We've interviewed thousands of successful founders at Starter Story and asked what advice they would give to entrepreneurs who are just getting started.

Here's the best advice we discovered for starting a tour company:

#1: Jessica Baumgart, founder of Delicious Denver Food Tours:

We chatted with with Jessica, founder of Delicious Denver Food Tours ($75K/month). In our interview, Jessica says:

Specifically for tour operators, I always advise new entrepreneurs to focus on growing their customer base over their products.

Additionally:

As painful as a setback can be, it does often push you to look outside of the box at other options, some of which can be better than the original idea.

Read the full interview ➜

#2: Manoj Tulsani, founder of Rayna Tours:

We chatted with with Manoj, founder of Rayna Tours ($500K/month). In our interview, Manoj says:

Don’t let people discourage or doubt your capabilities. Believe in yourself and always be willing to listen to the unique demands of your customers.

Read the full interview ➜

#3: Claire Robinson, founder of StructurInfo (ZigZag Road Trips):

We chatted with with Claire, founder of StructurInfo (ZigZag Road Trips) ($9K/month). In our interview, Claire says:

I did not scatter and try doing all the social media platforms. I made choices. This is really important. You can’t do everything well. And depending on your strategy, not all the options are pertinent.

Additionally:

Everyone will tell you that the first step is to choose a niche. I disagree. You have to choose a customer. Your content may span across different niches while still helping the same person.

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#4: Alexandra Kenin, founder of Urban Hiker SF:

We chatted with with Alexandra, founder of Urban Hiker SF ($3.75K/month). In our interview, Alexandra says:

Take actionable steps toward your goals every day and you’ll make progress. Also, once you get started, you’ll meet people along your way to help you. You won’t necessarily find those people if you’re only doing research and not actually launching.

Additionally:

I try to start my day by writing down three things I want to accomplish for my business. These can be small things like making sure to email a potential client, updating something on my website, or writing a part of my new book.

Further:

Take actionable steps toward your goals every day and you’ll make progress. Also, once you get started, you’ll meet people along your way to help you. You won’t necessarily find those people if you’re only doing research and not actually launching.

Read the full interview ➜

#5: Tom Shott, founder of Front Desk USA:

We chatted with with Tom, founder of Front Desk USA ($10K/month). In our interview, Tom says:

If you believe in your idea and yourself, go for it. Figure out how to make it work. Start as a side hustle and grow your idea. It has never been a better time to start your own business or build a billion dollar brand.

Additionally:

Technology is ever-changing and your business will always be changing. You have to accept and appreciate change. Don’t be afraid of change and work though all the opportunities.

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#6: Matt Wilson, founder of Under30Experiences:

We chatted with with Matt, founder of Under30Experiences ($300K/month). In our interview, Matt says:

As entrepreneurs, it's easy to chase every shiny new object. Avoid this. It is important to focus and understand that one or two things are driving a significant portion of your business. Triple down on them.

Additionally:

Just because your competitor is implementing a fancy new AI tool or growing their following posting on TikTok doesn’t mean you should shift your strategy. Do small tests, collect sufficient data, analyze it, and pick a few winners to focus on.

Read the full interview ➜

#7: Mark E. Johnson, founder of Hobnail Trekking Co.:

We chatted with with Mark, founder of Hobnail Trekking Co. ($5K/month). In our interview, Mark says:

Be open to opportunity. I’m convinced that God put me into that Lyft vehicle with Dawa for a reason.

Additionally:

We accepted this challenge knowing full well that the company itself would be an adventure, and that we would take it slowly. If it worked, it worked. If it didn’t (or doesn’t), that’s OK.

Read the full interview ➜

#8: Mark E. Johnson, founder of Hobnail Trekking Co.:

We chatted with with Mark, founder of Hobnail Trekking Co. ($5K/month). In our interview, Mark says:

When you have a great work ethic, provide a quality product or service, and are nice to people, good things tend to happen.

Read the full interview ➜

#9: Mark E. Johnson, founder of Hobnail Trekking Co.:

We chatted with with Mark, founder of Hobnail Trekking Co. ($5K/month). In our interview, Mark says:

follow your passions rather than chasing money. If you are pursuing something you enjoy, the money will eventually follow.

Read the full interview ➜

#10: Tatev Manucharyan, founder of Arara Tour:

We chatted with with Tatev, founder of Arara Tour ($11K/month). In our interview, Tatev says:

This year we expect 500% growth compared to 2021!

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#11: Gareth Johnson, founder of Young Pioneer Tours:

We chatted with with Gareth, founder of Young Pioneer Tours ($/month). In our interview, Gareth says:

Go out and do it yourself. If you need to live off of nothing do it, you will not get rich quickly and even if you do the work only begins there.

Read the full interview ➜

Part of

Starting A Tour Company: Everything You Need To Know

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