At a recent two-part workshop hosted at Business Oulu’s Startup Station, entrepreneur coach Colin Brown helped founders and business leaders uncover what it really takes to grow a winning company. The events brought together a diverse group of participants to dive deep into the core challenges and growth opportunities for modern businesses – especially in Finland.
Here’s what we learned:
One of the most powerful questions Colin posed was simple, yet painfully relevant:
“Why is no one buying (more) your product?”
The answer often lies in misunderstanding your customers — or worse, guessing their needs instead of asking.
The workshop emphasized the importance of direct customer conversations. Businesses shouldn’t rely on assumptions. Instead, they should engage real people, uncover what they actually want, and let customers help shape the product.
Differentiate or disappear
In crowded markets, being just “a little better” than the competition isn’t enough. Colin challenged participants to rethink their value proposition: What makes your business truly different? Colin challenged participants to take a hard look at their value proposition — and rethink what truly sets their business apart.
Real connections drive real growth
One message that resonated throughout the sessions: relationship-building is crucial. Tools like LinkedIn may start a conversation, but real growth happens through direct, ongoing interaction – messages, phone calls, in-person meetings, continuous feedback loops.
Better communication leads to better understanding. And better understanding leads to better business.
Are you investible?
The second session focused on financing, funding and getting discovered.
The workshop challenged participants to define their vision, identify the kind of capital they’ll need, and consider what people or team are essential to make it all happen.
A powerful metaphor helped bring it all together:
“The team is the surfer, the company is the surfboard, and the market is the sea.”
To succeed, all three elements must move in sync. Without the right team, the best product can’t ride the waves. Without a clear market, even the strongest team will wipe out.
The message was clear: if you want funding, you need more than a good idea — you need a business that’s ready to grow, communicate its value, and ride the momentum.
Why should you join the next workshop?
Here’s what participants from the last sessions had to say:
“A key takeaway was that we need to think globally, not just within Finland.”
“It was a reminder to think big – and solve big problems.”
“Definitely worth it – Colin offers a fresh view on things.”
“He’s hitting the point and brings the facts to the table.”
“I got some great input on how to solve bigger problems at scale.”
“Would definitely recommend this to every business ready to succeed and grow.”
These takeaways aren’t just reflections — they’re reasons to be in the room next time. If you’re serious about building a scalable, investible business, you won’t want to miss the next workshop with Colin Brown on June 9–10 at Business Oulu Startup Station.
Join other ambitious founders at the next workshop. Read more and sign up here:
Workshop 3: NextHorizon coaching in an AI era – Workshop 3
Workshop 4: NextHorizon coaching in an AI era – Workshop 4
