Stars of the future

Some Sterling Advice From Entrepreneur Who's Made it Big

Never give up if you feel the idea is right.

This was the advice given at The Enterprise Challenge by keynote speaker Paul Thomas - the 24 year old managing director of Portsmouth telemarketing firm Market Makers, based at the Portsmouth Technopole Centre in Kingston Crescent. The business works with companies that have great services or products, but are not achieving their growth potential due to a lack of marketing.

He had some hiccups along the way but now in its third year the firm is looking at a turnover of £2m, having grown from £150,000 in its first year.

He said 'The big thing for me isn't the money. For me it's making something out of nothing.'

Top tips for success:

• If you are convinced something will work - do it.
• However, it is also important to have an outside party, maybe a mentor, look at the business once it is up and running. They will be able to give you good advice.
• Test your Market
• Focus on one project
• Try not to compete on price
• Be a 'connoisseur of talent'. Market Makers' success has come from the team.
• Be resilient. When a problem occurs you've got to be able to take it on the chin.
• The satisfaction is from running a business and seeing how big you can take it.

For more information on our telemarketing and telesales services contact us or call 0845 468 0880.