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What is the hardest part of starting and running a business?

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What is the hardest part of starting and running a business?

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What business opportunities are there in the public sector?

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What business opportunities are there in the public sector?

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Hello, great question. We have moved it to the Public Sector padlet :)

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Entrepreneurship - Have you any experience with dropshipping?

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Entrepreneurship - Have you any experience with dropshipping?

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Not personally. I understand the theory but colleagues at Business gateway can give more informed help   01224 433139 or https://www.bgateway.com/contact-us  ...Website Builders such as Shopify can also give advice https://www.shopify.co.uk/blog/how-to-start-dropshipping

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Contact your local Business Gateway office and we'll be glad to help.

Use the Live Chat tool shown at the bottom of the page to speak to someone from our Business Enquiry Team now, or leave us a message.

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Contact your local Business Gateway office and we'll be glad to help. Use the Live Chat tool shown at the bottom of the page to speak to someone from our Business Enquiry Team now, or leave us a message.

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How old do you have to be, to be an entrepreneur?

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How old do you have to be, to be an entrepreneur?

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Honestly...any age to be an entrepreneur...but you might need to be 16 / 18 to register for tax/company names, etc all the official grown-up stuff but there is nothing stopping you from buying and selling now? If you need advice you can speak with Business Gate colleagues who are happy to talk with you 121 if you are over 16 but can still help you if you have an adult on the call if you are younger

I knew many kids at school that would go to the wholesalers with their parents and buys boxes of sweets to sell to their friends and undercut the ice-cream van. They had entrepreneurial spirit. Some of them run their own businesses today. You're never too young but you do have to be aware of your legal and tax obligations. Business Gateway are a great starting point to get advice.

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I've made this logo for my business and its called hence guru. Is there anything I need to work on?

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I've made this logo for my business and its called hence guru. Is there anything I need to work on?

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This question has been moved to the creative Padlet where one of our partners have responded. :)

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What do i do to decide what business to do?

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What do i do to decide what business to do?

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No wrong or right answer here.... some entrepreneurs are motivated by an opportunity to make money so the area / industry is not so important as they are looking at money to then make a difference in some other areas of their live but it is easier if you have some sort of interest in the area you want to have your business in for a couple of reasons 1, if you are genuinely interested  in something then you are more likely to keep going if it get a bit difficult lie the environment or gaming for example... also 2, if you already are interested in a subject your expertise might help you to spot problems you might be able to solve easier than someone with no interest in this area!

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How many jobs are there in this sector in the North-east? /  What percentage of jobs are in business and entrepreneurship?

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How many jobs are there in this sector in the North-east? /  What percentage of jobs are in business and entrepreneurship?

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https://drive.google.com/file/d/14yoN2FX4SBs5n0oMVbxNuQjumlnESNqm/view?usp=sharing

In 2018 there were approximately 25,000 businesses in Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire which you might say is at least 25,000 Entrepreneurs or bosses...

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Future proofing - After COVID and lockdown changed how some businesses are run in a dramatic way and in such a short space of time, what would be your advice to future proof a business?

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Future proofing - After COVID and lockdown changed how some businesses are run in a dramatic way and in such a short space of time, what would be your advice to future proof a business?

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https://youtu.be/Qg3oz-984mw
There is a lot of expert research and advice about this actually and there is a concept called "antifragile" which says that entrepreneurs can be more successful if they are able to react to these dramatic changes... I have witnessed lots of our own Entrepreneurs having to "pivot" dramatically as a result of the pressures of covid and the pandemic...many have actually become more successful as a result! My advice is to read some of the research out there and to really have a positive attitude to the concept of failure ...be prepared to adapt to your changing environment and be ready to move on to your next opportunity if you need to! F.A.I.L = First Attempt In Learning

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Antifragile Entrepreneurship: More Important Than Ever

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Is there anyone you know that can make good logos?

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Is there anyone you know that can make good logos?

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You might want to have a look at a free creative tool, such as Canva and try making your own :)

lots of advice and help out there: https://www.wix.com/blog/2018/07/good-logo-design-tips?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=9823943661^102253749073&experiment_id=^b^433896974311^^_DSA&gclid=Cj0KCQiA7oyNBhDiARIsADtGRZaw3zuKD7IPWlrHDWhhoAjwi8piIW1IVuJPaM0D_JTg_8WIkrtYRWUaAkW0EALw_wcB

Website builders such as Wix will have resources to look into,,

Some basic rules such as "few colours" and "keep it simple" but a bit of research will help ...perhaps make a list of logos you like and then see what they have in common that you like perhaps? There is also the psychology of colour too ie "Blue = Trust"... Lots of blogs on the subject and many Graphic designers will have advice on their own blogs/websites which they share for free too!  look at one rock star of the logo world such as Paula Scher https://www.pentagram.com/about/paula-scher for inspiration !!!

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How to Make a Good Logo: The Dos and Don'ts

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Good logo design doesn't need to be complicated. We've rounded up our best logo design tips that will undoubtedly make a big difference.

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How do you start of a clothing business? Curious as its something i have wanted to do for a while.

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How do you start of a clothing business? Curious as its something i have wanted to do for a while.

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If you speak with colleagues at Business Gateway they have specific advice and guidance for each sector including clothing. https://www.bgateway.com/local-offices/aberdeen/local-support?gclid=Cj0KCQiAtJeNBhCVARIsANJUJ2FMR0-70shDozidxa5GHieXfxbc3QOM3CParb2KxRMBOGzsJrKOeQEaAqHSEALw_wcB

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Local Support

Your local Business Gateway Adviser can offer 1:1 advice over phone/video call and via email. We have a wealth of experience, resources and webinars to teach you everything from starting up to growing your business. We also host events for you to grow your network. On a local basis, there are further, more in depth services, free to you and designed to assist you in everything from establishing and improving your web presence, taking on employees, or developing your sales skills, as outlined below...

Planning To Start

Find out what support and tools are available to you by answering a few simple questions with our Planning To Start tool. Then get contact from your local office to take your business idea forward.

Women into Business

Women Into Business is a networking group for women who are developing a business idea, or those who have recently started their business.

Young entrepreneurs

We're always delighted to help young entrepreneurs. Read on to find out more about advice and connections for those aged 18-30. Includes links to potential grants, loans and support for young entrepreneurs.

Intermediaries

Engage with our business advisers today so you can access relevant intermediaries and partners of Business Gateway to support your business

E-Commerce and digital connectivity

Looking for more from your website? Our E-Commerce Adviser can assist with a free, impartial review of your website including recommendations on how to increase sales and make the most of your digital connections.

Increasing your workforce

Taking on new staff can be a challenging process. Business Gateway Aberdeen City and Shire can help through a combination of HR advice, information and direction to other areas of support.

Expert Help

At Business Gateway Aberdeen City and Shire we believe in providing you with the advice and support that you need in order to develop your business to its fullest potential. If required, Business Gateway's growth clients may access additional time from local experts in order to develop business strategies in particular areas of business specialisms.

Business Boost

Business Boost is a new service from Business Gateway Aberdeen City and Shire to Boost YOUR Business's growth.

Refresh & Reboot

Even the most competent entrepreneurs can face challenges in the current economic climate. The Survive and Thrive programme can provide outside support to help reignite the focus and drive your company needs to move forward in the months to come.

The Women's Business Centre

The Women's Business Centre is a digital platform designed to support women at the pre start-up and start up stages of their business journey. Operated by Women's Enterprise Scotland, the website is free to access and offers dedicated, needs-based content on starting and growing a business, including stories, encouragement and top tips from leading business owners across Scotland.

Supplier Development Programme (SDP)

SDP is a public sector partnership which delivers a variety of FREE tender training, via classroom style workshops working in conjunction with Local Authorities across Scotland, digitally via webinar and also provides a range of online resources connecting businesses with the Scottish public sector. Registration for SDP events is free for Scottish SMEs, and will connect your business with your local authority's SDP Rep who can offer your business additional support.
Now get in touch with your local Business Gateway office for more information on any of these support programmes or to discuss how we can help you start or develop your business.

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Your local Business Gateway Adviser can offer 1:1 advice over phone/video call and via email. We have a wealth of experience, resources and webinars to teach you everything from starting up to growing your business. We also host events for you to grow your network.

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if i could learn how to make money from stocks and crypto

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if i could learn how to make money from stocks and crypto

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I’d like to know how to start your own business and how to sell things

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I’d like to know how to start your own business and how to sell things

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There is a lot of help available on this from Business Gateway https://www.bgateway.com/ both advise 121 from an advisor and lots of online content too

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Looking for resources and support to help you strengthen your business?

Our free Strengthen Your Business tool gives you a personalised dashboard of resources. Plus, we'll put you in contact with your nearest Business Gateway office if you'd like more advice.

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Whatever stage your business is at, Business Gateway offers advice, professional resources and support to help, including webinars, workshops, events and news.

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Is it likely that someone would be successful in this sector?

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Is it likely that someone would be successful in this sector?

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Great question. It is very likely if you learn the skills you need to be a Coach and run a business. Sometimes us Coaches have another job as it takes time to build up alot of clients. In our current economy, I see lots of people doing lots of things for money. The pandemic has taught us not to put all of our eggs in one basket, have a back-up plan!

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I would say first of all, have a bit of a plan.  Know what your business is about and what your own goals are as a business owner.  Think about who your audience are, how much money do you need to survive on so you know how much you need to make, and who you need help from.  I went to the Aberdeen Business Gateway and they gave me a free mentor to help get my ideas on paper and take the right steps to launch my business.

Additional Response from Jim Reid- First off, find something you love doing, then find out you can make that work as a business, because the more you love doing something the more successful you will be at it. Don't get me wrong starting and running a business is not easy, so it's really important to enjoy what you are doing as it helps you keep focused during the tough times! Find something you love doing and it will never feel like work!
Once you find something contact some of the business support people like Business Gateway or Elevator who will talk you through your idea and assist with what you need to make it a start up business. Talk to people in business , people who have already done it and started up a business as they already know what it takes to make it!

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It takes time and commitment. You get out what you put in, like most things in life. you need grit and determination to keep going sometime so remember to celebrate the wins, even the small ones. Anyone can start a business, it's the effort that means you run a business.

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how do I find a market to sell to such as a target old or young people

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how do I find a market to sell to such as a target old or young people

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Response by Jim Reid- Market Research has never been easier. There are so many online tools to help you gain Market Research to find exactly the demographic you need to sell a product or service to.

I would agree with Jim, even googling the information you need can help you find the right information. You could hold your own survey, ask all of the people you know if they would buy your product/service, what do they like about it? How much would they be willing to spend? How or where would they like to buy it. Also think about yourself, would you buy it? Could you live without it? Is it a necessity or a luxury item. Also research online for other similar products and services, how are others positioning it? Who seems to be their target audience. This is a great way to find out if the market is already saturated or room for more suppliers.

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what resources would you need to start your own business? 

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what resources would you need to start your own business? 

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Response from Jim Reid
Main resources are time , money and commitment. Find out as mush as you can about the industry you are entering, don't be scared to ask people already in the industry.
LinkedIN is a great place to look and listen to Industry experts in their field.

Depending on what it is that you are selling or service you are providing, you don't need lots of money to start out. It's important to know how much you need and how much you are willing (and can afford) to lose. Ask for help. People are happy to help and give you their opinion.

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Is it hard to start off a business during COVID? 

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Is it hard to start off a business during COVID? 

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Response by Jim Reid - there is never an ideal time to start a business and some industries are harder to start up during Covid than others , more especially those that mean close customer contact, like the Hospitality Industry but there are always ways to start a business and Covid has also opened up some real opportunities, just look at ZOOM!

I think COVID taught us all to be a little more adaptable.  Many businesses have thrived during the pandemic, mine included as I was working virtually already.  My clients are scattered all over the world and we were all at home.
For some, the pandemic has caused them to close which is really sad and shows that we can't control everything in our business, try and be prepared to pivot at any moment.

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are there a lot of businesses that will be unsuccessful?

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are there a lot of businesses that will be unsuccessful?

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Response from Jim Reid- As a rule of thumb 50% of all businesses will never make it past it's first anniversary, however this also means that 50% succeed , just make sure you are in the latter!

Failure is an opportunity to learn and try again. For many entrepreneurs, failure is part of the journey. Many very successful businesses have been created from failure. Richard Branson has 9 failed businesses under his belt. You find what works, and stick to that.

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does it ever get boring? If it were boring what would you do to make it fun/exciting?

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does it ever get boring? If it were boring what would you do to make it fun/exciting?

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Response by Jim Reid- If you are getting bored doing what you are doing then stop and change it! You will never succeed if you don't enjoy what you are doing, you can make it what you want it to be!

I think there are always aspects of your job that you find less interesting. For example, I really don't enjoy doing all the admin that comes with running a business. I own a very small business and look forward to the day when I can employ an administrator or someone who really loves admin. I enjoy the creative side so I can sometimes spend to much time on it and neglect the "boring stuff". If too much of your job is boring, you're in the wrong job.

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What would happen if your business fails?

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What would happen if your business fails?

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Response by Jim Reid - Great Question and not one I have thought that much about during my career as business owner, however when COVID hit back in March last year that fear could quite easily of been realised and has affected a few people I know.
The reality is business owners put everything on the line, therefore if the business fails this can often mean the lose everything, including house and home however as you become more established as a business you tend to understand that you have to put money away for a rainy day!

It would be really hard to pick myself up, but I would get there.  I have had a career before owning my business so I could return to employment or even start another business.
I have to disagree with Jim. Don't tie your home to your business (if you can), and save as much as you can so you have a cushion of cash if you have time without an income.

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what made you want to work in this industry?

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what made you want to work in this industry?

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Response by Jim Reid- Personally I kind of fell into the Motor Industry. Being born and brought up in a farm I didn't want to follow my fathers foot steps as a farmer and saw the opportunity in the Motor Industry by accident , but glad I did enter.
Today the resources you have to find out so much more about the industry you enter, my advice is take advantage of the tools that are available to you

I was working in Financial Services and then moved from an Operations role into Learning and Development. I really loved working with people on their own personal development and I loved standing up and training. I was offered to do a certification in Coaching and found my passion. Since then I have become accredited and set up lightbulb.coach. As I am able to work across all industries I have the best of both worlds. I work as a consultant sometimes and that allows me to learn more about other industries too.

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What do you love the most about the industry you work in?

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What do you love the most about the industry you work in?

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As a Coach, I am very fortunate to be able to work in every industry.  I learn so much about different industries.  In the Coaching industry, there are many of us, which means I have a huge community to be part of.  We are very supportive of one another.

Additional Response Jim Reid - Having spent the last 35 years in the Motor Industry I can honestly say I still love it. This is down how fast moving it is, the diversity of careers within the industry are fantastic but most of all I love the contact with customers whilst on the Sales side. It's great to be able to help customers with problems and resolve them. The Motor Industry will look massively different in a few years as it moves towards online car sales and EV's and another reason why it's great to be involved.

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Where do you think the jobs will be in 5 years time?

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Where do you think the jobs will be in 5 years time?

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Response by Jim Reid- 5 years is a really short period of time in the grand scheme of things.
Jobs will always adapt and change, but one things is for sure if you have people buying from you or you are proving a service to customers , then human beings will always have jobs, as you can not replicate empathy, understanding and conversation  any other way.

I agree, humans will always be needed. Machines are fantastic and automation so there will be less need for task orientated or repetitive roles. Having empathy, curiosity and passion cannot be replicated by a machine so it's really important to work on those behavioural competencies like relationship building, active listening, building trust and rapport, communication skills etc.

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What school subjects do you use the most in your job?

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What school subjects do you use the most in your job?

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Response from Jim Reid. Most jobs require a basic understanding English, both written and spoken and Mathematics & Arithmetic. Despite being basic skills please do not overlook them as these are subjects that will assist you through the whole of your career.

English and Maths would be the main subjects, this is why they are core subjects at school. You don't have to be academic to run a business. You do need to be able to use spell check and a calculator however. I was not a high achiever in school, I was below average. After leaving school I found my strengths. Figure out what you're good at and put the effort in there. We all have a strengths that can help us succeed in life.

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As a Coach, I need to be able to listen actively, read body language and ask carefully crafted questions to help someone come up with the answers themselves. I also have to be non-judgemental and empathetic. I have trained as a Coach for 10 years, its important to keep learning to keep your skills up-to-date and fresh. Never stop learning, your brain will go to moosh.