Emma Jones
While Gerry’s Big Decision is all about Sir Gerry Robinson getting under the skin of a struggling company and assessing whether he’s going to bail it out or not, for many people the biggest decision they make is actually setting up their own business.
According to Emma Jones, from Enterprise Nation - the UK’s biggest website for home workers - budding entrepreneurs often have the ambition and passion to go it alone, but struggle to come up with a bright idea. Here she shares some of her thoughts and ideas.
Emma says if you want to be your own boss but are not sure what sort of a business to set up, ask yourself three questions:
- Have you ever looked for something you can’t find? If so others might be looking for it too. Plug the gap yourself.
- What is my hobby/skill? Thousands of people turn something they love to do (arts and craft, pet care, health and fitness) into a way of making a living.
- Can I do it better? Have you seen someone offer something and think you can do it better yourself?
And if you’ve run through the questions but the idea hasn’t come, you can always consider buying into someone else’s. There’s a growing number of franchise opportunities on the market, whatever your interest. If you like travel, check out Travel Counsellors. If you’re a foodie, how about My Secret Kitchen and for those who prefer the great outdoors, Girlie Gardening is an option.
With a franchise, you get all the benefits of being your own boss whilst still being able to pull on the support of a team. It’s self-employment, with a twist!
An idea shared
People often ask whether they should tell other people about their idea. Emma says ‘yes’ but with a word of caution. At the beginning, talk to friends and family ie people you trust – share the idea with them and ask for feedback… would they buy this product or service? Have they got any suggestions on how it could be improved? Once the idea is more developed, you’re in a stronger position to speak to people outside your closest and inner circle.
If it’s your idea, no one can take it. Quite simply, they won’t see it through in the same way as you.