{"id":375,"date":"2014-07-25T09:31:51","date_gmt":"2014-07-25T09:31:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.s1jobs.com\/blog\/?p=375"},"modified":"2014-08-13T10:37:11","modified_gmt":"2014-08-13T10:37:11","slug":"5-tips-facing-dragons-den","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.s1jobs.com\/blog\/5-tips-facing-dragons-den\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Tips for facing the Dragons\u2019 Den!"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"duncan<\/a>Dragons\u2019 Den returned to our screens on Sunday on BBC2, though a familiar Scottish voice was missing: Clydebank\u2019s own Duncan Bannatyne has decided not to return for the latest series. But even with one of the fierier Dragons gone, facing the potential investors this series is still going to be a daunting prospect for the many budding inventors<\/a>, business people and service providers taking part.<\/p>\n

As anyone with experience in interviews, pitches or other presentations will know, standing up in front of potential employers and selling yourself and your ideas is tough going, even off the TV screen. So we\u2019ve put together this handy guide all about how to face the Dragons \u2013 in whatever guise they come! – and survive.<\/p>\n

To help, we\u2019ve spoken to Leah Hutcheon, the CEO of Appointedd, an online business management software system<\/a> that helps small businesses take online bookings, manage their diary and automate their marketing to customers. She recently won an award of \u00a330,000 for the business after facing a Dragon-style panel at the ScottishEDGE Awards<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Stay Calm<\/strong><\/p>\n

One of the things Leah has discovered along the way is that, \u201cpitching an idea is actually more daunting than developing it\u201d. On that basis, staying calm may seem like a big ask. Something that will help to put your mind at rest, though, is practice. \u201cMy husband got used to waking up to me doing my pitch in bed! But it all worked out well in the end \u2013 I finished my three minute pitch as the buzzer sounded. I now have less time to devote to pitch practice, but I always make sure I\u2019m as prepared as possible when doing any kind of presentation.\u201d<\/p>\n

Of course, if you\u2019re in an interview it\u2019s likely to last a bit longer than three minutes, but you can still try to anticipate what questions you may be asked and have answers ready for them. A bit of mental rehearsal will help to steady the nerves for the real thing.<\/p>\n

Already have some successes to demonstrate<\/strong><\/p>\n

Leah says: \u201cMy experience has been that investors want to see that your product works and that you have some happy customers. While this can be very frustrating as you need to find the money to keep things moving forward, it does mean that you hone your offering and cut your costs as much as possible \u2013 both of which are standing us in good stead as we grow our business.\u201d<\/p>\n

In the case of a job that you really want, make sure that you already have some kind of relevant experience and are ready to mention the successes that you\u2019ve been a part of as a result. If you\u2019re lacking in experience, perhaps you can build it through the voluntary sector, leading onto freelance work. That way, potential employers will be impressed by your drive as well as your achievements.<\/p>\n

\"presentation<\/p>\n

Be willing to negotiate<\/strong><\/p>\n

Firstly, you need to have set out a realistic level of desired investment, as the rules of Dragons\u2019 Den mean that you can\u2019t accept a deal worth less money than you\u2019ve asked for. What you can negotiate on is the level of equity that is handed over to one or more of the Dragons in return.<\/p>\n

Ensuring a sensible starting position while leaving yourself room to negotiate is just as important when discussing a new job with a potential employer or a raise with a current employer. Do some research on average salary levels and perks for your field, and decide on your starting point from there.<\/p>\n

Make sure your models don\u2019t break<\/strong><\/p>\n

In 2006, the designer of the Trunki suitcase appeared on Dragons\u2019 Den. Unfortunately, Theo Paphitis broke the strap on their sample children\u2019s suitcase within minutes. Richard Farleigh did offer \u00a3100,000, but in return for 50% of the company \u2013 an offer that was rejected. These days, Trunki suitcases have gone on to be a huge international success but Duncan Bannatyne did describe Trunki as, \u201cone we missed out on\u201d.<\/p>\n

Meeting the Dragons with a model and meeting a potential employer or client with a model gives the same potential for success\u2026 or humiliation. Whether you\u2019re going in with a physical piece or simply with a business plan, make sure that it\u2019s been as rigorously tested as possible.<\/p>\n

In terms of an interview, just make sure that you can actually back up what you\u2019re saying. Remember, your references are only a phone call away for potential employers looking to confirm your words.<\/p>\n

\"trunki\"
Child-proof but not Paphitis-proof.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

Be prepared for disappointments but don\u2019t let them stop you<\/strong><\/p>\n

As Leah says, \u201cAppointedd was already over a year in the making\u201d (by the time it got picked up). Our final tip is therefore also the most important one – persevere. Things may take longer than you\u2019d like or follow a bumpier path<\/a>, but every meeting or interview is an opportunity to assess what worked and what didn\u2019t and to bounce back stronger. If you see somebody with the dream job that you aspire to, remember that they didn\u2019t get that role without having to face adversity somewhere along the way.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Images by The Rambling Man<\/a>, Andra Mlhali<\/a><\/em> and Christian Heilmann<\/a><\/em>,<\/em> used under Creative Commons licence.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Dragons\u2019 Den returned to our screens on Sunday on BBC2, though a familiar Scottish voice was missing: Clydebank\u2019s own Duncan Bannatyne has decided not to return for the latest series. But even with one of the fierier Dragons gone, facing the potential investors this series is still going to be a daunting prospect for the 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