Connecting “The Dots”: The Evolution and Challenges of Entrepreneurship with Dave Thomson

by Kimberly Amos, Beeline Content Creation

​The interview with Dave Thomson explores the journey of starting and running "The Dots," an online business directory dedicated to Lunenburg County. Dave shares insights on the challenges and milestones of entrepreneurship, discussing the evolution of his business from a simple directory to a comprehensive networking and promotions platform. He emphasizes the importance of passion, adaptability, and keeping the business vision simple. Dave also talks about the significance of community support, mentorship, and the necessity of balancing risk, especially when starting new ventures.
 
 
Entrepreneurship is often romanticized as a path of innovation and independence, but the reality is a blend of passion, risk, and continuous learning. Dave Thomson, the founder of "The Dots," a business directory dedicated to Lunenburg County, embodies this journey. His story sheds light on the evolution of his business, the hurdles encountered, and the lessons learned along the way.
 
In the Beginning
 
Dave is a serial entrepreneur: he pursues ideas when the time and passion for them is right. When he starts a venture, he does so knowing that the first years are typically challenging and are marked by uncertainty, adaptations, and relentless effort. Although The Dots just celebrated its one-year anniversary, it’s been germinating in Dave’s head and heart for about five years.
 
When Dave sold his coworking space business – The Hub – in Mahone Bay a few years ago, he missed the serendipitous collaborations and connections and decided to create an online platform to capture that essence. And so, alongside co-Founder Sebastien McSween, The Dots was born as a local business directory.
 
However, the platform quickly evolved beyond its initial scope. Community feedback highlighted the need for networking opportunities and better business visibility. Responding to these needs, Dave incorporated networking events for members and physical signage for consumer recognition. This transformed The Dots into a comprehensive platform that connects local businesses and enhances their online and offline visibility.
 
A recurring theme in Dave's story is the significance of community and networking. He emphasizes that local businesses thrive when they support each other. This mutual support creates a vibrant business ecosystem, essential for the sustainability of small businesses in regions like Lunenburg County.
 
Despite the positive reception from the business and user communities, Dave faced challenges with town regulations and support. He noted a gap between entrepreneurial needs and regulatory frameworks. This gap, however, also presented an opportunity for "The Dots" to act as a bridge, fostering better communication and collaboration within the business community.
 
Entrepreneurial Advice
 
Dave's advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is both practical and insightful. He advocates for starting small and scaling gradually. Instead of quitting a job to pursue a business idea full-time, he suggests testing the waters by starting your new venture as a side hustle. This approach minimizes financial risk while allowing entrepreneurs to gauge market interest and refine their ideas.
 
Adaptability is another characteristic that Dave sees as a strength for those looking to start a venture. “You've got to be willing to do anything at the same time and think out of the box as well,” said Dave. Keeping an open mind to broadening your services to meet your clients’ needs. “You're going to … help them with all other kinds of stuff that you've never even thought of.”
 
While Dave admits he doesn’t formally conduct market research, he highlights the value of listening to feedback and adapting based on customer needs. This informal approach helps in understanding what the market wants and how your business can succeed by meeting those needs.
 
Access to funding can be a significant obstacle. In addition to starting small, Dave suggests starting with a small investment, such as $1,000, to get a feel for the business. “[Some] small businesses only need a little bit of startup money to get going. A little bit of marketing, website, logo, maybe some business cards.” While there are programs designed to dole out large sums of money (like $100,000), Dave sees securing smaller amounts (such as $10,000) as more challenging. This can make it difficult for small businesses to get the initial capital they need to start and grow.
 
Mentorship is another crucial element of entrepreneurial success. Dave underscores the value of mentors providing guidance, feedback, and support. These relationships are invaluable, especially during challenging times when objective advice can help navigate tough decisions.
 
Future Plans
 
Dave's journey with "The Dots" illustrates the dynamic and multifaceted nature of entrepreneurship. It is a path that demands adaptability, resilience, and a deep connection with the community. As Dave continues to navigate the future of "The Dots" – he envisions expanding "The Dots" beyond Lunenburg County - his story serves as an inspiring testament to the power of passion and perseverance in building successful, community-centric businesses.
 

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