Posted December 14, 2009 by Dominic
Tagged As: challenge, events, full-time, manchester, start-up | Categories: Editorial | 1 Comment
I’ll be as up front and honest as I possibly can be, I am organising an event on Wednesday for people interested in starting their own business (please come along!), but it got me thinking about hosting events.
In an ideal world, you’d listen to your target audience, hold a focus group or two and come up with an unbeatable combination of what they want and what you can deliver and hey presto you have a compelling event that cannot be missed. Unfortunately in my real world, I have to take a gamble on what I think would work and then market it like crazy to make sure that it happens.
And so, to the point of this post. Running an event is a sizeable challenge especially when you have a full-time job too. So, I am so busy getting the speakers to appear on time, the drinks ordered, the guest list sorted and directions to the venue, have I really reflected on the proposition?
My event is aimed at those who have a desire to start a business but don’t know where to start. I have a couple of experienced business advisors, Richard Voisey and Frank Titley and a business manager from Barclays so you’d hope that they can get the content right, but what of the people who are coming to the event, what do they expect? What do they want? Oh well. I’ll let you know after Wednesday, but in the meantime… lets hope the logistics of the event go ok and all I have to worry about (!) is that the people attending get something of value from the 2 hours of the event.
Posted November 27, 2009 by Dominic
Tagged As: people, start-up, trust | Categories: Editorial | 1 Comment
I don’t feel that old, but I have actually been working for about 15 years and the one thing that has struck me during this time, and it isn’t rocket science, is that people do business with people. I have been duped before. I have been seduced by big brand names, great concepts and fantastic offers but if I am being honest, I have always been more impressed with genuine people doing things they believe in, than any brand value or mission statement.
The First Hour is not a new concept, it is rather, a new take on an age old problem. How do I find someone I can trust to help me with my business?
I don’t have the answer, but I am convinced you do. What we have done is simply try and create a marketplace where you can find someone you need – roadtest them – in an initial meeting and decide whether you want to meet again for a fruitful dicussion.
Its not anything more complicated. Its so badly needed. You are the master of destiny when it comes to your business. It should be you that decides who to trust and who to move on from.
I hope you like the concept, we’re in the early days. As with all the best current websites like LinkedIn and Twitter we’ve not figured out how to monetise it yet, but who cares? We think we’re doing the right thing and if you like it and it works then I’m sure the sustainability will come, eventually!
Posted by Karl
Tagged As: | Categories: Uncategorized | 1 Comment
Every great business has started with a simple idea. If you have a great idea, float it by Barclays at a free Let’s Talk Business Ideas seminar in Manchester.
When you’ve got an idea for a business, advice on making the dream come true is the key to success. How viable is the idea? What are the potential problems? The potential rewards? Is running a business really right for you? Find out at our seminar which is operated in conjunction with the National Federation of Enterprise Agencies, and in partnership with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.
Perhaps you’re in need of an idea? While we can’t come up with one for you, we can help you explore opportunities that use the knowledge and skills you already have.
The next seminar in Manchester is held at Innospace on 16th December between 5pm and 7.30pm and it will be full of great business advice and tips for people who want to find out how to move a dream business idea into a reality. Plus you’ll network with like-minded local people and exchange useful opinions and views.
