1. Starting up: a reality check 2. Evaluating your business idea 3. Your polar expedition: one chance to prepare 4. You: the deciding factor 5. Tips for success

1. ‘ Getting your business past the survival stage’ Rory MccGwire CEO, BHP Information Solutions 20 May 2010 © BHP Information Solutions 2010

2. 1. Starting up: a reality check 2. Evaluating your business idea 3. Your polar expedition: one chance to prepare 4. You: the deciding factor 5. Tips for success Getting your business past the survival stage in 5 steps

3. 1. Starting up: a reality check a. Why will anyone buy from you? b. Committed customers on day one c. The great myth: you need a unique idea d. It’s like sport. What league is realistic for you? e. Get your wallet out and watch the queue form

5. 2. Evaluating your business idea a. How many target customers will you contact each week? b. What percentage of these will turn into sales? c. How much repeat business will you get? d. How much is your average sale worth?  Sales forecast e. Expenditure (direct costs, overheads) forecast f. Cashflow forecast, breakeven point, funding requirement

9. 4. You: the deciding factor a. It is all down to you b. Match the challenge to your ability c. If you 100% believe, others will d. It can feel like climbing Everest e. Are you doing it for the right reasons?

11. 5. Tips for success a . Expensive way to learn? b. Self-finance at first c. Credible team d. Stepping stones: reference site e. Overwhelmed? Stop, plan, break down tasks f. Focus on key opportunities g. Sell to decision-makers, with budgets h. Get a buddy

13. 1 . Starting up: a reality check 2. Evaluating your business idea 3. Your polar expedition: one chance to prepare 4. You: the deciding factor 5. Tips for success Getting your business past the survival stage

14. ‘ Getting your business past the survival stage’ www.startupdonut.co.uk www.marketingdonut.co.uk www.lawdonut.co.uk www.enterprisenation.co.uk www.businesslink.co.uk