In this episode, we welcome entrepreneur and angel investor, Rachel Belle, to share her wealth of knowledge and experience in areas including PR for startups, leadership, and angel investing. Rachel is candid about the challenges and triumphs of establishing and growing businesses, highlighting the essentiality of delegating tasks to make the biggest impact.
She offers insights into managing complex personalities in a team, emphasising the need for understanding and effective incentivisation. A renowned entrepreneur in residence at the London Business School, Rachel gives us a glimpse into her work there. In a revealing discussion about Enterprise 100, a private angel investment network, she explores how this platform is revolutionising funding support for early-stage businesses.
Rachel's own stories and reflections pepper the conversation, providing not only educational takeaways but also inspiring listeners with her entrepreneurial journey. Whether you're a seasoned business owner, an aspiring entrepreneur, or an interested observer, this episode with Rachel Belle promises to deliver meaningful lessons and motivating insights.
Highlights:
(01:35) PR background, started successful businesses, now helps entrepreneurs.
(06:24) The catalyst for starting my first business - Late twenties, pitching success, Father's death lit a fire under me. Founded Shine Communications, designed to empower others.
(14:38) Early success, outsourcing, and learning from others.
(19:38) Dyslexia, education and expectations of me as a woman and how being competitive and overcoming fear of failure can be a driver.
(28:27) Being your authentic self and developing a buyer mindset to stand in your customer's shoes.
(32:17) Managing scale in your business by building a business unit model and managing your hardest-to-manage people by encouraging them to ask-me-anything.
(40:03) How effective is PR for early-stage businesses? The initial focus and the importance of trade press, events, and awards. Be aware there's no such thing as off-the-record.
(47:51) The value of relevant content to showcase your expertise and drive SEO. The importance of standing out by having an opinion and doing something different.
(55:14) Working as an Entrepreneur in Residence at London Business School. The importance of plans that you actually follow with a clear set of tactics.
(1:01:42) Why startups fail when you don't keep it simple, understand the basics.
(1:03:14) About the private angel investment network Enterprise 100 (E100) and how to get involved.
(1:08:34) Quick fire question: Guerrilla marketing - does it work, and how to go about it.
(1:12:25) Final words on the opportunity for all - be brave and ask for advice.
For more information:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipguest/
Website: https://www.revcelerate.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PhilGuesty