Starter Story Henk Janssen
Henk Janssen en zijn poppenwinkel
Henk Janssen had always felt that he needed to do something for himself, but it was only after years of working for an employer that he dared to take the plunge. With a head full of ideas and a notebook bulging with sketches, he started his own small consultancy firm for local entrepreneurs. He wanted to help startups take their first steps in marketing and digital visibility, something he himself had struggled with for years. The freedom felt like a breath of fresh air, but also like an enormous responsibility.
In the first few months, Henk worked from his attic room, armed with a laptop, a strong cup of coffee, and a healthy dose of enthusiasm. His first clients came through word-of-mouth, and he soon noticed that his practical approach resonated with people. He built websites, set up social media campaigns, and gave workshops to small business owners who, like him, were trying to find their way. Every positive review gave him the feeling that he was on the right track.
However, Henk soon ran into the classic pitfalls of a startup. He said yes to everything, causing him to work through the evenings and weekends. He left his paperwork until the last moment, which caused him stress as soon as the tax authorities came knocking. He also noticed that he wanted to please too much: he didn't dare set boundaries for fear of losing a client. It cost him energy, focus, and sometimes even enjoyment in his work.
Slowly but surely, Henk began to find his rhythm. He learned to prioritize, make clear agreements, and recognize his own worth. By automating small processes and hiring an accountant, he regained his breathing room. The pitfalls did not disappear completely, but he recognized them faster and knew how to deal with them better. In this way, Henk grew not only as an entrepreneur, but above all as a person — determined to expand his company step by step.
