Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with David Blagden, Founder of iActions Ltd trading as Intelligent Actions, located in London, United Kingdom.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We introduce workflow technology to Owners and Senior Decision Makers of Small and Mid-sized Enterprises (SMEs). If something is done once in a business, it is a project – if it is repeated, it is a process and should be mapped as a workflow.
A workflow is a sequence of industrial, administrative, or other tasks through which a piece of work passes between individuals from initiation to completion. A workflow can also supply real-time reporting of where jobs are at any time.
Why use workflows?
- Workflows can dramatically improve the way a company provides services and takes business.
- Workflows can make a business easier to manage.
- Workflows can make a small business easier to sell and more valuable! Looking to sell your business? Make yourself replaceable!
- Workflows can help overcome skills shortages and speed training by using real-time guidance.
Tell us about yourself
I spent ten years in a large multinational organization. I realized that large Enterprises spend millions on workflow technology that is not generally known about in smaller organizations where people typically 'work in their business' rather than on its organization. Most of the 8000 UK-based Enterprises use digital process automation (workflows). I decided I wanted to introduce it to the UK's 5.3 million SMEs who don't, one workflow at a time!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Devising a solution for a small organization where the owner worked 15 hours organizing site visits by his subcontractors. He was looking to get another person in to support him. Following analysis of his process, we created a workflow that could complete the vast majority of his work in four hours, run by his PA.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Understanding that what you have to offer as a service to a potential Client has to be communicated by you in terms that have value to your prospect.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
I have a successful entrepreneur friend who once told me that it's not the business idea that matters. He had ten new ones every week that he would write down and put in a drawer and review monthly. It is finding the 'right' one. I think I understand him now. Having decided on a good idea, my advice would be:
- Work out how you are going to take your product to market in terms of channels and methods compared to the competition.
- Work out your marketing messages and view them from your Client's perspective, making sure they are not tempted to say 'So What' to any of your marketing assertions.
- Plan. You can model a business financially and in terms of items and for very little cost. Even testing your 'products' and messaging with prospects before you commit. Many people are prepared to give free advice and feedback. Prove the concept as a 'side hustle' before taking the full-time plunge.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://intelligentactions.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/544811399533748
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidblagden/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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