Seven things you wish you’d known in the first few years in business

The expo has continued to champion local North West businesses since it launched four years ago and its popularity has grown year on year, with many exhibitors booking time and again.

And this year is no different. Often the best advice is from those who have actually been there, so, we asked our exhibitors one question:

And here’s some of their responses…

Believe in yourself. You don't need all the bells and whistles straight away, you can gradually build up. It takes years to get to where you want to be so don't expect it over night or weeks or months, it takes years of hard work and dedication. Don't quit when it gets a little bit harder or the money is really tight, to quote Winston Churchill "If you're going through hell, keep going" "A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty"

The most important thing for me is to plan. Do a business plan and a marketing plan. Put things in place to show what your goals are and how you can achieve them. Break this down to weekly/monthly target and revisit your vision at least once a week. This gives focus and drive as well as accountability.

Be fully aware of why you do what you do, what is your emotionally charged connection. This will help shape your culture, your offering, your target market and equally importantly your values.

Don’t let your head rule your heart – in other words - you need to have something to aim for, don’t settle for mediocrity stretch yourself, set the bar high then even if you don’t achieve the ultimate goal, you may well be further towards it than if you had not set the bar high!

When thinking about your 'pitch' don't tell us what you do and how you do it, clearly state your name, what benefits you have to offer and who you can help, PS, it isn't everyone.

To have PRIVACY BY DESIGN at the heart of EVERYTHING you do.

It could give you a competitive advantage and be the difference between winning and losing contracts with suppliers which can get you up that ladder to success faster. Make the protection of personal data your number 1 priority.

Don’t spend your money on Advertising, Market your business, know your customers and speak to them in a language they understand. Meet the experts for yourself by registering for FREE to attend Blackpool Expo by clicking HERE.