Since stepping down from the oil and gas industry last December I have been involved in lots of other business sectors. I have been mentoring some leaders of medium-sized businesses and working with several charities.
I have also been working with various “business incubators” where embryonic businesses can see their ideas hatch and grow.
A typical incubator program covers several weeks where entrepreneurs get coaching and education on various aspects of business including their business plans, funding options and how to pitch their business to others – be that investors, customers or future employees.
I was at a start-up conference at the AECC a few weeks ago – one that only two years previously had attracted fewer than 40 people. I was running a bit late but was sure there would be plenty room. How wrong I was – I walked into a room of over 700 people – it was packed!
The number of start-ups is increasing in Aberdeen. Some of this maybe due to the downturn in oil and gas but most of the people at the AECC had never been involved in oil and gas.
People are now realising that starting a business is a realistic career option.
And thankfully people are also realising that TV shows like Dragon’s Den and the Apprentice are reality programs that are nothing like real business. Business is invariably about teams and teamwork – but sometimes even the best teams need coaching and inspiration.
Creating and building a business is tough. It’s not for everyone and it requires phenomenal resilience and determination – but it can be hugely satisfying and rewarding.
I work with entrepreneurs across Scotland and I never fail to be impressed by the energy and passion. I sometimes get confused by the business plan, the route to market or their branding – but never by the lack of enthusiasm!
Businesses need many things to succeed – not just an energetic founder:
Having a good product or service that customers want to buy is pretty important
Having a place to work from is pretty nice too
Building a great team as a business grows is vital
Access to funding can be crucial
But access to advice and support can be the difference between success and failure
A vital part of the future health of the local economy is diversification – nurturing start-up businesses – both commercial enterprises and social enterprises is a vital part of this.
But despite the start-up activity I have described – most of it goes unnoticed.
Two reasons:
1.It’s not on Union Street
2.The start-up businesses are so busy building their futures they don’t have time to stop and tell their stories to everyone
Anyone thinking about starting a business should talk to the team at Business Gateway and if they get the opportunity- take part in an incubator program. In Aberdeen the Elevator Program is a fantastic way of learning what it takes.
If you are “between jobs” from the oil and gas industry yet feel as though it’s too early to hang up your boots – perhaps creating the next Amazon or Google could be for you!
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