Stop Telling Business Owners What They Need! (And Start REALLY Supporting Them)
Stop Telling Business Owners What They Need! (And Start REALLY Supporting Them)
For the past four years, we've worked with over 700 early-stage businesses in a funded capacity, 600 of which one to one. We've delivered countless programmes of one to one and workshop support, achieved 98% 5/5 satisfaction scores, and consistently run waiting lists. But here's the kicker: what business support programmes often offer, and what actually fuels their success are often worlds apart.
The "Just Tell Me What To Do" Trap
Many founders, especially first-timers, crave a roadmap. They want someone to hand them a business plan, tell them the magic marketing formula, and basically guarantee success. Therefore, many support programmes focus on a step by step system to grow.
But here's the truth: prescriptive advice rarely works. Every business is unique. Cookie-cutter solutions stifle innovation and create dependency. No-one knows that business better than the business owner themselves, and it there is no guaranteed success formula!
Funding: it is seen as the holy grail of startups. But let's be honest, throwing money at a problem rarely solves it. Purposeful investment? That's where the magic happens, and a business owner cannot do anything purposefully without first being clear.
So, What Do Early-Stage Businesses REALLY Need?
Our experience shows us they need clarity above all else. Clarity on their vision, their target market, and their business model. They need a strategy that truly resonates with them, not just a generic business plan template.
Beyond that, they crave support. A trusted network of peers, and advisors who can offer guidance, encouragement, and a sounding board for ideas. The amazing thing about a well structured programme, is the two can combine and the expertise can often come from peers.
And perhaps most importantly, they need to get out of their own way. Overcome self-doubt, build resilience, and develop the confidence to make bold decisions.
How to Create Impactful Support Programmes
Based on our experience, here's the shift we need to make:
Clarity First: Help businesses gain crystal-clear clarity on their "what" and "why" before anything else. Otherwise, all other support is scattered and ineffective.
No More One-Size-Fits-All: Let go of generic programmes. Empower business owners to define their own success and tailor support to their unique needs.
Focus on Peer Support: Focus on creating lasting networks and peer support to create long term support.
Provide the Right Resources at the Right Time: Offer targeted support, funding, and resources when and where they're needed most.
The Bottom Line:
It's time to stop dictating and start empowering. By understanding the true needs of early-stage businesses, we can create support programmes that truly fuel their growth and contribute to a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Watch our 20 minute webinar from our Founder Emma giving insight on the future of business support, and insights into what the data is telling us!