Power Up Your Potential
Welcome to an exclusive three-part series, where Quine shines a spotlight on Royal Bank of Scotland’s support for business owners and its unwavering commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs.
Join us on a journey of inspiration, as we explore the advantages and opportunities of Royal Bank of Scotland’s numerous initiatives. We’ll speak to the female leaders from inside the bank, female founders who have succeeded with the programme and hear from our founder’s own experience on the start-up programme.
Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or an established business owner seeking to take your venture to new heights, our series offers practical advice and insider tips to help you unlock your full potential and thrive in the world of business.
Hear from Quine’s Founder & Editor, Gemma Meek, about her experience on Royal Bank of Scotland’s Setting up for Success programme…
Starting and running your own business can be a daunting and lonely journey. The challenges and uncertainties can leave you feeling lost and unsure of your next move. That’s why I was thrilled when I discovered Royal Bank of Scotland’s Setting Up For Success programme, which promised to equip me with the tools and support I needed to give my business the best possible start.
The programme consisted of six weekly sessions, each focusing on a crucial topic for entrepreneurs like me. Held in Royal Bank of Scotland’s modern Glasgow Queen Street offices, just a stone’s throw from the train station, these sessions were led by the knowledgeable and enthusiastic Local Enterprise Manager, Carla Buchanan. Carla not only shared her expertise and experience with us but also created an interactive and engaging environment where we could ask questions, share our thoughts, and work on exercises and activities.
One of the most valuable aspects of the programme was the sense of community that’s fostered from being surrounded by a group of like-minded entrepreneurs who are all facing similar challenges. We supported each other, learned from one another, and celebrated each other’s successes. It was empowering to know that I wasn’t alone on this journey.
Let’s dive into some of the highlights and key takeaways from each week of the programme:
Week 1: Mindset. I learned how to cultivate a growth mindset, which embraces challenges, seeks feedback, and views failures as opportunities to learn. Additionally, I discovered strategies for overcoming my inner critics – those negative voices that can hinder my progress towards achieving my goals.
Week 2: Visioning and goal setting. This week focused on creating a clear and compelling vision for my business that aligns with my values and passions. I also learned how to set SMART goals – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Breaking these goals down into manageable steps made them more attainable.
Week 3: Business Model Canvas. The Business Model Canvas was introduced as a powerful tool to map out and improve my business model. I also learned how to test and validate my assumptions about my business and customers using the Lean Start-up methodology and the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) concept – both of which have already helped me to ensure I’m on the right track.
Week 4: Understanding our finances. Financial literacy is essential for any entrepreneur. In this session, I gained the knowledge to read and interpret my financial statements, from income and cash flow statements to balance sheets. Armed with this new understanding, I’ll be able to make informed decisions about my business, plan for the future, and manage my finances effectively going forward.
Week 5: Pitching. As an entrepreneur, being able to deliver a compelling pitch is crucial. During week 5, I learned how to craft a pitch that resonates with different audiences and purposes – whether that be raising funds, attracting customers, or promoting my brand. Mastering the key elements of a great pitch, such as addressing the problem, presenting the solution, explaining the market, showcasing traction, and making a clear ask, took my skills to the next level.
Week 6: Wrap-up. This final week was all about reflection and celebration. I was encouraged to look back on my journey throughout the program, acknowledging my achievements, and setting the stage for future growth. We had the privilege of hearing from a successful business owner who had gone through Royal Bank of Scotland’s Accelerator Programme – a more advanced programme catered to scaling businesses. Her honest and inspiring story showed me the possibilities and encouraged me to consider applying for the Accelerator in the future. I also got the opportunity to pitch my business in front of the group and receive constructive feedback, bringing everything full circle.
Overall, the Setting Up For Success programme by Royal Bank of Scotland was an incredible experience for me. I gained valuable skills, strategies, and insights that have helped me improve both my business and myself. The connections I made with incredible people who have become both friends and supporters have been invaluable. I highly recommend Setting up Success to anyone starting up their own business. It provides you with the opportunity to learn from experts and connect with fellow entrepreneurs who understand the journey and has been a complete game changer for me.
To find out more about Royal Bank of Scotland’s support for business founders, visit rbs.co.uk.
