WE CATCH-UP with finalist of BBC's The Apprentice and businesswoman Bianca Miller.
Q: We enjoyed cheering you on during your time on The Apprentice. What have been some of the highlights for you in business since the show ended?
One of my biggest highlights has certainly been launching my diverse hosiery brand, Bianca Miller London, online in November 2015 and going into eight Topshop stores internationally in September 2016. The evolution of my first business has also been an amazing part of my journey but I love that my enhanced platform has allowed me to help other aspiring entrepreneurs and young people.
Q: Tell us more about your work with what you're doing alongside Microsoft
The #My365 initiative is a 15 day campaign (or 365 hours) to assist budding entrepreneurs in getting their business idea off of the ground. Over 15 days I am releasing one ‘top tip’ per day to illustrate the steps I think one should take to progress the business beyond just an idea. The daily tips include anything from how to use technology, building the vision, creating a marketing plan, how to build your online brand and why it's important to collaborate. In addition to the online tips I am mentoring one competition winner for 15 days to help them to progress their business idea. I believe mentoring is a valuable part of the business building process, whether that is face-to-face or via offering online tips.
Q: Have you enjoyed thinking about what to include in your daily video tips?
Absolutely, I had to think back to when I started my first business and what I wish I had known then combined with my current knowledge, experience and skill set. So, I tried to create 15 steps that incorporate just that and so far the feedback has been excellent.
Q: What would be your number one most valuable tip for readers who are thinking of starting a business?
I think I have to be cheeky and say the first two tips are the most important in starting a business. You can see the full tip online, but essentially tip one is about having the right resources. By resources I mean the technology and software to start your business plan. Technology such as a laptop, phone and an Internet connection which are essential for business planning, speaking to customers and suppliers and for building your brand online. Software is required to actually write your business plan, create financial plans and send invoices. The second tip was about creating the business vision - it is essential to work on the vision to ensure it is a good, unique business idea which solves a problem and has an end user or customer.
Q: When the 365 hours are up, what will you be working on next?
Over the Christmas period I will be having some downtime to share with family and friends. Then I will be working on planning for the new year. I already have quite a lot of bookings and events scheduled but I want to ensure I use the time to consider how I can further develop the businesses in 2017. I will also be working on my exciting new project for next year which is my book being published. The book was created to assist entrepreneurs and business people on their journey.