Top10Tips.co.uk
is an online resource for people interested in the “how to’s” from business.
Provided by independent UK practitioners written for the UK market. Donating to UK charity.
Mike Southon Mike is one of the UK’s most experienced entrepreneur mentors. He built and sold his own company in the 80s and worked on seventeen different start-ups in the 90s (two later went public, three went broke!). He is co-author of several best-selling business books, including The Beermat Entrepreneur and Sales on a Beermat, and writes a weekly column ‘My Business’ every Saturday in the Financial Times.
|
Working for a better small business community
Special People
Tips from Small Business Advocates
Top 10 Tips from Mike Southon
 | Mike is one of the UK’s most experienced entrepreneur mentors. He built and sold his own company in the 80s and worked on seventeen different start-ups in the 90s (two later went public, three went broke!). He is co-author of several best-selling business books, including The Beermat Entrepreneur and Sales on a Beermat, and writes a weekly column ‘My Business’ every Saturday in the Financial Times. |
A wise entrepreneur looks out for a 'foil', that's someone with completely opposite skills to themselves. The best business ideas 'tick the box' in all three areas: sales, delivery and finance
A good elevator pitch has three Ps:
- What is the Pain or Problem you solve?
- What is the Premise of your business?
- What Proof do you have?
Every entrepreneur should find a mentor to review their ideas before spending any money or investing too much time. To be successful a small business only needs to be local (around the corner), reliable (deliver good products and services) and nice (be easy to deal with). The main purpose of any business is to make a profit, but you should also have a social purpose as well, such as helping the less privileged or the environment. Raising money is very difficult and time-consuming; if at all possible you should grow your company with revenue. The most important attribute for a successful salesperson is to be liked; because if a customer likes you they will talk to you, so we can all sell. The first customer is always the hardest - it is most likely to be a family member or friend willing to give you a chance. Business is simple - you should be able to solve any problem on the back of a Beermat, coaster or napkin. Entrepreneurship is all about commitment and long hours, but if you love what you do, then you'll never need to do a day's work in your life. Link to this page: TAGS: Mike Southon
|
|