Alan Manly
Opinion: Why being an entrepreneur is a lifestyle decision
Being an entrepreneur is more than just a job; it's a lifestyle choice that permeates every aspect of your life. Alan Manly explains why
How to keep customers coming back post lockdown
The pandemic has changed how customers buy, and businesses need to respond accordingly.
How to get the most out of a networking event
8 steps to make networking easy.
4 things you must do to ensure your start up thrives
‘Business is business’is the mantra of entrepreneurs. On the surface it alludes to the harsh reality of a daily battle for survival, but the deeper meaning is the difference between a surviving business and a thriving business. With that in mind, there’s four key things to do to ensure you’re thriving: Know Where You Come […]
The hidden costs of starting a business
Startups with good a business plan give comfort to entrepreneurs and investors in part because the plan details the objectives, strategies and tactics along with the anticipated profits. There is however a wide variation in business plans. Some are voluminous demonstrations of thorough research, while some exist as a mere template borrowed from the internet to meet the formalities. Others, […]
“Most of the time, the tortoise beats the hare” – Five myths about becoming an entrepreneur
Ever wondered what the secret to being a successful entrepreneur is? A quick Google of “entrepreneur” will reveal a plethora of inspiring quotes, leading the casual reader to think, “If only I had a little more confidence – or maybe a flash of genius – entrepreneurial success would be mine”. Thinking of the need for a light […]
Is work-life balance a myth for start-ups?
The decision to launch a start-up is often justified by statements such as "it was time to do something on my own”, “now was as good a time as any” or “it's too good an opportunity to pass up”. These statements, while high on enthusiasm, are low on balanced consideration. While all opportunities carry a risk and […]
What I wish I knew before launching a start-up
You’ve heard the saying: “you don’t know what you don’t know.” Most people are happy to accept that proposition because whilst ignorance isn’t always bliss, people tend to avoid risk and thus the danger won’t be immediate. Launching a start-up means rushing into the high-end of the risk zone where even minor trip-ups can have a significant impact on your potential […]
Five things start-ups should ask potential investors before signing the dotted line
Entrepreneurs start businesses to solve problems facing customers or to improve the way customer needs are satisfied. In the event that on-hand funding is insufficient to fully realise the potential of their proposed business, an entrepreneur will need to seek assistance from investors. Finding the right financial partner can be challenging. There are key things you should ask to […]
Ready or not: a pre-launch start-up checklist
Launching a start-up is exciting. The long journey from conjuring the initial, embryonic concept to bravely sharing your business idea with someone else is now 'ancient history'. Things are different now: an early business plan has been refined to give comfort to all stakeholders. Before you actually launch your start-up, it’s wise to review a pre-launch checklist to ensure you’re actually […]
6 Things every start-up needs to know about running a business
Behind every start up is an aspiration to do something different. The attraction to do something different attracts fellow travellers all keen to be different and break with the boring services, products and maybe procedures of more established companies. This can be a trap for young players. Behind every successful and exciting company is a […]