Barefoot Business News from Robert Ashton
| April 2012
|
|
|
There's no such word as 'no'
One of the joys of working outside organisations is the clarity with which you see what's happening on the inside. Inevitably, when you work somewhere you are influenced by both culture and colleagues. Gently challenging people to see the opportunities behind the perceived threats is something I do all the time. Of course you have to be sensitive to the barriers that can appear to exist. Some are very real, others simply there because it's new. To innovate, you have to do things in different ways. You have to take some risks and you have to commit to deliver results, even before you are totally confident you're going to succeed. It's too easy to just say no it can't be done. But that, particularly in organisations facing dramatic change, can simply hasten the decline. Try holding your breath when the urge to say 'no' becomes strong. Pause, reflect and then say, 'well maybe'. Trust me, it gets easier the more you do it!
|
|
DESKS TO RENT
| 
£45 + VAT a week off the old A11 between Wymondham and Attleborough in Norfolk. Email Jess for more info or visit the website. |
|
|
Hello Kitty?
| |
It's not very often that I'm presented with a completely different kind of business challenge but Nick Dinnen and his 'Fruity Cuties' were just that. My knowledge of character-led entertainment brands is rather limited in comparison to say, Big Society.
You can find out more about what happened here and if you've got a great business idea, or have hit a barrier, and just need that little push in the right direction, I may be able to help. Check out my website for more details. |
Tuning in to white noise
| |
Some of you may have tried to watch the TEDxCCN event on their website on April 13th only to find the live stream missing. Due to unfortunate technical difficulties on the day City College were unable to provide the live streaming. However, videos from the event are now up and can be found on the TEDxCCN Facebook page. The link to Robert's session is below.
 | | TEDxCCN Robert Ashton |
|
Festival of Social Enterprise 2012
| |
Main speakers booked for the Festival include Michael Norton (Buzzbnk), Nigel Kershaw (Big Issue Invest), Cliff Prior (UnLtd), and Celia Hodson (Eastern Enterprise Hub). You can view the full programme taking place in The Curve online here.
With the main programme now up for the Festival, organisations wanting to exhibit are able to book their stands. The early bird rate available ends April 30th so get in touch with paul@festivalofsocialenterprise.co.uk today to make the most of that offer. We're looking for anybody involved with social enterprise - is your business one? Do you supply to social enterprises? Are you running a CIC? Then there'll be an audience for you!
|
Coming full cycle
| |
Last month's New Anglia LEP conference led to more opportunities than I first thought. I was encouraged over lunch to re-join the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce after a gap of ten years.
I guess it's fair to say that both I and the Chamber have changed over the years. Before, they'd not have held an event in a vodka bar and I'd not have wanted to go. But this week I did make my debut appearance at Vodka Revolution and I have to say it was a really hyperactive networking event. You can view my Chamber of Commerce profile here. |
This month in the media
| |
Let's put some enterprise into LEPs [Civil Society]
With a dwindling government pot, communities need to take ownership of their Local Enterprise Partnerships, says Robert Ashton.
The answer's on a postcard [New Start/CLES]
Did you have a good Easter holiday? We spent ours walking in the hills above Amalfi in the Bay of Naples. We had a great time but that's not I want to talk about. What made this holiday different was that it was our first experience of being in an organised group.
Chinese takeaway [Civil Society]
Robert Ashton mulls over the motivations behind the growing enthusiasm for social enterprise.
|
Diary dates!
| |
May 17th - Chartered Institute of Housing The Midlands Conference, Exhibition and Regional Gala Dinner, Ramada Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham
May 18th - JustRegional Meet for Breakfast, Aylsham, email business@justregional.co.uk for more information
September 11th - Festival of Social Enterprise, The Forum, Norwich
Don't forget that if you're organising a conference or event, and looking for a speaker, I might be able to help you challenge your audience to become just a little more enterprising! Email Jess with your event details.
|
Quote of the month
| |
'Will learning how to contract with public sector help strengthen the social enterprise sector? It's as daft as telling an alcoholic to try a different pub.'
@RobertAshton1
|
|
I send out a monthly ezine to everyone who finds it useful. If you'd like to receive a copy, you need do nothing. If you'd rather not, please click on the link below to unsubscribe.
Sincerely,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
