Rory MccGwire outlines 5 steps to help get a business past the survival stage. The steps are: 1) Have a realistic view of starting up and getting customers. 2) Evaluate the business idea by forecasting sales, costs, and cashflow. 3) Thoroughly prepare for launching the business like preparing for a polar expedition. 4) The founder must be self-starting, hard-working and truly believe in the business. 5) Follow tips for success like self-financing at first, building a credible team, focusing on key opportunities, and getting advice from a business buddy.

1. ‘ Getting your business past the survival stage’ Rory MccGwire Founder/Chief Executive BHP Information Solutions 8 September 2010, SAGE WORLD © BHP Information Solutions 2010

4. 400 linked local websites: Donuts

5. 1. Starting up: a reality check 2. Evaluating your business idea 3. Your polar expedition: one chance to prepare 4. You: the deciding factor 5. Tips for success Getting your business past the survival stage in 5 steps

6. 1. Starting up: a reality check a. Why will anyone buy from you? b. Committed customers on day one c. The great myth: you need a unique idea d. It’s like sport. What league is realistic for you? e. Get your wallet out and watch the queue form

8. 2. Evaluating your business idea a. How many target customers will you contact each week? b. What percentage of these will turn into sales? c. How much repeat business will you get? d. How much is your average sale worth?  Sales forecast e. Expenditure (direct costs, overheads) forecast f. Cashflow forecast, breakeven point, funding requirement

12. 4. You: the deciding factor a. It is all down to you b. Match the challenge to your ability c. If you 100% believe, others will d. It can feel like climbing Everest e. Are you doing it for the right reasons?

14. 5. Tips for success a . Expensive way to learn? b. Self-finance at first c. Credible team d. Stepping stones: reference site e. Overwhelmed? Stop, plan, break down tasks f. Focus on key opportunities g. Sell to decision-makers, with budgets h. Get a buddy

16. 1 . Starting up: a reality check 2. Evaluating your business idea 3. Your polar expedition: one chance to prepare 4. You: the deciding factor 5. Tips for success Getting your business past the survival stage

17. ‘ Getting your business past the survival stage’ www.StartUpDonut.co.uk www.MarketingDonut.co.uk www.LawDonut.co.uk www.ITdonut.co.uk www.EnterpriseNation.co.uk www.BusinessLink.co.uk