80 grassroots self-made entrepreneurial record (on): nearly ten thousand words smart home entrepreneurship experience to share!

Starting from scratch in the smart home industry requires courage, perseverance, and a clear vision. One small mistake or lack of discipline can lead to complete failure. Today, Zhijianet Xiaobian shares an inspiring story from someone who has spent years in the industry. Despite his success, he still feels the pressure of competition and the need to stay ambitious. With passion and determination, he built his own smart home business from the ground up. How did he do it? Read on as we explore his journey through trial and error.

This article is not just about success—it’s also about the hard lessons learned along the way. It's a real-life account of how money was spent, mistakes were made, and how others could avoid similar pitfalls. The author hopes that by sharing this experience, more entrepreneurs can be inspired and avoid wasting their time and resources.

One: Start with a Down-to-Earth Dream

No matter which industry you're entering, being realistic and grounded is essential, especially when starting from scratch. At first, don’t expect to make millions overnight. A smart home is more than just one device; it's an integrated system that includes various technologies related to daily life. Whether you choose to build a full system or go for individual components, the cost and complexity differ significantly. To succeed in this field, you must conduct thorough market research and understand your target audience's lifestyle and budget before making any decisions.

When I first entered the smart home industry, there were mixed opinions about its potential. Some were optimistic, while others were skeptical. However, after researching online, I believed in the future of this market and thought it could generate significant income. That’s when I decided to take the leap and start my own business.

I had been working in a state-owned company for a while, and although the salary wasn't high, I had a stable life. But I wanted more—more freedom, more ambition, and the chance to create something of my own. After a class reunion, where I saw how far some friends had come, I realized I needed to break free from the routine and start my own business.

Choosing the smart home sector came with many uncertainties. Would I be able to find clients without connections? Could I afford to keep the business running? These fears were real, but I chose to focus on the opportunity rather than the risk. And even though the first few months were tough, the effort eventually paid off.

Two: Learn from the Mistakes

As I moved forward, I encountered several challenges that taught me valuable lessons. From advertising strategies to talent management, every step had its ups and downs. Here are some of the key experiences that shaped my journey.

1. Investing 100,000 Yuan to Build the Foundation

Initially, I only had 100,000 yuan to start. But with careful planning, I managed to cover most of the costs. I registered the company, opened a bank account, and handled all the necessary paperwork. Renting an office space was a major expense, but I found a small place that fit my budget. I also hired two people—one for customer service and another for technical support. Although the salaries were low, they helped us get started.

Another big investment was buying sample products. I thought having a wide range would make our company look more professional. But in reality, it turned out to be a costly mistake. Not all products sold, and I ended up spending more than I could afford.

2. Advertising: A Big Investment with Little Return

I tried newspaper ads, thinking they would bring in customers. But after spending 5,000 yuan on a month-long campaign, I received almost no calls. The manufacturer told me to keep going, but I couldn’t afford to wait. I quickly realized that traditional media wasn’t the right approach for a new smart home business.

3. Targeting Real Estate Developers and Decorators Was a Waste of Time

The manufacturer suggested targeting real estate developers and decoration companies, but in practice, it was difficult. Many of them weren’t interested, and those who were often asked for free samples. It became clear that without connections or incentives, it was nearly impossible to secure contracts.

4. Door-to-Door Advertising Was Not Effective

We printed thousands of flyers and distributed them door-to-door. It was physically exhausting, and the results were almost nothing. People rarely took the time to read the ads, and even fewer understood what smart homes were about. This method damaged our brand image and wasted a lot of energy.

5. Talent Turnover Was a Major Setback

My initial team didn’t last long. One person left after a few months, and the other soon followed. Without them, the business struggled even more. It became clear that hiring the right people was crucial, but finding reliable talent in a new startup was extremely challenging.

Continue reading: 80 Grassroots Entrepreneurial Records (Part II): Five Key Challenges in Smart Home Business!

Author: Lemon Bake Hours (a pseudonym)

Recommended Reading

My Smart Home Business Note (I): The Hard 100 Days Ending for a Vicissitude

My Smart Home Startup Notes (II): The Crazy Things I Encountered When Choosing Vendors

My Smart Home Entrepreneurial Note (III): Detours and Lessons Learned at the Start-Up Period

80 Grassroots Self-Made Entrepreneurial Record (I): Nearly Ten Thousand Words of Smart Home Experience Shared

80 Grassroots Self-Made Entrepreneurial Records (II): Out of the Smart Home Business Dilemma of the Five Major Points!

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