Tara Scott, from Perthshire, set up her own company in 2005.
Since then she has worked hard to grow and expand her business, TS Properties.
Now she shares the secrets of her success.
Q How and why did you start in business?
A I started my business in 2005 to take control of my life and career, and do something I am passionate about.
I have more than 20 years’ experience in the tourism sector, having initially completed a degree in hospitality (tourism management) at Napier University.
The idea for the business came after my husband and I purchased an apartment in the Grassmarket area of Edinburgh in 2004.
This was our first move into the self-catering market, but it went so well that we were soon receiving more inquiries than we could handle for the one property.
As well as this, I had other holiday home owners getting in touch asking for help with their marketing, so it felt right to set up TS Properties.
Having gained a wide variety of skills in previous jobs, I was able to set up the business with very little initial outlay.
I built my own website, attended networking events, sent out email marketing campaigns and hit the phones.
Q How did you get to where you are today?
A Hard work and determination. I didn’t have many contacts when I first started, so I had to get out there and speak to people.
Although in the early days I felt I lacked a little self-confidence, I always had belief in myself and I was determined to offer a quality service for both the holiday home owners and visitors.
I kept pushing myself outside my comfort zone, which helped me to grow and develop personally, which in turn helped the business.
Q Who has helped you along the way?
A I’ve had support along the way from many sources including Business Gateway.
The free workshops that Business Gateway offers locally have been great for the development of my business.
As well as gaining further knowledge and skills, I also met other people who were at the same stage of developing their business as I was.
I’ve had a business mentor via Business Mentoring Scotland, which has been very helpful. The fact I had experts on hand to run ideas past really helped to put clarity on things and, finally, a supportive family who appreciate the time and effort needed to make the business successful.
Q What was your biggest mistake?
A Not implementing a secure payment service from the outset. I was the victim of a fraudulent card payment when I launched the business. I learned my lesson and now have the most secure 3D card processor.
Q What is your greatest achievement?
A The whole journey to date has been a real achievement, with many challenges along the way.
In the early days I worked on my own from home. Now I have moved into an office in Perth city centre. I have also recruited my first member of staff.
Q What do you hope to achieve?
A I am looking to grow my business. I also want to play a fundamental role in developing the self-catering holiday home market.
I am also looking to expand the services that TS Properties can offer to holiday home owners, giving them choice along with the best route to market for their properties.
Q Do you want to recruit in future?
A Yes. I want to recruit a customer service representative and property manager.
Q What is the hardest thing about running your own business?
A Being at the top of a business can be lonely.
Q Any advice to give?
A Set goals. Don’t be afraid to ask for help; there’s good support out there if you seek it.
Attend Business Gateway workshops to develop your skills. Find local business networks where you can get out and meet like-minded people.
And learn from your mistakes.