Why Manchester Entrepreneurs Should Learn from Simon Squibb and Other Successful Business Owners

Running a business means making decisions with incomplete information. You can learn through trial and error, but you can also learn from entrepreneurs who have already faced difficult choices about customers, growth and the demands of running a company.

I recently met Simon Squibb at the National Entrepreneurs Convention. As the founder of HelpBnk, he encourages people to share their ambitions, ask for help and take action. His message made me think about the value of listening to other business owners, even when your own business is already established.

What can entrepreneurs learn from Simon Squibb?

One useful lesson is that you do not need a perfect plan before taking the first step. Many business owners have an idea they keep postponing: a new service, a different way to attract customers, or a change that would give them more time away from day-to-day work.

Listening to someone who has acted despite uncertainty can help you ask a practical question: What could I test now, on a small scale?

Learn how successful business owners make decisions

Success stories are interesting, but the decisions behind them are more useful. When I listen to an experienced entrepreneur, I want to know:

• How did they find their first customers?
• What did they try that failed?
• When did they realise they needed help?
• Which changes made the business stronger?

Their answers may give you an idea for your own business. You still need to consider your customers, your finances and your circumstances. The aim is to learn from their experience and make a better decision of your own.

Turn business advice into action

It is easy to leave an event feeling inspired and then return to the same routine. Choose one idea that is relevant to your business. Perhaps you could speak to customers, review an offer, delegate a task or test a new way of reaching people.

Decide what you will do, set a date and review the result. That is how a useful conversation becomes progress.

At Business Coaching Manchester, I work with established local business owners who want space to think clearly about their challenges and take practical action. Listening to successful entrepreneurs such as Simon Squibb can open up new possibilities. The next step is deciding what makes sense for your business.

What is one decision you have been putting off?