During this time I have come across many top tips for entrepreneurs to take notice of well, now I have decided to publish my own top10 tips for enterprising young people.
1. Take risks.
One of the most exciting parts of being an entrepreneur is the thrill and exhilaration you get from seeing if something works. I have always taken risks in my working life, one of the biggest was establishing the youth enterprise bank as I had no idea that it would capture the imagination of so many people who were keen to support our enterprising young people and I am now really pleased that we have launched our new bondholders scheme whereby local businesses can support young entrepreneurs in Hull and the East Riding.
2. Network up.
Networking up can afford you mentorship opportunities, help strengthen your network (obviously) and help you learn from people who have the success you desire. This is one of the reasons why Hull has a young entrepreneurs network called Let's Talk Business and there is a Woman's Enterprise in the Humber. Your peer group is going to be with you forever. Meet them, learn from them, network with them, as said in No 5 look for relevant networking groups check out these websites and choose which is most suitable for you
You’re going to always have more knowledge and experience than others. Even if you’ve only been an entrepreneur for one month, there’s an entrepreneur out there that’s only been an entrepreneur for one day.
3. Be open to advice.
Listening to the right advice is valuable to your business and your life. At the same take everything with a grain of salt, and learn how to trust your gut – also always work with people you like, this is important. If you don’t like the people you work with, you will never be able to maximize your opportunities and thrive.
4. Disconnect.
It’s easy to lock yourself in a room and work all day and night. Learning to disconnect is just as important as working hard. Your brain needs rest. Disconnecting can give your brain the necessary reset it may need to help solve the problems you're facing that day. This might be the most valuable lesson you learn.
5. Ask for help.
Put the pride aside. This thing called entrepreneurship is much too difficult to do alone. Ask for help. People will respect your willingness to learn and be humble. You’d be surprised what can happen when you ask. If ever in doubt how just asking for help can make a difference ask any young entrepreneur that you may know what they gained from the sentence starting with "excuse me I was wondering could you tell me .........."
6 . Write down what you learn.
Entrepreneurship is about solving problems and learning on the go. It’s exciting to learn new things, and as entrepreneurs we should be learning something new every day. That’s part of the gift of entrepreneurship.
Writing down the things you learn on a daily basis is important too. Some days are harder than others, and having a journal of all of the things you’ve learned will give you strength when you’re feeling weak.
Learning is an asset, and your lessons can help give you reassurance when you feel like giving up. It can be that "money in the bank" when there's actually not any money in the bank, and give you the courage to keep fighting.
7. Use LinkedIn and other forms of social media
LinkedIn is a very effective business tool. You can network with pretty much anyone, read blog posts and show off your accomplishments and expertise on your profile. There is nothing wrong with highlighting your successes and contacting people you think might be able to help you with your business. When using facebook and twitter to promote your business make sure you are not linked to any personal accounts that might put off a potential business opportunity, read up on the rules and regulations on the use of social media and than use what is the best for you. I was always told not to direct tweet someone with information – well if I had not we would not have received the support we have from the local business community.
8. Read everything.
Dedicate time to reading blogs, newspapers, magazines and books. Read stuff related and unrelated to your business and read fiction and non-fiction. I read everything, and it makes me more intelligent, cultured and dare I say more determined to ensure that our young entrepreneurs get the support that they deserve.
9. Get a part-time job.
If you don’t have regular income coming in from your startup yet, get a job, even if you have support or savings. It will help alleviate your monetary stresses, which can create an unhealthy mental state.
You need to be strong as possible to take over the world through business, and the last thing you want to think about is how to pay rent next month. Plus, at your part-time job, you can tell everyone about your new business, and potentially gain users, clients or customers depending on what type of business you’re creating.
10. Don’t ever give up.
If you’re an entrepreneur, be an entrepreneur. Don’t listen to the naysayers. If you fail with one idea, start another. You’re an entrepreneur, no matter what, whether up or down, success or failure, you’re always an entrepreneurs. Remember that. I never forget how in 2011 Manchester City and their fans never gave up in their desire to win the Premier League and no one will ever forget Sergio Augero's last minute goal that saw them win the title.
Bonus: Have fun.
Do what you want, enjoy life, build the business and culture you've always dreamed of. Fun is infectious, and can help attract the right customers, the right team and all of the right opportunities.
I you would like to know more feel free to contact me at charles.cracknell@hullcc.gov.uk if I can be of any help. Also check out www.youthenterprise.co.uk if you are aged 13 to 21 and live in Hull and the East Riding or if your interested in the work of the Hull Youth Enterprise Partnership check our www.youthenterprise.co.uk
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