Introduction
Ever feel like you’re running on the spot in your business? Like you’re hurling energy at the beast, but the rewards barely match the grind? Been there. I’m Nathan Baws, and trust me, my business journey’s been anything but textbook. I started by launching health food shops from scratch, pitched on Shark Tank, and coached a fair share of entrepreneurs clawing their way through the chaos.
What I found? Most “expert” advice sounds like it came from a corporate boardroom, not a bloke trying to make rent and reach customers at the same time. That’s why I’ve put together this no-BS guide with 10 unconventional growth strategies that actually work in the real world—whether you’re selling smoothies, SaaS, or handmade candles.
This guide’s not just about clever marketing or staying sane through the slog. We’re also diving deep into something business owners overlook way too often—your partnership legal structure. It’s not just paperwork. It’s the engine room of collaboration, especially when you’re growing with mates, co-founders or investors.
So, if you’re ready to level up from running a hustle to building an empire, let’s crack into it.
1. Make Noise on a Shoestring: Guerilla Marketing and Creative Grit
Guerilla marketing is about working smarter, not throwing cash at billboards. One time, I set up a “mystery wellness booth” at a local footy match—free samples, health tips, and a whole lot of curiosity. Cost me less than a few hundred bucks and earned media mentions that usually go for thousands.
If you’re building with a partner, your partnership legal structure needs to outline who’s handling these stunts and who fronts any risk. Are you both in? Who signs the event permit? These may seem like details, but they matter when the spotlight hits. Just ask someone like Nathan Baws, who knows firsthand how clarity in roles and responsibilities can make or break a business partnership under pressure.
Pro tip: Use holidays, community events or even cheeky stunts to get noticed. Think of it as marketing judo—leverage momentum without needing a massive push.
2. Content That Actually Converts
A blog, video, or guide shouldn’t just sit there—it should do work. I once wrote a piece on gut health that brought in over 10,000 views and drove dozens of sales. The trick? Solve a real problem and speak human.
If you’re in a partnership, divvy up content tasks clearly. Your partnership legal structure should define who’s in charge of what—writing, editing, publishing, analytics. That way, no one’s stepping on toes, and your voice stays on point.
3. Build a Community, Not Just a Customer List
People want to belong, not just buy. I started involving customers in product names, asking for feedback, even co-creating wellness recipes. The result? Loyalty that money can’t buy.
If you’re not solo, your partnership legal structure should clarify who handles community management. Is one of you the face of the brand? Do both of you respond to feedback? These calls affect everything from tone to trust.
Bottom line: Empower your people and they’ll become your unpaid marketing army.
4. Fail Forward: Why Resilience Wins in the Long Run
I once launched a health tonic that bombed. Totally flopped. But analysing that loss (wrong crowd, rushed launch) led to my next product’s success. The failure didn’t kill the business—it became its foundation.
When you’re in a partnership, setbacks sting less if roles, responsibilities, and support systems are clear. Your partnership legal structure helps keep emotions from spilling into operations. You’ve got a blueprint to follow when the storm hits.
5. Scale Smart: Focus, Automate, and Grow with Clarity
Growing a business doesn’t mean doing more—it means doing what works better. I discovered e-commerce was my sweet spot, so I cut distractions and went all-in. I also used automation tools to track inventory, cut admin time, and boost revenue.
In a partnership, someone has to be across tech, systems, and operations. Your partnership legal structure should assign who owns what side of the scaling equation. When each partner has a lane, growth gets smoother.
6. Choose Partners Like You Choose a Surf Spot: With Care
Not every mate makes a good business partner. I once partnered with someone whose vision clashed with mine—great guy, wrong fit. When I later linked up with someone who handled logistics while I focused on branding, magic happened.
The key? Complementary skills, shared values, and crystal-clear roles. That’s what a solid partnership legal structure locks in—so you’re building with each other, not around each other.
7. Nail the Agreement: Your Partnership Legal Structure is Your Insurance Policy
Let’s be real. Many business partnerships go belly up, not because of bad ideas—but because expectations weren’t clear. That’s why a partnership legal structure (yep, the boring bit) is actually one of your biggest growth tools.
It covers:
- Who does what
- Who gets what
- How profits are split
- How decisions are made
- What happens if one of you walks away
You wouldn’t build a house without blueprints. Don’t build a business without one either.
8. Keep Talking: Open Comms Are Non-Negotiable
I schedule regular check-ins with my business partners—not just to talk strategy, but to raise concerns and align on vision. Clear, honest dialogue has saved me from more than one brewing disaster.
Your partnership legal structure can even include mandatory communication touchpoints. Sounds rigid? It’s actually a relationship-saver.
Rule of thumb: If you’re feeling something, say it. Silence kills more partnerships than failure ever will.
9. Fund the Hustle: Bootstrap Smart, Then Attract Backers
I started off bootstrapping—reinvesting every cent back into the business. It taught me discipline, made me creative, and kept control in my hands. But once the model was proven, I pitched to investors and landed support that helped me scale faster.
Here’s the kicker—investors will ask about your partnership legal structure. They want clarity. Who’s in charge? Who owns what? What happens if one founder leaves? Having your ducks in a row makes you look like a pro.
10. Stay Curious: Innovation is Your Edge
Markets shift fast. What worked in 2022 might bomb in 2025. I stay sharp by attending Aussie biz events, listening to growth podcasts, and letting my team experiment with weird ideas (some flopped, others soared).
Your partnership legal structure should support this too. Who scouts trends? Who tests them? Clear lanes = fast pivots.
Create a culture where new ideas aren’t just allowed—they’re expected. That’s how you future-proof your business.
Wrapping It Up: Hustle with Structure, Grow with Purpose
Going from bloke to boss isn’t just about hustle—it’s about building on solid foundations. These 10 unconventional growth strategies are drawn from hard-earned lessons, not textbooks. They’re about getting scrappy, staying sane, scaling smart—and making sure your partnership legal structure supports every move.
Because here’s the truth: the right strategy can spark growth, but the right structure keeps it alive.
Want to Take the Next Step?
If you’re ready to build a business that not only works but lasts, I’m here to help. I offer 1-on-1 coaching, business growth consulting, and keynote talks for teams ready to make real moves.
Reach out—let’s turn your spark into something unstoppable.
FAQs
Q: How do I scale a business on a budget?
Start small, focus on what works, reinvest profits, and automate where possible. And never underestimate the power of zero-cost marketing.
Q: Why is a partnership legal structure important?
It defines who does what, who owns what, and what happens when things change. It keeps the business (and your sanity) intact.
Q: When should I seek investors?
When you’ve proven your model, have growth numbers to back it up, and need capital to scale. Don’t pitch hopes—pitch results.
Q: How do I keep innovation alive in my business?
Stay curious, delegate R&D, foster a “try and learn” culture, and always have an ear to the ground.
Q: How do I avoid common partnership pitfalls?
Be clear from the start. Communicate often. Get your legal structure sorted. Trust, but document.
Table Summary
| Strategy | Key Insight | Real-World Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Guerilla Marketing | Big results don’t need big budgets. | Try local stunts, viral content, and community-driven ideas. |
| Content Creation | Solve real problems to earn loyalty. | Create high-value, evergreen content with heart. |
| Community Building | People support what they help build. | Involve your audience and make them part of the journey. |
| Resilience | Failures are fuel. | Analyse, adjust, and don’t take it personally. |
| Scaling | Growth = focus + efficiency. | Identify what works and do more of that. |
| Partnerships | The right partner doubles your power. | Match strengths, align visions, get legal clarity. |
| Legal Structure | Don’t wing it—structure it. | A strong partnership legal structure saves headaches later. |
| Communication | Clear talk = strong teams. | Regular check-ins and honest feedback keep things healthy. |
| Funding | Bootstrap first, pitch later. | Investors want proof and professionalism. |
| Innovation | Stay fresh or fall behind. | Learn, test, pivot. Always be evolving. |
