Post on 18-Jan-2016
Summary
• Rampant introduction• My University Roots• Personal Bio• Where Rampant is today• Key skills• Jobs vs. Enterprise• Other things to consider
Rampant Introduction
Everyday Looking the partFunctional
CAMPUS INSPIRED CLOTHING
Dec 2006 – HG Launch Party
Feb 2007 – Collinson sock sampled
Apr 2007 – started mail order business
Mar 2007 – 1st photoshootSept 2007 – Lions Rampant
& our socks began
My University Roots
Personal Bio – Not Glamorous…
• Keen rugby player and active student• Studied History and Politics• Conceived idea with a mate when I was 21 in
Firehouse• Started selling stock out of university garage
@ 22• Lived in my parents attic and sold socks all
over the country @ 22-24• Got investors and moved to Midlands @ 25
Where Rampant is today
Key Skills I learnt
• A Generalist– Understand multiple roles
• Learn how to manage others (eventually)• Learn how to motivate yourself & others• Learn about managing finances/budgets FAST• Learn your strengths and weaknesses FAST• Improve your sales skills• Networking - Get great contacts (as an MD)• Learn about the inner workings of an industry
Job vs. EnterpriseJob PRO’s Job CON’S Enterprise PRO’S Enterprise CON’s
Security Can be boring Never boring Stressful
Working hours Start with limited responsibility
Great Contacts Often don’t draw a salary for a long time
Can leave work at the door
Can lack ownership Big financial upside on successful exit
Risky – can be big financial downsides
Location – probably close to friends
Easy to get caught in ‘rat run’
Tax breaks Many businesses fail
Have immediate salary
High tax Creates opportunities
No formal learning – learn ‘on the job’
Learn from the bottom up
Start with limited responsibility
Start at the top of the ladder
No qualifications against it
No limitations Long working hours
Generalist - Learn a huge amount
A lot of social sacrifices
Other things to consider
• STARTUP LOANS – startuploans.co.uk• Use your innovation centre!• Sound ideas off the target audience• Do a proper business plan• Set yourself goals to measure your success• Don’t make the same mistakes twice• What have you got to lose?• Enjoy the journey…