What Entrepreneurs Can Learn From the Love of a Good Chelsea Bun.

As my good friend David Noble recently pointed out my blog has not been very up to date lately and I therefore can’t have been very bored (see previous post).  He has a point, I have certainly not been giving myself time to pause and reflect enough lately.  Anyhow time now for a new blog about the creation of successful companies, arguably something I am more familiar with as an observer, as I had to run down my own company, or perhaps insights through bitter experience!  The framework for this and its inspiration has come from an article in this month’s Observer Food Monthly Magazine and an article about a married couples desire to “rescue” a failed bakery, “Fitzbillies” in Cambridge see here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2011/nov/11/fitzbillies-tim-hayward-cambridge

To me it reads like a business start up 101 and I have drawn from it a few insights as to how you succeed in starting up a sound business from scratch:

•  When you spot your dream you will know it. You will find yourself driven forward by an energy you never knew you had and one that tends to be lacking in other enterprises
• Things personal to us tend to fire our dreams the most – this is especially true if they also hold fond memories
•  Social media is useful for networking but it can also stimulate new ideas
• It pays to be well connected but also don’t be afraid to ask people in your network for help – most people love to help and are incredibly generous with their time often all we have to do is ask (there is a great book about this by the way: The Aladdin Factor)
• Be well planned, especially when it comes to organising your Business Plan and know your audience
• Acknowledge what you are good at and let others have the freedom to get on and do their part in your partnership
• You need a bit of luck but by creating a compelling and attractive environment luck is more likely to come and find you
• There will be dark times only strong relationships will survive this – try and work with people you like and can be open with

Not exactly rocket science, I guess but some great insights nonetheless.  I for one know that my reason for failing in running my own company is that I have not yet seen an opportunity that fires me up on an emotional level!