The creative entrepreneur toolkit shared

The Creative

EntrepreneurA Self-Assessment Tool

© Cida Co 2011 Created for Cida Co by Anamaria Wills and Lee Corner

The Creative Entrepreneur

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CONTENTS

Overview 2

Values-Led 3

Conceptual Thinking 4

Strategic Thinking 5

Commercial Aptitude 6

Project Management 7

Risk Taking 8

Customer Sensitivity 9

Networking 10

Leadership 11

Innovation 12

Action Plan and Review 13

Underpinning Knowledge 16

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OVERVIEW

What makes a successful Creative Entrepreneur?

This booklet describes ten characteristics which we at CIDA have identified in the successful entrepreneurs we work with.

We have looked closely at each characteristic and analysed what it means and how we recognise it.

In this booklet we’re presenting these characteristics in a way which enables you – independently or with your Advisor – to look at what you do and how you do it, and to think about ways in which you can further develop your skills.

How it Works

Each characteristic is first described in terms of a standard. It is then broken down into elements, and against each element there are a number of indicators of effective performance. These indicators describe what you should be able to do if you are meeting the standard described.

There is a grid at the side of each indicator which is divided into “good; satisfactory; to be developed”. When you have worked through the elements with your advisor (or independently) and decided which areas you want to develop further, you can then use the Action and Review form (at the end of the booklet) to help you plan your development.

Finally, we suggest some exercises or techniques which will help you to develop your skills. Many of these are available on the internet and your Advisor will be able to help you select and work through the relevant sources.

Good luck on your journey to becoming a SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEUR!

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1. VALUES-LED

The StandardThe entrepreneur has a clear sense of the values and beliefs that underpin the creative and business decisions that they make and that influence the actions they take, particularly when in difficult or challenging circumstances

Elements Indicators of effective performance Good

Satisfactory

To be developed

Has clarity of purpose through values and beliefs

You have thought about and identified the values you hold dear

You demonstrate your values through what you do and the way you do it, not only day to day but also in difficult or challenging circumstances

You communicate your values directly and indirectly through what you do and what you say

Uses the values to underpin decision making

You think about your values and how they might impact on your decision

You review your decisions to ensure that they align with your values

When you make decisions you make sure that they are consistent with your values

Ensures that the values influence all actions

You create action plans that are consistent with your values

You review your action plans to ensure that they remain consistent with your values

Your actions are always supported by your values

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2. CONCEPTUAL THINKING

The StandardThe entrepreneur is prepared to use fresh approaches; comes up with crazy ideas that may just work, leading to radical change or significant improvements; and takes time to listen to new ideas without pre-judgement


Satisfactory

To be developed

Uses fresh approaches You keep an open mind to allow possibilities to flow in

You see challenges as opportunities rather than constraints

You look at things from as many perspectives as you can

You look for patterns and connections that are not immediately obvious

Comes up with crazy ideas that may just work and lead to radical and or significant improvement

You brainstorm and use lateral thinking to stimulate ideas

You involve others to stimulate your thinking and ideas

You use experiences from other situations to throw fresh light on current circumstances

You follow through ideas to test their feasibility

Takes time to listen to new ideas without pre-judgement

You actively listen to others without making any assumptionsYou maintain an open mind to the suggestions of othersYou demonstrate that you value other people’s ideas and give positive and constructive feedback

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3. STRATEGIC THINKING

The StandardThe entrepreneur understands and values the planning process, thinking and planning over a significant timescale; recognises external trends and opportunities; and is able to think through any complex implications for the business


Satisfactory

To be developed

Understands and values the planning process

You are able to define what success means to you so that you have clear goals to plan for

You identify routes for getting from where you are to where you want to be

You familiarise yourself with the journeys other people in your field have taken and evaluate their relevance to your journey

Recognises external trends and opportunities

You are aware of the world around you and think about how it impacts on what you do

You identify key trends in the wider environment including social, technological, environmental, educational and political and legal areas

You read, listen and talk to other people so that you are informed by a wide range of views and experiences

Able to think through complex situations and implications

You take time to think through complex issues and the implications that affect your strategic plans

You research and learn about the market you are in and about your competitors and use that knowledge in your planning

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You collect information and use it to understand and analyse complex situations

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4. COMMERCIAL APTITUDE

The StandardThe entrepreneur keeps up to date with developments in the sector; seeks out best practice; and identifies and seizes opportunities that are not obvious to others


Satisfactory

To be developed

Keeps up to date with developments in the sector

You read specialist journals, trade magazines, and online information sources relevant to your sector

You research and analyse the competitive forces that influence your market

Seeks out best practice You read professional journals, attend conferences and other events to keep your knowledge up to date

You record good ideas, and useful ways of doing things that other people have used to build a resource for your future use

You ask for help and advice from people who are more experienced than you

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Identifies and seizes opportunities

You actively look for new possibilities and openings in the market

You adapt your plans or approaches to make the best of new opportunities

You use your relationship with existing customers to learn about what they want/need so that you can develop new products or services You keep up to date with how new developments in ICT can help your business

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5. PROJECT MANAGEMENT

The StandardThe entrepreneur understands how to make things happen, turning ideas into reality with the help of teams and planning and monitoring implementation


Satisfactory

To be developed

Understands what is required to make things happen

You define and plan the size and scope of the project

You identify what resources you need to implement the plan: money, people, time, equipment

You seek out and put in place the resources you have identified as being necessary to make the project happen

You hold onto the big picture while ensuring that attention is paid to the detail

Turns ideas into reality You use your understanding of team dynamics to select and manage the right team for the job

You effectively manage resources: money, people, time, equipment

You negotiate and reach agreements that facilitate successful delivery of the project

Monitors implementation You introduce systems and processes to ensure clear communication and understanding between people

You build into the process opportunities to review and adaptYou evaluate the effectiveness of project planning, identifying and sharing the learning

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6. RISK TAKING

The StandardThe entrepreneur takes informed and calculated risks to achieve measured gains by challenging the status quo; confidently looking for opportunities to achieve goals


Satisfactory

To be developed

Takes informed and calculated risks to achieve measured gains

You confidently use risk assessment procedures

You focus on being risk alert rather than risk averse

You stay focused on the goals and think clearly when under pressure

Challenges the status quo to acknowledge the need for change

You challenge your own and the thinking of others

You question assumptions in your own thinking and that of others

You operate from the hope of success rather than the fear of failure, seeing opportunities rather than threats

Seeks opportunities to achieve goals

You seek out fresh ideas from a variety of sources

You pursue your goals, seeing obstacles and setbacks as challenges to be overcome

You enlist the support of others to achieve your goals

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7. CUSTOMER SENSITIVITY

The StandardThe entrepreneur builds trust and long term relationships with customers; generates an expectation of high level customer service; and regularly exceeds customer expectation


Satisfactory

To be developed

Builds trust and long-term relationships with customers

You identify opportunities to develop relationships with your customers to understand their real and underlying needs

You use market research processes to understand and define customer needs

You develop your existing products or services and devise new products and services to meet customer needs

Generates a high level of customer service

You regularly communicate with your customers through a variety of means

You ask for feedback from customers to constantly improve service standards

You deal promptly with customer complaints and provide suitable solutions

Regularly exceeds customer expectation

You remain focused on and inspired by your customers

You look for opportunities to go the extra mile for your customers

You regularly take actions that surprise and delight your customers

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8. NETWORKING

The StandardThe entrepreneur understands that networking is a key business activity which can provide access to information, expertise, collaboration and sales; and that careful planning and preparation helps to achieve desired results


Satisfactory

To be developed

Understands that networking is a key business activity and considers what it can provide

You identify where networking opportunities exist

You review the opportunities, costs and benefits of developing new contacts and networks

You use your networks to understand the influences that shape the views and actions of clients, customers and competitors

Plans and prepares for networking so that it achieves the desired results

You actively seek out and maintain informal networks, seeking relationships that are mutually beneficial

You develop relationships with network contacts in a way that builds mutual trust and confidence

You keep a record of the contacts you have made and have systems for keeping in touch with them

You maintain systems for recording information gathered from your networking opportunities so that it can be used to develop your goals

You consider how new contacts add value to the products or services you provide to customers

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9. LEADERSHIP

The StandardThe entrepreneur sees and values the best in others; builds the total capability of the immediate and wider team; and always considers the principles of inclusiveness in planning and dealing with others

(NB: The word “Team” as used below may refers to employees, partners, suppliers or other project colleagues as appropriate)Elements Indicators of effective performance Good

Satisfactory

To be developed

Sees and values the best in others

You understand the principles of leadership and team work so that you can apply them when required

You create and maintain a culture of mutual respect and recognition

You encourage and support others to make best use of their capabilities

You always remember to acknowledge other peoples contribution

Builds the total capability of the team

You demonstrate and communicate your vision, encouraging ownership of your goals

You encourage your team to take-up professional development, networking and training opportunities as appropriate in furtherance of your goals.

You empower, motivate and support others in their work and recognise and celebrate their successes

Adopts the principles of inclusiveness in planning and dealing with others

You are consistent, open and fair in your dealings with others inspiring respect and credibilityYou create an environment where people of diverse backgrounds can thrive

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10. INNOVATION

The StandardThe entrepreneur uses their imagination to develop new and different thinking; ideas and insights that can be turned into practical delivery of products and services; business processes and new relationships that have the potential to add value


Satisfactory

To be developed

Uses imagination to develop new and different thinking, ideas and insights

You explore different business solutions to challenges rather than using the most obvious methods

You are radical and unrestricted in your creative thinking

You use systematised innovation processes to develop yours and others’ creative thinking

You are open, receptive and positively encourage the ideas of others (team, clients, advisors etc)

Turns innovative ideas into practical products, services, business processes and new relationships

You assess the benefits and risks of new ideas which will benefit your customers

You take calculated risks to turn desirable innovations into practicalities

Ensures that innovative products have potential to add value

You distinguish between ideas that are interesting and those that are important

You evaluate the success or failure of new ideas to develop your learning for future projectsYou ensure that your innovations are consistent with your values and beliefs

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ACTION PLAN AND REVIEW

Use this action plan with your advisor to identify the areas that you need to focus on in order to meet the standards

StandardElements:

Why I need to develop this(what will the benefit be to my business?)

Action(what do I need to do to improve in this area?)

By when?(if I give myself a timescale it will help me focus)

With whom?(is there anyone who could help me with this?)

Resources needed:


Review date for action plan:

Action plan approved by: Date action agreed:



StandardElements:





Resources needed:




Underpinning Knowledge

The following exercises and techniques will help with in the development of skills and aptitudes for the standards described above:

Defining values

Brainstorming techniques

Strategic planning processes including PESTLE, SWOT and SMART Goal Setting

Competitor analysis

Project management systems

Evaluation techniques

Options appraisals

Risk assessment techniques

Customer relationship marketing

Leadership styles

Team building

Equal opportunities practice

Mind mapping

Lateral thinking

Learn more about mission, vision and values for your creative business! http://www.slideshare.net/CIDADawn/mission-vision-values-32765996

http://www.slideshare.net/CIDADawn/mission-vision-values-32765996

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