Remember the economy was different in 2015, but I wonder how
different the issues are in 2018?
THE ORIGINAL IDEA AND INVITATION IN 2015
With businesses, banks and government downsizing we can
expect more people to become “reluctant entrepreneurs”. Indeed we anticipate
the current financial black hole will see a significant amount of job shed and
a number of people seeking new self-employment.
Moreover digital and global changes with decentralisation
and mobility is bringing a shift back to “cottage industries”, working from
home, or small shared hubs, like Digital Jersey.
ciChange are interested in independent consultants,
solopreneurs and start-ups in Jersey. We’d like to discuss the challenges, pros
and cons of setting up and running as an independent, and identify what
experiences we can share, where might be able to collaborate and what would
make the business of being an independent much easier, better and more
rewarding.
Would you be prepared to complete a short survey and
contribute to a 2 hour workshop?
We are looking for between 8 and 16 people to offer a spread
of ideas, experience and industries. If more people are interested we may, with
Chamber of Commerce and Jersey Business run further, future workshops and
feedback sessions for the outcomes and progress.
The aim is to conclude with a report to be shared with
Chamber of Commerce, Digital Jersey, and Jersey Business in an effort to help
startups and solo independent consultants in Jersey.
THE FINDINGS IN 2015
There were 32 respondents to the questionnaire and workshop
audience (12) invited to “score” their top 3 issues, and those with the highest
score got discussed first.
Score Theme
9 Coaching /
mentoring (Fear?)
7 What
government can (and cannot) do (incl tax, socsec, gst etc)
3 Charge rates
3 Legal
Start-Up Pack (insurance, accounting, employment law etc.)
3 Startup
funding (including incubators)
3 Growth
strategy and growth implementation
2 Ability to
work with the States
2 Skills level
1 Structured
guidance
1 Understanding
finance, funding IT
1 Light
industry opportunities
0 Market
prices / market information
0 Directors
responsibilities
We then explored the top 2 in the greatest detail and
identified the following broad themes and 20 ideas for improvement (not listed
here in the interests of brevity!).
1. There
was a feeling that social, economic and technology changes combined with
increases in bureaucracy mean that more people will be independent and work in
loose affiliations and groups in preference to building larger organisations.
2. There
was criticism of some agencies for not being joined-up and at times being
critical without being constructive with advice. Guidance in some cases is
inconsistent and not coherent resulting in stop-start and dead alleys as people
move from one agency to another.
3. There
was concern about guidance and support on issues relating to redundancy and
startups, noting that redundancy often produces “reluctant entrepreurs” who
need guidance and support.
4. There
was discussion of some form or barter system or credits whereby independents
might collaborate, cooperate and help each other, perhaps through forums or
sponsored networking events.
WHAT IS THE SITUATION IN 2018
I wonder how much has changed? Is there a need for a
joined-up forum, focus-group or support network for Solopreneurs, Entrepreneurs
and Start-Ups.
Or are these issues now addressed by the positive steps and supportive services provided by Digital
Jersey, Jersey Business, Chamber of Commerce, Barclay’s Digital Eagle and IoD?
I would be interested in comments and feedback.
SOME USEFUL LINKS IF YOU ARE A SOLOPRENEURS, ENTREPRENEURS
OR START-UPS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tim Rogers is a Qualified Change Practitioner and PRINCE2
Project Manager, with an MBA in Management Consultancy. Past projects have included
the incorporation of Ports of Jersey and Operations Change and Sales Support
for RBSI and NatWest. He is a tutor/lecturer for the Chartered Management
Institute.
CONTACT
TimHJRogers@AdaptConsultingCompany.Com
+447797762051 Skype: timhjrogers TimHJRogers@gmail.com
