How I: Look for advice

Jun 22 2009 by Iain Laing, The Journal

WE ask experienced entrepreneurs for a few tips on how they look for advice.

Nigel Hartley, of Gateshead advertising agency Stark Hartley Atkinson, said: “Two years ago, when I started Stark Hartley Atkinson, I looked to those who had been in similar situations within my industry. It’s always best to get advice from someone who has been there and done it. An obvious choice for me now would be to gain help and support from members of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, this advice is so valuable as there are so many different entrepreneurs from different walks of life.

Tré Azam, entrepreneur and contestant in The Apprentice, said: “I use quite a direct approach. I try to find the source of the greatest expert in the field that I want to learn more about.

“For instance, if I want to learn more about marketing I will source the very best marketer and try to arrange a meeting, so they can give me their full attention.

“If I cannot get a meeting in the diary, I will read all about them and their business and then put a direct call into them.

“This really helps me get the advice I need, as if they can see that I have vigour and have put effort into understanding their business, they respect this and are willing to help.”

Oliver Plumpton, of South Tyneside-based Enabled Media Ltd, said: “When I initially wanted to set up my business, I found gaining advice on how to get started very easy. As I wanted to be based in South Tyneside, I contacted a business advisor from the South Tyneside Means Business campaign.

“He met with me and together we went through my business plan, and he gave me lots of useful advice on the business feasibility and financial information, such as accountancy and grants. I was very surprised with how much information there was out there and how open people are to share that.”

For more How I... tips go to www.ifwecanyoucan.co.uk , which is inspired by the Entrepreneurs’ Forum.