5 Key Inspirations We are Taking from Start Up Day At Liverpool Central Library BIPC

Start-up Day at Liverpool Central Library was the event pencilled in every local budding entrepreneurs calendar this month, as the day promised to be jam packed with enterprise expertise, and it definitely did not disappoint.  If you missed out, here is a flavour of what happened throughout the day, and some key takeaway tips to help you move your business idea forward. 

Opened by Assistant Mayor and enterprise champion Councillor Gary Millar, the day kicked of with the Enterprise Hub Start-up Conference hosted by Bernie Cox from Enterprise Hub lead The Women's Organisation.

Sabah Shams from Enterprise Hub with Councillor Gary Millar

Starting by 'thinking outside of the box' Bernie got people thinking about how they can exercise the skill of lateral thinking to the benefit of their business. 

“Advice given was a great help” said one person who attended the session. 

Google Digital Garage Session

Next up digital giants Google held a Digital Garage session looking at 'How to build a social media strategy' which proved very popular, packed out with local budding entrepreneurs hoping to soak in their knowledge. This session was closely followed by a choice between hearing from the brilliant Nicola Wass (CEO of So-Mo) talking about her journey as 'The Unexpected Entrepreneur', having a look into 3-D printing with a display by MeLT or getting serious about Business planning through a focussed workshop.

“Very useful event.  The speakers were insightful and the content was all relevant.  Well organised and I will recommend future events” said one delighted visitor.

The afternoon was packed with more brilliant inspiration for local businesses featuring talks from Barrington Powell, a profesional entertainer, Garth Dallas offering his key tips to success, founder of PLACED Jo Harrop sharing her insights, and the return of Google for another session around understanding your customer.

Thanks too to Councillor Gary Millar and the mentors who ran the entrepreneurs clinic, Peter Dunning of Digital Config who offered Website advice and Dr Les Pritchard from Culverstons who was on hand to talk all things IP. 

“Very good.  Inspirational is an understatement” said one of the thrilled attendees

The day culminated in a brilliant pie and networking event featuring pies and inspiration from the fantastic 'Homebaked' a local co-operative bakery talking about their journey from start up to success. 

Some of the comments at the end of the event were:

“Excellent and inspiring” 

“Great initiative.  Very inspiring.” 

5 Key Tips to Takeaway
If you missed the event, all is not lost.  Here are 5 useful business tips taken from the themes covered that you can apply to your business idea:

1. Strategise your social media - Don't just add your business to every social media channel because 'everyone is doing it'. Work out where your customer can be found and focus your effort on those few channels so you can reach the right people well. 
2. We are all in the same boat - feeling like an 'imposter' who is going to be found out, or wondering if you are alone in feeling like you may be out of your depth is typical for a first time business owner.  Just know EVERYONE goes through it, but keep your confidence growing, talk to others at the same stage and take comfort that you are not alone and that you will get past this phase. 
3. Network - In business it is often the truth 'not what you know but who you know' that can be key to success. Get building relationships, and be specific. You never know who in your network may be the key to linking you with the right connection for your business so let them know who you are trying to reach. 
4. Protect your ideas and your business - If you have a business name, logo, product or service that you don't want anyone to copy, then ensure you get expert advice around Intellectual Property Rights. Also check you aren't infringing on anyone elses by always asking permission before using others images etc. 
5. Don't forget SEO - If you are going to have a website for your business, don't assume it will just be found. Look at key Search engine optimisation principals, or bring in an expert to ensure search engines like Google pick it up and it isn't languishing on page 27 of results. 

Massive congratulations to the team at Enterprise Hub Partners Liverpool Central Library Business and IP Centre for putting together an amazing day.

If you are thinking about starting a business and would like additional help then contact the Enterprise Hub team for advice and support on 0151 706 8113 or enterprisehub@thewo.org.uk. 

Enterprise Hub is part funded by European Regional Development Fund and draws together expert organisations from across the Liverpool City Region to offer a simplified approach to business support for local residents wanting to explore their ideas.