Hints and tips about getting started as an entrepreneur with a brand new online startup business - what to consider, types of business model, what's important and what isn't
3. A bit about Learning Pool …
• Started trading in Derry in 2006
• Provides an e-learning platform and content services
• Has been an online business since Day 1
• The team is dispersed across the UK & Ireland
• 99% of revenue generated outside Northern Ireland
• Now employs over 60 people and will turn over £5m this year
4. What’s contributed to Learning Pool’s
success
• We had 2 co-founders to share the burden
• We work hard – there’s no getting away from that!
• We hire great people – in the main
• We’re resilient and we have a culture of everyone trying to learn fast
• We’ve made clever use of the internet and online marketing
• Other people in our network have helped us when we’ve needed it
5. Top Rules when building an online business
• Know your audience
• Test the market thoroughly at the outset
• Get your business model right and be ready to pivot
• Have a kickass website as your shop window to the world
• Get key customers early and use them to maximum effect
6. Top Rules when building an online business
• Use SEO properly
• Make it easy for your customers to buy
• Get the technology right!
• Commission your sales people or affiliates well
• Think big – the internet is global
• Watch your numbers carefully and be honest with yourselves
• Enter awards only if appropriate
7. My own tips if you’re just starting out
• Choose the type of business carefully – they all have their own
shapes
• Learn to sell if you can’t already
• Focus on generating revenue and early profitability
• Don’t put in too much process until you need it
• Get a good accountant and manage your bank and cash well
• Be informed and keep learning – the new world moves fast
• Ask for help when you need it
8. My own tips if you’re just starting out
• Don’t be afraid of technology
• Network like mad
• Remember there’s a big island next door
• Never forget it’s all about people
• Don’t burden your team unnecessarily
• Keep healthy, help others and be humble!
9. What’s next for me
• Heading up a social innovation project for a national charity
• Building my non executive portfolio
• Balancing my paid and pro bono work for maximum job satisfaction
10. • Email address mary@kickhq.com
• Read my blog at www.kickingassets.co.uk
• Connect with me on Twitter at @MMaryMcKenna