5 things we've learnt in our first year of starting up: Ida Pod

5 things we've learnt in our first year of starting up: Ida Pod

Ida Pod provide a premium photobooth experience for parties, weddings, and much much more. With wacky backdrops, outfits and more, the idea for the business came about when founder Darcy Ida had trouble tracking down an amazing photobooth company for her wedding - so she decided to start one. Here she talks about the most important lessons she's learned in the first year of starting up.

1. Branding is key

"From the beginning, I have thought long-term - and I was always thinking branding, branding, branding. Ida Pod is not just a photobooth company; I believe it is ‘Brand Ida’, long and short term for Ida Pod. I want the company to be the regional choice for photobooth hire, and I want the Ida Pod logo (the peas in a pod) to become instantly recognizable for photography and entertainment. Get the branding right at the start, and you build a really strong and recognisable base."

2. Customer satisfaction

"Customer satisfaction is important - you should always make sure the client is happy before, during and after their event, providing a satisfactory service to encourage repeat bookings and word of mouth recommendation. I knew this first hand, because a problem I faced when planning my own wedding was finding a photobooth company whose customer service lived up to my expectations. What makes Ida Pod so different from the other photobooth companies currently on the market is the fact that it is an experience. Knowledge, professionalism, and all team members knowing how to deal with people is vital, as I feel people buy or want to buy from people who they connect with - we are a personable company!"

3. Structure

"Structure has been a big thing that I've learnt.  In order for a business model to work there needs to be a certain amount of structure, from staffing, maintenance, logistics and administration. It's important that you ensure you're totally on the ball and know exactly what's going on in every part of your business - structure is essential to this."

4. Consistency of service

"Nothing makes me happier then when consistently clients take the time to call back, email, or give detailed feedback after their event has happened. This is crucial to improving and shaping the way we work.  It reassures us we are working well, and not just turning up and doing a job - we're providing a high-quality service. Listen to your customers."

5. A happy workforce is a good workforce

"I have personally always thought and learned that a happy workforce is a good workforce - unhappy employees won't give the job their best or feel pride in their work. Consequently I see staff not as just ‘staff’, but as team members. Things such as staff incentives and constructive feedback helps our employees become more satisfied, and also become better and more efficient team players.