How To Start Up by FF&M

In this episode we hear from Amanda McKenna who, as a former co-founder and Board Director of two self-started digital agencies, shares how feeling like she didn't belong in entrepreneurship affected her confidence, how people who don't fit the entrepreneurial stereotype will experience this more acutely and ways we can all tackle this head on.

In Amanda’s TED Talk she refers to the Allison Rose review and the extraordinary statistic that there are 1.1 million missing female-founded businesses in the U.K. That is £250 billion of value could be added to the economy if women started and scaled businesses to the same extent as men.  

Amanda’s advice:

• When you’re starting out, do the scariest thing; the sense of achievement will give you resilience and confidence
• Challenge yourself to write your business plan in detail
• Sound board with people who work differently to you
• When you make a business plan, plan for your own self-care in tandem
• Think early on about what you want to get out of this, for yourself
• Imposter syndrome is prevalent with entrepreneurs, plan how to manage this. Getting a coach could be a solution 
• Keep focussed on the bigger picture
• Always find time to talk to people in and around your sector for inspiration
• Make sure the people you employ share your beliefs and aims for the business
• Allow employees to be good at what they do; don’t try to control everything, give people space

If you'd like to contact Amanda she can be reached  via LinkedIn or on Twitter @AmandaMcKenna_

Head over to Speakpipe to leave your voice note for future guests too.
Links:

• LastPass the password keeping site that syncs between devices. 
• Google Workspace is brilliant for small businesses
• I use Buzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directory to create this podcast series as well as their super simple hosting platform.
• Canva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites.
• For contracts check out Law Depot.

Thank you for listening.  I would also be delighted if you could rate, review and share this podcast with anyone else who may be starting a company as it helps other people find it. Hosted by Juliet Fallowfield, founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason, How To Start Up hopes to bring you confidence, encouragement and reassurance that you’re on the right track.

Recorded and produce by Juliet Fallowfield, edited by Emma Dewhurst in  2021.
MUSIC CREDIT  Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link & Licence

Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail

Support the show

In this episode we hear from Dora Palfi, founder of Imagilabs, the all-female founded Stockholm-based startup that aims to make coding more accessible to teenage girls.

Dora shares how being determined to solve a problem she had identified, ended up in her creating her business idea. She also shares strategies around how to measure your own success as it is important to get job satisfaction and validation for your work when you’re boss-less.

Dora’s advice:

• Asking for help is a strength not a weakness
• Consult other founders, including ones who are just a little further on than you are
• Re-read your old notes; it’s not just about new knowledge
• If you really want to solve a problem, you’ll find a way; you’ve done it before and you’ll do it again
• Allow yourself to make mistakes; learn from them and move on
• To keep inspired, remain passionate about the problems you set out to solve; to be problem-focussed is motivating
• Always keep your eyes on your mission
• Being part of a strong team will give you support that can be invaluable
• Enjoy your responsibility and lead by example
• Being self-employed means you have to evaluate your own work, so make a framework, set goals and hold yourself accountable
• Good communication is vital: don’t make assumptions that your teams or clients have heard what you’re trying to say
• Find your own style
• Be prepared to adapt; what works for a while may need to change
• Test your product with target users so that you can get feedback
• If you’re not embarrassed about your product at launch, you’ve launched too late
• Be open about what you do; being secretive won’t help you progress and it is unlikely someone will steal your idea 

You can reach Dora on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.
https://imagilabs.com/

Head over to Speakpipe to leave your voice note for future guests too.

Links:

• LastPass the password keeping site that syncs between devices. 
• Google Workspace is brilliant for small businesses
• I use Buzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directory to create this podcast series as well as their super simple hosting platform.
• Canva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites.
• For contracts check out Law Depot.

Thank you for listening.  I would also be delighted if you could rate, review and share this podcast with anyone else who may be starting a company as it helps other people find it. Hosted by Juliet Fallowfield, founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason, How To Start Up hopes to bring you confidence, encouragement and reassurance that you’re on the right track.

Recorded, edited by Juliet Fallowfield in December 2020 & published in January 2021. MUSIC CREDIT  Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link & Licence

Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail

Support the show

In this episode we hear from Zoe Evans and Nick Rusling who have both started and run their own separate and successful companies, while also enjoying a happy 17 years of marriage and two young children.  They share their perspectives on how they manage the stresses and strains of self-employment while supporting each other within the family too. 

Zoe runs Style PR focussing on brand amplification and storytelling.  Nick runs the Human Race, the UK’s principal mass participation sports event organiser across running, cycling and triathlons and is also the Chairman of the two point six challenge.

Zoe & Nick’s advice: 

• Empathetic communication will build the foundations of any successful relationship
• Take your time, don’t rush decisions
• Take care when recruiting 
• Always explain yourself to your client in their terms, avoid industry jargon. 
• As being self-employed inevitably means you’ll start out being quite solitary, offer to go in to the client’s office or join meetings as it’ll benefit you both
• Be tenacious, never give up
• Don’t take it personally if your emails etc aren’t answered as quickly as they would be if you worked for a larger company
• On pricing, know your industry and your worth.  Trust your instincts and don’t let commentary from others weigh you down
• Value your time and learn to say no
• Remember every mistake teaches you something new
• Accept that being self-employed will not be a smooth path & embrace the roller coaster
• Be brave, give things a go and enjoy it
• Create a safety net of a few people you trust, people you can consult if there’s a problem
• At the end of the day make a list of three things to do the next day - and make sure you do at least one of them before you start anything else 
• Action conquers fear
• Know that if it’s scheduled, it happens

You can reach Zoe on [email protected] and Nick on [email protected]
Head over to Speakpipe to leave your voice note for future guests too.

Links:

• LastPass the password keeping site that syncs between devices. 
• Google Workspace is brilliant for small businesses
• I use Buzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directory to create this podcast series as well as their super simple hosting platform.
• Canva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites.
• For contracts check out Law Depot.

Thank you for listening.  I would also be delighted if you could rate, review and share this podcast with anyone else who may be starting a company as it helps other people find it. Hosted by Juliet Fallowfield, founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason, How To Start Up hopes to bring you confidence, encouragement and reassurance that you’re on the right track.

Recorded, hosted and produce by Juliet Fallowfield in December 2020, edited by Emma Dewhurst and published in January 2021. MUSIC CREDIT  Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link & Licence

Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail

Support the show

In this episode we hear from writer, editor and brand consultant Robin Swithinbank.  Robin has been an employee, an employer and is now a sole trader, so could be said to understand the world of work from all angles. He reminds us that work doesn’t and shouldn’t define us in however we chose to do it. 

Robin's advice includes:

• The entrepreneurial spirit can sometimes mean you’re impatient - before taking a decision, slow down and take that extra breath to think things through
• Recognise the tension between wanting to get things done and thinking things through
• If you’re entering into a business partnership, it is advisable to learn your strengths and weaknesses on both sides of the relationship. Executive coaches can be a very beneficial business investment.
• Being self-employed comes with a myriad of different responsibilities you need to be aware of
• Know yourself - if you find leadership difficult, you may be more productive as a sole trader
• Respect the different ways in which you can learn about yourself and your abilities
• When it comes to pricing, know your own value
• Don’t be afraid of trying something new and if you have a good idea, go for it
• Try not to procrastinate, be efficient with your time 
• Remember the fragile things are: family, health, friends and spirit.  Work is robust and will bounce without causing lasting damage
• Create your own priority tree and make sure you work out what you value above work
• Set aside an uninterrupted hour or more every day with no social media or email - this will make you far more productive
• Be ok with walking away from your business or role if you know you’re better placed working in a different way

If you’d like to contact Robin, he can be reached on [email protected]

Head over to Speakpipe to leave your voice note for future guests too.

Links:

• LastPass the password keeping site that syncs between devices. 
• Google Workspace is brilliant for small businesses
• I use Buzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directory to create this podcast series as well as their super simple hosting platform.
• Canva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites.
• For contracts check out Law Depot.

Thank you for listening.  I would also be delighted if you could rate, review and share this podcast with anyone else who may be starting a company as it helps other people find it. 

Hosted by Juliet Fallowfield, founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason, How To Start Up hopes to bring you confidence, encouragement and reassurance that you’re on the right track.

Recorded, hosted and produced by Juliet Fallowfield in December 2020, edited by Emma Dewhurst & published in January 2021.
MUSIC CREDIT  Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link & Licence

Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail

Support the show

From forming his own startup at 18 and most recently Co-Founding memmo, today’s guest. Gustav Lundberg Toresson, is a Forbes 30 Under 30 board member and a born entrepreneur.  

memmo is a platform where the likes of Sven-Göran Eriksson or Carole Baskin can record personalised video greetings for your own friends or family. With over 50,000 greetings to date, anything from proposals to pep-talks have already been shared.

Gustav shares his enthusiasm for the idea that an entrepreneur can - from their initial vision - follow any path she or he likes to turn that vision into a business and why sleep isn’t a waste of time.

Head over to Speakpipe to leave your voice note for future guests too!

Gustav's advice:

• Embrace uncertainty; you don’t need all the answers at once, you will find them along the way
• You will have many opportunities; the important thing is to prioritise
• Focus on your core offering and try not to be distracted
• Being disturbed by your phone or email distracts you for longer than you realise
• Make sure you have a well thought out product-to-market fit
• Be relevant; be aware of local differences in each of your target markets
• Sleep can definitely help with creativity, smart thinking and efficiency
• Try structuring your days so that you cluster meetings on certain days and keep other days free to concentrate alone
• Think about what makes you happy and what makes you anxious; try to interpret things in a positive light, and build on the positives so that you stay upbeat
• As an entrepreneur, you can go in any direction you like as there are no rules or right answers
• The exciting thing about being self-employed is that you can have a vision and act on it
• Try not to let stress drain you; learn ways of dealing with it, including having a mentor

If you’d like to contact Gustav, he can be reached on [email protected]
Plus you can find memmo on Facebook and Instagram.
The book Why we sleep by Matthew Walker is also available here.

Links:

• LastPass the password keeping site that syncs between devices. 
• Google Workspace is brilliant for small businesses
• I use Buzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directory to create this podcast series as well as their super simple hosting platform.
• Canva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites.
• For contracts check out Law Depot.

Thank you for listening.  I would also be delighted if you could rate, review and share this podcast with anyone else who may be starting a company in 2020 as it helps other people find it. 

Hosted by Juliet Fallowfield, founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason, How To Start Up hopes to bring you confidence, encouragement and reassurance that you’re on the right track.

Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield in September 2020.
MUSIC CREDIT  Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link & Licence

Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail

Support the show

In this episode we hear from Paul Weeden who is the first How To Start Up guest to have not only started a company (at the age of 24) but also to have successfully sold it too.  

Paul recognises that being your own boss is not as straightforward as it sounds: as it grows, so do your responsibilities.  Having sold his business, he is now salaried again and is able to offer an interesting perspective on both employment options, especially amidst a pandemic which has changed employee freedoms forever.

Paul can be reached on [email protected]

Head over to Speakpipe to leave your voice note for future guests too.

Paul’s advice: 

• Harness apprenticeships where possible if you’re starting out young
• Maximise your previous work experience 
• Allow it to help determine your focus for your company’s aim 
• Look for clients among people you already know and make sure you tell them what you’re up to
• Make sure you are always paid on time, ideally in advance
• Don’t undersell yourself 
• Don’t be shy about referring to your company as ‘we’ not ‘I’
• Always be clear and focussed about what you have to offer.  It’ll help clients know quickly if you’re a good fit
• When you are quoting for a job, make sure you understand what the client’s needs are and what problems they need solving: understand your customer
• Know that you must trust your team, and if you don’t, then make the necessary changes
• When you’re growing a business, get used to the cycle of ‘storming, norming, performing’
• Keep in mind you may need external senior support if you’re the company’s sole shareholder
• Maintain transparent communications with your team 
• In a crisis, always look for the opportunity as with risk also comes reward

Links:

• LastPass the password keeping site that syncs between devices. 
• Google Workspace is brilliant for small businesses
• I use Buzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directory to create this podcast series as well as their super simple hosting platform.
• Canva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites.
• For contracts check out Law Depot.

I would be delighted if you could rate, review and share this podcast with anyone else who may be starting a company in 2020 as it helps others to find it. 

Hosted by Juliet Fallowfield, founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason, How To Start Up hopes to bring you confidence, encouragement and reassurance that you’re on the right track.

Recorded, hosted & produced by Juliet Fallowfield and edited by Emma Dewhurst in December 2020. MUSIC CREDIT  Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link & Licence

Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail

Support the show

In this episode we hear from Geoffrey Kent, who not only founded world renowned luxury tour operator Abercrombie & Kent, but is also credited with creating experiential travel as a concept.  I have long admired A&K for being leaders in sustainability across environmental, economic and social responsibilities. 

Geoffrey shares his stories and experiences as an entrepreneur of nearly 60 years’ experience, including a foray into space travel and why delivering a business, service or product that no one else does is paramount for success as an entrepreneur.

Geoffrey founded A&K in Africa in 1962 with little more than a refrigerated ex-Army truck, and the best tents money could buy with the motto ‘off-the-beaten-track safaris’. Nearly six decades later, with Geoffrey still at the helm.  If you’d like to get in touch with Geoffrey you can contact his team via [email protected] or A&K plus his book ‘Safari’ is also available.

Head over to Speakpipe to leave your voice note for future guests too!

Geoffrey’s advice:

• Have passion, as you need to love what you do: dedication and hard work are what it takes
• Never give up, always aim to be Number One 
• Come up with something new, something that no one else offers 
• Give your clients all your time and attention 
• Listen to and learn from others; it helps to take notes 
• Expect a long working day, and try to start each new day ‘driven’
• Think through your decisions, write them down and consider them carefully to make sure they are the right ones
• Turn your lifestyle into your business, not the other way around 
• Plan a business cycle and commit to the years it’ll take 
• Always put yourself into the shoes of your stakeholders so you know what they really want
• Be exacting with your due diligence
• Accept that you’re responsible for the company if you’re self employed and that you are ‘the last one in the room’ 
• Never send an angry email; draft it, save it and think about it again the next day

Links:

• LastPass the password keeping site that syncs between devices. 
• Google Workspace is brilliant for small businesses
• I use Buzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directory to create this podcast series as well as their super simple hosting platform.
• Canva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites.
• For contracts check out Law Depot.

Thank you for listening.  I would also be delighted if you could rate, review and share this podcast with anyone else who may be starting a company in 2020 as it helps other people find it. 

Hosted by Juliet Fallowfield, founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason, How To Start Up hopes to bring you confidence, encouragement and reassurance that you’re on the right track.

Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield in September 2020.
MUSIC CREDIT  Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link & Licence

Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail

Support the show

In this episode we hear from Pip Durell, founder of shirt brand With Nothing Underneath.  She had the brainwave of creating a brand with a focused and particular look, one that is “cool, elegant, ethical and affordable” and she has gone on to do exactly that.  She speaks about fashion fatigue, what it really means to create a brand that is genuinely sustainable and how educating herself, as well as her customers, is paramount.

WNU was created to make the perfect everyday boyfriend shirt. Designed in London, inspired by men's tailoring adjusted for women; WNU offers an affordable boyfriend shirt - a casual luxury with scrupulous detail using the highest quality materials. 

If you’d like to leave an audio question for future guests, head over to Speakpipe to leave your voice note.

Pip’s advice: 

• Behave ethically towards your team as well as your customers, and anyone in your pipeline
• Ensure your brand ‘lives up to its chat’ and that your green credentials are honest
• Remember people are happy to offer you advice if you ask for it, you don’t have to know them personally in order to ask
• Take advantage of good podcasts offering advice that can support you 
• Follow your own work ethic and don’t be distracted by others’ claims about long working hours
• Always keep an eye on other brands, but then re-centre yourself, remember who you are and where you are going with your own brand 
• Try not to let competitor pricing dictate your decisions, simply stick to your own standards
• Delegate if you can, but never expect to switch off completely
• Try not to worry too much, it won’t help you nor will it change the outcomes

If you'd like to contact Pip and learn more about With Nothing Underneath, she can be reached on [email protected] or via Instagram .

Links:

• LastPass the password keeping site that syncs between devices. 
• Google Workspace is brilliant for small businesses
• I use Buzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directory to create this podcast series as well as their super simple hosting platform.
• Canva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites.
• For contracts check out Law Depot.

Thank you for listening.  I would also be delighted if you could rate, review and share this podcast with anyone else who may be starting a company in 2020 as it helps other people find it. 

Hosted by Juliet Fallowfield, founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason, How To Start Up hopes to bring you confidence, encouragement and reassurance that you’re on the right track. 

Recorded, edited & published by Juliet Fallowfield in September 2020.
MUSIC CREDIT  Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link & Licence

Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail

Support the show

In this episode we hear from Bahar Etminan who, having been faced with bankruptcy during the global financial crisis, speaks from the heart as a seasoned entrepreneur.  Bahar values hard work and self belief and reminds us that there’s no shame in accepting help.  She talks about how setting up a business is like being in love: if you’ve done it once you can do it again.

Rescu is a daily destination for those who want to be their own success story. The Rescu  universe is all about discovering the new, no-spin reviews, in-depth articles and truly expert advice from the brightest thinkers, doers and achievers in the business. Rescu’s world class experts and curated content will guide you to raise your game on style, substance and success.

I'd love to hear any questions you have for future guests, please leave a voice note via Speakpipe.

Bahar’s advice: 

• Be courageous and believe in yourself
• Make an audit of all your assets and abilities
• Recognise that people love to help others
• Work out a specific target and just head for it
• Be energised: momentum brings its own momentum
• Get quality legal / accounting / insurance advice, sooner not later and budget properly for this
• Always do your research before pitching, know your audience 
• Invest in building trust in the people around you 
• Don’t allow yourself to be distracted by competition on social media
• Keep your goal in sight and focus on what you’re good at
• Give yourself permission to close your business whenever you please. Do what is right for you

If you’d like to contact Bahar she can be reached at [email protected] and @rescu.com.au in Instagram. 

Links:

• LastPass the password keeping site that syncs between devices. 
• Google Workspace is brilliant for small businesses
• I use Buzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directory to create this podcast series as well as their super simple hosting platform.
• Canva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites.
• For contracts check out Law Depot.

Thank you for listening.  I’d love to hear your own startup stories and please do let me know if you have any questions for future guests as well: [email protected]

I would also be delighted if you could rate, review and share this podcast with anyone else who may be starting a company in 2020. 

Hosted by Juliet Fallowfield, founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason, How To Start Up hopes to bring you confidence, encouragement and reassurance that you’re on the right track. 

Recorded, hosted & published by Juliet Fallowfield and edited by Emma Dewhurst in September 2020. MUSIC CREDIT  Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link & Licence

Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail

Support the show

In this episode we hear from Awon Golding who arrived in London in 2009 having left her life in Hong Kong to pursue her ambition to be a milliner.  She talks through what she has learnt about balancing being a creative that also has to run a commercial business as well as where she seeks inspiration from. 

Awon Golding Millinery is an award-winning brand specialising in fun and fresh made-to-order special occasion hats and bridal headpieces for modern women. As well as regularly featuring in international fashion publications, Awon’s ability to meld femininity with wearability has brought her a loyal following of global style icons.  Awon Golding Millinery counts Lady Gaga and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex amongst her clients. And most recently Kylie Minogue sported a custom-made lily headpiece to celebrate her new album DISCO’s release. 

You can contact Awon [email protected] or via Instagram

Awon’s advice:

• Be as skilled as you can be in your chosen field before you start
• If you are a creative, be sure to learn commercial skills too, however uninspiring you may find them
• Try to find the balance between your particular skill and the price you put upon it (don’t knock yourself out spending too long creating something if this is going to result in an unrealistic and unaffordable item)
• Keep talking to other experts in your field, study and learn from their processes
• Always be open to learning more even when you’re years into your trade 
• Keep a passion for what you do, because this is infectious and will feed through to your client too
• Know your market and your competitors
• Trust your employees. If you bring someone in, trust your decision and their talent too
• Build up personal relationships with your suppliers as not only will it build a better relationship, but there will be economies of scale too that will benefit your business
• Don’t put too much pressure on yourself and always try to keep a sense of perspective 
• Try to find something outside your immediate business that also inspires you. If you can blend the two, even better. 

Links

• Haute Dogs calendar or via Instagram 
• Google Workspace
• LastPass the password keeping site that syncs between devices
• I use Buzzsprout podcast 'how to' & hosting directory to create this podcast series as well as their super simple hosting platform . Their support team is second to none.
• Canva has proved invaluable for creating all the social media assets and audio bites

Thank you for listening.  I’d love to hear your own startup stories and please do let me know if you have any questions for future guests as well: [email protected]

I would also be delighted if you could rate, review and share this podcast with anyone else who may be starting a company in 2020. 

Hosted by Juliet Fallowfield, founder of PR for startups advisory Fallow, Field & Mason, How To Start Up hopes to bring you confidence, encouragement and reassurance that you’re on the right track. 

Recorded, hosted & published by Juliet Fallowfield and edited by Emma Dewhurst in September 2020. MUSIC CREDIT  Funk Game Loop by Kevin MacLeod.  Link &

Text us your questions for future founders. Plus we'd love to get your feedback, text in via Fan Mail

Support the show