Rising above the swell - starting up a business in a recession
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...a ticket to a bigger stage.
As the start your brands image is a flexible concept. You can almost mold it at will.
Being out of the business spotlight can be attractive to investors too as they might see potential for a low price, offering expertise for a stake in your company. This, however, is an area for caution and finding the right partner is essential. You want people willing to put in their money but you don’t want to change your original idea so much you no longer recognise it as your own.
This may seem like...
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...overconfidence, after all shouldn’t the newbie listen to those that have been there, done that and got the t-shirt? Some will say they should, but bear in mind a compromise may lead to your horse being turned into a camel at committee, which is fine if you want to cross the Sahara, but no good if your dream was to win the Grand National.
A mentor who believes in you and your idea, not just in his own abilities can be of vital assistance. A real mentor will use his experience to help you achieve your targets without hijacking the project altogether.
Belief is key. You have to believe that your idea can make it, and you have to be headstrong enough to keep your dream alive, yet willing to listen. The confidence to know which advice to accept and which to reject is crucial.
Finally, don’t let the daunting nature of the task get in the way. You may not be able to take everything in your stride but perhaps your lack of boundaries could help you develop a new idea. There is a wealth of experience out there, but choosing to listen to yourself and recognising those in business that you can... continued on page three >
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