The show was billed to be the UK’s premier business exhibition and conference and didn’t fail to deliver. 

For those who haven’t been to Excel it is quite an exhibition centre.  At the end of day one I was told by a kind lady who worked there that shutters had to be placed a few years ago under the glass panelling on the ceiling to prevent “the glasshouse effect” during the summer period.  I could definitely see why as Thursday was a hot one and even with the shutters it was hot inside Excel.

I arrived primed with my business show magazine which had all the relevant information including, the floor plan, exhibitors, and speakers and set off.

Many of the speakers I saw had nuggets of information to impart.  I hadn’t seen Doug Richard before who used to be on Dragons Den so I thought I should see what he had to say.  I wasn’t disappointed some points in no particular order include:

i)                    Patience, question, take your time, don’t be impetuous.

ii)                   If you are starting out look to at least a 5 year exit strategy don’t be in a rush to sell from day one.

iii)                 Life experience.

iv)                 “think it through first”

v)                  “invention is crap”.  Do something better don’t necessary look to be creating something new as it will be untested in the market.

vi)                 Look to answer in one sentence the problem you are looking to solve and what desire you fill.

vii)               The typical profile of entrepreneurs today, are aged between 25-45 who have worked gained experience and want to step out on their own.  They generally use the experience they have gained to start up businesses that they have experience in.

viii)              Entrepreneurs are not born but made.

During my day I also had to attend to an Instalment Contract property deal referred to me by Thor of Naked House Sales.  I was the seller’s solicitor who was pushing for an exchange of contracts.  Instalment contracts are a creative way of selling or acquiring property.

My day had certainly been creative and productive.

I now look forward to putting in to practice what I have learnt.

Did you attend the show and would you like to share any nuggets you picked up?

All the best

Selchouk Sami

The Entrepreneurial Property Lawyer TM

P.S. If you have entrepreneurial flair and would like to contribute to this blog or feature a post get in touch.