This Week’s Problem

Every week I carve out 90 minutes to help you guys improve your business with my no bollocks advice! In one of my sessions this week I was asked about the world of entrepreneurship, and I thought it was worth sharing with all of you, as many might be on a similar path.

So, here's the scoop: This person is a 27-year-old HR Administrator who's been in the corporate grind for the past five years and is now ready to break free and start an HR consultancy business. They want to focus on helping start-up companies, but they're unsure where to start or how to get clients. Sound familiar to anyone?

Matt’s *No Bollocks* Fix

Let me break it down for you with some practical steps to get you started:

Define Your Niche and Services:

• First things first, get clear on what services you want to offer. Start-ups often need help with recruitment, onboarding, compliance, performance management, and setting up a policy.

• Tailor your services specifically for start-ups. Show that you understand their unique challenges and can offer solutions that fit their fast-paced environment.

Create a Business Plan:

• Map out your business objectives, target market, competitive landscape, marketing strategy, and financial projections. This is your blueprint for success and will be crucial if you need funding or partners.

• Identify your USP. What makes your consultancy different? Why should start-ups choose you over the competition?

Build Your Network:

• Get out there and mingle! Attend industry events, conferences, and start-up meetups to connect with potential clients and other professionals.

• Join online communities and forums where start-up founders and industry pros hang out. Engage, offer advice, and establish yourself as the go-to expert.

Develop Your Brand and Online Presence:

• Create a professional website that showcases your services, client testimonials, and a blog with valuable insights. This will help you attract potential clients searching for solutions online.

• Use social media like LinkedIn to share content, network with entrepreneurs, and highlight your expertise. Consistent online presence is key.

Start Small and Scale Gradually:

• You don’t have to quit your day job just yet. Start offering your services on a freelance basis or as a side hustle. This will help you build a client base and gain experience without the financial pressure.

• Target small start-ups initially. They’re more likely to take a chance on a new consultancy and usually have more flexible budgets.

Leverage Testimonials and Referrals:

• Once you’ve delivered great results, ask your clients for testimonials and referrals. Positive reviews and word-of-mouth can be incredibly powerful.

Consider Mentorship and Partnerships:

• Seek out experienced entrepreneurs and industry professionals for guidance and mentorship (aka me). Learning from their experiences can help you avoid common pitfalls.

• Explore partnerships with other service providers for start-ups, like legal advisors, accountants, or business consultants. These relationships can lead to mutual referrals and expanded service offerings.

Starting your own business is a journey filled with ups and downs, but it’s very rewarding. Follow these steps, stay patient, and keep learning!

Don’t forget, if you want a black-and-white, no-bollocks solution, I’m here to help you avoid the mistakes I’ve made in my years of owning businesses. I have lived and learned, and now I want to share my knowledge with you. Book a call here.

Guest Of The Week

There are two types of people: those who like football and those who prefer watching men in short shorts wrestle each other, score points, and drink beer!

Well, this week dive into the world of rugby with ex-England star Chris Robshaw!
We explore his journey from childhood passion to captaincy, delve into the off-field antics, and uncover the crossover between rugby and business. Plus, we tackle the sport’s biggest issues today. What’s next for the England rugby squad?

In case you missed it, catch up now, listen here or watch below!