Chapter 4 - Some (LOL) Transparency

Hi!

Thanks for joining me on my journey. If you missed the previous chapter, you could read Chapter 3,?"Working For Free,"?here.

I mentioned in the previous chapter that you shouldn't work for free, except in rare circumstances and gave the example of carmats.co.uk by Ash Young. At the end of this chapter, I will provide a personal example that is very relevant due to the war in Ukraine.

Laugh Out Loud Transparency

In Chapter 2, I mentioned I would share my logo in Chapter 3, but I forgot. Not sharing my logo was meant to be as I said my logo was "terrible", and it was.

What better place to share my first logo than in this chapter on transparency?

How terrible is that logo? Thankfully, my logo is much better now.

Now it's time to be transparent and share some more mistakes I made at the start of my business which you should avoid.

Fail to Plan, Plan to Fail

I mentioned previously that one of my biggest mistakes was not planning.

After discovering a few months into starting SRH Design that I needed some serious help, I started the Go For It Programme. Having already started my business, beginning the programme made it easier to complete.

It allowed me to complete projected income, costs, cashflows, a business plan etc. however, it also meant that I sped through the programme without learning much. Looking back, I don't think the delivery partner should have signed off my business plan.

Thankfully, the Go For It Programme has improved dramatically, and there are many other programmes out there for new businesses in Northern Ireland.

The Business Plan

I don't have the digital version of my business plan (but if I find it, I will share it). However, I do have the physical copy, and it's laughable!

I thought I could survive by securing ten website clients a year.

"Charging the prices that I did, that was never going to happen!"

Programmes have improved, and delivery partners/advisors have improved too but if you have a business plan generated by one of these programmes, make sure you get an experienced, established professional (in your field to check it).

"I started researching my business six months before I started my business, but I researched the completely wrong information."

Good Mentors are Invaluable

I joined a business (networking) group when I started my business, and it was there that I learned the most about running a business and the myriad of moving parts involved.

Looking back, another mistake I made was not expanding my network and learning even more. Back then, I was more concerned about other businesses copying me or stealing from me if I shared my processes.

"Find a Good Mentor in your Industry or areas of business you need help with"

If I could go back in time, I would have found a business mentor or coach to help me grow. A good mentor will want to see you succeed and hold you accountable.

It can be hard to find a good mentor. Unfortunately, the industry is rife with coaches and business performance specialists that will transform your business. I advise you to speak to your peers and ask if they can recommend anyone.

Friends of____

At the start of this chapter, I mentioned I would give you a personal example of when it is OK to work for free.

Recently the Northern Ireland's communities minister has called for a scheme similar to that for Syrian refugees to be established for people fleeing Ukraine.

I have been part of Friends of (formerly WiFi Refugees) for over four years, and it's a fantastic initiative. We don't currently have any active events, but it is as follows.

We bring a group of marketing experts, with diverse experience, to regular clinics where you can access industry-leading information for just the cost of a small donation to charity. All you have to do is pre-book a 45-minute appointment with one of the advisers and turn up ready to dive into your marketing problem.

When you book your appointment, we ask you for a donation to help refugees settle in Northern Ireland. We're working with?Barnardo's, a key delivery partner for the government's programme to help the most vulnerable families flee war zones worldwide. We have set a donation amount of ￡25 for a 45-minute consultation, but you are very welcome to donate more via our dedicated?Just Giving page.

Keep an eye out for the next Friends of__ event.

Until next time,

Simon

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