It is with great relief that I am finished my 'Start your own business course' in was organized by Fingal Enterprise Board. this week.
Although the actual final class was at the end of May, the main business plan that I had been working on for the duration of the course, had to submitted today. I now feel incredibly relieved that the heat is off.
I really enjoyed the course, got some great ideas for my original business idea, support from the guys in Q.E.D recruitment consultants, worked in close collaboration with the other course attendees, some who were previously involved with companies such as Sherry Fitzgerald and Accenture consulting and I generally learnt how much thought and effort going into looking at each detail in starting your own business. The course itself covers every aspect of starting your own business including law, tax, formation, financial, sales and marketing, promotion and distribution. Each class is given by an expert in their own specialized field.
It was quite interesting to note that some attendees actually were unemployed at the start of the course in March, then got some work before the course ended. Another girl, was just announced that she was made redundant this week. So it really goes to show that you can never know what will happen in your career next, but that being aware of the job market and have a preplanned backup plan is better than just hoping for the best.
Personally, I felt that a little more emphasis on group collaborate project discussions would have been great, amongst the class members in terms of getting support and ideas with other start ups like me. I mentioned this idea of constant collaboration on the final feedback form which Q.E.D handed back on the final day. I think this is a fair point and one that is often missed by organizers of these courses with the best of intentions.
I had considered adding or setting up a separate wiki style page for attendees to edit and add their own voices to any potential ideas that emerged from the classes or after the course had finished but alas, it wasn't to be in the end.
I would definitely recommend the course to anybody starting out with a potential business idea or even people with a plan written up, as this course will expand their minds into each detail involved. During the duration of the course, I was able to work with Joanne from QED if I needed further advice or support.
