If you’re thinking of starting a new business or diversifying your current one, you may find something useful in this story of the 1st 6 months of starting mine.
Having toyed with the idea for a while, I decided to start MouseProud in April 2009, following redundancy. I’d been working as a sales trainer in the financial services industry, specialising in computer & software training since the turn of the century (that still sounds impressive, doesn’t it…).
One of the first ways I tried to get clients was to approach the people that I’d been training for the last few years. Shouts of “yes Chris, we’ll come to you when you start off on your own” and “you’ll be fine, we’ll send our clients to you” dissipated to dumb silence once I’d started – I’ve heard this happen to other entrepreneurs as well.
I was chatting to a guy who runs an ink refill business and asked if I could leave a business card or 50 with him; he suggested I look at 4Networking as a method of attracting interest. I was dubious at best. I’d never been to one of these ‘networking breakfasts’ and had visions of clicky groups, Hooray Henrys and men in suits sounding off about their best business deals that week.
After a look at the website, I booked myself onto the local one which was a Friday, 8:00 am (reasonable) at the Gordano Gate.
Off I went and arrived at 7:55 to be greeted by a chap called Kim who was all smiles, very welcoming and with a relaxed attitude to tell me how to sign in, pay for the breakfast (Full English or Continental, £10) and what was going to happen during the 2 hours.
During the meeting, I had the opportunity to do a brief (40 seconds) introduction to everyone about who I am and what I do, meet with 3 other business people (of my choice) for 10 minutes each and listen to a presentation from a guest speaker.
Since that first breakfast, I’ve been to more both in Portishead and other locations (Clevedon, Almondsbury, Bristol), making friends and business contacts easily. I’ve entered into a joint venture with one of these contacts to provide bespoke software training over the internet and have agreements with others where I shall be training their clients on things like Google Analytics, Microsoft Office and their own Client Management Systems.
In addition, I’ve had people to help me with my marketing, been recommended by The Best Of Portishead, insured my car, used the services of a profile writer, found a venue for a social event I’m organising, sold some redundant computer parts and found (with little effort on my part) a new car for my wife.
Plus all the guest speakers have given me ideas on how to progress my business.
The other benefit of going along to one of these breakfast meetings is that it really does start the day positively – propelling you into achieving more and expanding your outlook.
Give it a go!
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