Dragons Den; Inspirational business show or Takeshi's Castle in suits?

The new series of Dragon's Den flew back onto our screens and brought the usual mix of the wierd, the misguided and the tearful.  But how do we view Dragon's Den?  Is it an inspirational business show or is it just another ritual humiliation show in sharp suits (in most cases without the crash helmets...most cases!).

Dragon's Den actually originated in Japan, the land of Takeshi's Castle, a show who's format set the bar for more recent shows such as Wipeout.  It was first broadcast there in 2001 under the name Money Tigers, but first broacast in the UK in January 2005.  It is the UK format that has spread across the rest of the world.

But now entering it's 8th series, has the Dragon's Den programme changed, not in format or style, but in the minds of those viewing the programme?  Now we know the likes of Peter Jones, Duncan Bannatyne and Theo Paphitis, not just on screen but by the plethora of books, sites, blogs and programmes has the 'inspirational' story gone.  There were times in the last series when each of the characters lived up to their charactures...brilliantly spoofed by Harry Enfield and Paul Whitehouse.

There was a time when the Peter, Duncan, Theo, Deborah and James (et al) by their mere prescence and associated backstory would generate the kind of inspirational feelings that made the dream of running a successful business a reality.  Even those entering the den sparked the 'I could do that' feel, yet there were times in the first episode of the new series that you got the impression that 'good for TV' had taken over.  It almost lifted a veil.

The dragons, because of what they've achieved will alway be an inspiration as individuals, that isn't in question.  What is though is this, does the format create inspirational feelings to go out and start a business?  Sadly as a long time fan of the show I fear not. 

What we are left with is ritual humiliation on a par with watching Japanese gameshow contestants being pummelled by massive padded swings.  Sometimes it is eye-wateringly hilarious, and other times a strong feeling of pity just pervades everything.  A few forgotten numbers here or there and that's all that is required for the humiliation to begin.  Big Brother is ending because we've tired of watching people putting themselves up for similar humiliation, so is it time for a change in format or even putting the dragons back in their respective castles?

There was an exception to this general feeling that has been gathering momentum over the last few episodes.  Kirsty Henshaw gave a great demonstration on just how to inspire anyone to start a business.  Taking 2 (and a half) jobs to pursue her dream, fantastic.  A real inspiration, especially to women of all ages, much more so than any WAG or TV star.  But, Kirsty's fantastic success was slightly tinged with a fear for me, that we are about to embark on a Dragons Den series with more 'journey's' and weepy stories than inspirational stories.  Kirsty and her story was the perfect balance, and perhaps began to restore some of the balance between inspiration and humiliation!

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'.

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.

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.