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There’s a regular feature in a private business management magazine that asks prominent business leaders each issue if, with hindsight, they’d have done anything differently if they had their time again.
Recently, at a networking event organised by Social Enterprise Yorkshire & Humber and Unltd, I had the opportunity to ask a panel of prominent and successful social entrepreneurs what they, if they had their time again, and with the benefit of hindsight, might do differently.
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I’ve transcribed their responses below, and get the feeling that it was the question that people in the room most appreciated being asked and answered:
* Recognise the timing – most successful enterprises (social and otherwise) are opportunistic in response to emerging or changing need
* thinking more about what you want to get out of it – it’s too easy to let it take you over (something that I always counsel start-up businesses about, and have developed a tool around to manage)
* finding more resources – you can never have enough people, support or materials
* being single or having a very understanding partner
* gaining more knowledge – however much you think you know, there’s probably something crucial you’ve overlooked so never turn down the chance to learn something new
* more partnerships – you can never have enough, and you never know when you’ll need them so always be seeking new groups to hook up with
* making more mistakes – ...and learning from them as they’re the greatest source of learning you have
* don’t go it alone – take every opportunity to get together with other entrepreneurs to be encouraged, re-invigorated and refreshed
all seems really useful insight - the sort of thing we perhaps don't talk enough about, but what would your answer be?
Articulate a clear vison, set goals and go for it. I was suprised by how things fell into place and the amount of support that I was able to attract by asking. Now we have a multi million pound co-operative
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