"Getting to know your industry in-depth is really essential, particularly as a startup. You need to be aware of technology trends coming in, and what else is currently available. From there you identify the gaps and try and build something new and valuable. You can’t afford to waste resources solving problems that someone else has already solved."

So, you want to set up your own business? Let’s get in control of the controllables for your entrepreneurial journey, so that you can make the most of what will no doubt be a bumpy ride! This article is particularly aimed at someone who may not have a concrete business idea yet, but thinks they want to begin their startup journey.

75% of all the entrepreneurs I mentor are Women and they seem to be very receptive, proactive and determined to turn their ideas into reality. One striking difference I have seen in the difference in how they work is their ability to network, ask questions and learn from more experienced business people - a key skill to be successful!"

"You hear a lot of 'gurus' hyping up the opportunity, encouraging people to create online startups and they will focus on developing a service or store, but having the idea and implementing it is the easy part. It’s getting visibility which is the most difficult!"

"One key barrier is that people fall in love with solutions rather than problems and they fixate too early on one idea. You can take your time to experiment with different ideas and aspects of an idea. As an entrepreneur your success is that of the people that make up your company solving problems for customers not that you had the right idea."