It's always difficult to know if what one has to say is in the least bit interesting to other people.
What does seem to be certain though is that when it comes to running a business, the opportunity to tap into others' experiences is hugely important for motivation and direction.
I was recently asked to sit on the panel at an E3 dinner event (www.wearee3.com) held at The Sheffield College (www.sparksrestaurant.co.uk). The topic of conversation and debate was focused on the future for entrepreneurs, in light of the government's new initiatives and The Sheffield College being chosen as one of only three places in the UK by Dragon Peter Jones to set up his National Enterprise Academy.
I've never sat on a panel before and I've done little public speaking (albeit it's an area I wish to develop in) so it was with some trepidation that I agreed to participate!
Sarah Simpkins, printing.com (Managing Director of a flagship printing.com store & Territory Franchisee, overseeing eight franchisees):
1. Passion and Personality – she has her own personal brand, is comfortable with it and loves what she does.
2. Taking Action – feeling the fear and doing it anyway. The relocation of the business, although huge, was the right one... and it worked and paid off financially.
3. Creating Multi Income Streams – the franchise route and the printing.com bolt on package offer routes to passive income. I’m sure she’d be happy to talk to anyone interested in looking at this as an add on to an existing business.
Michael Ord, Frooly (serial entrepreneur and founder of Frooly (www.frooly.com) which allows retailers and service providers the opportunity to set up their own online shop or website without the normal associated costs):
2. A 'Can Do' mentality – the business has taken much longer to develop, the revenue stage has continued to be delayed, monies have kept on running out but he continues to find ways to keep on keeping on!
3. Finding and keeping the right support network around him – mentors have played a huge part in his business career (he currently has two), he employs good staff, seeks out like-minded people and of course he’s an active E3 member!
Sophie Maxwell, AW Education (www.aweducation.co.uk - a company set up to strengthen and support the curriculum, helping teenagers to foster independence and motivating reluctant learners through engaging, practical sessions aiding in both personal and social development):
1. Vision, Vison and more Vision – she knows what she wants and will do whatever it takes to get there. Education system look out!
2. Drive and Determination – utilising her own experiences and creating opportunities for others from them. Nothing is wasted, hostel living created her enterprising spirit and a spell in hospital has led to a brand new project opportunity for her.
3. Listening and Learning – again skills she acquired along the way. If you listen, you hear opportunities. You can then respond back with solutions. Problem seeker, problem solver creates great opportunities for all.
As well as being inspired by the stories of those around me, I also discovered that I do have a story which is interesting and inspiring to others. The feedback I've had has been fantastic and has done wonders for my confidence in terms of having something to offer entrepreneurs-to-be and those already running businesses.
Now I'm on the lookout for the next opportunity to pass on my experiences!
Catch you all soon,
Sarah
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