Help! I Need Somebody....
James Caan CBE
Recruitment Entrepreneur Chairman | Serial Entrepreneur | Investor on BBC's Dragons’ Den (2007-2010)
It may be something of a cliche, but there is a lot of truth that running a business can be an incredibly lonely place and that can be doubly so for owner-managers of small, newly created firms. Starting your own company means lots of hard work and very long hours with the first few years being especially demanding.
In the current challenging environment most businessmen or women find their biggest challenge is not only access to finance but access to help and mentoring. The difficulties surrounding these particular challenges are the main reasons I agreed to get involved with the Government’s Start-Up Loans scheme.
We are looking to help 18-30 year olds get into business with the backing of low interest loans and so far over 3000 small firms have signed up to the scheme. Just as importantly we are offering advice and support in the form of mentoring from people with plenty of experience.
I have long believed that there can never be any substitute for experience and that is why accepting support from a mentor can be such a valuable and worthwhile exercise. Financial investment and mentoring advice can provide a really important boost for a business, especially for one that is looking to take that all important step in the next stage of its journey.
There are many successful and seasoned business people who are more than happy to give their time and experience to share their knowledge with others.
Personally the concept of mentoring is something that I have always absolutely believed in. Building a business is not always just about capital - it is about making the right decisions under pressure.
One of the most important lessons I learned during my time on Dragons’ Den was that when people were coming in, they were not necessarily there because of the capital on offer. Often what really wanted was to tap into the experience and know-how.
Stepping away from the daily grind and taking advice and help from the right people can really make a lot of difference to the development of a business in the long run.
If you are 18-30 years old and would like to find out more about how you can start your own business check out the Start-Up Loans website
Photo: John Pratt/Getty Images
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Retired at retired
11 年I need to find an investor. Davison Company, an Inventor's Site, has told me that my idea is well worth what it would take to get it to market - at a cost of $8,000 to $15,000 to get it off the ground!! Any suggestions - I am 68, on Social Security only, and want so much to have a decent income from my idea! Please......anyone who sees this, please contact me. Sherry Stuurman - (760) 822-1026
Large Scale Transformation, Programme Mangt, Digital Health Tech, Innovation, Benefits Mangt, EPR, Clinical Systems, Virtual Wards, PMO, Elective Recovery & Operational Plans, ICS Dev, Co-production
11 年That's so true James! Pioneering entrepreneurs need mentors and not just any mentor, but someone who has a genuine interest in their start-up, who will nurture their idea and help them become independent. Another great resource for young entrepreneurs is Virgin Media Pioneers https://www.virginmediapioneers.com/ (in case you haven't heard of us). We recently launched an expert blogger section where a group of entrepreneurs blog about their experiences in a very honest way. One of them is Adam Bradford, founder of UnITe Computing who recently published a blog on the same subject - why entrepreneurs need mentors. Would be great to know what you think. https://www.virginmediapioneers.com/2013/03/why-entrepreneurs-need-mentors/ I've asked Adam to comment on your article too, but he's a busy man! Best wishes, Irina :)
Quality Assurance Supervisor at Graham Packaging: ALWAYS Ready For My Next Growth Opp
11 年I also don't think age should be a factor--because many of the next entries into the world of new ventures are going to be "non-traditional, I'm sick of the old corporate structure" and want to start something new. Even the "over the hill" crowd want to change the world & make a difference!
Custom Clearance | Frieght Forwarder | Commodities Exporter | Export Management | Procurement Outsourcing
11 年What a great article.It is the cry of every young entrepreneurs.The starting up of a business is always demanding.Thank you James.
Studio Manager, Media Technologist.
11 年what are great job you are doing there! can overseas prospective client benefit?