Interview und Fotografie von Nadine Wilmanns
When Did You Know Your Business Would Actually Work?
9 business owners share their defining moments
Starting a business is full of uncertainty. In the beginning, every entrepreneur asks themselves the same question: “Is this actually a good idea, and is it going to work?”
Recently, I reached out to my network and asked a group of founders, business owners, and professionals across different industries a simple question:
“When did you first get the feeling that your business was a good idea and that it was really going to work?”
Here is what they had to say.
When strangers and authorities notice and want to learn from you
For many founders, the turning point comes when demand extends beyond their immediate family and existing network.
Matthias Schulz (Photographer & Founder of Rolling Rotors, Nehren):
“For me, the moment came when I started getting inquiries from outside my existing network—and especially when prospective interns actually started calling me to ask if they could come and work with me.”
Deep customer loyalty and repeat business
Nothing proves a business model works quite like clients intentionally choosing you over competitors time and time again.
Moritz Hummel (SMW Water Damage Management, Weilheim an der Teck):
“In our industry, people usually just work with whoever the insurance company or property management company assigns. So the real turning point for us was when clients began specifically asking for us by name.
The moment it really clicked was when a client we had worked with four years prior moved into a new home and reached out to request us directly for a new issue. That deliberate request signaled that we were doing our job right, that we had positioned ourselves well, and that we were truly on the right track.”
“For me, the moment came when I started getting inquiries from outside my existing network—and especially when prospective interns actually started calling me to ask if they could come and work with me.”
Testing demand
Putting your business model to the test takes courage, but passing that test creates a deep sense of conviction that is hard to shake.
Julian Fox (IT Manager & Founder of Techrelate, London):
“After being with my networking group for a few months, I decided to flip the standard referral suggestion. I said, ‘A good referral for me would be a free audit of your IT setup.’ That single week, I received referrals from 27 people – pretty much everyone in the room.
That made me feel wanted, which was the main reason I started my business in the first place, and I knew I could truly help them. I spent an hour or two with each, sharing my thoughts and creating shortcuts for them. Leaving them wanting more naturally created room for future work and significantly amplified my business.”
When industry authorities recognize your work
Validation hits differently when an established institution or governing body reaches out to invite you in.
Alexander Schumann (Management Consultant at QFP, Leinfelden-Echterdingen):
“When the German Chamber of Crafts approached me and asked, ‘Do you want to join our inner circle?’ They came to me, not the other way around. They said, ‘You submit highly qualified reports; there’s real substance behind what you do.’ That felt like a knightly accolade.”
Freedom
After leaving a career that no longer aligned with their life goals, many business owners thrive on their newfound sense of freedom and joy.
Dietmar Brunner (Independent Automotive Expert at DBS Classic, Mössingen):
“After making a career change toward my passion for cars and classic vehicles, it felt like total liberation. I quickly realized that this was exactly the right path for me, and something that brings me genuine joy every single day.”
Purpose and passion
For some, knowing a business works isn’t just about revenue—it’s about finding true personal alignment.
Miranda Love (Holistic Financial Advisor at Belvedere, London):
“About a month into running my business, I thought, ‘I only wish I had started this ages ago!’ I love helping people thrive rather than just survive, and I love networking and connecting people. This job lets me do all of that while having fun with numbers.
It doesn’t feel like work, and I can’t wait to get up in the morning and get the ball rolling. It’s stressful, sure, but it’s a completely different kind of stress.”
Finding the niche that creates both joy and revenue
Success isn’t always a dramatic breakthrough; often it’s about evolving your passion into a practical, viable market.
Matt Gamble (Interior Photographer, London):
“If I’m honest, there wasn’t one dramatic moment where I thought, ‘this business works for me.’ I had wanted to be a photographer since I was 14, obsessed with landscape photography. But as I got older, I realized how difficult it would be to make a sustainable living purely from landscapes.
That led me toward interiors and architecture, where I found that everything I loved about landscapes—light, composition, space, and atmosphere—was still there. It wasn’t about a sudden breakthrough, but about finding a practical way to turn my passion into a sustainable career.”
Taking the opportunity and solving problems
Sometimes, knowing a business works stems from recognizing an existing foundation and taking full ownership.
Andreas Schmidt (Painting and Decorating Services Herr, Metzingen):
“I always knew I wanted to be self-employed. I joined the company as an employee, saw that it was running solidly, and when my boss was ready to sell, I jumped at the opportunity.
In hindsight, I don’t know if I would do it the exact same way again—you have far less time for family, and as the boss, you are the ultimate problem-solver for everything. But taking that leap successfully confirmed that the foundation of the business was strong.”
Finding your tribe
Finally, confidence in your path often comes from the culture and relationships you build along the way.
Owen Williams (Mitgründer der Webdesign-Agentur sixredsquares, Southend):
“For me, it was a series of moments that confirmed I was in the right place. The first was back in our student days, meeting at the pub on Friday nights to talk about design, art, and music. We were all so excited and completely on the same page, and when we had the idea to start a business together, I knew I had found my tribe. That feeling still sticks with me.
Another moment was when a charity team we worked with came down for lunch. It was pouring rain, so we all huddled under the cover in the garden of the pub. We turned to each other and agreed what a special moment it was—two teams who genuinely got along and loved working together.”
What’s Your Defining Moment?
Remembering your defining moments can bring you back on track during difficult times. Every business has its ups and downs, and when you inevitably doubt your instincts, becoming mindful of these moments of confirmation can anchor you again.
When was the moment you realized your business or career path was the right one?
Behind every business name, service, or product, there is a real person, a clear intention, and a unique journey of defining moments.
As a branding photographer, my job goes far beyond taking a simple portrait or capturing a polished smile. It’s about uncovering the personality, passion, and genuine human experience behind your work—and translating your journey into visual stories that resonate with the right people.
Are you ready to share the story behind your business?
Whether you’re celebrating a major milestone, repositioning your brand, or simply stepping into your next chapter, I’d love to help you capture the true essence of what you do.
Get in touch here to discuss your branding session, or leave your own defining moment in the comments below!