See failure as a learning opportunity and never fear it
Joel Bissitt is an entrepreneur with over 25 years small business experience including 12 years within the IT industry and the last 13 years working within online media & franchising.
Joel has bought and sold several successful businesses and is the founder of Franchise UK, the UK’s largest online franchise directory which he founded in 2004 and lists over 1,000 UK based franchise opportunities.
Where did the idea for Franchise UK?
I has several online businesses and after franchising one of my businesses I became Regional Chairman for The British Franchise Association. In my role I noticed that their was a niche for a site like Franchise UK and after a lot of work we launched the business a year later in 2004
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
Manic! I start early, usually around 7:30 am unless I am running which I usually do 2-3 times a week. I love to start work early before the phones start ringing, much more productive!
I usually finish around 6 pm although as everyone knows when you own your own business you are always working as you are always thinking of new ideas & strategies.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Write them down first. Not on my laptop but good old fashioned pen and paper! Lot’s of cross outs and scribbles and then write a proper plan.
What’s one trend that excites you?
At the moment, forums. I love them and we have just added one to Franchise UK so we can provide even more free advice.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
Commitment. You need to have 100% commitment and think long term.
What advice would you give your younger self?
See failure as a learning opportunity and never fear it.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on?
Too many things here I think! I hate self help books, that never goes down very well. You know the ones that promise if you buy the book you become a millionaire?!
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Copy & improve. I have had lots of original ideas but in reality they are rare, rather than re invent the wheel copy a model that is proven to work. That’s why I love franchising.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business? Please explain how.
Hard work and having time for people. You never know where an introduction will go and if you make an effort for people they usually reciprocate.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
Too many to mention but as above you need to see each one as an opportunity to learn and do it better next time.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Wood fired pizza. Some great models out there. Low set-up costs and great margins. Not giving anything else away though!
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
A Ping G20 3 wood, saved me a fortune in golf balls!
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Boring I know but I love Google Business Apps suite including the enhance Gmail, nice.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
I hate business books and self improvement books.
What is your favorite quote?
“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant” Robert Louise Stevenson
Connect:
Franchise UK on Facebook:
Joel on Twitter: @joelbissitt
Franchise UK on YouTube:
Franchise UK on Google+k:
Mario Schulzke is the Founder of ideamensch, which he started a decade ago to learn from entrepreneurs and give them a platform for their ideas.