We recently launched The Business of Engineering Podcast - a monthly round table discussion in which startup leaders and entrepreneurs discuss various issues related to working in the tech and electronics market. This is the discussion thread for Episode One - Starting From Zero
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Episode Summary
All tech startups begin with an idea. But how do you take that idea and turn it into a viable business model? In this first episode of The Business of Engineering Podcast, we discuss the challenges associated with 'starting from zero' - from taking the leap into self employment to building an audience, forging professional partnerships and developing your first prototype on a budget.
Contributors
Daniel Burton
Entrepreneur Acceleration Manager at the Natwest Business Accelerator, a program that enables entrepreneurs across the UK to reach their full potential through coaching, mentoring and one-to-one support.
Ethan Howard
Founder of Bare Tech, a startup that installs simple, secure operating systems on used laptops to help reduce electrical waste and provide affordable, accessible computers for all.
Rowena Madar & Nook Barnes
Co-directors at Eat Fish Design, a design consultancy working in the technical and medical engineering sectors to communicate technical information in a visually engaging way for a wider audience.
Talking points addressed in this episode...
- Introductions [0.00]
- Youth vs Experience - When is the best time in your life to launch your own business? [3.20]
- The Development Process - At what stage should you start investing in marketing and PR? [7.50]
- Networking - Finding mentors and collaborators in your community [12.50]
- Insights - Customer personas and developing your proof of concept [15.50]
- Market Research - The best methods for young startups [25.00]
- Building a team - The first employees you should be targeting [30.00]
- Prototyping on a Budget [35.00]
- Surviving the First Year - Overcoming early stage challenges [39.00]
Have you experienced any of the issues discussed in this episode? Share your thoughts, questions for our guest contributors and any feedback you might have in the comments section below.
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