Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Brian Yam, VP of Quality & Regulatory Affairs of Blue Ocean Regulatory Inc., located in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We are a consulting firm that helps dietary supplement and functional food brands navigate the complex world of FDA/FTC regulations and requirements so that these brands can grow, thrive and succeed.

Tell us about yourself

I’ve been in the food and supplement industry since 2004, specializing in regulatory and quality compliance and working for larger companies. More recently, in the last three years or so, I’ve transitioned to the consulting world. And really, it’s all about working with these new, up-and-coming innovative brands and helping them understand the nuances of FDA requirements. Every day, I’m exposed to such cool and ground-breaking products and formulas.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

The biggest accomplishment isn’t the money; it’s the time I was able to get back and spend with my family.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

Mentally and emotionally, it was a significant shift to go from working within large corporate entities at an executive level, leading teams, then shifting to becoming a consultant where you don’t know when that next pay cheque will come and having to be a company of one - accountant, marketer, regulatory expert, etc.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Really take the time to uncover what your unique value proposition will be and how you will get eyeballs to you, your service, or your website. Don’t skip this. It’s not enough to be an expert or to have x years of experience. The value proposition needs to be something that will help you stand out.
  2. There’s a lot of information available on YouTube, podcasts, and other platforms to understand sales, marketing, building funnels, build out your budget realistically - take the time to absorb this information and think of how it will apply to your business.
  3. While jumping in and starting your business is the best way to start, give yourself enough savings before you do - whether that’s equivalent to 6 months of salary or 12 months. That way, you can focus 100% on your business.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.blueoceanregulatory.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianyam/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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