Entrepreneurs With Get Up And Go

How to make your place in the driver’s seat as comfortable as possible

Have you ever been at work and suddenly there’s a change in structure, your manager leaves and you’re not keen on the replacement?

You start to contemplate… I could do their job… I know how to co-ordinate others… I could run my own business… I QUIT!

Just like that, a life changing decision has been made.

Clearly there is a lot more thought and care that goes into making this decision, but it is what got Billy Lyle wondering, ‘could I set up my own business and make it a success?’

In 2003 Billy brought Redspire Ltd to life as the Director of his IT consultancy firm; offering support for businesses in the design, development, deployment and support of core customer facing applications.

“Our aim is to enable our clients to work more effectively and efficiently through the use of innovative and cost-effective IT solutions.”

Billy Lyle, Redspire Ltd

Like many other small business owners, Billy found his business was growing, but he was so focused on the ‘doing’ he felt his business would fail if he stopped.

So, how did Billy develop his strategic approach which allowed him to run his company without micromanaging it, and drive it forward?

On January 26th 2010 Billy attended the Sulis Principles Programme taking away with him the ‘clarity’ of where he wanted to take his business and how long it would take to get there using a specific timeline.

Billy also created his very own 12 point marketing plan allowing him to focus solely on his business and the time away he needed to design it.

Now he had the knowledge and the know-how, what next?

Time to bring on the EXPERT

“To plan, you need to take a step back and become aware that you don’t have all of the knowledge you need so you need to talk to someone who does.”

Billy Lyle, Redspire Ltd

So, who did Billy choose to bring into the company? Tim Sandford an expert in Market Transformation.

After forming a successful business relationship Tim is now a non exec at Redspire Ltd engaged in market research, guiding Billy on how he can move his business forward.

Since taking on this initiative Billy has also been offered a 40% grant from Scottish Enterprises towards his market research!

It is possible to say ‘I QUIT’ and start up your own business, but it is your strategic plan and ability to surround yourself with experts that will make your business stand out.

To find out more about strategic planning follow me on Twitter @normacorlette or for more information about Sulis search for our hash tag #sulis.

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