May 21, 2022
In part one of our interview with TikTok sensation Des Hamilton, we explored the entrepreneurial journey that saw him turn £200 into £100K within two years. What sets Des apart from the many other aspiring entrepreneurs online is his strategic approach, authenticity, and dedication to his core values. In this article, we’ll break down the key lessons from this candid conversation, highlighting the steps that Des took to achieve success and the principles that have guided him along the way.
Des Hamilton’s entrepreneurial story didn’t begin with a big inheritance or a viral moment. Instead, it started with a simple goal: to take £200 and turn it into £100K within two years. His journey began on TikTok, where he documented his process and provided valuable insights into the challenges and successes of building a business from scratch. But behind the scenes, there was much more at play.
Des initially gained experience from various side hustles, from buying and selling laptops to dipping his toes into dropshipping and Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon). While these ventures didn’t always go smoothly, they provided Des with the knowledge and experience necessary to take calculated risks and grow his business strategically.
His strategic mindset stood out from the beginning. While some entrepreneurs take a scattergun approach, Des meticulously planned each step of his journey. He spent months researching before making his first move, learning about various business models, and carefully assessing which one would best align with his goals and values.
One of the most powerful takeaways from Des’s journey is the importance of building a business aligned with your values. For Des, this meant creating a brand that was grounded in family, hard work, ethics, and honesty. As Des said, "If I’m going to do it, I’m going to do it properly. My branding is going to be family values, hardworking family man, ethical, and honest."
Des noticed a gap in the market where people were craving authenticity. While many online entrepreneurs presented flashy lifestyles and unrealistic promises, Des approached his business with transparency. He focused on sharing the realities of building a business—the highs and the lows. This level of honesty became one of his Unique Selling Propositions (USP) in a world where social media is often filled with unrealistic portrayals of success.
Des’s authenticity resonated with his audience, helping him build trust and loyalty among his followers. By aligning his business with his personal values, Des was able to create a brand that was not only successful but also sustainable in the long run.
One of the standout features of Des’s journey is his strategic approach to business. Instead of rushing into the first opportunity, he carefully planned out his roadmap. This planning stage included detailed research into various business models, from dropshipping to Amazon FBA, before deciding on the best path forward.
Des emphasised the importance of researching and planning before taking action. In fact, he spent nearly six months researching different business ideas before committing to his challenge. This level of preparation ensured that when Des finally launched his business, he had a clear direction and the tools needed to succeed.
He also took a unique approach to setting his goals. Rather than focusing solely on his long-term target of £100K, Des broke his journey down into smaller, monthly goals. He aimed for a 30% growth rate each month, which allowed him to monitor his progress and adjust his strategy as needed. Des explained how this approach kept him motivated, even when things didn’t go as planned. By tracking his monthly progress and reassessing his goals halfway through each month, he could stay on track and avoid burnout.
This strategic planning, coupled with his values-driven approach, played a significant role in helping Des complete his £100K challenge ahead of schedule.
No entrepreneurial journey is without its challenges, and Des’s was no exception. Throughout the interview, Des shared several stories of setbacks, from products that didn’t sell to moments of doubt about whether his strategy was working. Yet, what set him apart was his ability to push through these challenges and maintain his focus.
Des’s mindset was key to overcoming these hurdles. He emphasised the importance of resilience and the ability to step back, reassess, and keep moving forward when things didn’t go as planned. One of the biggest challenges Des faced was a sudden drop in profit after a few highly successful months. While it was easy to question whether the previous success was a fluke, Des reminded himself to focus on the bigger picture.
“It’s easy to feel down after a setback, but you’ve got to remind yourself of how far you’ve come,” Des explained. “That voice in your head that tells you to quit? It’s wrong. You’re still ahead of schedule.”
This perspective helped Des stay grounded during the tough times. Rather than allowing temporary setbacks to derail his progress, he focused on long-term growth and continued pushing forward.
Finding a niche is one of the most critical aspects of business success, and Des mastered this with precision. While many entrepreneurs aim to reach as many people as possible, Des took a more targeted approach. He identified a specific audience—people like him, who had limited funds but big dreams—and tailored his message to meet their needs.
Des knew that trying to appeal to everyone wouldn’t work, so he honed in on those who shared his values. He used his content to speak directly to his audience, which helped him build a loyal following and stand out in a crowded market.
His ability to identify and connect with his target audience highlights the importance of niche marketing. By focusing on a specific group of people, Des was able to deliver tailored solutions that resonated deeply with them, making it easier to grow his business organically.
Des’s journey also shows the power of consistency in entrepreneurship. It wasn’t one big breakthrough that got him to £100K—it was the accumulation of small, consistent wins over time. Des emphasised the importance of showing up every day, whether or not the results were immediate.
His story serves as a reminder that success doesn’t happen overnight. Des’s business grew through small, deliberate actions taken consistently over time. From researching products to fine-tuning his marketing approach, Des showed that the key to success is persistence.
Des Hamilton’s entrepreneurial journey from £200 to £100K is a powerful reminder that success is achievable with the right strategy, mindset, and values. By focusing on authenticity, strategic planning, and slow, consistent growth, Des has built a business that not only reached his financial goals but also resonates with his audience on a deeper level.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Des’s story serves as a blueprint for what’s possible when you stay true to your values, plan carefully, and maintain resilience in the face of challenges.