Last month I quit my job at YNNO. A brand new challenge came on my path so I am joining VLC in january 2011. This month I am just relaxing at home together with my 14 month old son. Recharging my batteries is not the right thing to call it because it is actually hard work. But mentally it is on a different level than regular work. During my sons nap time I can put some energy in my new company NZwijn. Connecting with my customers and working on my store.
Last september I started a online wine company, NZwijn. I started this company to let others enjoy excellent wines from New Zealand and learn what it is to be an entrepreneur. At this moment I want the wine business to be a learning experience and to be a wine (semi) professional besides my regular day job.
My first observation is that although online wine sales are growing the market is mostly a brick and mortar world. Which is strange because how often do you taste a bottle of wine in a shop. On the other hand tastings are a real amplifier for sales. In this case tasting is believing and buying. The old principles of doing business still apply to most of the wine business. There are some people that are changing the game. One of these guys is Gary Vaynerchuck, who adds more dimensions than just a bottle of wine. Another example from The Netherlands is 94wines. This company is making wine personal and an modern, internet product.
My ambitions do not go that far but I want to take advantage of my knowledge and skills in the internet world to make my company a success.