I want to take you with me on my journey and this time, it’s about the very first 150 days of running my own business. Not a highlight reel, but a realistic look at what worked, what didn’t, and what I’d do differently.
After leaving VRdirect, I couldn’t imagine going back into corporate life, at least not for now. I was ready to keep more autonomy, but I didn’t have a multi-year plan or a polished business concept sitting in a drawer. It just happened, faster than expected.
When I founded Linelia in late 2023, the original idea was simple: use it as an investment vehicle to hold my shares in VRdirect. That’s why I chose a “UG – Unternehmergesellschaft (haftungsbeschränkt)“: minimal setup, low capital, quick execution.
But then in early summer 2025 opportunities came up sooner than I thought. Within weeks, projects appeared, and suddenly Linelia wasn’t just an investment entity, it became my consultancy.
That’s how it started: a mix of choice, timing, and the clear realization that I wasn’t done building things, just doing it differently.
From idea to reality: The administrative foundation
The first step in June 2025 was turning Linelia from an idea into an operational company. Setting up a UG was fast and lean, but looking back, I’d probably go with a GmbH today.
Not because the UG didn’t work, it’s perfectly fine for small businesses, but in Germany, GmbH simply carries more weight. It signals maturity and stability, especially in B2B contexts. Perception matters here, and “GmbH” on an invoice still creates a slightly different first impression.
But in general I focused early on getting the fundamentals right:
- Finding a reliable tax advisor and setting up digital tax tools for seamless coordination.
- Opening a business bank account and creating clear routines for invoices and cash flow tracking.
- Keeping admin minimal but consistent from day one.
Mini-Hack: Don’t aim for a perfect structure, aim for a functional one that you can scale later.
Finding clients: Start with trust, then build reach
Some of my first clients came from my existing network, people who already knew me and trusted my work. It seems like that’s often how it starts, and it’s the easiest bridge from corporate to self-employed life.
But there’s another channel I highly recommend, especially for interim and consulting roles:
Recruitment agencies specializing in executive and project-based placements like Hays, Amadeus Fire, Robert Half, or Michael Page. They know the market and can help you bridge the gap while you build your own pipeline.
At the same time, I created profiles on platforms such as interim-x.com, bluesteps.com, and experteer.com.
You don’t have to be everywhere, but you should be findable.
Mini-Hack: Once a month, update your online profiles — a fresh picture, new keywords, or project details. Consistency compounds over time.
Building the setup: The tools that keep everything running
Structure brings calm and for me, that means a simple but solid initial digital setup. I rely on tools that integrate smoothly and reduce friction for now.
Core Setup
I always was and still am fully in the Apple hardware ecosystem. MacBook, iPhone, iPad, AirPods, synced across everything.
On the software side, Microsoft 365 is my backbone: Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint, and Excel. It’s reliable and flexible, and I can run almost everything through it.
Automation & AI
To make daily operations lighter, I use Microsoft Power Automate and n8n.io to sync calendars and automate recurring tasks.
Apple Shortcuts help with quick actions like logging meetings or sending reminders.
And of course, ChatGPT and Microsoft Co-Pilot help speed up everything from drafting proposals to planning schedules.
Operations & Visibility
I use Microsoft Bookings (instead of Calendly) to let clients and prospects book meetings directly in my calendar. Because it’s already included in my Microsoft subscription.
DATEV connects me directly with my tax advisor, and Excel remains my universal tool for calculations and financial planning.
My website runs on WordPress with Kubio, which lets me edit and expand it easily without agency support in this early phase.
And of course, LinkedIn is my daily companion to stay visible, share updates, and connect with people.
Financial foundations: Planning without overengineering
One of the most important lessons: cash flow visibility is everything.
I created a simple Excel sheet that tracks revenue, expenses, and liquidity. One view that shows how much money is coming in and how much needs to stay in the bank. You don’t need a 50-tab business plan. One tab is enough if you keep it updated.
And here’s something I’d emphasize to anyone starting a business, especially in Germany:
Always keep enough money aside for taxes.
They’ll come with a time delay, sometimes a year or more after your first invoices, but they will come. Keep that buffer from day one.
Mini-Hack: Check your liquidity at least twice a month. It’s not about panic, it’s about clarity.
Systems Create Freedom
People often imagine founders as free spirits. No bosses, no rules…but
…the reality is: systems create freedom.
I structure my days clearly:
- Fixed time blocks for client work, outreach, and administration,
- Specific windows for communication,
- And small automations that reduce mental load.
These simple routines make space for creativity and flexibility without losing control.
Small Emotional Lessons Along the Way
Even though this post focuses on the practical side, there’s always an emotional layer.
Around day 100, I realized: it’s working.
A few projects were ongoing, client feedback was strong, and Linelia felt less like an experiment and more like a business.
Momentum doesn’t shout, it seems to be building quietly. And that’s when I realized: the foundation is there.
Build foundations that let you focus on the work
The first 150 days weren’t about big visions or scaling plans, they were about structure and getting work done. Setting up a company, securing clients, building systems, and learning what works.
If you build the basics right, you free your mind for the real work. Creating value, solving problems, and enjoying what you do.
If you’re curious how I support organizations and founders in their own transformation journeys, you can find more about my work here: Linelia’s services
And of course, I’m always happy to hear from you. If you’d like to exchange ideas or explore how we might work together, feel free to reach out via my contact page or directly connect via LinkedIn.