Search results for market focus

Not long ago, I attended an entrepreneurship conference in London which attracted a range of academics, trainers and consultants. Short on collective wisdom yet high on clouded crystal balls, the organisers chose to kick things off with a ‘motivational speaker’. The billing stated our man of purpose was also a ‘leading entrepreneur and businessman’. Unfortunately, no-one in the audience had signed up to be pumped with 'umph' at 10am on a wet Tuesday. But this didn't stop the suited and booted Mr Demotivation. Misjudging his missive and moment he slid into a shocker of a show. Prepare yourself... Read More

Umph! The Entrepreneurship Competition Being 25 years' self-employed I feel I've developed a 'nose' for judging whether a business or project might work. The personal journey over the last quarter century has had its mix of success and failure; critical experience informing the senses as to whether something new can progress sufficiently so it bears fruit in the longer-term... Read More

Be a better business writer & sharpen your communication To be a better business writer it's important to practice and learn from mistakes. Years ago, I co-wrote and published an on-line book. Entitled ‘Dexter Bentley: My first million’ the story follows the entrepreneurial journey of a young man whose academic failures prove to be the catalyst for business success... Read More

The horsemeat scandal and making a meal out of dishonest business Supermarket 'thoroughbred' 'Tesco' was guilty of making a meal out of dishonest business during the horsemeat scandal. Matters lurched south in Jan 2013 when the company took out national ads apologising for its home-brand burger containing a reported 30% horsemeat. Then the public had to stomach the notion that consuming a 'Spaghetti Western' didn't necessarily involve watching horses on the telly. And when Tesco thought the PR couldn't worsen, well it did... Read More

Recommended top 10 entrepreneur websites To discover the top 10 entrepreneur websites, I polled the views of over 500 people involved with the industry. All respondents worked in an advisory/business support capacity in academia, and/or the public/private sectors. Some people ran their own businesses. To keep things simple, I asked the single question: "What websites do you recommend entrepreneurs use..?" Read More

Unbelievable! Interviewing the world's greatest entrepreneur Meeting the world's greatest entrepreneur started with a cold call. "I'm sorry but Nick rarely gives interviews" I was informed. The PA on the other end of the line was pleasant but firm. "But please give me your details. Someone in PR will get back to you." Two days later the phone rang. To my astonishment, I learnt my wish had been granted. Slap in the middle of his hectic schedule I would be meeting the world's greatest entrepreneur. He even wanted to meet me in person and had insisted on making all my travel arrangements... Read More

No one ever sets out to screw the pitch or screw up their presentation. But so many people do because they don't prepare properly and/or assume (falsely) what the audience wants. But for anyone who wants to screw the pitch (or for anyone who has suffered in the audience) here are my top 10 fulfilment tips. Enjoy the comedic, funny but true, value. Read More