Episode 13

What you should know before starting your business

Published on: 9th January, 2021

In this podcast Alan and Bhairav give advice to budding entrepreneurs about what they think they should know before the embark on the journey to start their own business

The key points to take away are:

  1. Know that it is not all about you - it is about your customers
  2. Choose the right business for you, choose the right problem to solve
  3. Make sure you understand yourself and your motivations for starting a business. What do you bring to the table?
  4. You don't know everything so recognise the gaps in your knowledge and find the people that can bridge those gaps. Don't be afraid to delegate
  5. Have a plan! Think of it as a routemap rather than a detailed plan
  6. Know your numbers inside out!
  7. Understand what you want to get out of the business from a personal perspective
  8. There is no entitlement, you will get what you deserve
  9. Things can be lonely, work can be all-consuming. Find networks and mentors
  10. It can be fun but scary but be prepared to take risks!
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About the Podcast

Real World Entrepreneurship
Talking the truth to entrepreneurs
In this podcast Alan and Bhairav talk about the real world issues that are faced by entrepreneurs and small business owners

We have both run successful businesses, raised money, grown them globally and now we're giving practical advice to the next generation of entrepreneurs. We don't do platitudes.

We also talk to entrepreneurs from across the world and get them to share their stories and challenges

About your hosts

Alan Clarke

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Strategy and Marketing specialist who helps businesses unblock the blockages that are preventing them reaching their full potential.

I love helping businesses develop strategies and action plans that get them working better and achieving their ambitions.

I excel at tackling thorny problems and difficult tasks, making things happen and achieving business goals.

I have an ability to break through the clutter, identify the nub of the problem and get the business moving forward.

Those working with me feel energised and empowered.

People like my honest, direct approach and my focus on securing meaningful results.

Bhairav Patel

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I've worked in IT for over 20 years starting life as a consultant at PwC and IBM and then moving across the table to becoming the CTO for Norway's largest privately owned e-commerce business.

After growing a number of brands and expanding the business across Europe, I joined a FinTech startup that raised $12M in 2012 and was added to the Forbes FinTech 50 list in 2016.

Following a short spell at an e-commerce business in Bangkok, I started Atom Ventures where we invest in and help small businesses and startups grow their business by providing high quality technology advice and development