I'm an entrepreneur, get me in here!

Global Entrepreneurship Week

This week is Global Entrepreneurship Week, a time to celebrate and encourage entrepreneurialism. Despite running my own business for 5 years now, I still struggle to see myself as an 'entrepreneur' (not just because I don't think I'm cool enough) [Is using 'cool' actually 'uncool'?] but because that word brings to mind all sorts of images, connotations and negative stereotypes. This includes some of the more 'interesting' characters that have frequented BBC's The Apprentice over the years - suited and booted, hungry (desperate even?) for financial success and perhaps a bit overbearing and ruthless! But when you look at the actual (simple) definition, then yeah, that is me (and ideally minus the suit!)

entre·pre·neur

NOUN a person who sets up a business or businesses, taking on financial risks in the hope of profit

Then it made me think about a more positive view and other characteristics of an entrepreneur: creativity; passion; motivation and determination; optimism; can-do attitude and often charisma. (I better add modest to that list too?!!)

Startups

Today we will hear the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt deliver the long-awaited Autumn Budget. So many questions will be going around your head at the moment: What level of tax rise will there be? What support might there be to help with the increasing cost of living? Is now the right time to start a business? Can I continue what I'm doing now?

In the latest podcast episode of MARK MY WORDS, I interviewed Gillian Pickard from Finance for Enterprise on the very subject of startups and also covering funding options that are available. You can check out the full episode (32 mins long) on Youtube, Spotify or Apple podcast.

I also wrote a blog about 5 tips on how to approach managing your money when you are a startup that might be useful to you or those in your network.

And finally...

Last week for Trustees' Week, I thought it would be interesting to see what proportion of my connections currently volunteer as a charity trustee.

The results (see left) were interesting. Good on those 48% currently acting as a trustee. I am particularly drawn to the 22% of those taking part that are thinking about becoming a trustee.

I would highly recommend it - not only to give that warm fuzzy feeling of giving back, but also because of the vast number of benefits that I'm sure you would get from the experience. As a trustee for Citizens Advice Sheffield and Rotherham Samaritans (big shout out to both!), I've learned new skills, developed existing skills, had some great opportunities (from attending conferences and acting as an 'ambassador'), to meeting some incredible people and challenged myself. If you ask me, all key aspects to being a successful entrepreneur! Your local Volunteer Centre and your local Voluntary Action or CVS should be able to point in the right direction or give me a shout I'm very happy to have a chat with you.

As always, if you would like a chat about how I may be able to help you and your organisation on your entrepreneurial journey,?book a free discovery call here

?? Mark Smith | MAKE YOUR MARK UK