It's been a testing time recently, and in a lot of ways these are the times when you have to take stock and ask yourself good questions. So I'll start with - Why am I here?
Well taking that as the lead I thought I'd let you know why I started this blog. The theme that 'Starting a Business in the Credit Crunch is Great' sounds a very positive one, and so it should be. As I listened to the debate on BBC This Week last night on cynicism or scepticism and (I think it was Michael Portillo) it was said that scepticism is heathly (questioning of motives) and cynicism is a disease, a debilitating mind set which is all too often these days the first and primary response. I have to agree to a point, it is becoming so much easier these days to be cynical and the glass half empty response is given more credibility than a glass half full response.
It has been a tough 18 months for the country for all kinds of reasons and even from the 'half-full' viewpoint that is the reality. However, that's where I do draw the line (after a bit of a moan of course). Recent events seem to me to show a growing mindset from some quarters that we are looking back and down as the norm. Now as someone who does a bit of walking I've yet to achieve much in the way of distance by walking this way. I'm pretty sure that isn't what Run DMC and Aerosmith were meaning either. If you travel forward whilst looking back and down it doesn't take long for you to hit something or end up with something nasty on your shoe.
I started this blog to say look, I'm here and I'm looking forward. There may be a recession, but then there is never a wrong time to take control of your life, dream a dream and go for it. I've mentioned my Dr Pepper moment before and I'm not sure if I was extremely cynical that I'd have been able to give a measured and positive response to 'What's the worst that can happen'.
I started this blog not to say, look at how well everything I touch is going, let me just put that point to bed now. It's been tough and very, very loney running the business, and for someone who has boughts of depression that isn't a good combination. But you know what? I wouldn't change it! I'm now doing something that makes me happy. That isn't to say it just puts me in a happy mood, I have a genuine deep feeling that this rocky path is MY path, it's taken me a while to find it but it's the right one for me.
So whilst times are tough and the air of cynicism is seemingly growing it is up to all of us as individuals to do the things that are guaranteed to make us happy, learn from mistakes (but don't be afraid to make them) and raise our heads and turn them forward. Then we'll all get where we are going a lot quicker and with a few less (smelly) bruises!
Friday 27 November 2009
Tuesday 24 November 2009
Being social in real life
Headed home from my mastermind group tonight (that's mastermind as in the group principle advocated by Napoleon Hill in Think and Grow Rich as oppose to a group that meets to put each other in a black leather chair and ask searching questions...I've started so I'll finish)...after an interesting discussion and ideas on Social Network/Media. We were coming up with ideas for three different businesses tonight to do with Social Network/Media and it got me thinking about the latest 'marketing black art'.
Now I call it 'black art' as being a relatively new arm of marketing it holds a lot of fear for some people. But it really shouldn't. In fact give it another 2-5 years and aspects of Social Networking/Media/Marketing will no longer be known as that, they will have reverted to just marketing. And for those of you filled with fear and confusion when terms like blogs, linking, buttons, updates etc etc I give you the line to ease your mind...
Forget the technical terms, its just a different way to speak to your customers.
Honestly that is all there is to it. By all means create a proper plan (to prevent ps poor performance) and dedicate resource to it, but most of all embrace it - don't be scared of it. For the generation or two (yikes) below me - the next raft of employees and employers - the above terms are second nature. So put aside the fear and meet it head on. Start learning, using and engaging - you'll find the new marketing black arts will soon merge into all those other marketing black arts that have been scaring us for years.
Now I call it 'black art' as being a relatively new arm of marketing it holds a lot of fear for some people. But it really shouldn't. In fact give it another 2-5 years and aspects of Social Networking/Media/Marketing will no longer be known as that, they will have reverted to just marketing. And for those of you filled with fear and confusion when terms like blogs, linking, buttons, updates etc etc I give you the line to ease your mind...
Forget the technical terms, its just a different way to speak to your customers.
Honestly that is all there is to it. By all means create a proper plan (to prevent ps poor performance) and dedicate resource to it, but most of all embrace it - don't be scared of it. For the generation or two (yikes) below me - the next raft of employees and employers - the above terms are second nature. So put aside the fear and meet it head on. Start learning, using and engaging - you'll find the new marketing black arts will soon merge into all those other marketing black arts that have been scaring us for years.
Wednesday 11 November 2009
Mum...I'm in the paper!
So the power of social networking shows itself. Just 48hrs after returning to this very blog and sending the update on my Twitter account (@simonbrooke) I've entered the world of social commentator.
Lancashire Business View magazine, top lancashire business publication read my latest posts and have now featured it on their e-bulletin update. To see a copy follow this link http://www.lancashirebusinessview.co.uk/news-details.htm?news_id=73 .
This is a great example for one of the best lessons I've learned over the past 15months of being an entrepreneur...you are a trumpet so make sure you blow! Ok, that is a little silly, but the old adage is certainly true, always blow your own trumpet, particularly in these tricky times. And the other thing is - always say yes (ok maybe within reason). It is amazing in this age of social media how quickly your voice can be heard and promoted. So don't be shy! If you have done something, plan on doing something (that you can talk about - no revealing secrets early), or even have an feeling that something is 'good news' talk about it. And don't think that you need expensive PR to do it, its promotion not a black art. (though I should say at this point that professional PR are brilliant if used right - mwah pr bods x)
So tell your story, we need more good news stories - the more positive stories that are out there, the quicker we'll see us normal folk back on a natural high.
We learn so much from each other, from people we can relate to, people in our situation, people who provide us with a living example. So why not be that example, then you'll be making the call 'Mum...I think I might be in the paper over there, can you go and get a copy please, no I don't know what it is we haven't put it out...put it on the fridge next to that finger painting from 1984'.
Lancashire Business View magazine, top lancashire business publication read my latest posts and have now featured it on their e-bulletin update. To see a copy follow this link http://www.lancashirebusinessview.co.uk/news-details.htm?news_id=73 .
This is a great example for one of the best lessons I've learned over the past 15months of being an entrepreneur...you are a trumpet so make sure you blow! Ok, that is a little silly, but the old adage is certainly true, always blow your own trumpet, particularly in these tricky times. And the other thing is - always say yes (ok maybe within reason). It is amazing in this age of social media how quickly your voice can be heard and promoted. So don't be shy! If you have done something, plan on doing something (that you can talk about - no revealing secrets early), or even have an feeling that something is 'good news' talk about it. And don't think that you need expensive PR to do it, its promotion not a black art. (though I should say at this point that professional PR are brilliant if used right - mwah pr bods x)
So tell your story, we need more good news stories - the more positive stories that are out there, the quicker we'll see us normal folk back on a natural high.
We learn so much from each other, from people we can relate to, people in our situation, people who provide us with a living example. So why not be that example, then you'll be making the call 'Mum...I think I might be in the paper over there, can you go and get a copy please, no I don't know what it is we haven't put it out...put it on the fridge next to that finger painting from 1984'.
Monday 9 November 2009
The Cheekiest Bird gets the worm!
Another post shocker...yep, but then I did make a promise that my next post would cover cheekyness so here goes.
A tip for anyone with a business or more likely starting a business. Be Cheeky!
Now that is certainly not to be the case with your lovely customers, but certainly with anyone you even have a glimmer may be able to help your business. By this I mean that gut feeling you get when you're in a conversation or even listening to someone speaking. Don't be afraid, steal yourself and even if you've never done before spring into action....and ask a simple question - Can you help me?
I call this my Dr Pepper moment, after all what is the worst that can happen. Example I hear you cry, well here goes. In my 4th week of running Happy Sweet Shop (http://www.happysweetshop.co.uk/) I was listening to Chris Evans on BBC Radio 2 and he was auctioning places for his BBC Children in Need Dine and Disco event. Top places and I so wanted to be able to bid, but sadly no way I could. But a thought occured to me, wouldn't it be great to get some good coverage from BBC Radio and help Children in Need at the same time.
And so without a moments thought I dropped a quick email to the show along the lines of 'You are missing something from your event, some retro sweets for all the guests would be excellent!!..etc etc. And sure enough within a couple of days I was in contact with Chris' brilliant PA and the event got the sweets and we got some BBC coverage. This has lead onto other things this year and culminated in us being a partner for the BBC Children in Need 2009 appeal. That and some fab contacts and more importantly a very good case study of what we can do. You shouldn't underestimate the power of being able to legitimately link yourself to strong brands - but remember it has to be legit. Never make claims you can't back up.
But always go with that cheeky gut instinct when it comes to promoting yourself and your company.
A tip for anyone with a business or more likely starting a business. Be Cheeky!
Now that is certainly not to be the case with your lovely customers, but certainly with anyone you even have a glimmer may be able to help your business. By this I mean that gut feeling you get when you're in a conversation or even listening to someone speaking. Don't be afraid, steal yourself and even if you've never done before spring into action....and ask a simple question - Can you help me?
I call this my Dr Pepper moment, after all what is the worst that can happen. Example I hear you cry, well here goes. In my 4th week of running Happy Sweet Shop (http://www.happysweetshop.co.uk/) I was listening to Chris Evans on BBC Radio 2 and he was auctioning places for his BBC Children in Need Dine and Disco event. Top places and I so wanted to be able to bid, but sadly no way I could. But a thought occured to me, wouldn't it be great to get some good coverage from BBC Radio and help Children in Need at the same time.
And so without a moments thought I dropped a quick email to the show along the lines of 'You are missing something from your event, some retro sweets for all the guests would be excellent!!..etc etc. And sure enough within a couple of days I was in contact with Chris' brilliant PA and the event got the sweets and we got some BBC coverage. This has lead onto other things this year and culminated in us being a partner for the BBC Children in Need 2009 appeal. That and some fab contacts and more importantly a very good case study of what we can do. You shouldn't underestimate the power of being able to legitimately link yourself to strong brands - but remember it has to be legit. Never make claims you can't back up.
But always go with that cheeky gut instinct when it comes to promoting yourself and your company.
Much later and careers advice!
It's been a while. It won't happen again!
I guess that's what happens when you are running businesses especially in such a troubled time. I saw a programme this morning featuring a 16 year old who's career choice is to be an entreprenuer. Now let me start by saying that this is fantastic, anyone who wants to run their own business should be commended and encouraged. However, the next few minutes pained me some what. He was making this decision as a vocation weighing up whether he should go to uni or start a business (incidentally he didn't know what business he wanted, just that it could make him rich - materially rich). For me this is painful and I'll tell you a couple of reason why.
Here is a guy who has ambition and his only role models are those entrepreneurs that didn't get a choice, they had to start a business to survive. Which leads me onto the next reason, being an entrepreneur wasn't a 'career choice' as it seems to be. Now I wouldn't have had the 'inspiration' to start my business if it wasn't for the more accessible approach to entreprenuer that the recent media age has created. However, I also believe that such a 'careers advisor' type of choice is itself wrong. Certainly without the explanation of all the pitfalls of starting a business.
I think more people, especially youngsters like this chap, but anyone of any age should be encouraged to take the leap if they feel ready. And that is really my point....feel ready.
We all make our own way, we all control our own happiness and for that reason we all get that feeling at different stages. With perhaps different role models out there in media 'entrepreneur' land more young chaps like this would listen to their happiness (or heart) and take the approach to starting their business when they feel ready - not when the careers advisor needs to take notes.
I guess that's what happens when you are running businesses especially in such a troubled time. I saw a programme this morning featuring a 16 year old who's career choice is to be an entreprenuer. Now let me start by saying that this is fantastic, anyone who wants to run their own business should be commended and encouraged. However, the next few minutes pained me some what. He was making this decision as a vocation weighing up whether he should go to uni or start a business (incidentally he didn't know what business he wanted, just that it could make him rich - materially rich). For me this is painful and I'll tell you a couple of reason why.
Here is a guy who has ambition and his only role models are those entrepreneurs that didn't get a choice, they had to start a business to survive. Which leads me onto the next reason, being an entrepreneur wasn't a 'career choice' as it seems to be. Now I wouldn't have had the 'inspiration' to start my business if it wasn't for the more accessible approach to entreprenuer that the recent media age has created. However, I also believe that such a 'careers advisor' type of choice is itself wrong. Certainly without the explanation of all the pitfalls of starting a business.
I think more people, especially youngsters like this chap, but anyone of any age should be encouraged to take the leap if they feel ready. And that is really my point....feel ready.
We all make our own way, we all control our own happiness and for that reason we all get that feeling at different stages. With perhaps different role models out there in media 'entrepreneur' land more young chaps like this would listen to their happiness (or heart) and take the approach to starting their business when they feel ready - not when the careers advisor needs to take notes.
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