Real World Entrepreneurship: Recent Episodes
Alan Clarke
In this podcast Alan and Bhairav talk about the real world issues that are faced by entrepreneurs and small business owners
We have both run successful businesses, raised money, grown them globally and now we're giving practical advice to the next generation of entrepreneurs. We don't do platitudes.
We also talk to entrepreneurs from across the world and get them to share their stories and challenges
In this episode of the "Real World Entrepreneurship Podcast," we delve deep into the strategies foreign companies need to employ when entering the UK market. Expanding into a new region can be a formidable venture, particularly in a market as complex and diverse as the United Kingdom. Our speakers discuss the importance of understanding the unique dynamics, consumer behaviours, and regulations that define the UK market landscape. From recognising the post-Brexit regulatory changes to tailoring business approaches to local preferences, this episode provides essential insights for any company aiming to penetrate this lucrative market. Discover why pinpointing your target customer segments and understanding regional differences can be the game-changer for your business’s success.
In this episode of the Real World Entrepreneurship Podcast, hosts Bhairav Patel and Alan Clarke dive deep into the reasons why projects often fail and share valuable insights on how to avoid common pitfalls. Drawing from their extensive experience in the business and technology worlds, they highlight the importance of the "CPOP" principles - Communication, People, Oversight, and Planning - in ensuring project success.
Key topics covered in this episode include:
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The critical role of thorough planning and requirements gathering at the outset of a project
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The importance of maintaining open, honest communication between all stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle
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The impact of having the right people involved who are invested in the project's success and empowered to make decisions
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The need for regular oversight to track progress against milestones and course-correct as necessary
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How the "CPOP" principles should be applied at every stage of a project, not just at the beginning
Bhairav and Alan share real-world examples and anecdotes to illustrate these points, making the lessons both relatable and actionable for entrepreneurs and project managers alike. They also touch on the dangers of letting ego-driven agendas derail projects and emphasize the importance of staying focused on the ultimate goal.
Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this episode offers valuable wisdom on navigating the challenges of bringing a project to fruition. Tune in for some hard-won insights and practical tips on keeping your next project on track and avoiding the common reasons why projects fail.
Follow the Real World Entrepreneurship Podcast for more no-nonsense advice and real talk on building and growing a successful business.
In this episode of the Real World Entrepreneurship podcast, hosts Alan Clarke and Bhairav Patel explore the surprising parallels between running a political campaign and building a successful startup. Drawing on insights from the current UK general election, they discuss key lessons founders can take away from the world of politics to help their businesses thrive.
In this episode, Alan and Bhairav discuss strategies for guiding your business through periods of economic and political uncertainty. They share insights on how entrepreneurs and startup founders can mitigate risks, maintain financial discipline, and identify opportunities during chaotic times.
Key Takeaways:
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Embrace the chaos: Accept uncertainty as a constant in the business world and focus on what you can control.
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Prioritize risk mitigation: Conduct a risk assessment of your business operations and make contingency plans.
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Maintain financial discipline: Ensure proper cash flow management and work to establish a 6-18 month financial runway.
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Invest in your team: Keep employee morale up and avoid giving them reasons to leave during uncertain times.
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Look for opportunity: Diversify your offerings to solve emerging customer pain points and be ready to capture market share from failing competitors.
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Steady, forward progress: Avoid overreacting to every new development and maintain persistent, level-headed forward momentum.
Topics Covered:
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Dealing with the compounded uncertainty of startup life and economic/political instability
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Conducting a weighted risk assessment of your business
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The importance of separating operating cash flow and funds held for liabilities
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Scenario planning and adapting without overreacting
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Identifying opportunities created by market disruptions
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Maintaining mental wellbeing as a leader during stressful times
Quotes:
"It's always chaos. So I think, and I think we've talked about it many times, is that your business as a small business owner, all you ever think about is risk." - Bhairav Patel
"Don't overreact, don't get too high, don't get too low, but keep moving forward, because if you don't keep moving forward, you'll run out of momentum and then you'll start going backwards." - Alan Clarke
Welcome to another insightful episode where we dissect the intricate dance of innovation and craftiness in the realm of entrepreneurship.
In this episode, we unpack the thin line between genuine innovation and the cloaking of shortcomings often used by companies eager to introduce their products into the fiercely competitive market.
From the concept of a minimum viable product (MVP) as a cornerstone of progress, to the allure and challenges of launching such a product, we delve into the reality of early-stage products.
We also spotlight the necessity of balancing the act of selling these products with the need to continuously evolve, refine and perfect these offerings over time.
Join Bhairav Patel and Alan Clarke as they dissect the notion of productivity, questioning whether the hustle culture has tricked us into being busy for the sake of being busy.
Bhairav and Alan explore the pitfalls of this relentless busyness and the importance of focussing on core business activities that actually drive tangible progress. Other riveting topics of discussion include entrepreneurs' chase for awards and acknowledgments, the deceptive allure of public recognition, and the counterproductive attempts to attain unattainable perfection.
Launching a new enterprise is akin to embarking on an exciting voyage across an immense sea of opportunities. However, the chasm between dreamers and accomplished entrepreneurs often lies in a singular aspect - validation. When armed with proof of customer interest, or pre-orders, convincing an investor or stakeholder about the potential of your business idea becomes significantly easier.
In this heartfelt episode of The Real World Entrepreneurship, our esteemed speakers, Bhairav Patel and Alan Clarke, focus on an age-old debate: are entrepreneurs born or can they be cultivated over time? Diving into the complex essence of entrepreneurship, Bhairav and Alan help us understand the distinction between qualities inherent to successful business leaders and skills that one can acquire or learn. They examine the importance of finding a balance: an entrepreneur should identify their own strengths and weaknesses, helping them to understand which skills they need to develop and where external help might be necessary. This episode highlights the intricate dynamics of entrepreneurial endeavours, shedding light on the significance of maximising individual strengths and supplementing personal shortcomings for business success.
In this enlightening episode of "Real World Entrepreneurship," we've brought together two trailblazers in the business world - Alan Clarke and Bhairav Patel - to distil the essence of what it truly means to be an early stage entrepreneur. Our conversation delves into the vital traits that define successful entrepreneurs and we discuss in detail the finesse required in honing the art of hustling.
We explore the importance of productivity fused with purpose, the need to step out of comfort zones, and the critical role of the visionary in propelling the venture forward. With their combined wealth of experience and knowledge, Alan and Bhairav examine the vital aspects of risk management in entrepreneurship, including the importance of anticipation and preparation in ensuring the stability of the startup.
Welcome to Real World Entrepreneurship with your hosts, Bhairav Patel and Alan Clarke. This episode delves into the Modern Entrepreneurial Landscape and the pivotal question, 'Should You Start a Business?' Today's episode guides you through the thought-provoking terrain of start-ups, exploring the role of technology, support networks, post-COVID realities, funding challenges and the different scopes of entrepreneurial ambitions.
Throughout this episode, Patel and Clarke delve into the vast impact of technological advances on entrepreneurship. With AI, cloud computing and an array of digital tools, launching a start-up has become more accessible and less expensive. However, the ease of access and a vast expanse of support systems can be a double-edged sword. Serial-entrepreneurship, the effect of post-COVID repercussions on traditional support systems, and the new realities of investment are discussion points that they scrutinise.
This enlightening episode of 'The Real World Entrepreneurship Podcast' features insightful discourse between speakers Alan Clarke and Bhairav Patel, focusing on the evolution of customer-centric businesses. The conversation revolves around the concept of bespoke service, signifying a shift from a production mentality to a mindset that aims to cater to client-specific demands, solidifying the need for businesses to comprehend customer needs on a deeper level.
In this rapidly evolving business landscape, our hosts illuminate the relationship between problems, needs, and wants, emphasising the need for businesses to foster agility and adapt to the changing needs of their clientele. By creating solutions tailored to the specific objectives of each customer, businesses stand a chance to distinguish themselves and solidify their positioning in an increasingly competitive market.
In this episode of the Real World Entrepreneurship Podcast, esteemed hosts Alan Clarke and Bhairav Patel engage in a conversation surrounding the crucial importance of self-care within the realm of entrepreneurship. In a world where we value and promote relentless productivity, self-nurturing is too often brushed aside. The reality is, our business landscape serves as fertile grounds for individuals seeking to invest their spirit and mental energy in the fruits of their own labour, with dedication often veering towards self-neglect.
The journey of the business mastermind is fraught with challenges that weigh heavy on mind and spirit. In the pursuit of success, the well-being of individuals is often lost in the equation. However, true success relies on the entrepreneur's ability to extend the same kindness to oneself as they do to their venture. Recognition of this importance bolsters emotional and mental wellbeing, and serves to rejuvenate the human spirit at the heart of the venture, enhancing the chance of sustainable success in business.
Welcome to our latest episode of the Real World Entrepreneurship Podcast with Bhairav Patel and Alan Clarke. This time, we're delving into the fascinating realm of product strategy: a crucial consideration for businesses large and small, across all sectors. In this episode, we'll provide you with insights into how to approach your product strategy, making calculated choices around resource allocation in order to maximise the benefits to your business.
Listen in as we delve into that all-too-common business conundrum: Where should you focus your resources, particularly when you've got multiple products demanding attention? You'll gain an understanding of why a strategic approach is necessary, the potential paths open to you, and how to ensure your chosen path is profitable. Don't miss this episode's in-depth conversation on the finer points of product strategy.
Welcome to the Real World Entrepreneurship Podcast, where your hosts, Alan Clarke and Bhairav Patel, evaluate the ins and outs of business and entrepreneurship. In this compelling episode, they dive into the crucial topic of negotiation—a skill exercised consciously and unconsciously since childhood. From negotiating a later bedtime or an extra treat, to bargaining for a higher salary or a prosperous business deal, negotiation seeps into various facets of our lives. Still, the way one manages these situations is of utmost importance. Contrary to the notion that negotiation is all about driving prices down, it has more profound relational elements. Successful negotiations aren't about creating a battleground but finding a mutually beneficial solution for both parties involved.
Furthermore, Alan and Bhairav emphasize that good negotiation is more about learning and active listening than arguing. It's about understanding the other party's standpoint, their challenges, their mindset, and moulding a solution that caters to both parties. In terms of investment partnerships, while money is critical, there can be more value found in an investor who brings a wealth of experience or connections. And, it's equally important to take your time with negotiations—not every agreement has to be finalised on the spot. Understanding the external factors that could disrupt negotiations, like internal politics, is also part of the journey, as well as recognizing where negotiations aren't suitable.
Welcome to another episode of Real World: Entrepreneurship, where we sit down with Max Rodeck from Trade Parts Finder. In this podcast, we dive into Max's entrepreneurial journey – from identifying a problem to building a start-up – showcasing the challenges he faced along the way.
Max's journey began when he noticed the challenges his father's maintenance company faced in finding spare parts. Through his experiences working with companies like Rocket Internet, Uber Eats UK, and Oyo, Max discovered the power of using technology to effectively address such issues.
Realizing that his father's company was still using outdated methods, Max decided to revolutionize their processes, resulting in the creation of Trade Parts Finder.
Grit and determination, sterling stalwarts of an entrepreneur’s toolkit, form the focus of the 'Real World Entrepreneurship Podcast' by Bhairav Patel and Alan Clarke. This thought-provoking episode overturns conventional wisdom by asking: when should entrepreneurs pack it in?
Riding the rough and tumble waves of the UK investment climate can be daunting. The sheer weight of burgeoning red tape and the complexity of business conditions can test the hardiest of entrepreneurs. In the face of such conditions, we bring to your attention, a provocative question: is the struggle genuinely worth it?
Entrepreneurial Evolution: Overcoming Business Hurdles and Attaining Startup Triumphs with the Real World Entrepreneurship Podcast.
Welcome aboard to another insightful episode of the Real World Entrepreneurship Podcast with big-league guests Bhairav Patel and Alan Clarke. In every entrepreneurial voyage, navigating the hazardous waters of business failures plays an instrumental part. This episode dives deep into the complexities surrounding these failures, exploring how they mold the entrepreneurial narrative uniquely. Failing to hit the product-market fit right, dwindling cash flow, and team friction are just a few markers on the road to startup success. Remember, even in business endeavours, the old proverb reigns true, failures can indeed morph into the stepping-stones to success.
Exploring the Underbelly of Business Disasters
From the outside, failure might seem like a simple concept, a clear-cut scenario of running out of funds or falling short on product performance. However, the narrative is much more complex and intertwined than what meets the eye. Surprisingly, running out of cash rarely has an explicit warning siren, often popping up unexpectedly due to the blend of unseen expenses, lack of oversight, or other business hindrances siphoning off the funds. The episode elaborates on these notions, detailing the workings behind the manifestations of business failures and how to steer clear of them.
Welcome back to another episode of the ‘Real World Entrepreneurship Podcast’. Alan Clarke and Bhairav Patel draw your attention, in this episode, to a deeply disruptive issue within start-up landscapes - sexism. The issue paints a worrying scenario when it comes to interactions between investors and female founders.
In addition to chronicling cases of sexism, the episode discusses more sinister forms of gender discrimination in start-ups. Among these are instances of investor misconduct leading to potential sabotage and unwarranted company failures, painting a disheartening picture of an industry needing change. Join us as we delve further into these matters that have deep-seated impacts on female investors' experiences within the start-up sector.
Join hosts Alan Clarke and Bhairav Patel in this enlightening episode of The Real World Entrepreneurship Podcast as they unpack the various dimensions of startup creation. Today's episode circles around market validation, a critical step in the journey of an entrepreneur, and further extends to the importance of building a reliable network and spotting the right resources. Understanding whether your business idea has the potential to succeed involves interacting with potential customers and gathering their feedback. In their discussion, the hosts stress the importance of a thumbs-up from prospective customers as a sign to proceed, and a lukewarm response as a warning to rethink the idea.
Moving beyond the ideation phase, the hosts highlight the vitality of locating the necessary resources and establishing solid networks, both offline and online. The discussion unfolds with fresh insights into the arena of business networking, and why finding the right fit of professionals who understand and can provide appropriate counsel matters more than just having a large network.
Welcome back to another intriguing episode of The Real World Entrepreneurship Podcast. Our guests for this episode are Bhairav Patel and Alan Clarke who are frontrunners in the field of business and organizational management. Change may be a constant in life, but when it comes to managing change within organizations, the process presents unique challenges. In this episode, we unpack the crucial aspect of change management at both startups and large enterprises.
Change management isn't just about new systems or protocols, but a multifaceted process that involves understanding emotional dynamics and effectively engaging everyone involved in the business operation. We examine the formula that instigates this transformation, focusing on the elements of dissatisfaction with the status quo, vision of the new direction, and initial movement towards change. Join us as we explore how the desire for change and a clearly defined vision can overcome inherent resistance.
In this podcast, we discuss the importance of hiring the right people for a business.
We call upon the wisdom of Adib Bamieh from Bamboo Orchard who suggests that therea re three core characteristics you should look for when hiring someone: self-motivation, communication, and humility.
He also suggests that it is important to understand what a potential hire does in their previous role and how much impact they have in their team.
The conversation then moves on to the tech boom of the last few years and how many people find themselves in specialist teams with not much work to do.
This leads to a discussion of the importance of understanding what a potential hire does in their previous role and how much impact they have in their team.
The conversation then moves on to the difficulty of gauging self-motivation in an interview. Alan shares his own experience of making decisions based on intuition and reception. The main points of discussion in this podcast are:
- The importance of hiring the right people for a business
- The traits that should be looked for in potential hires
- The importance of understanding what a potential hire does in their previous role and how much impact they have in their team
In this episode of the Real World Entrepreneurship Podcast, join Alan and Bhairav, as they traverse the often intimidating landscape of entrepreneurship. The duo digs deep into the dynamics of starting a company, covering critical aspects like defining each co-founder's role, handling equity shares, and managing investors responsibly and effectively.
Beginning with an exploration of co-founder role clarity and equity division, they examine how an ill-defined role can lead to discord and stumbling blocks in the organization. Additionally, they also ponder on the delicate equation between founders and investors, and explore strategies for fostering beneficial relationships that surpass merely financial exchanges.
In this episode, Alan and Bhairav discuss the potential for a financial crisis and its implications for those starting up a business.
They note that there has been a huge influx of funding into AI businesses in the first six months of 2020, whereas other areas are becoming harder to raise money in.
They discuss the importance of planning for the worst case scenario and having a good hard look at what is necessary and what can be cut out.
They also discuss the importance of having a team of the right people who are willing to put their all in to make the most of it during the hard times.
Finally, they note that while the current situation is difficult, it is not the hardest of times and that it is important to re-sharpen focus and plan for the future.
In this podcast, the hosts Alan and Bhairav, discuss the changing face of early stage funding
Gone are the days that a hockey stick graph in a pitch deck will elicit excitement from investors, nowadays they are more savvy and want to see real numbers behind the figures they are presented
It has always been important to target the right investors for your business but nowadays if you don't know your audience and cannot provide them with real validation of your product or service - validation you've received at every stage of your journey - you will find it hard to grab their attention
Many people start off solo but then realise quite quickly that they need a co-founder to help compliment them with the skills that they may not have
In this episode we talk about what you need to look for in a co-founder and whether you really even need one at all
In this podcast we discuss the legals that are needed when creating your own business
We go though the different types of documentation needed, what compliance is required as well as the importance of having a great shareholder agreement
Running a business is not for everyone and in this conversation Alan and Bhairav talk about the realities of running a business
We talk about how founders need to concentrate on the areas they have expertise in and hire in the speciality skills when needed
In addition we talk about the tough nature of running your own company, how it can be a very lonely place but the rewards can be great
The fourth season of "The Real World Unfairship Contracts" podcast focuses on the topic of starting a business and getting it up and running. In this episode, the hosts discuss the essential technology and tools needed to start a business.
They begin by recommending basic productivity tools such as Google Suite, Microsoft 365, and Outlook. They also mention alternative tools for those who prefer not to use Google or Microsoft products. The hosts stress that the choice of technology tools will depend on the specific needs of the business and recommend analyzing each department of the business and identifying the appropriate tools for each.
The discussion then moves onto custom software, how and when you should build your own software as well as the timelines and costs involved
Importantly they also discuss the common mistakes founders make when developing their own software
Is it all money and glory?
Will you become a billionaire within the first year?
Will investors shower you with money and you can retire in a few years?
Well those are the ideas many of us have in our head when it comes to ideals of entrepreneurship but what is the reality?
In this episode Alan and Bhairav talk about the pros and cons of running your own business and they take the wisdom of the internet and put it under the spotlight
What they find is that the advice you get online doesn't really reflect the reality of running your own business
Listen on to find out what they really think....
What is it really like being an entrepreneur?
What are the different stages of the journey and what should you know along the way?
In this podcast Alan and Bhairav talk about the steps that every entrepreneur must take and what it is really like taking them
We did some research this week and our aim is to seek to see whether what you find online accurately reflects what we have seen in real life
In this week's episode we talk about the different people that can help you start your business, we cover specific advisors such as legal and financial to coaches and mentors - the differences between the two and how you have to be careful before you implement the advice of others
A question that many people ask themselves on a daily basis - should I start a business?
Well the answer to this is mixed, for some people the choice is easy because there is no choice, they by necessity need to start a business in order to survive
For others the question is more difficult to answer because they may be in a secure, well paying job and have a family or others to support
In this podcast Alan and Bhairav talk about their own journeys and using their experience of mentoring and advising start-up founders they also highlight the reasons that others have begun their own entrepreneurial journey
This is a must listen for those that are thinking of starting their own thing
In this episode Alan and Bhairav are joined by Medial Relations Trainer Colin Kelly
Colin talks about how business owners can obtain the maximum exposure for their business through multiple channels
We also debate the following questions:
- What have been the biggest in social media over the past 5 years?
- What are the new social media trends business owners need to be aware of?
- What do businesses need to do about the metaverse?
- How to get PR for your business without spending a fortune
- How do businesses navigate the uncertain social media landscape we face today
This podcast is one for all the business owners that are looking at ways to raise their profile for their business over the coming year
In this podcast Alan and Bhairav talk with Mark Farrar-Brown from Fit to Lead
Mark is a coach to CEOs of scaling businesses and in this podcast he shares a number of insights with us from the world of entrepreneurship, most notably the 5 questions you need to answer as a start-up founder in order to create a winning strategy
As you can expect, this episode, like all others goes off topic and the team talk about purpose - hasn't it always been a thing, don't all business leaders have a purpose
We also talk about how the new generation coming through values much more than just money and the purpose needs to be something meaningful
In addition to this Mark gives his insights into an investor and what the common mistakes founders make when they pitch to him - hint, its all about the finances
We end this episode on a somewhat positive note in that the VCs are now back to doing due diligence and funding businesses that have as solid basis
In this episode Alan and Bhairav talk about budgeting!
How much should you be spending on different things?
How do you know if it is too much or too little?
Should you be changing the way you spend because of the recession?
In this episode Alan and Bhairav talk with Gary Ennis from NS Design
Gary is the co-author of "Embrace the Space" and is a social media and digital skills trainer
In this space we learn:
- What do we mean by social media?
- What are the latest trends we should be looking out for?
- How should you, as a business owner, approach social media
- Why not all social media channels are your friend
- How to get the most out of your marketing
In this podcast Alan and Bhairav debate the meaning of the term "resilience" and whether there is such a thing and if it is a skill that can be learned
In this week's podcast Alan and Bhairav talk about Atom CTO's marketing journey It has been a number of years since Bhairav talked about his experiences of marketing and in this podcast, he gives an update on where Atom is today with regards to marketing and the key lessons he has learnt The main takeaways from this podcast are: You should approach marketing in the same way you would any other function within your company Have a clear set of objectives in mind before you start Take time in finding the right team that will understand your business and help you market Don't be tempted to market to everyone and everywhere, keep your marketing focus Be consistent in your messaging and maintain the same look and feel
As a start-up founder are you thinking about your business from a global perspective? Do you look at what is going on overseas and take inspiration from the way others have solved problems and feed their thinking into your own This week's podcast was meant to be about whether now is a right time to start a new business but as ever we veered off topic and talked about how the rest of the world sees the UK and whether from a business perspective the UK has any real influence around the globe
In this podcast you'll hear from Brant Cooper, author of a new book called Disruption Proof Brant is an exponent of mission driven teams where companies provide teams with clear objectives and let them get on with the day to day management of tasks to reach those objectives He also discusses his book Disruption Proof where he discusses how disruption proof organisations are Resilient, Aware and Dynamic (RAD) To learn more go to www.brantcooper.com
In this podcast Alan and Bhairav talk to Andy Connelly the founder of Coast Entertainment Coast Entertainment is a business that is based on live events, they provide quality live entertainment for over 20,000 weddings and events in the UK and Ireland Covid crippled his business and in this podcast Andy recalls the low points of the crisis and what the company did to maintain their relationships with customers and musicians Andy also talks about how Covid forced him to re-examine his business and to take tough decisions that ultimately led to the company exiting the crisis leaner, fitter and stronger This is a story with a happy ending....
In this week's podcast Alan and Bhairav discuss how to find and manage a marketing team that fits for your company What we learn from this podcast is: The process of finding and managing a marketing team is much like tech If you don't know what you want, you'll get what you don't want Write a brief! Marketing and advertising are different things!! Be crystal clear with your expectations and how to measure outcomes
In this podcast Alan and Bhairav talk with entrepreneur, podcaster and YouTuber Mark Drager This is a wide ranging podcast that covers the following questions: Are entrepreneurs courageous? How can you be less conservative in business? Building a company culture Are brands fluid or set in stone?
In this podcast we talk about Vision - that word that comes up all the time when you're talking with investors, startup accelerators, mentors etc What is a vision, should we be calling it "ambition" instead? How do you set a vision and once it is set, should it remain set or should you be looking to change and adapt as your business evolves What you will take away from this is: Ambition is probably a better term Language is key Don't be blind to what is going on around you and make sure you adapt
In this podcast, Alan discuss with Bhairav about communities and their importance to businesses We discuss the following points: - How communities are relevant for an entrepreneur journey - What a community strategy looks like - Tips on building a community - Can every business build a community?
In this podcast we started talking about community and ended up talking about what Bhairav is up to with his blockchain business....
What does "investor ready" really mean? Do you need to have 1M in turnover before you can approach investors? In this podcast, Alan and Bhairav talk about what that phrase means and whether there are any real hard and fast rules for when you can approach investors and what you should have in place before you even start thinking about raising funding
In this podcast, Alan and Bhairav talk about the power of networking, how to utilise it effectively and why its important for you and your business. We discuss the following points: Is there a strategy or a plan for effective networking? Is networking for everyone? Does it have to come naturally? Why simplicity works while networking How to be a good listener How networking actually works for you?
Does slow and steady win the race or do successful entrepreneurs take the big risks to get the big rewards? In this episode Bhairav and Alan talk about what the right approach to risk is for entrepreneurs and how you know when the right time to take the big bets are This episode is aimed at those that need help understanding when and how they should approach risk taking within their organisations and how you can mitigate the downsides of any decisions you do take
Are you looking to raise funding for your business? How prepared are you to have another entity looking over your shoulder in your business? In this episode we explore how businesses need to prepare themselves for investment with virtual CFO Raymond Holt The group discusses what entrepreneurs need to know about the process of raising investment and the consequences of obtaining it (hint: its not all about the money)
In this episode we attempt to demystify the terminology around funding rounds - what is the difference between pre-seed, seed, series A What is a Pre-Seed Round? What is a Seed Round? When do you get to a Series A round? What is an Angel Investor?
In this week's episode Alan and Bhairav talk with entrepreneur, author and speaker, Jan Cavelle: https://jancavelle.co.uk/ Jan has written the best seller "Scale for Success" and is currently in the process of writing her second book, however she managed to take the time to talk to the guys about her experience of starting and scaling a business in the 1980s as a single mother. In this podcast we cover a number of topics: When should you quit? The changing attitudes from the 80s, 90s, 2000s The issues with modern day entrepreneurship The key things entrepreneurs need to learn in order to become a success
For this year's first podcast, Alan and Bhairav talk about New Year's resolution for your business, how to review past year's performance and improve on organization, management and so on. In this podcast we discuss:
Should you change your plan of action or stick to it? Problems with overcommitting How to close the gap between you and your customers Importance of acting early Why you should listen to your inner self more?
Alan and Bhairav talk about 'Borrowing with Pride' and how to take ideas that already exist and make them your own without breaking copyright or intellectual property laws
In this episode Alan and Bhairav ponder the metaverse and whether it is something that entrepreneurs and business owners should get involved with immediately or whether it is wiser to wait and see where the technology leads us
This is something we've all felt as entrepreneurs - should I carry on with my business or give up and do something else. In this podcast, Alan and Bhairav relate their experiences in the following areas: How do you realize if you should stop pushing on and figure out if it is really worth continuing your business? Importance of having options What to do when you have thoughts about quitting Importance of investing yourself into the business Why is it always good to follow the old adage, 'Have a plan and stick to it'. Right way to measure your progression
In this podcast you'll learn: - Can you have too many advisors? - Importance of understanding when you need help and what exactly you need help for? - Are there any downsides of working with an advisor? - How to make use of your advisor in the best way possible for your company - What differentiates between a coach, mentor, non exec director and an advisor?
In this episode, Alan and Bhairav talk about scaling, factors to consider while choosing partners and hiring. In this podcast you'll learn: - How to hire the right people to maintain quality - Things to keep in mind while interviewing, on-boarding and managing your workforce - Positives and limitations of a distributed team - Importance of building a diverse team - 4-step checklist to go through before starting to scale
In this episode, Alan and Bhairav talk about leadership and management, the qualities to look out for and what it takes to excel as a leader and a manager. In this podcast you'll learn: - Difference between leadership and management - Can everyone be a leader? - What makes a great manager? - Roles and responsibilities for being a better leader and a manager - How important is influence for leadership? - Who is considered to be a great leader?
In this episode, Alan and Bhairav talk about market plan and how to define one before entering a new market. In this podcast you'll learn: - Importance of understanding market strategy - How you identify who to target - Importance of refining your messaging, advertising and marketing for the market you are targeting - Is Pivoting closely related to fine tuning your market strategy
In this episode, Alan and Bhairav talk all about the art of pitching and what entrepreneurs need to keep in mind while preparing, delivering and getting feedback for their pitch. In this podcast you'll learn: - Importance of pitch - Purpose of a pitch - its not always to get investment - Alan's 7 principles when it comes to pitching - Identifying your objective - Common mistakes made by entrepreneurs while pitching
In this episode, Alan and Bhairav talk about tech and what business owners need to think about when implementing technology into their company In this podcast you'll learn: What tech should you implement? When should you implement it? How do you go about implementing technology? Does tech drive the business? Why do tech products fail? Should you build or buy? How do you choose the right software for your company?
In this episode Alan and Bhairav talk all things "pitch deck" Both Alan and Bhairav outline the slides described by Guy Kawasaki in his post, "The only 1o slides you need in your pitch" and add their own experience and flavour to that methodology https://guykawasaki.com/the-only-10-slides-you-need-in-your-pitch/ In this podcast you'll learn: The key slides you need in your pitch deck Why they are important What content you need to put into each slide What turns off investors
What do you do when life throws you a curve ball? The regular listeners may have noticed that we haven't published an episode for some time and that was because Alan has unfortunately been in hospital (not getting a face life but nothing serious) This was a curve ball not only for the podcast but also his business, meaning that he was unable to honour many of his commitments How did he deal with that? Well in this podcast we talk about different issues we have personally faced whilst running our businesses and how we have dealt with them, we also talk about how others have advised us and give practical advice based on our experiences
We often get asked by entrepreneurs what the best way is to advertise on a budget. In this week's podcast Alan and Bhairav discuss: How do you execute a marketing strategy on a shoe string budget? What do you need to be saying to your audience? What makes a good story for your business? What channels should you be using to speak to your audience? Is a direct approach better to an indirect approach? How do you develop and refine your approach to customers?
Burnout is a real phenomenon but its not always well understood: How do you know you are burnt out? What should you do if you are beginning to felt burnt out? How can you see burnout impacting others?
In this episode Alan and Bhairav talk candidly about their experiences with burnout, how it impacted them and what you can do to recognise the symptoms of burnout and then avoid them
Marketing is a crucial part of any business and there are hundreds of companies out there that can help early stage founders with marketing, however, the key question is - how do you know they are actually doing the right job for you? In this week's podcast we talk about: What do you need to know or do before you even start marketing What the difference is between marketing and advertising How you build a credible marketing process How you adapt a marketing process once you're out in the market Defining your customer segment Pricing and distribution
In this episode Alan and Bhairav discuss their experiences of entering new overseas markets and the different approaches you can take In this podcast we cover: When you should think about entering new markets What kinds of approaches you should take The different approaches they have taken What are the key criteria for a successful foray into a new territory
Founder isolation. It is a real phenomenon and something that can be quite crippling for an entrepreneur during the early stages of starting a new business In this podcast we take a deep dive into founder isolation, how you can suffer from it even though you have a team around you and what we have done to overcome that feeling
In this week's episode Alan and Bhairav go searching for that mythical beast called "Work Life Balance" Is there such a thing? Can you truly switch off as a business owner? Most importantly, how can you get over the feeling of guilt when you do take time off and how do you ultimately take time off and actually enjoy the fruits of your labour...?
In this episode Alan and Bhairav talk with Hassan Peymani who with a group of friends, left school and joined the World Poker Tour Hassan was not a great poker player but travelled the world with his friends who were and as he was touring he had the idea to pick up a camera and record what was going on Fast forward a few years and Hassan had one of the most successful video production companies dedicated to Poker Hassan talks about his experience starting a business in an industry he had no knowledge of and how he learnt by doing and how he has carried forward that mentality into everything he does
In this week's podcast we're talking to Robert Flint from Adviserly.io Robert is a lawyer turned entrepreneur and in this podcast we talk to Robert about how the switch changed his opinion of lawyers, what entrepreneurs need to have in place from a legal perspective when they start a business and how he sees the world now that he has made the switch to founder
In this episode Bhairav and Alan discuss the concept of business resilience: What do we mean by business resilience? What is the difference between business resilience and business continuity How do you make a business resilient? What about you as a founder? How can you become resilient?
As a company do you have a plan in place for when something goes wrong? Do you know who to call, what to say, how to ensure that the business doesn't grind to a halt? Listen to our real world examples of what can happen and how you can protect your business
In this episode Alan and Bhairav talk about what you need to think about if you are going to seek funding to grow: What do we mean by financing vs funding? Do you actually need funding? What does it make sense to raise funding for? What do you need to have in place in order to raise funding? What types of funding are there out there? How do you monitor spend?
In this podcast Alan and Bhairav discuss the things you need to know before you launch your idea and the steps you need to take in order to test it in the marketplace: Define your proposition/idea by creating a MVP to demo and a sales leaflet that describes its features and benefits Create a persona of your hottest prospect target customer Identify six real prospective customers that fit that profile Get on the phone (or email) and secure meetings Pitch… .…then listen…carefully to the good and the bad and get views on how you could do things differently Ask for a purchase order Review what you’ve learned Iterate Test again
In this podcast Alan and Bhairav talk about the things you need to make sure you keep in mind when bringing a co-founder on board: Start by understanding your strengths and weaknesses Choose co-founders with complimentary operational skills Choose co-founders with complimentary personalities Make sure you share a clear vision for the business Make sure you share a clear modus operandi Make sure you understand what they want from the journey Check references…do your due diligence Make sure you would be happy to be stuck in an elevator with them
In this episode Alan and Bhairav talk about the top things entrepreneurs should know before the embark on hiring their first employees. The top tips are: Your first hire is the hardest Be honest about your needs Be open about how you work It will take a long time to find the right person Accept that you'll hire the wrong person They get paid first Know your selection criteria Learn how to fire Understand the admin Understand your obligations
Yes, you read that correctly, this week we're talking to Ciaran O'Toole, a serial Intrapreneur about what intrapreneurship really means, the different challenges faced by an intrapreneur vs an entrepreneur and how being a generalist has helped Ciaran succeed
In this podcast we run through our top 10 things first time business owners should know when running a business which as as follows: Get the legals in place Only 25% of companies succeed in the long term Hire a good accountant that understands your business Customers aren't loyal A written business plan dramatically increases the likelihood of success Cash is King! Rediscover old contacts Things don't magically work out Understand your runway Find your voice
In this podcast Alan and Bhairav give advice to budding entrepreneurs about what they think they should know before the embark on the journey to start their own business The key points to take away are: Know that it is not all about you - it is about your customers Choose the right business for you, choose the right problem to solve Make sure you understand yourself and your motivations for starting a business. What do you bring to the table? You don't know everything so recognise the gaps in your knowledge and find the people that can bridge those gaps. Don't be afraid to delegate Have a plan! Think of it as a routemap rather than a detailed plan Know your numbers inside out! Understand what you want to get out of the business from a personal perspective There is no entitlement, you will get what you deserve Things can be lonely, work can be all-consuming. Find networks and mentors It can be fun but scary but be prepared to take risks!
In this week's podcast Alan and Bhairav discuss what should be on every entrepreneur's wish list to Santa for Christmas
In this episode Bhairav and Alan discuss their experiences running start-up businesses, and why its not all plain sailing
Its the most fundamental question every entrepreneur must ask themslves. Is it nature?, or is it nurture?
In this episode we hear from Emma McConalogue founder of Kesero, a community sharing app for people to share their many and qualities for mutual benefit, to hear her entrepreneurship story and why profit isn't her driving motivation.
"Good things come to those that wait", so why do so many entrepreneurs struggle to see beyond the short-term and why does that end up causing so many problems?
In the second episode of Real World Entrepreneurship Bhairav shares his view for the CTO's seat of Marketing while Alan, with 25years hands on Marketing experience takes umbrage at what he hears.
Join us for the first episode of our new podcast as we discuss business consulting and ask is it broken?
In this episode Bhairav and Alan discuss the growing pains that every large business must inevitably endure.
Bon Scott may have sang that rock and roll ain't noise pollution, but how do you go about building a business when the people who love your product are few and far between? In this episode we're joined by Moose from Primordial radio to hear of its journey from a passion to a living, breathing business.
What's it like to grow and international business from Croatia? Join Alan and Bhairav as they meet Svjetlana Vukic and her about her story growing Resonate
Pivoting seems almost to be an essential feature of entrepreneurial life. But is it simply symptomatic of a lack of solid strategic planning before taking the plunge?
Lots of people move from academia in to start ups. But not many then move on to corporate life...and then back to academia. In this episode Alan and Bhairav meet Sanjay Rakshit and hear why going back to university was so important in his story.