Posts tagged as:

Start-Up

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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A key reason why many start-up businesses fail

by Steve Livingston on September 30, 2010

Here my short (impromptu) video on why I believe many business start-ups fail.

The old adage that “cash is king” remains as true as ever today, however, there is something else that I am increasingly seeing that can put the future survival of new businesses in jeopardy.

This issue is that: many startups fail to define upfront the market need or problem that their product or service will solve.

Seems obvious right?

You would think so but with so many new businesses looking to innovate into new areas and with technology providing an increasingly affordable platform on which to build new businesses, this consideration sometimes seems to get sidelined – typically until businesses seek funding and / or its too late.

So focus now on that particular market failure or wider need that your future business will plug in the world? What need are we anxiously waiting for you solve by creating your business? What frustrates you (and many others?) that your business will crack?

Be clear on the problem and your business solution and you will be one step ahead in defining future revenues and a potentially profitable business.

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Inspiring tomorrow’s entrepreneurs in school

September 8, 2010
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I had an interesting conversation recently with a teacher who works at a local prestigious private school. He enthused about the private education offered by the school e.g. the high educational attainment levels, freedom from following a rigid curriculum and the worldwide travels and life experiences for the lucky pupils. All highly impressive until he got to the careers [...]

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Why Business Leaders need Vision

August 4, 2010
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“Start with the end in mind”
says Stephen Covey, in his landmark 7 Habits of Highly Successful People.
Meanwhile, Fast Company co-founder Alan Webber advocates that entrepreneurs should:
“Answer the final question first”
Two highly successful visionary guys with a consistent key message – but what does this mean for you as an entrepreneur aiming to build your business [...]

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Should I set up a Limited company for my new start-up?

May 13, 2010
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Most business start-ups tend to opt for setting themselves up as a limited company from day one – but is this right?
Answer: It depends.
In many cases, a limited company is the right option but it pays to think through all the options as there can be benefits to thinking a little differently.
You basically have 3 main [...]

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