A little help from your (new) friends
Starting any business can be exciting and terrifying in equal measure. There is the thrill of setting out, the novelty of the new and the fear of uncertainty. Most of the big decisions are yours - and there are lots of them:
Which sector?
What type of business?
Physical, mobile or virtual?
Where to locate?
Work alone, with partners or employees?
Sole trader or limited company?
Your own money or loaned?
Full-time or side hustle?
Then there are a myriad smaller decisions
What will you call your new business?
How will you brand it?
Which media will you use?
Do you need an accountant and if so, who?
What regulations are there?
What back office do I need?
Who are my customers?
What suppliers shall I use?
How do I price my offer?
The decisions are constant. Some you’ll enjoy, others you’d rather avoid. The good news is that you rarely have to tackle them alone.
Look for support and use it
I’ll let you into a secret. I’ve always hated networking. Ask me to speak in front of an audience of 400 people and I’m happy. Ask me to do small talk and the introvert in me shudders (and please don’t ask me to remember names - lethonomia is the name for not remembering names… in case you were wondering).
There is some good news. Unlike most networking, when you start a business there is a purpose: you have something to ask. You are going to meet people who are already in business and are generally happy to answer your questions.
I have been awed by the number of people who are willing to help. In my case I had wonderful and insightful conversation with coffee roasters, van converters and all sorts of suppliers. Alnwick Gardens ran a free ‘Seeds for success’ programme that introduced the foundations for running a new business.
There was also the local Northumberland Small Business Service that provided online sessions, consultation and access to grants. There was the SME Centre of Excellence and a 1-2-1 business network. My local parish councillor helped explore options (thank you Sian). As I scoured the county for a site to trade, those I spoke to offered alternative suggestions and contacts. In short, local people and business were incredibly giving and supportive.
What about the small talk? Turns out its not so hard. Show interest in others and listen. When it comes to talking about your own plans, I found honesty was the best policy. I let people know that I had done a lot of research and that I had come prepared. To begin with I kept the ‘ask’ specific and clear. If they were happy to broaden the conversation, great. When they asked questions I answered as honestly as I could. I did not make commitments I could not keep (e.g. to use a supplier). When I got home I made a quick note of what I’d learnt.
The point is that going alone need not be lonely. You might be pleasantly surprised who will give their time and advice. As the business unfolds you might develop novel links. My coffee business now has most interaction and social media sharing with a fab local fashion retailer (Gray’s of Warkworth), and local furniture store Jack’s who supplied the chair I sit on. We all want to attract people to the village, we don’t directly compete, and we buy each other’s goods.
I’ve also made links with other vans such as Little Brew Coffeeco in Seaton Sluice. Lezlie and I share experiences of working with vintage vans and tips on business. Then there is Cafe Latino who converted Minty and who have been a constant support.
The key is to approach people, talk to them and listen to what they have to say. What you do with the information is up to you. It helped me refine my offer, develop a business plan, identify suppliers and create a buzz. It continues to help every day.
Also turns out that networking with a purpose can be interesting, especially where you build new relations and community
Happy caffeinating
Bob & Minty
