What do you want?

We are all involved in promotion!

Whether it is promoting our business, a project, an event, an idea or our own career, we all need the support of others to succeed.

This support may come in terms of helping us win new clients, building new partnerships, securing funding or being appointed to our dream job.

But one thing is sure to attract support we must build awareness.

I find that LinkedIn is a great tool to achieve this but to succeed we must be explicit in our ask.

Refining the ask has been fundamental in the success of the communities which I have built such as Scottish Business Network but it can often be misunderstood, so here are some tips to help you get this right.

Let's imagine you wish to ask for my help

1. If we're not connected I'm unlikely to dedicate time to support you so make sure you are part of my community, subscribe to my newsletter, and attend my events.
2. Explain our connection when you make the first contact.
3. I will check out your LinkedIn so make sure this clearly explains who you are and what you believe.
4. Don't be wholly, be very specific in asking what you need from me. Please be brief.
5. If any of my actions do help you then be sure to tell me, many miss this step and it's really important when building trust.

Point three is exceptionally important in our modern world. Think of your social media presence as the digital version of you.

When someone checks out your LinkedIn profile it should be immediately obvious who you are and why someone should want to help you

To paraphrase Any Warhol your Linkedin presence should tell is what you are famous for, ie. what problem you solve.         

New Opportunities

(1) If you are looking at potential new markets I encourage you to check out the InterCeltic Business Forum. I had the pleasure of speaking at their annual conference this week and identified new opportunities in Isle of Man, Ireland and France. A great organisation and a superb network.

Read my full report here.

(2) The Scottish government led by Kate Forbes and Mark Logan announced the launch of the Entrepreneurial Education Pathways Fund to "engage young people in entrepreneurship".

If you would like to partner on a bid for this funding where you can call on the resources of the Scottish Diaspora then be sure to DM me.

(3) ￡8 million in Scottish Government contracts covering nine challenges available to innovators in Scotland and across the world. I urge anyone applying to get their application in soon as the closing date is fast approaching.. Review the challenges and process here.

If you have any questions about this opportunity then please reach out. The Scottish GovTech Cluster community is available to assist here.

Articles

(simply click on the image to read the article)

1. How to succeed at networking

Some hints and tips to get you started.

2. What can the entrepreneur learn from the Paris Olympics

While buzzing between meetings in Paris I contemplated this question. Let's see if you agree with my thoughts.

3. "We can be heroes"

I have met many, many heroic entrepreneurs who have overcome huge challenges to succeed and I reckon each of them possesses a superpower. Let's see if we can find yours.

What's next for me

I start this week in Copenhagen with a full agenda of meetings then it's off to Spain for a few to work on a strategy piece I am developing.

One of my projects is Scottish Business Network a non-profit community which has grown into a global network of committed Scots working across 72 countries. But where should we take this project next to ensure the support provided is embedded into the Scottish business ecosystem?

I have my thoughts but this week I am going to work on gathering together all available information regarding the market opportunity so that I can share this with trusted advisors and together we can develop a plan.

Throughout my life, I have found that removing myself from my normal business environment helps when I have a major project to work on and I am fortunate indeed to have an apartment in Spain that is perfect for this purpose. It also provides me with a base where I can take in some local meetings.

Week commencing 26th August I'll be back in London and be sure to reach out if you would like to meet.

How can you help?

1. Please leave a comment sharing your feedback, insight or thoughts on what you have read. This is invaluable as I ensure this publication is adding value for you.
2. Share this newsletter with those in your community if you feel they will find value in receiving a copy: https://www.dhirubhai.net/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7169668571235606528
3. Don't hesitate to DM, or email me at [email protected] if you believe I may be able to assist you in moving your business forward. Helping others is my goal in life and I always have time to talk.