Nick Voke, NTU Alumnus and founder of nvokedesign, shares his experiences and tips on starting up your own business.

1. hello

2. My journey so far

3. University

4. Clothing

5. Promotion

6. Event Organisation

7. Internship / freelancing

8. Current Business

9. Why am I telling you this?

10. From my experience the pathway towards working for
yourself is very random. Some of the least likely conversations
and ideas can lead to the biggest rewards, whilst the opposite
can be said in that something you truly believe in and invest
your time (and money) in can fail.
It’s rarely easy, but it’s nearly always rewarding.

11. Freelance vs business

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Usually part-time work
Irregular, random projects
Huge competition to chase a project
Constant battle to justify price
(undercutting and overseas fees very low)
Lack of understanding of client and target
market if sourcing online
Cost is often most important driving
factor for clients
(my experience)
Then:

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Full time desk job
Consistant, targeted work
Recommendations & word of mouth
advertising brings the work to you
Set price structure
Clear understanding of who your client
is and why they can benifit from your
business
You define the USP of your business and
the reasons it benifits the client
Now:
(my experience)

14. A typical Project model

15. Unpaid, essential tasks

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The ability to pick and choose exactly
how and when you work.
Setting your own time schedule.
Greater experience.
A huge sense of pride and achievement.
Excitement of the unknown.
Making every penny you own!
Pros:

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Rarely a 45 hour week. Be prepared to
work overtime.
Very hard to get away from the business
completely.
No security. If the work doesn’t come in
you don’t get paid.
Can take over your life. Make sure you
allow for your spare time!
Cons:

18. Sound good?

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Spend as little money as possible and research
as much as you can!
Enroll in a similar programme to Headstart at
The Hive. (This is where it all began for me).
Say yes to as much as possible!
Let your idea adapt and evolve so that you do
not ‘pigeon hole’ yourself.
Always ask for the advice and opinions of
others. Don’t be too precious with your ideas.
Set yourself S.M.A.R.T targets and goals for
both the short and longterm (I find breaking
down work in to lists and crossing tasks off as I
go extremely useful)
What to do next

20. Most importantly

21. Have fun!