What do you currently do?
I currently run and oversee the day-to-day operations of DealZippy.co.uk, the first and largest, daily deal aggregator in the UK. I try to keep a close eye on what’s happening in the industry, always looking for new ways to improve our business. This includes searching for new partners with great deals on offer, making sure Deal Zippy has the largest and best range of daily deals every day.
What is your inspiration in business?
Basically, I’ve tried to create something that will have a positive impact on people’s lives and that will make life easier. It has to be fun and somehow empower people to earn, and save, as much money as possible. I always try to predict future demands in the industry by assessing, strategizing, and analysing new technology that could potentially be somewhat of a game changer in the future.
Who do you admire?
All entrepreneurs, successful or unsuccessful, who have taken the leap of faith and started their own business. I know from experience how daunting this process can be, especially when you are living with limited funds. Everyone talks about starting their own business but in my experience very few people actually make the move. I have read many autobiographies from some of the leading and most successful entrepreneurs such as Richard Branson, Jeff Bezos and Lord Sugar and I admire each one of them for different reasons. What is most impressive is their energy and tenacity to keep trying regardless of the obstacles that stood in their way.
Looking back, would you have done things differently?
There are many things that I would have done differently. Having said that, I am a firm believer that experiences, successes and failures are what make and shape a person. If I hadn’t experienced difficulties, or made mistakes, I wouldn’t be half the man I am today. There is no substitute for experience – good or bad.
What defines your way of doing business?
Honesty, integrity and maintaining a good reputation. Without these three things I believe it is impossible to conduct business in the world today. Employees, business associates and business partners have to know they can rely on you. Without this, even the largest businesses can falter.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out?
Just do it! Inevitably your initial idea will change a thousand times before you materialize your final business model. Enjoy the journey but don’t be overzealous. Make sure you crunch your numbers, work out the capital required and don’t be afraid to go for funding. If you’re thinking about bootstrapping it, keep each cost to a minimum, proving each area of the business before committing more funds.
