Liverpool – What do we have here then? Another story of economic woe as businesses are bashed around and fall apart. In the present climate of unease and uncertainty in most fields of business enterprise such a bleak picture would not be a surprise. But let us just hold on a moment and evaluate better the title and consider whether it could conceivably be a good news story with business booming and sales going to the top of the charts? You never know with these Brits! British humour is what it is and these northern warriors can at times be self-deprecating and ironic when their own fate is concerned. Yet there is another aspect to the British ‘make-up’ and that is a sense of resilience and something of a ‘backs to the wall’ attitude when times are tough. Of course this penchant for reaction and unity is best known in times of conflict and even of war. Well, in this instance, it is more of a peace-making exercise which is being heralded in the title, for it really is the case that some of the principles of good old rock and roll are being applied to economic recovery and entrepreneurial endeavours.
Without letting too much out of the bag right away it is necessary to provide a little background to this tale of flair and devotion to duty! The world over our leaders inform that it is only the success of small and medium size enterprises and even smaller micro-businesses which holds the key to the future wellbeing of economies and all are quick to fly the flag of individual resourcefulness and innovative application of ideas. Yes, lurking under every stone there might be a new idea and untold fortunes to be had, but removing the earth and polishing the gem and bringing the idea to fruition demand many and many varied qualities. It is not a surprise to hear that numerous small businesses fold over and die in the first three years, and not necessarily due to lack of sales and poor response to the core business product or service being proposed, but because the business as a whole is not able to support itself in terms of compliance and regulatory requirements, not to mention that old withered prune which represents cash flow. It is accepted that running out of cash is sometimes simply unavoidable or down to poor discipline. However, it is an absolute tragedy if this occurs when a business has sufficient sales and orders but due to lack of understanding about cashflow or poor record and bookkeeping, the business goes under. This can and should be avoided if one were able to increase and improve the financial skills of either the business owners, their staff, or at least, and perhaps more intelligently, ensure that the business is well served by external professionals. It is not only the bookkeeping aspects which beg to be handled in a more coherent manner, although as far as the British economy is concerned HMRC has established that 44 % of micro and small businesses have incomplete financial records with 12 % being seriously inadequate and so bad that they could be fined. In truth there are many skills which are pertinent, indeed essential to the running of a successful business. In simple straight to the point matter of fact terms what businesses often lose out on is the common sense things and the grudging respect needed to fill in, hand in, and respect deadlines.
So after this picture being painted it needs to be asked, and bluntly so, what the hell has rock and roll got to do with this dilemma? It cannot possibly be about writing song lyrics under the influence of alcohol and other. Let’s get serious and serious indeed are a group of business pioneers with a long track record of assisting start-ups and fledgling companies to deal with the intricate web and potential nightmare scenario of taking a business forward to fruition and maturity. The idea at play is not mind-blowingly staggering in its conception nor can it be considered as rocket science but again to reinvent a song title or two it all originates in that ‘there must be a better way’ and ‘let’s get by with a little help from our friends’ . Hence the idea to found the Enterprise Rockers. This is where all gets to the sharp end indeed for Enterprise Rockers is a free to join, independently owned, UK based community interest company working to make life better for micro business owners, those that employ between 0 & 9 members of staff, not only in the UK but across the world.
‘ER’ was launched in January 2012 by Tina Boden and Tony Robinson OBE. The two have had a life time fascination with the world of small business and they are the first to admit that the fascination comes from mixing with those enterprising individuals who just cannot put a good idea down but need to investigate the realms of possibilities of success and enjoy all the adrenaline rush which comes with being an aspiring owner manager. Enterprise Rockers is all about supporting micro business owners who are already trading – even if they have only been trading 24 hours. To give it that sense of ‘rock and roll’ the organisation is complete with Founders, Head Roadies, Band Leaders featuring in the organigram, and of course as you would undoubtedly expect there is nothing quite like attending a gig! The enjoyment factor is not to be put to one side, for self esteem, personal growth, and relationship building are essential ingredients of any success story. Part of the message is certainly inspirational and giving ‘newbies’ the chance to survive and thrive, but also it is extremely practical in nature and this will be appreciated better on understanding that the Head Roadies are responsible for specific areas of enterprise, be these financial services, manufacturing, or marketing, and the Band Leaders are responsible for the supervision of geographical areas. Putting it all into an uncomplicated context it is an elaborate support network to assist individuals who are embarking on a challenge and with a little common sense can readily avail themselves of support to take care of those parts of business development which they are not necessarily skilled in and this leaving them more time and energy to devote to their fortes. Putting it more into a philosophical context there is a general wave of encouragement to all generations to help understand that self-employment is a great form of employment.
One of the not so well publicised traits of the British, too often seen as a conservative white laced conformist, is that they enjoy company, having a good time and meeting with like-minded individuals in a not too shackle-ridden environment and the free spirit of Enterprise Rockers certainly stands up to scrutiny on that count. Many people join the band daily! These people are micro-business owners or those committed enthusiasts who really want to make a difference to the smallest businesses in the world. What Enterprise Rockers does emphasise and brings home to roost is that there is ‘Power of Plenty’ – a lone voice in the wilderness will struggle to be heard but a group of people rejoicing about the great things they do will get people listening. So what about a touch of reincarnation!? Who is ready to jump on the bandwagon? ‘ER’ is open to the world. And what’s more is that there is soon to be a film based on the Enterprise Rockers. Well, if all this tale of modern day blood, sweat and tears of joy has got you thinking that you might like to relight your fire then you need to reopen the wardrobe, pull out an item of two from yesteryear, and have a look at www.enterpriserockers.co.uk
The author: The author spends much time in South Tyrol for business and pleasure and his ‚Brain International Ltd‘ assists individuals, companies and organisations in their internationalisation process – via market entry and business development support and a range of services embracing training, translations, and language immersion abroad – all intended to better equip the interested party looking to expand horizons.