EXPERIENCED Entrepreneurs in the North-East are experiencing real challenges in 2016, running far deeper than the constriction on oil & gas.
The ripple effect is reverberating across our region and affecting almost everyone.
Dig still further and you will uncover the founding entrepreneurs carrying the weight of their business squarely on their over-burdened shoulders and now you are at the heart of the issue.
It is how these people (and their teams) react and respond that will be the single most important factor in determining the outcome of the situation.
To look at this further we need to challenge a few of the misconceptions that abound.
“Entrepreneurs are always focused, resilient, relentless, creative, bold and are natural born problem solvers”.
This is true, other than the “always” part.
Through working with thousands of entrepreneurs, we understand that these enviable traits are underpinned by forward momentum.
Entrepreneurs are at their best in a positive, driven environment when their natural traits have forward momentum as the wind beneath their wings.
Forward momentum, however, is not dependable, certainly not now.
There are times when problems come at us thick and fast and this can quickly become overwhelming and suddenly, many (but not all) entrepreneurs begin acting very differently, there is a loss of confidence, self-examination, self-doubt, creativity is abandoned and the ability to seek innovative solutions seems to vanish.
Entrepreneurs can start to look inward, to withdraw and stop communicating, and this is the real threat to their future.
The answer to this is, once again, founded on yet another misconception, that entrepreneurs are loners, solitary souls who are more comfortable working alone, as self-starters and trail blazers.
It is easy to understand this misconception; it is often said that being an entrepreneur can be a lonely existence.
The truth of the matter is that entrepreneurs really thrive when they are together, sharing the journey, sharing their issues, collaborating and feeding off the ambitions of others.
They are stimulated by a close association with other like-minded individuals.
The natural human inclination to withdraw when under pressure is absolutely the wrong response for entrepreneurial players.
It is in times of adversity that these heroes should seek out their peers and engage in positive dialogue.
At Elevator, our doors are always open to entrepreneurs of all types.
We welcome them in to be part of the positive and supportive environment we have created - a cohesive group of existing and emerging entrepreneurs and business advisers - positive people who will inspire and support.
We happen to be the most entrepreneurial region of Scotland – FACT!
Our region is naturally entrepreneurial and resilient.
Aberdeen is the only Scottish city with Elevator, a purpose-built “Centre for Entrepreneurship” where our singular concern is the economic future of the city and shire.
If you are in start-up mode, growth mode, struggling to make it all add up, running out of steam or just need to find your entrepreneurial mojo again - we can help!