From the category archives:

Entrepreneurial

Preventing potentially expensive business balls-ups!

by Steve Livingston on January 20, 2011

It’s been a busy start to the year so far. It’s nice to see businesses that I’ve been talking to and getting to know for a number of weeks, months (or in some cases years) reach critical points in their business lifecycle in either starting new ventures, seeking and raising funding or selling their businesses.

I’ve been privileged to work alongside and advise these businesses across all of the above scenarios in just the past week alone and have sought to put them in the best possible position (and side-step any potentially expensive business balls-ups!).

Having the benefit of working alongside and advising growing entrepreneurial businesses every single day allows me the benefit of spotting latest trends and recurring issues which in turn allows for practical hands-on advice to be passed on – in nearly all cases aimed where possible at ‘prevention’ rather than cure – as digging businesses out of holes that they have inadvertently created is normally a whole lot tougher (and more expensive) than getting things right from the outset.

This is where a good relationship with an accountant who is familiar with your sector can help. Even if it’s just to meet up for a coffee and chat. There’s no need for this to be overly formal or regimented. We’re here to help.

If you’re in the digital, tech or media space (or simply an ambitious business with BIG plans) then please get in touch. It costs nothing to have a chat. I would love the opportunity to show how we can help.

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Become a Nose Collector

by Steve Livingston on November 9, 2010

I like the idea of turning our natural inhibitions about selling products or services on its head – so rather than tentatively seeking a ‘Yes’ from prospective clients or customers, instead how about focusing on becoming a collector of ‘No’s’ (or should that be ‘nose’ :) )?

Approaching new business generation from this perspective suddenly becomes a whole lot more fun. Your aim now is to meet as many people as possible to talk about their problems and issues and to see if you can interest them in saying ‘No’ to your offer of assistance. You become more natural and less pressurised in your approach and more focused on understanding the needs and interests of the people whom you meet. A win-win.

So how many ‘No’s’ can you collect this week?

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How to tap into your business MOJO

November 6, 2010

Lunch at Mojos in Rhosneigr, Anglesey is always a treat.
I think all businesses could learn something from from this superb little cafe.
Mojos captures the following key principles of all successful businesses:
1. Focus on your strengths
Mojos serves crepes. Sweet ones and savory ones but not a whole lot else besides. So they are good at making [...]

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Complimentary Bytes

November 5, 2010

With the rise of technology infiltrating all aspects of business, it could be easy to dismiss the future prospects of traditional businesses. To swap ‘bits’ for ‘bytes’.  
If you sell music or books from high street retail shops, then this pessimism may be justified given the ease of delivering such products in digital form – [...]

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Missing link to business success

June 16, 2010
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Luke Johnson, serial entrepreneur who runs Risk Capital Partners, gives a good summary of what it takes to be successful in business. Recommended reading. (His columns in the FT usually are).
I would add one further trait that I see in all entrepreneurs who make it:
It’s that glint in the eye. A steely determination. Listening yet [...]

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