https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j Made with curiousity. This is your space to ask industry professionals questions. Our industry professionals include: Elizabeth, Chief Operating Officer - AccelerateHER | Jim, Director - Jim Reid Vehicles Sales & Service | Sarah, Founder, Coach and Talent Consultant - Lightbulb.Coach | en-us 2021-10-19 18:01:50 UTC 2023-08-11 10:07:27 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-uploads.storage.googleapis.com/638135702/18857e55dad1ba878c22f851213c7aa9/Business_Icon.png Excelerate https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1828087789 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.]]> 2021-10-19 18:01:50 UTC https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1828087789 Excelerate https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1828087792 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.]]> 2021-10-19 18:01:50 UTC https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1828087792 Excelerate https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1828087795 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.]]> 2021-10-19 18:01:50 UTC https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1828087795 Excelerate https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1828087797 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.]]> 2021-10-19 18:01:50 UTC https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1828087797 https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1893908851 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.]]> 2021-11-16 11:58:04 UTC https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1893908851 https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1893951921 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.]]> 2021-11-16 12:23:21 UTC https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1893951921 https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1893952542 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.]]> 2021-11-16 12:23:42 UTC https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1893952542 https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1893970525 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.]]> 2021-11-16 12:33:41 UTC https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1893970525 https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1893971199 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.]]> 2021-11-16 12:34:04 UTC https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1893971199 https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1893974765 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.]]> 2021-11-16 12:36:07 UTC https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1893974765 https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1893975953 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.]]> 2021-11-16 12:36:46 UTC https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1893975953 https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1893977400 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.]]> 2021-11-16 12:37:33 UTC https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1893977400 https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1893978198
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! ]]> 2021-11-16 12:38:01 UTC https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1893978198 https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1896419959 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!]]> 2021-11-17 09:31:09 UTC https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1896419959 https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1908215253 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 ]]> 2021-11-23 11:51:29 UTC https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1908215253 https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1908269994 2021-11-23 12:28:14 UTC https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1908269994 https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1908270344 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]]> 2021-11-23 12:28:26 UTC https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1908270344 https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1908295788 This question has been moved to the creative Padlet where one of our partners have responded. :) ]]> 2021-11-23 12:42:36 UTC https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1908295788 https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1908297996 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 !!! ]]> 2021-11-23 12:44:00 UTC https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1908297996 https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1908758168 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 ]]> 2021-11-23 15:55:07 UTC https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1908758168 https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1910275193 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...]]> 2021-11-24 09:57:49 UTC https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1910275193 https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1910286474 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! 
 ]]> 2021-11-24 10:04:54 UTC https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1910286474 https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1910300994 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. ]]> 2021-11-24 10:13:25 UTC https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1910300994 https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1910302369 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]]> 2021-11-24 10:14:20 UTC https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1910302369 Excelerate https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1912207886 Hello, great question. We have moved it to the Public Sector padlet :) ]]> 2021-11-25 08:59:48 UTC https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1912207886 https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1924804558 2021-12-02 10:14:55 UTC https://padlet.com/Excelerate/95quas5gwzfxig1j/wish/1924804558