One thing I do is to ensure that I complete the settings for the free google listings, and I also try to ensure that my posts conform to have a good SEO score.
I also have my own “Company” facebook page. I am fortunate, and very grateful for all the people who like and follow my page. It offers me another way to engage with the community. As with other communities I try and limit any “Adverts” to one a week, or new stock. I want people to be able to engage with the topics of the models and the whole scene around it. The anime, the customising, the building, the dioramas. I want people to have a place where I can post interesting articles and hopefully help fellow enthusiasts find new and interesting content.
There are also shows and events. So far I haven’t been able to attend any, but then I’ve only been trading really for 4 or 5 months! The company was formed around June last year but I still had to get stock in etc. I want to attend shows in the future to showcase the models, and to hopefully let people see all those boxes in person! I will be having a look, and a think about the logistics. This stock takes up a lot of room!
So what have I learnt?
I have been on a constant learning curve all the way so far on this journey. Every day teaches me something new. However the thing that keeps me going is you, the community, the people. I am no different to every single one of you out there. Getting my models, building them. Looking for the best way to make them unique and customise them. Taking part in the discussions and seeing the fantastic models people create. The clean builds, the models that have all the decals and panel lining, and the weathered or otherwise customised jobs. It makes all the time and effort worth it. So as far as “Company Culture and Building the Base”, I will keep taking part, enjoying being a part of the community as I look to slowly grow the business. As long as I stay true to my original ideals then that works for me.
