Think Enterprise Issue 39

THINK ENTERPRISE

Quarter 1 — 2023 Vol. 39 18 Victoria Road Darlington DL1 5SF 0845 467 4928 newsletter@ioee.uk ioee.uk

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Welcome to our very first edition of 2023! I hope you’re having a wonderful beginning to a very enterprising year ahead!!

This month we heard from IOEE Academy, Entrepreneurs Unlocked who have been undertaking amazing work supporting veterans back in to self employment and employment. We also welcome new Academy Curge Hill College to our network who shall be utilising IOEE programme recognition to benefit their students.

We continue to champion mentoring as a fantastic tool for small businesses and this month feature a mentoring case study and article demonstrating the value and benefits mentoring can bring.

Our SFEDI business support qualifications are featured within this article demonstrating how accreditation can be used within a higher education setting to develop and recognise colleagues offering business start up guidance and support.

Our members continually ask for guidance with social media and this month we feature an article on using algorithims effectively in online marketing.

Finally we are delighted to welcome back contributor Valentina Lorenzon who discusses the value of lifelong learning, something we absolutely back - particularly for small businesses.

We hope you enjoy this edition and look forward to supporting you further in 2023.

Social Enterprise Launches Programme to Help Veterans into SelfEmployment in Gardening

Social enterprise, Entrepreneurs Unlocked, provides veterans of the armed forces with a route into self-employment, in gardening, with the launch of the Defender to Entrepreneur programme.

David Morgan, the founder of Entrepreneurs Unlocked, launched the Defender to Entrepreneur programme in conjunction with Sally Coulthard, founder and CEO of the Defence Garden Scheme (DGS).

DGS is a nationwide network of gardens that helps to fill the gap in mental health support, for veterans of the armed forces, by increasing access to nature-based therapy. DGS currently operates across 4 gardens throughout the UK.

David Morgan developed and introduced the Defender to Entrepreneur programme to DGS, offering mentoring and support to any veterans showing interest in the potential progression into selfemployment. The programme offers face to face and online support and a range of comprehensive booklets and guides, providing tailored support for veterans seeking self-employment, for example as gardeners or estate maintenance contractors.

David Morgan said: “I have been proud to collaborate with DGS, to launch the Defender to Entrepreneur programme, to support and assist veterans who are interested in becoming self-employed.

“I have been honoured to learn more about the veteran’s community, and to offer tailored support and guidance to them. I see this programme as just the start of a long collaboration with DGS, and I look forward to our work and successful outcomes in the future.”

When asked about the programme a veteran responded: ‘awesome initiative!’ and the CEO of a military employment company said: “May I offer my congratulations on producing this very valuable resource.”

Entrepreneurs Unlocked, first Defender to Entrepreneur programme launched in the DGS project at DB Nurseries in Hyde, Greater Manchester. The programme has been very well received and will now to be rolled out across existing and future DGS gardens.

Sally Coulthard, MBE CF FRSA, Founder and CEO of the DGS CIC, said: “DGS offers an opportunity for members of the armed forces community, needing some time and space, to consider their future, and to benefit from nature-based therapy. The Defender to Entrepreneur blended learning programme is an invaluable addition to the progression options that are offered to the military veterans that complete our 10week programme.

“I want to thank David Morgan and Entrepreneurs Unlocked, for giving the

veterans who attend our sessions an opportunity to consider, and with David’s guidance, work towards self-employment in horticulture.”

To find out more about Entrepreneurs Unlocked visit: https:// entrepreneursunlocked.org/

To find out more about DGS visit: https:// www.defencegardens.org/

About Entrepreneurs Unlocked

Entrepreneurs Unlocked recognises that people with criminal histories can develop their talents and gifts that enable them to flourish and become positive contributors to society.

Almost 2 in 3 adults with custodial

sentences of less than one year re-offend within 12 months of release and the total cost of re-offending is in excess of £18 billion per annum to the UK.

Entrepreneurs Unlocked engages with individuals in custody and the community, providing a range of programmes to nurture and develop their talent to enable them to live a crime-free future as an individual, employee or self-employed person.

About DGS

The Defence Gardens Scheme is a developing network of gardens which deliver and evaluate an evidence-based nature-based therapy programme for Armed Forces Service Leavers and Veterans and their families.

THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIP THE DEFENCE GARDENS SCHEME WITH BROOKE HOUSE HEALTH AND WELLBEING CENTRE AT COLEBROOKE PARK WALLED GARDEN

The Background

In 2019, the House of Commons Defence Select Committee identified ‘a stark gap in the provision of mental health support for armed forces personnel and their families’

In Northern Ireland, less than a decade ago, there was considered to be a vacuum in regard to the mental health welfare needs of armed forces veterans. A study by Queen’s University Belfast, also recognised that there was indeed a lack of support and coordination in this area.

Jane*, a female armed forces veteran, aged thirty, who had served in Afghanistan and was suffering from PTSD, said - “When I tried to access counselling through the NHS, I was told there was an 18-month waiting list. I told my family not to even bother putting me on the list, as I wouldn’t be here in

18 months.”

The Northern Ireland Veterans Support Office (NIVSO) was established in 2018, to develop strong working links between devolved government departments, local government veterans’ champions, and the voluntary and charitable sector. It was also tasked with delivering the Armed Forces Covenant, with a coordinated approach in support of veterans and their families.

The Solution

Lord Brookeborough of Colebrooke Park in Co Fermanagh had served in the Ulster Defence Regiment and the Royal Irish Regiment, and he was aware of and recognised the complex mental health issues affecting armed forces veterans.

Brooke House Health and Well Being Centre

was set up in 2018 in the Colebrooke Park estate to offer counselling, complementary therapies, and other therapeutic interventions and in 2019 a pilot programme was developed, this was The Defence Gardens Scheme (DGS), a programme funded by the Armed Forces Covenant - Positive Pathways Fund. The DGS aim is to help fill the gap in mental health support, by increasing access to nature-based therapy, creating the time and space for bespoke, holistic support for veterans of the armed forces.

Lord Brookeborough said: “The DGS programme takes a hugely different approach to mental health welfare. It makes an incredible difference for vulnerable service leavers and the veterans on the programme, by bringing like-minded people together, in a beautiful, nature-based, and secure environment.”

Joan Clements, Project Director at Brooke House, said: “The outdoor space is of utmost importance to our clients and it is really valuable to us. We have a counselling hut on the periphery of the walled garden, and we use the outdoor space as the hub of everything we do, from our bell tent for carers, through to mindful walks and the DGS programmes. Everything we develop here is based in the outdoors.”

DGS is a ten-week, evidence based, horticultural programme that runs for one day a week, for four hours per day. On hand is a horticultural expert and a horticultural therapist. All sessions cover a balance of practical gardening skills and physical, cognitive, social, and emotional therapeutic outcomes. There is a fidelity of delivery and evaluation as sessions are supported by a DGS concept manual.

Charlie Marno, the DGS Northern Ireland Regional Co-ordinator, said: “The veterans who attend the DGS programme work in the gardens as a group. They naturally and holistically talk about their past, their stories come out and the therapy starts, as people start to reflect on what they have been through and the problems they are facing now. This is true peer support, the buddy

system, working shoulder to shoulder, sitting together round a table…talking.”

The Results

Jane* was suffering from PTSD, when she came to Brooke House, to be assessed by the health and well-being team, before joining the DGS programme. Ahead of the first session, she couldn’t sleep, she was physically sick, and she sat for some time in the Colebrooke Park car park, ready to drive away, as the nerves took hold.

The Brooke House health and wellbeing coordinator brought her in, and in Jane’s* own words: “my life changed.”

The eight other men and women attending DGS had been through similar traumatic events during their service, and Jane* knew that she could talk to them without judgement, and the horticultural expert and horticultural therapist put everyone at ease.

Throughout the ten-week course, Jane* looked forward to her time in the gardens, with her fellow veterans. The peer support did not stop at the end of the day, the female veteran set up a What’s App group for the veterans on her course, and their

support of each other continued between sessions, often on a daily basis, and continues to this day.

DGS provides a roadmap for the veterans at the end of the ten-week programme, where they continue to gain support by accessing new courses, or they are assisted onto the road to employment or self-employment, with ongoing support and mentoring.

Jane* concludes: “For anyone who is considering DGS – I would say, don’t be scared, take that first step. Everyone is nervous, but you are made to feel at ease, immediately. Brooke House and DGS changed my life, I don’t think I’d be here today if it weren’t for them, they are the ones that saved me.”

Liz Brown, Head of Northern Ireland Veterans’ Support Office: “One thing that is important to all veterans is trust, particularly for Northern Ireland veterans. They have to feel safe and secure with the people and the environment they are in. DGS provides that sanctuary, it is the foundation for everything.”

Joan Clements, Project Director at Brooke House: “We were very privileged and honoured to be part of the pilot that developed the DGS programme, and to be in a position to spread the word and to be doing the innovative work that we do is wonderful. This project has enabled Brooke House to develop additional innovative projects and without our experience with DGS, this wouldn’t have been possible. It is also a privilege to be situated on the Colebrooke Estate, as there is nothing else like this in Northern Ireland, where veterans can access such a safe space.”

A Warm Welcome

Curge Hill College

We are absolutely delighted to welcome another new Academy to our network this month and recently caught up with Curge Hill Director Priscilla Hackman-Asamoah to talk about her business and transition from PHA Coaching to Curge Hill College.

After a couple of phone calls, it was great to finally meet Priscilla on zoom and talk about her background, as well as future missions. Studying and working in Science, Priscilla was dedicated to her MSC and wanted to pursue a career in the sciences. She worked her way up the ranks within this position, achieving a final huge promotion to work across regions, not just towns locally but full counties. Within this role she was able to work with many different people from different backgrounds. It was at this moment Priscilla noted her interest in working with people. Getting involved, listening to people and connecting to people were all really important to Priscilla, and these weren’t always possible in her previous position. She found that she liked coaching and supporting individuals, so began coaching part time and then committed to coaching full time. This is when PHA was born. In 2020, Priscilla set up PHA Coaching.

When finalising their membership, Priscilla decided to apply under a new company name. Switching from PHA which now focuses on 1-2-1 coaching and support to Curge Hill College LTD which will continue to support group learning and suits those who may look for a more collaborative process. So the application for PHA Coaching became an application for Curge Hill College LTD, and we are really pleased to welcome them into the IOEE family.

We wanted to learn more about Curge Hill, their mission, values and vision. Priscilla said the following about Curge Hill.

“Our Vision: to serve as a training centre, resourced

to equip persons and teams with entrepreneurial and management skills.

Our Mission: to assess the unique entrepreneurship and management skill-gaps, and to provide such needed knowledge through effective training systems.

Our values:

A Positive mindset:

To accept challenges and opportunities with an open mind, and explore options to make rational decisions.

Mutual respect:

To understand the uniqueness of individuals and appreciate the differences in people.

Fairness:

Our decisions and actions are objective, consistent, impartial and ethical.

Continuous self-development:

To understand that change is inevitable, and to position oneself to keep up with the times.”

The focus on ethical and fair education is something we support fully. Everyone should be able to access education and develop their skills.

Curge Hill College LTD aligns with the IOEE’s values of highlighting learners’ potential and encouraging students to produce their best work and look into their enterprising futures. So gaining academy status with us and having their programmes recognised with us was a really simple process.

Curge Hill College gained IOEE recognition for three of their programmes. Training in essentials of organisation management; an entrepreneurship perspective, training in

business start up and strategy development and training in personal capacity building and self-leadership. All three of these programmes provide the learner with the essential toolkit and opportunities to develop their own skills and discover new ones, all while focusing on an end goal.

Getting IOEE recognition and academy status was important to Curge Hill College as a new business, to get that industry name and recognition. Priscilla agreed that getting recognition and academy status adds a level of value to the learner experience. We strongly believe in our offer to academies and we are really glad that a new academy agrees that there is a lot of value in having academy status and recognition.

We are really excited to see how the learners respond to Curge Hill’s teaching methods and collaborative learning experience. We wish Priscilla and all of Curge Hill’s learners the best of luck for this year and we will keep in touch with Priscilla about their experience this year.

You can find Curge Hill College LTD on Twitter here: Twitter: @phacoaching https://mobile.twitter.com/phacoaching

And LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ pha-coaching/

FROM BUDDY TO MENTOR: HOW TO MENTORING PROGRAM IN YOUR

Mentoring isn’t just for entrepreneurs or business owners. It’s also a vital aspect of any small business in terms of employees, as it helps to ensure that they are well-trained, motivated, and productive. A mentoring program can help to create a positive and supportive work environment, where employees feel valued and respected.

One of the key benefits of mentoring in a small business is that it allows employees to learn from more experienced colleagues. This can be especially valuable for new employees, who may be unfamiliar with the company’s culture and practices. By working closely with a mentor, new employees can learn the ropes more quickly and become more productive more quickly.

Another benefit of mentoring is that it can help employees to develop new skills and knowledge. For example, a mentor may be able to teach an employee how to use a new software program or how to conduct market research. In this way, mentoring can help employees to become more valuable to the company and to advance in their careers.

Mentoring can also help to foster a sense of community within a small business. When employees work closely together, they are more likely to develop strong working relationships and to feel a sense of loyalty to the company. This can be especially important for small businesses, which often rely on a close-knit team of employees to achieve their goals.

SMALL

and is respected by other employees. The mentor should also be willing to invest the time and energy required to help the mentee develop their skills and knowledge.

When setting up a mentoring program, it is also important to establish clear goals and expectations. For example, what are the mentee’s goals for the mentorship? What skills or knowledge do they want to gain? What are the expectations for the mentor? It is also a good idea to establish a schedule for meetings and check-ins, so that everyone knows what to expect.

One of the most important things that small business owners must do when setting up a mentoring program is to evaluate its effectiveness. This can be done by conducting surveys or interviews with both mentors and mentees. The feedback should be used to make adjustments to the program, if needed.

In conclusion, mentoring is a valuable tool for small businesses, as it helps to ensure that employees are well-trained, motivated, and productive. By setting up a mentoring program and choosing the right mentor, small business owners can help employees to develop new skills, advance in their careers, and foster a sense of community within the company. By evaluating the program, small business owners can make sure that it is meeting the needs of both mentors and mentees and making a positive impact on the company.

One of the most important things that small business owners must do when setting up a mentoring program is to choose the right mentor. A good mentor should be an experienced employee who has a good reputation within the company

If you’re interested in starting a mentoring scheme for your small business get in touch with us at info@ ioee.co.uk for details of our Introduction to Mentoring qualification and workbook.

TO CREATE A SUCCESSFUL SMALL BUSINESS

CHECKING IN WITH...

ENTERPRISE MADE SIMPLE

This year we are happy to see Enterprise Made Simple continuing with their delivery, with the aim of increasing their delivery in 2023.

We had a call with Phil Teasedale from Enterprise Made Simple, to discuss their time as an IOEE academy, their delivery process and to learn a bit more about their programmes.

Phil started off by telling us about Enterprise Made Simple (EMS) and their mission. As a fifteen year old business, focusing on business support and training, Enterprise Made Simple has a lot of experience when it comes to training and providing support to their learners and businesses. With business at the heart of everything they do, EMS have always and will always focus on maintaining a fluid nature. Phil said “change is inevitable, you just have to be able to adapt and shift” to avoid any serious challenges. The structure and delivery method of EMS meant they could adapt to the constantly changing climate and continue to succeed. Their ability to adapt and evolve as a company has seen them grow and develop their business, even throughout the pandemic!

EMS set up their training centre in the pandemic as a safety precaution, to be able to control the hygiene practices, amount of people in the workplace, and ultimately avoid business

closure due to covid cases. Phil told us that, since lockdown eased, EMS has been delivering to their learners with a hybrid approach. Combining face to face learning with distanced online learning. Gaining this training centre was a really big step for EMS, and it appears to have helped them bounce back from the effects of the pandemic.

Enterprise Made Simple offers a range of qualifications with us, ranging from level 1 to level 3, and offer a variety of specialisms. From design thinking to social media, Enterprise Made Simple wanted to offer their learners a selection of SFEDI qualifications, to add that extra value to their learners’ experience.

I wanted to know a bit more about their experience with online learning and we both agreed, distance learning has its purpose. The ability to learn from the comfort of your own home, gain qualifications and develop your skills is priceless, but there is also a need for face to face learning. The networking opportunities and collaborative learning is crucial to the EMS programmes and so face to face learning is the best model for them.

What about events? Will EMS continue to deliver in person events?

Phil let us know that there are almost always events on, with EMS. From networking events to workshops, speaking events to skills sharing, EMS supports their learners and is able to share a bank of resources with them. The in person events really do take the learning to the next level. Once you have learned the skills, being able to get out there and network, meet new people and, applying those skills is the next step and that is what the events allow. Providing their learners with opportunities.

To make it crystal clear, we asked Phil if he has enjoyed being an IOEE academy and he told us he has really enjoyed it and can’t wait for the new year where he hopes to deliver even more SFEDI qualifications, and we can’t wait to see what Phil has planned!

It was brilliant to speak to Phil, and a great opportunity to learn more about Enterprise Made Simple and their programmes. Going into 2023, Phil has set some really realistic and exciting goals for EMS and their delivery, and we wish EMS all the best with their future delivery.

BUSINESS SUPPORT IN EDUCATION

In the business and enterprise industry, business support is invaluable. Whether setting up a new business or learning the foundation skills required to plan a new business venture, many startups turn to business support to assist with launching some crucial conversations.

This need for business support is equally present in the educational sector, as Universities and Colleges guide the next wave of start up entrepreneurs through their educational journey. The business support officer / advisor assists with piecing together aspects of their business plan, promoting independent work and discovery and assisting the learner to develop their own ideas of what their business is and how it operates.

We spoke with Nikki Eastwood from the Leeds Trinity Enterprise Centre. Nikki is programme lead for business and enterprise, and also an advisor-mentor for undergraduates and graduates looking for business support and advice. We spoke with Nikki, as a member of a recent cohort of learners who undertook one of our business support qualifications. We asked Nikki how the role translates to the University setting, how it has assisted with her career and the opportunities that have come about since undertaking the accredited qualification.

Nikki transitioned into a business support role, and enjoys the freedom the students have in pursuing their own business ventures. Allowing them to be creative, expressive and still focused on the logistics and practicalities of a new business is something that Nikki seems particularly interested in.

Within an educational setting, the students and the business support advisor are able to experiment and explore the world of enterprise in a more liberal way. The responsibility and consequences

/ learner is able to learn how to articulate their goals and implement measures in order to achieve these goals.

Working with a range of businesses, within an educational setting, the business support accreditation allows the advisor to learn about transferable skills, core skills for business support as well as how to deliver a personalised approach to business support. With each University student presenting a new idea, and each University student needing their own unique support, the SFEDI business support qualification provides a seal of approval from the UK sector skills body, and equips you with the tools and knowledge to deliver excellent business support to each student.

Whilst undertaking the SFEDI business support qualification, Nikki found that her confidence had grown. Being able to advise the business owners in a confident and supportive way, Nikki found a clear difference from before the qualification to after she had gained the qualification.

It was really interesting to talk with Nikki about the role of business support within an educational setting and to find out more about how you apply business support to new and emerging business ideas and concepts within a University.

And this is why business support accreditation is so important within an educational setting. Being able to guide a new business owner through those difficult decisions, as well as through some brilliant

opportunities, is one of the most important aspects of business support. The business support accreditation equips you with the knowledge and techniques needed to guide new business owners through their start up phase.

Within an educational setting, there is the natural underlying academic approach to the new businesses. The accredited business advisor, Nikki in this case, can use this academic journey the learner is on, and apply real life scenarios to test their knowledge and also secure their future within the business. The SFEDI Level 5 and Level 7 Business support Qualifications allow the business support advisor to identify these areas and provide their clients with opportunities to develop their own businesses.

Why does accreditation matter, when it comes to business support?

The role of accreditation, especially within the role of business support or an advisory role, is vital. It notifies your current employer, future employers and your clients that you have undertaken relevant training within the field. The SFEDI accreditation allows you to take that claim one step further, in that

you have studied a business support qualification with the UK sector skills body, that is underpinned by the National Occupational Standards for Business Support. This qualification will equip you with all of the skills and knowledge needed to deliver business support, whilst providing you with many opportunities for research, self reflection and skills discovery.

The SFEDI accredited qualification provides business support professionals with a suite of resources, skills, techniques, reflective exercises and of course the final qualification to progress your business support career.

If you are interested in gaining a Level 5 or Level 7 business support qualification from the UK sector skills body, do reach out today. Head to : https:// sfedidirectory.co.uk/get-qualified and contact a member of our team.

S F E D I ® D I R EC T

SOCIAL MEDIA LEVEL 2 FUNDED QUALIFICATION FREE LEARNING MATERIALS

We are very pleased to announce the launch of new materials and content which is being made available at no charge to all SFEDI centres and IOEE Academies. The learning materials have been mapped against SFEDI Awards Level 2 Award in the Promotion of Products and Services Through Socal Media which currently has funding confirmed for this academic year.

The qualification is suitable for all learners looking to gain skills and knowledge in social media, whether they are going on to start a business or seeking employment. You can find this workbook along with many other free resources within the SFEDI Awards hub or if you’d like to discuss your delivery in more detail please contact Jonathan.harper@sfedi.org.uk www.sfediawards.co.uk/centre-hub

Social Media: What is THE algorithm and why

If you’ve decided to start developing your business’s social media strategy, something you will have probably come across by now is the need to ‘understand the algorithm’ - but what does that mean?

Algorithms exist due to the amount of content that is being continuously posted, for example, 95 million photos and videos are uploaded to Instagram each day. Without algorithms, it would be down to each user to scroll through the content and find what they are interested in - which is pretty much impossible. For the average social media consumer, it is a helpful tool that filters content and produces a bespoke feed for each user. This is calculated by behaviours based on what a user has viewed and engaged with.

It’s important to note that algorithms are constantly evolving, there’s no quick fix to mastering them. Instead, marketers need to adapt constantly. It sounds daunting, but the best place to start is by experimenting with what you post and tracking the results. Consider reporting on your top 3-5 topperforming posts each month and use your learnings to develop your content strategy. You’ll have a better chance of success if you are able to post based on results and data rather than personal opinion.

Behind it all, algorithms are just data science supported by machine learning. Some networks, such as Facebook and Instagram, are transparent about what content will rank. For example, prioritising posts that sparks meaningful conversation, avoiding clickbait, and focusing on publishing videos over images. Although there isn’t a step-by-step guide,

there are a few proven methods you can do to try and help your content rank: Encourage engagement by asking questions and starting conversations in your comment section.

Tag other accounts in your posts, such as User Generated Content (UGC) and (when relevant) other brands, in the hopes they will share your post and help it reach a new audience.

Be mindful of the hashtags you use. It can be tempting to use hashtags that rank the highest, but is it going to bring the right attention to your post? Probably not. Instead, focus on using hashtags that will put your content in front of an audience who will be more likely to engage.

Use your analytics to find the best time to post. Every social media platform provides analytics such as age and location. However, they also give insight about when your audience is most active, so you know when your posts have a better chance of being seen and performing.

Be consistent - whether you commit to a posting once a week or twice each day. Although it is believed that algorithms tend to reward accounts that post more frequently, quality over quantity is the key. It is better to be realistic with what you can achieve and stick to those goals.

Focus on video content as much as possible as is favoured by social media platforms - this is due to its ability to capture the viewers’ attention quicker and for longer, which keeps them using the platform for longer.

is it important?

To summarise, it is essential to recognise that social media algorithms aren’t going anywhere, and the best thing you can do for your business is to learn how to work with them. Here are our takeaways to help get you started:

• Experiment with content - don’t be scared to post something that flops

• Track your post-performance and use it to improve each month

• Encourage engagement by starting conversations

• Tag brands and customers to reach new audiences

• Use relevant hashtags that will reach your audience

• Make the most of your analytics features

• Be consistent and focus on quality content

• Prioritise video content as much as possible

Lifelong learning: invest in yourself for entrepreneurial success

According to a definition introduced by the European Lifelong Learning Initiative and the American Council on Education, lifelong learning is ‘the development of human potential through a continuously supportive process which stimulates and empowers individuals to acquire all the knowledge, values, skills, and understanding they will require throughout their lifetimes and to apply them with confidence, creativity and enjoyment in all

entrepreneurs, we should embrace this mindset as an imperative and a key strategic factor for the success of our business.

Lifelong learning: a necessity, not a choice anymore

Historically, the idea of dedicating time to learning, especially if unrelated to one’s main occupation, was considered a luxury that only a few people could afford, both financially and in terms of time and effort. Today, thanks to the ongoing process of democratisation of education and the wide range of learning tools and platforms available, we have easier access to an invaluable wealth of knowledge and opportunities to grow and develop ourselves, both formally and informally.

roles, circumstances, and environments.’ This is certainly a very powerful description and within its context the meaning of learning is expanded to indicate a deliberate choice to acquire knowledge and experience, in order to unlock our potential as well as build confidence in our own abilities. It certainly represents much more than a mere accumulation of notions and requires high levels of effort and motivation, so that we can successfully take ownership of our development and adopt suitable learning habits for our growth as individuals and professionals. In particular, over the last few decades the relevance of lifelong learning within the business world has significantly increased so it is important to reflect on the reasons why, as

Leaders and decision-makers across sectors and geographies increasingly appreciate the importance of continuous learning as a strategic approach to deal with the unknown and the high levels of ambiguity and volatility of the current business environment. This is due to the fact that knowledge becomes obsolete very rapidly and what we know at one specific point in time cannot be considered sufficient to face future challenges. As a result, when planning our professional development, we should widen our horizon and make a shift away from the traditional idea of education and towards a more flexible and adaptable fruition of information. Today’s learning should reflect the diversity of current requirements and the urgency of acquiring new skills to adapt to non-linear careers and business life cycles.

As entrepreneurs, we should place particular value on lifelong learning as a way to futureproof our leadership and our business. Various examples of entrepreneurial success show how innovation and positive disruption often happen when we question existing knowledge and move across what are generally accepted

boundaries. Many of the solutions to our current problems can be found at the intersection between multiple, often seemingly unrelated areas of expertise. For this reason, it is essential to get new skills and accumulate a diverse set of experiences as well as to learn how to make a more appropriate use of the ones we already have, so that we can make informed decisions and take action promptly and suitably, even in the most complex situations. Lifelong learning can be a powerful tool to prepare us both as individuals and leaders to face challenges and seize opportunities, regardless of what the future will bring. In other words, it provides us with a toolbox of transferable skills and experiences combined with an open mindset that can prove indispensable in the current world of work.

What are the risks if you stop learning?

There is no doubt that trying to learn about different subjects and keep up with the rapidly moving environment around us can seem a daunting prospect and, especially when

things go smoothly and we are busy running a successful business, there is little incentive to take time off our main work to study. And even if you decide to do it, the number of opportunities available may be almost overwhelming so it is necessary to adopt a strategic approach and prioritise specific areas of knowledge, based on the time and resources that you have available. In my experience, it does not matter how little or how much you manage to do in a day or a week, the most important thing is to be deliberate and consistent about it and make it part of your daily routine.

However, the risks related to stopping learning are too high, for you and for your business. To put it bluntly: what you do and what you know may become irrelevant very quickly. More specifically, experts have identified a series of potential consequences and the following ones are probably among the most damaging for the future of an organisation and the development of a leader.

. Silo mentality. In relation to an individual

mindset, it refers to a tendency to have a narrow focus and concentrate on a single idea or approach while neglecting the diversity and multiplicity of the other opportunities available. It goes without saying that this may lead to a fragmented view of the world and a lack of adaptability and dynamicity in the face of change and uncertainty.

. Herminia Ibarra, Professor of Organisational Behaviour at London Business School, introduced the concept of competency trap to describe a common bias towards preferring what we know and do well instead of considering alternative options that may be more appropriate for the changing situation. In Ibarra’s opinion, this is due to the fact that we often base our decisions on the false assumption that “what produced our past successes will necessarily lead to future wins”.

. Intellectual myopia. This term indicates a narrow perspective and a failure to understand the big picture and the multiple, complex layers that characterise it. By specialising too much and not learning, we may find it difficult to identify the connections and synergies between different aspects of our business and the surrounding environment.

Fear of failure. This could probably be considered as the most paralysing factor because it prevents us from making decisions and taking risks due to the fear of making mistakes. Thanks to the acquisition of transferable skills, the development of high levels of confidence and the mastery of multiple areas of expertise, lifelong learning helps us to acquire the knowledge and mindset necessary to pivot and be moved on from failure quickly as well as to respond to change successfully.

studying learners and their behaviours. More specifically, she identified two different types of people, those with a ‘fixed mindset’ who believe that their learning potential is predeterminedand depends on factors like their genes or their socioeconomic background - and there is no point in trying to learn something that they are not good at; and, on the other hand, individuals who are strongly convinced that their true potential and abilities are boundless and, thanks to effort, passion and practice, it is possible to overcome challenges and achieve our objectives.

Dweck calls this approach ‘growth mindset’ and explains how it has a positive impact on a person’s level of confidence, commitment to development as well as to the willingness to accept failure and learn from negative experiences. This attitude is therefore an empowerment factor that is strongly linked to the concept of lifelong learning and supports consistent growth and development, both at individual and organisational level.

Think like a beginner! Another aspect that plays a significant role in engaging in continuous learning successfully is a beginner’s mindset, an idea that was introduced by Shunryu Suzuki, a Zen monk and author of the book Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind. In Suzuki’s words, “… in the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s, there are few.” This means that if we think like a beginner, we regularly question the status quo as well as the current assumptions, theories and conventions to look at things from a different perspective instead, and identify new, disruptive and often unorthodox solutions that might prove essential for entrepreneurs to navigate the current VUCA environment.

Develop a growth mindset

Thanks to the wide range of learning opportunities available, we can all embrace lifelong learning without necessarily having to invest a significant amount of time and money. The most important factor is to adopt a ‘growth mindset’, a concept introduced by Carol Dweck, a psychologist at Stanford University, who has focused on

Regardless of how much we already know or have experienced, we should have the humility and curiosity to consider a diverse range of opinions, ideally different from ours and acquire knowledge across different fields. In this way, we will foster - within ourselves and others - creativity and innovation that could be very helpful for today’s entrepreneurs who face constant challenges and find themselves making decisions that require a multidisciplinary approach.

From the individual to the business Entrepreneurs - whether deliberately or not - can also be powerful role models and therefore have

So, how can we cultivate lifelong learning and adopt an approach that can benefit both us and our business?

the possibility to - and should - set the example and cultivate lifelong learning within their organisations as well. This approach can bring about many benefits that support the sustainable growth of a business at all levels, including the creation of a strong employer’s brand that attracts talent and encourages a growth mindset and the fulfilment of an individual’s full potential. As a result, this can lead to the creation of a pipeline of highly skilled employees that can fill existing skill gaps and expand the areas of expertise of a company, at a critical time when finding suitably trained people may be challenging.

In conclusion, as entrepreneurs, we should consider lifelong learning as a way to invest in ourselves and show our commitment to development that can then extend from us as individuals to our organisations. In this way, we can prepare ourselves to face future challenges and navigate high-uncertainty and high-complexity situations. In addition, we can leverage our role as leaders to foster a lifelong learning mindset that empowers our workforce and provides them with the appropriate skills and attitudes to grow with the organisation.

From Idea to Reality: How Crowdfunding Can Help Small Businesses Launch

Crowdfunding is a popular method of raising funds for small businesses, as it allows entrepreneurs to bypass traditional sources of funding such as banks and venture capitalists. By leveraging the power of the internet, small business owners can reach a global audience and raise money from a large number of investors.

One of the main benefits of crowdfunding is that it allows small business owners to test the market demand for their product or service. By launching a crowdfunding campaign, entrepreneurs can gauge interest in their idea and see if there is a viable market for their business. This can be a valuable tool for small business owners who are unsure of whether their idea will be successful.

Another benefit of crowdfunding is that it allows small business owners to raise money quickly. Traditional sources of funding such as bank loans and venture capital can take months or even years to secure. With crowdfunding, entrepreneurs can raise money in a matter of weeks, which can be crucial for businesses that need to launch quickly. Crowdfunding also allows small business owners to build a community of supporters around their business. By reaching out to potential investors, entrepreneurs can create a network of people who are invested in their success. This can be especially valuable for small businesses, which often rely on word-of-mouth marketing to grow their customer base.

To launch a successful crowdfunding campaign, small business owners must first create a compelling pitch. This should include a clear and concise description of the business, a detailed explanation of the product or service, and a realistic fundraising goal. The pitch should also include a video, which can be used to showcase the business and explain the product or service in more detail.

Another important aspect of crowdfunding is to have a good rewards system. Rewards are perks that you offer to backers in return for their investment. This can be anything from early access to your product to a special discount. It is important to have a good system of rewards that appeal to your potential investors.

It is also important to have a solid marketing strategy in place before launching a crowdfunding campaign.

This should include reaching out to potential investors, building a social media presence, and creating a website to promote the campaign. When launching a crowdfunding campaign, it is also important to be transparent and communicate regularly with investors. This can be done through regular updates and by responding promptly to any questions or concerns.

In conclusion, crowdfunding is a popular method of raising funds for small businesses, as it allows entrepreneurs to bypass traditional sources of funding and reach a global audience. By creating a compelling pitch, having a good rewards system, and building a community of supporters, small business owners can launch a successful crowdfunding campaign and raise the funds they need to launch their business. It is also important to be transparent and communicate regularly with investors to build trust and keep them informed about the progress of the campaign.