http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ The community space of the UK's leading provider of business training for entrepreneurs en-US Fri, 30 Jul 2010 10:13:00 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/search.php http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/what-should-you-be-thinking-about-when-negotiating-a-licensing-deal#post-133 Tue, 27 Jul 2010 22:14:12 +0000 GregoryPek 133@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>Hi All,</p> <p>Thanks to everyone who has contributed to this great site, good work team.</p> <p>I have a new product which i know will sell very well in the USA, venturing into that part of the world will be a huge hill to climb, a hill my business is unable to climb at present. I feel that if the right deal was there, licensing it would be the easiest option from my side and keep the brand alive in the USA whilst still earning revenue for the company, allowing me to concentrate on getting the brand and product in to the European and Australasian markets. I have no previous experience in negotiating license deals with large American companies, where do you start?</p> <p>Thanks </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/how-to#post-131 Sun, 25 Jul 2010 22:43:08 +0000 cjwhite 131@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>I have been looking to start up my own business for a while but I have a couple problems.</p> <p>1. My credit is more than bad.</p> <p>2. I have no idea where to start</p> <p>Number 1 is not to much of an issue as I believe with the right conversations I may be able to start with very little or no cost. My main issue is with the second point as I do not know who to pitch the idea to to clarify whether my idea is viable or a good proposal. Also I wouldn't be able to quit my current job so time may be an issue...</p> <p>Please if anyone has any advise on where to start it would be much appreciated</p> <p>Kind Regards</p> <p>Chris </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/how-do-you-find-manufacturers-in-the-uk#post-130 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:04:44 +0000 Anne 130@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>Hello all,</p> <p>I am new to the site and have joined hoping to find some help. I am in the process of starting up my own business and really need to find a manufacturer in the textile/fashion/apparale industry to make handbags. I am specifically looking for a manufacturer in the UK and am finding it difficult.</p> <p>So far the problems are any of the bag manufacturers I have managed to find will only take minimum orders of 1000 bags which is not realistic for me. The other problem is that I want to use fabric I have sourced myself and they wont let me do that.</p> <p>I am thinking that I need to speak to smaller companies/sewing factories but I am struggling to identify any.</p> <p>Can anyone give me advice on how to move forward?</p> <p>Thank you</p> <p>Anne </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/how-to-find-angel-investors#post-126 Tue, 13 Jul 2010 12:42:15 +0000 AMJSimpson 126@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>I know that Doug Richard speaks out about Angel groups charging Entrepreneurs to pitch, the problem is that most of the groups in the UK do charge.</p> <p>How can I (or any other Entrepreneur) find Angel investors without using one of these paid for services? Are there any groups that don't charge you to pitch? </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/graphic-design#post-128 Sat, 17 Jul 2010 06:30:06 +0000 photoshopclippath 128@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>Get the best Image Manipulation Service Online from Photoshopclippingpath.us, an offshore graphic design service provider. They are employed with state of the art graphic designers to assist you in your businesses by providing clipped product image to suite your marketing and advertising need. The quality photo editing and photo manipulation services won't exceed your budget but would certainly reach your expectations.<br /> Body:<br /> Today with the advent of globalization a huge amount of jobs are being outsourced to south Asian continents. Companies are fast scaling up to match or surpass international quality standards and are ensuring that they stay ahead through stable quality systems and continuous quality improvement. Photoshopclippingpath.us is one such graphic design company that provides all kinds of graphic design needs such as clipping path and masking service in very quick turnaround time. Employed with state of the art graphic designers and you will get assistance in your businesses by our creative and effective graphic design and identity building marketing systems. We provide our clients with the highest quality graphic design solutions available maintaining strict deadlines.<br /> As professional graphic designers we have extra creativity and expertise in graphic designs to help you reach your potential through marketing. Our delivered services won't exceed your budget but would certainly reach your expectations. Find out more about high-class quality photo editing and wide range of photo manipulation services from our website. Get mammoth flexibility for masking and editing your photos. Don’t wait for your chance to get the best image manipulation and photo editing service at a very reasonable price.<br /> Services List of Photoshopclippingpath.us is as follows:<br /> A. Clipping Path<br /> • Basic &amp; Complex Clipping Path<br /> • Multi Clipping Path &amp; Clipping Path with shadow<br /> B. Photoshop Masking<br /> • Alpha Channel Masking<br /> • Advanced or Complex Layer (Hair &amp; Fur) Masking<br /> • Color Correction Masking<br /> Client work orders are done maintaining zero tolerance level providing 24X7 facilities. Enjoy attractive discount system for large volume of work. More details please visit: - <a href="http://www.photoshopclippingpath.us" rel="nofollow">http://www.photoshopclippingpath.us</a></p> <p>Company: Photoshopclippingpath.us<br /> Address: PROACTIVE INFOTRADE.<br /> 35 N BOSTON AVE,<br /> ATLANTIC CITY,NEW JERSEY-08401,USA<br /> Phone : +1 609 576 1785<br /> Email : <a href="mailto:info@Photoshopclippingpath.us">info@Photoshopclippingpath.us</a> </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/i-dont-need-money-i-need-skills#post-119 Sun, 27 Jun 2010 08:09:40 +0000 Car Masutra Ltd (Mary Bird) 119@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>Where do I find a manager to run my company? How do I employ my first person? </p> <p>I have now got international media coverage for my product, the product has won a national award, I have a trade show in mid July and 3 later in the year, I am working with a high profile comedy director and producer for putting a British Industries feature film together, I have Top Gear Live wanting my products for prizes at their shows, but I CAN NOT DO EVERYTHING !!!</p> <p>Where do I go to find a manager, or a business partner with selling, retail skills, social networking &amp; computer skills who can take the company on, and help me not waste the amazing opportunities I have. Many people on the out side, say go to Dragons Den, but that is not the answer. I need a manager to run the company while I am pulling in more free media, developing the product range and getting goverment backing.</p> <p>My web site is just sitting there, and there is soooooooooooooooo much that can be done with it. <a href="http://www.carmasutra.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.carmasutra.com</a> </p> <p>.......well ???...anyone interested ??!! ........anyone give me advise ??!!</p> <p>Mary </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/website-reviews#post-124 Thu, 08 Jul 2010 12:44:26 +0000 whatsgood 124@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>I run a new website called <a href="http://www.whatsgoodontheweb.co.uk" rel="nofollow">http://www.whatsgoodontheweb.co.uk</a> and I am happy to receive news on new online business launches. Please visit the site for our contact details. </p> <p>All reviews will include links to your site and if you have any specific pages you want linking to please let me know. </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/great-article-on-how-to-avoid-customers-abandoning-their-order-during-checkout#post-123 Wed, 07 Jul 2010 09:02:12 +0000 Nancy Fulton Mazur 123@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p><a href="http://econsultancy.com/blog/6079-reduce-checkout-abandonments-and-increase-registrations?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=newsletter" rel="nofollow">http://econsultancy.com/blog/6079-reduce-checkout-abandonments-and-increase-registrations?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=newsletter</a> </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/help-marketing-a-new-ecommerce-gift-company#post-45 Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:06:25 +0000 giftwrappedandgorgeous 45@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>Hi, we are a fledgling ecommerce gift company who market and promote creative designer makers and small gift businesses based in the UK.</p> <p>We are doing pretty well so far having launched in Jan this year but need help and advice on how to:</p> <p>1. drive more traffic to our website<br /> 2. convert traffic into sales</p> <p>What we have done so far:</p> <p>1. Social networking on Twitter, Linked-In, Facebook<br /> 2. Started SEO copy on the website ourselves<br /> 3. Started a blog<br /> 4. Entered and won a competition to meet Peter Jones which generated a lot of interest<br /> 5. Registered with a press website<br /> 6. Promoted a charity<br /> 7. Held regular competitions<br /> 8. Sent out newsletter<br /> 9. Took out an advert in a wedding magazine for the London and Birmingham wedding shows and will receive 2 - 3 thousand names for our data base via this</p> <p>We are planning a brochure for summer if we can afford it. Our footfall for the website last month was over 3,000 but the bounce rate is still too high. We are ranked 2 with google.</p> <p>Any suggestions would be very welcome!! </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/what-a-great-web-site#post-101 Mon, 31 May 2010 17:19:10 +0000 Car Masutra Ltd (Mary Bird) 101@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>I live in East Anglia and have some times felt far away from the bright lights and buzz of London so what a joy to come across "School for Startups" which is just 40mins down the A14 in Cambridge!</p> <p>I have spent most of this Bank Holiday Monday, going through every link and video by Mr. Richard, and suddenly I dont feel as alone as I did at the begining of the day.</p> <p>I own the International Trade mark to "Car Masutra ...for the man who loves his car". (Europe, USA, Japan, Australia) I am a one woman company but can not do EVERYTHING by myself !! </p> <p>The gift "Body Repair Kit" has just been short listed for "The Gift of the Year" Awards 2010, and consists of one product from each male toiletry range. Classic Car Masutra - Custom Car Masutra - Sports Car Masutra. My aim is to take a few % away from Lynx, who have 98% of the body Spray market, and then at prime times during the year, package the products in an amusing way, for us women to buy the man who loves his car. Many other products are pending.</p> <p>I have a global brand to launch, a TV documentry to make and a major manufacturer, distributor and sales team ready to go. I have car shows requesting involvement, retail fairs lined up, access to many personalities and have been studing the market since 1994. The Car Masutra brand had a pre-launch last year at the Classic Motor Show at the NEC in November.</p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILVGRxKqvfk" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILVGRxKqvfk</a> (short overview with some market research)</p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2auM8waBA-g" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2auM8waBA-g</a> (NEC Pre Launch interview etc ..short video)</p> <p><a href="http://www.carmasutra.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.carmasutra.com</a></p> <p>Anyone interested...........</p> <p>All products made the UK, which is just what the Government are after at the moment ?!</p> <p>With best wishes to all of you,</p> <p>Mary Bird </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/attracting-customers-to-a-new-service-business#post-21 Tue, 19 Jan 2010 23:51:54 +0000 alcglob1 21@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>I have recently launched my sourcing consultancy (www.alcglobalpartners.com) that helps entrepreneurs and small and mid-size businesses buy and design products in China. My company can provide assistance during the entire buying process from researching which factory best suits the customers' needs, to contract negotiations, to import procedures.<br /> I have had lots of interest in my company and many people have told me I have a good business model. However, I seem to have a lot of trouble actually attracting enough customers to make my business profitable. Here is what I have done:</p> <p>1) I have joined local trade associations and attended events</p> <p>2) I have offered to give lectures about Chinese business culture at a local university (was accepted but lecture was cancelled due to snow :( )</p> <p>3)I have tried marketing my company on Twitter and a blog – but I don’t know if I have been getting enough "legitimate" interest there. I know these venues are good ways to market products, but service companies seem to be more of a challenge since you only get paid after you have done some of the work leaving you open to disreputable people.</p> <p>4) I have tried reaching out to people through alumni networks.</p> <p>Any advice? </p> <p>Thanks,<br /> Andrea<br /> (Also, of course, if any fellow entrepreneurs would like to source their products/ inventions in China I would be happy to help.) </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/entrepreneurs-on-tv-what-do-you-think#post-95 Wed, 19 May 2010 11:18:33 +0000 FishBowl 95@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>I have noted recently the number of entrepreneur/business related TV programmes being shown - take High Street Dreams and Junior Apprentice as examples.</p> <p>What do you think of these programmes and the way they portray entrepreneurship? Do you think they give people a realistic view of what is involved in setting up and running a business?</p> <p>How do you think appearance on these programmes affects the businesses themselves? Do they do better or worse because of it? How do you think programmes like these compare to the business 'webumentary' at <a href="http://www.inafishbowl.com?" rel="nofollow">http://www.inafishbowl.com?</a> Can any medium ever truly show every aspect of business in it's transparency? </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/how-do-you-avoid-tiredness-when-youre-running-your-own-business#post-106 Thu, 03 Jun 2010 13:31:59 +0000 FishBowl 106@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>Recently, our entrepreneurs have been saying how tired they are. Matt in Fishbowl One has been travelling all over the country to organise venues for his business launch tour, and has been getting a maximum of 4 hours sleep per night, often sleeping on his friend's floors! He explains in this video how he is so tired but still loving it - <a href="http://inafishbowl.com/Fishbowl-One/tired-but-loving-it.html" rel="nofollow">http://inafishbowl.com/Fishbowl-One/tired-but-loving-it.html</a></p> <p>Then there's Dom and Owain in Fishbowl Three. Following the advice of Expert Claire Young (finalist on The Apprentice 2004 <a href="http://inafishbowl.com/claire-young.html)" rel="nofollow">http://inafishbowl.com/claire-young.html)</a>, the pair took a week long break from their business after becoming so run down that they were losing motivation. They are now back to work refreshed and raring to go - <a href="http://inafishbowl.com/Fishbowl-Three/video-taking-a-break.html" rel="nofollow">http://inafishbowl.com/Fishbowl-Three/video-taking-a-break.html</a></p> <p>But how can you avoid this tiredness when you're running your own business? The stress and the ownership can really take it's toll, but when you're the only one working, how can you take time off?</p> <p>These guys love what they're doing, but eventually it must get you down.</p> <p>Does anyone have any tips for staying energised and upbeat when you're running your own business? </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/how-to-develop-a-new-idea#post-116 Fri, 25 Jun 2010 10:56:28 +0000 Edriddell4 116@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>I have a great new idea for a mobile app. It is a sports based app which involves the use of GPS. I feel it could be really successful within the phone fitness market. The application could have great expansion plans and a real profit potential. I do not however have the experience or skills necessary to develop the application myself. I was wondering what is the best way to get the product designed. So far my options are development companies, freelancers, computer development students or learn the development process myself. Please could someone advise me on which process to use and how? </p> <p>Ed, from Cambridge. </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/politics-and-small-business-how-will-the-election-results-affect-you#post-93 Tue, 11 May 2010 15:31:02 +0000 FishBowl 93@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>With the election results still undecided, how do you think the new Government could affect small businesses?</p> <p>If you are a small business owner, did you vote? What mainly influenced your decisions?</p> <p>I asked the three businesses in a fishbowl what their thoughts were on the election - you can see the responses of Fishbowl One and Fishbowl Two below:</p> <p>- Fishbowl One: Election Thoughts<br /> - Politics and Small Business</p> <p>I'd be interested to hear your thoughts. </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/maltese-food#post-55 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:19:01 +0000 gozo 55@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>hi there, am interested in starting an export business with Maltese traditional foods like honey rings,pea and cheese cakes and many more.<br /> my friend and I already distribute our products locally for about 2 years now, and we wish to export them in uk as we believe that our products will go very well in uk and as well as a new product.<br /> how can we begin our contacts? what should we do? to whom we should talk?<br /> can someone help us?</p> <p>thanks </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/how-do-you-sell-a-product-jigsaw-puzzle-into-a-retailer#post-99 Thu, 27 May 2010 13:50:26 +0000 Bobby 99@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>I have a Jigsaw Puzzle I would like to try to sell into a retailer (Like W H Smiths or Waterstones). Does anyone know the process for getting something onto their shelves, how they pay and you deliver to them? I am a bit lost at sea at the moment so any help would be appreciated.</p> <p>(Lets work on the assumption that I can convince them that the product is something they want as Jigsaws may not be for everyone on the site :)) </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/protecting-something-that-cant-be-patented#post-96 Wed, 19 May 2010 12:25:24 +0000 filtuh 96@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>Hi we're developing a site which is a new events listing site, and has a unique way of searching and presenting the data. In the UK we can't patent software, and reg'd design would only go so far (probably not worth the expense for the protection it gives). We've trademarked obviously. So is the only way to protect it by launching aggressively and then providing a superior service? </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/why-arent-directors-protected-against-shareholders-who-work-against-the-company#post-94 Tue, 18 May 2010 15:14:58 +0000 abigailfarran 94@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>I am subject to daily problems by a shareholder who placed an illegal lien on our property and stock whilst we were renting part of his premises simply due to the fact we wanted to leave because he would not let us have our own staff and was wanting to charge out staff of no use to us at £25K per annum per employee. He has now been writing to clients stating we did a moonlight flit, he gave creditors my home address, locked me out of the office, has been trying to pass resolutions to come on board as a director despite the fact the company no longer trades after he stopped us trading. The company ran out of money as a result and I am trying to close the company down via the cheapest route by applying for strike off at companies house. The shareholder blocked this since he obtained a ccj for rent. He has personally written to my partners profession in order to have him struck off from a job he has done medically for 18 years, daily I am harrassed, and yet he thinks he is within the eyes of the law, whilst we are completely open to attack from all sides. Why isn't there a code of conduct that all shareholders should abide by? This shareholder is hoping to get me struck off as a Director despite all I have tried to do to simply ensure that our company was protected from him. </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/working-from-home-vs-working-from-an-office-how-do-you-choose#post-60 Tue, 23 Mar 2010 14:53:50 +0000 FishBowl 60@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p><a href="http://www.inafishbowl.co.uk/hg/" rel="nofollow">http://www.inafishbowl.co.uk/hg/</a></p> <p>Head and Griffiths are an online bespoke tailored suit company, and are part of Inafishbowl.com (InaFishbowl), a website through which they are sharing every part of their journey as a start up business.</p> <p>They are beginning to think about where their business will move to when their tenancy at their current incubation unit expires.</p> <p>So, I was wondering if anyone has any opinion on the merits of working in a home office vs working in a more traditional office. And how do you know which is best for you?</p> <p>Also, if Head and Griffiths decide not to work from home, should they choose an office, a showroom or a shop?</p> <p>Any advice? </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/payback-when-should-you-take-a-salary-from-your-business#post-76 Thu, 08 Apr 2010 16:30:58 +0000 FishBowl 76@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>Marcela in Fishbowl Two has been running her business for a few months now, and is finally starting to edge closer to her break even mark, and is beginning to think about taking a salary from the business.</p> <p>As she has managed to gain investment in her business, is it valid to use some of that investment to pay herself back for the money she put in as a director? </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/how-can-charities-approach-online-marketing#post-30 Fri, 26 Feb 2010 12:04:40 +0000 Anonymous 30@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>At yesterday's S4Stv event at UCL, we heard from a couple of innovative charitable and social enterprises. Since charities are by definition not for profit, what incentives can they provide for marketing, and what clever ways can they marketing themselves?</p> <p>I thought I'd open a thread and ask this question to the community, maybe someone out there has a clever angle they've found that we could learn about? </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/superb-offshore-graphic-designer#post-71 Sun, 04 Apr 2010 17:16:53 +0000 unitednotions 71@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>Ive been attending several workshops, and am nearing the launch of my new product. Along the way, I've checked out literally DOZENS of graphic designers, and found most to be way too expensive, or incapable of actually drawing (as opposed to manipulating existing images). Anyway, I ran a competition over on logomyway.com and got some great results, at a fraction of the price if costs me a UK designer to come up with some concepts that I threw away. The winner of the contest was a designer in Indonesia, who I have found to be a superb resource to my startup team - talented, helpful, creative .. anyway, in case anyone needs a great, cost-effective design resource, I cant recommend this guy highly enough : </p> <p><a href="http://jojodesign.in" rel="nofollow">http://jojodesign.in</a> </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/share-the-wealth-functionality-on-s4s-site#post-75 Thu, 08 Apr 2010 15:53:08 +0000 unitednotions 75@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>is this custom designed, or a plugin? </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/on-line-accounting-software#post-84 Sun, 18 Apr 2010 22:35:20 +0000 kmcevoy 84@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>At your recent social media event (very good BTW, very thought provoking, thanks) you had a bullet point about on-line accounting and that businesses should be doing this. Which companies do you recommend checking out and what are your tips for leveraging? Thanks </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/new-anti-spam-affiliate-law#post-72 Tue, 06 Apr 2010 20:48:17 +0000 unitednotions 72@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>Doug, this is what I was referring to in today's seminar on the new anti spam affiliate laws : </p> <p><a href="http://www.clickz.com/3521766" rel="nofollow">http://www.clickz.com/3521766</a></p> <p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CAN-SPAM_Act_of_2003" rel="nofollow">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CAN-SPAM_Act_of_2003</a></p> <p>Best, Steve </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/how-do-i-break-into-a-very-noisy-market-sector#post-74 Wed, 07 Apr 2010 23:40:05 +0000 raycampion 74@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>Hi Doug,</p> <p>I enjoyed the session on Internet Marketing yesterday, thanks for that.</p> <p>I'm deliberating whether or not to start a new business producing a web app for online accommodation reservations and payments. It's an incredibly noisy sector with over 200 current providers, all with a miriad of features and functions. Despite the volume of providers, penetration still isn't extensive through all price layers of the sector, and I want to focus on the B&amp;B's, rental apartments, challets etc etc. As an example, there are an estimated 30,000 B&amp;B's in the UK with only minimal uptake of the technology</p> <p>I've a very different approach to the problem, not to dissimilar to 37signals approach to web apps, which fixes my issue, (I also own other property investment and management companies) and all people i've spoken with the same problem. </p> <p>My concern is how to get heard in a market which already has so many providers shouting for attention. Most accommodation providers who don't currenlty have an online booking engine have choosen not to, for reasons such as setup cost, or discomfort with technology. The product I'd launch would eliminate the cost, (they'd be able to go from no website, to a website with a booking engine for free), and as much as is possible, make the IT element very simple.</p> <p>It would be great to get your views and experience on breaking into busy markets, and your ideas on where you would attack this problem.</p> <p>I have thick skin, so please don't hold back if you think it too prolematic considering the maturity of the market. A slap of reality early on can often be the best thing.</p> <p>Your time is much appreciated</p> <p>Kind regards<br /> Ray Campion </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/what-can-i-do-with-what-i-got#post-77 Fri, 09 Apr 2010 13:17:00 +0000 EnriqueSanguino 77@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>Hi Doug</p> <p>the above question is starting to occupy my mind, i'd like to tell you why in order to find some<br /> course of action to produce better results: </p> <p>99% of my work comes from Estate Agencies and Interior Designers. In the last 2 years<br /> we've been visiting around 1,500 properties, in many cases (over 50%) we've met the home owners.<br /> That has enable me to do two things, first to make a genuine effort in producing the best<br /> possible photos of their properties (price range £300,000 - £6,000,000), and secondly to<br /> make them feel comfortable with me in their home. My approach is friendly, warm, honest as well as professional. </p> <p>As a result in many cases they ring the Estate agent to say how impressed and happy they were with<br /> the photos we did. All that makes my client (the agent) look good, because they have<br /> a good photographer that makes them look good! </p> <p>That what keeps us alive basically.</p> <p>Then, as soon as the job is done, I give them my card, I leave their property and that's it. Sometimes I offer them the photos if they drop me an email. The happily agree and I take their emails and of course I send them the photos for free.</p> <p>After that there is no further contact with the owners. Judging by the quality of the conversation we were having,<br /> I was frequently tempted to think that they could be potential clients for portrait and family photography.</p> <p>The results have no changed our business at all. Still 99% comes from agents since i've started to<br /> take this approach 1 year ago. There has been no much interest from them on me as a photographer for their family,<br /> apart from counted opportunities. For this reason I gave up on my interest in family photography to focus on B2B instead of B2C, despite the progress we've made in making videos for some families as something new and more complete than just photography (as I mentioned you on the event at the UCL). (I still believe the video-photography for families is a very cool and simple idea).</p> <p>This is the picture from my point of view. What i'd like to ask you is about making things work together, about integration. </p> <p>I reckon that by finding a way of including those contacts (home owners) into the conversation of relevant topics<br /> I could achieve more than just by leaving them on my contacts list. After all they know me. So, instead of trying to chase people who I don't know, it makes sense to approach those who I know, that could well be around 200- 400 people. </p> <p>I am open to your comments, also I'd like to thanks for your time on my last post about fixing the price when you get it wrong. </p> <p>best , </p> <p>Enrique Sanguino </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/how-to-utilise-expert-feedback#post-70 Thu, 01 Apr 2010 12:18:48 +0000 FishBowl 70@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p><a href="http://www.Inafishbowl.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.Inafishbowl.com</a>, the business reality website, now includes expert commentary from the following experts:</p> <p>- Rachel Elnaugh (Dragons' Den)<br /> - Imran Hakim (Dragons' Den)<br /> - Ben Way (Secret Millionaire)<br /> - Marc Lawn (Telegraph, Business GP)<br /> - Chris Hall (The Hive)<br /> - Iain Scott (Enterprise Island)<br /> - Susan Hallam (Hallam Communications)<br /> - Russell Copley (East Midlands Incubation Network)<br /> - Toby Reid (In A Fishbowl Founder)</p> <p>These experts give comment and advice on the Fishbowl's experiences, and will continue to do so with the addition of lots more experts thrown into the mix.</p> <p>One of the experts wrote a blog which was a little less than positive about the business in Fishbowl Three, and it made me think. What would you do if you were just starting out and a proven business expert gave you negative feedback? How would you deal with it? And would you take it on board and action their suggestions even if you weren't sure about them, based solely on the fact that they came from an 'expert' source?</p> <p>How do you think you would optimise the opportunities available to you if you were in a fishbowl? </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/accountants-and-lawyers-in-the-london-areas#post-61 Thu, 25 Mar 2010 10:35:20 +0000 gocarshare 61@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>Hi there,</p> <p>If anyone has an accountant and or a lawyer that they could recommend in and around London, I would love to hear from you.</p> <p>I am looking for people who are particularly good at working with start ups. With lawyers in particular, it would be great to find someone who makes thing simple and avoids overly complex jargon.</p> <p>If you could let me know why you think they are good and what sort of project you have used them for, that would be hugely appreciated too.</p> <p>Thanks a lot,</p> <p>Drummond </p>