This is fantastic! A must watch, especially if you’ve seen the ‘Golf Sale’ sign holders on Oxford St – I love how he calls himself a ‘Static Outdoor Information Technician’.

This film was also the winner of Virgin Media Shorts 2010. I’m not surprised.

Sign Language – a short film from Oscar Sharp on Vimeo.

(Thanks for the heads up @ilicco)

This post is in response to a question I was asked recently. “I’m so busy and only have 30 minutes to spend on LinkedIn each day – what are the most effective things I can do in this time?” So the following are some primary areas and activities that I believe will make your time well spent.

1. Freshen up your profile

Is your current and past experience relevant and up to date? Do you have a link to your website and Twitter profile? Are your contact details correct? Include your email address, phone number, Skype details etc. Have you uploaded a photo? Preferably a professional one of you smiling!

2. Connect with more people

Do you have a large pile of business cards you haven’t done anything with? Invite these contacts to connect with you on LinkedIn and use LinkedIn as your business database – when the time comes to contact someone from a specific company or industry, you can easily get in touch.  TIP: Always personalise the invitation message.

3. Write a recommendation

Have you worked with someone fabulous?  Surprise them with a glowing recommendation.

4. Ask for a recommendation

Hover over the Profile tab within your account and select ‘Recommendations’. Choose ‘Request Recommendations’ in the top centre of the page. Keep your request short and let the person know if there is anything specific you would like to be recommended for. Don’t hesitate to remind them if they forget.

5. Join a group (and connect without the need for an email address!)

Search for groups of interest in the ‘Groups’ area.  TIP: If you would like to connect with someone outside of your network – join a group they belong to.  Once you both belong to the same group you can send them an invite to connect without having to provide their email address.

6. Ask or Answer a question

LinkedIn has a special section for people to get their questions answered, called Answers.  Hover over the ‘More’ tab in your account and select ‘Answers’.  Ask a question or find great questions that you can answer.  TIP: This is great for adding value to others, attracting new clients and positioning as an expert in your field.

7. Connect LinkedIn with your Twitter account

Hover on the Profile tab and select ‘Edit Profile’.  Towards the bottom of the main blue box click ‘+ Add a Twitter account’.  Connect with Twitter and your Tweets will automatically appear on your LinkedIn account.

8. Reconnect with an old contact

Click on the ‘Contacts’ tab and send a message to someone you would like to reconnect with.

As always, I welcome your comments, feedback, ideas and suggestions!

We constantly hear about (and experience) the incredible challenges involved in starting out as an entrepreneur; long hours, lack of finance, risks, stress etc. A good support network is essential to help overcome these hurdles and is worth its weight in gold.

As the Director of my first company, I knew it wasn’t going to be easy (or everyone would be doing it right?) however I didn’t realise the immense amount of time it would take just to finalise my business model, branding, website, terms and conditions…the list goes on!

Although I am immensely passionate and excited about my new endeavour, life is far from easy. Earlier this week when things were looking decidedly bleak, I went to spend the last of my funds on groceries. During the 20 minutes I was in the supermarket, someone stole my bicycle – in broad daylight they cut through the huge chain in a busy market place! It was one of those moments when I suddenly felt thoroughly defeated. I actually cried. I walked home with my groceries, helmet still on and trousers still tucked into my sock feeling really sorry for myself.

Once at home all I wanted to do was lock the door and go to bed, never wanting to face the evil world again. Instead I called my girlfriend, Tweeted and Face Booked my tragedy and emailed my Strategist. Instantly I was hit with a barrage of sympathy and support from people who knew exactly where I was at and knew how to get me laughing again.

There has been numerous times when I don’t know how long I would have wallowed in my misery or just completely caved in if it wasn’t for my support network. Made up of friends, family and associates, they make the difference between throwing in the towel and rebounding back on top form. Surrounding myself with like-minded ‘eagles’ who have been through it all before and have unwavering belief in me and my company is the most important thing I have done.

To make sure you always bounce back, here are 5 top tips to strengthen your support network:

1. Eagles or Emus?

There is nothing wrong with an emu – it just can’t fly.

Surround yourself with people you admire, respect, operate ethically, and are on a higher entrepreneurial level than you – meaning they have actually achieved the things you are aiming for. Hang out with people going places. Absorb their passion and experience and build relationships with them by supporting and sharing. They understand what you are going through and are helping to cut the path to where you want to go. If you are going to spend time learning to fly, you may as well learn from the best.

2. Beware of ‘The Best Intentions’

Initially it might be difficult to weed out the more non-supportive members in your network because their advice and point of view still makes sense…at the beginning.

Slowly, as your priorities and ambitions change, it will be advantageous to reduce the amount of advice you take on board from people who either don’t understand what you are trying to achieve, or are letting their fear get in your way, even when they have your best interest at heart.

3. Be in the Right Places at the Right Times

Ask around and search the internet for the people you want in your network. Where do they hang out? What events are they going to? Then be there. Talk to them, enquire about their business, show your passion and ask how you can help them. Let them see you are willing to go through the difficult stages in order to achieve your dreams.

I remember peering into the window of the exclusive Coutts Bank on The Strand just to see the titles of the magazines on the tables in their waiting area – then go and buy a copy because I want to be reading what those people are reading!

4. Ask For It

When you find someone you think could be the perfect mentor and addition to your network, don’t be afraid to just come straight out and ask them. Don’t be held back because you think they would be too busy, are too successful, wouldn’t be interested etc. Most successful entrepreneurs are more than willing to spread their learning and experience around to help others. They also benefit as mentors because it causes them to re-analyse their own business practices and you can help promote their business through new channels.

5. Pay For It

Although your support network will be made up of friends, family and associates who often come free of charge, it’s vital to invest in yourself and your business by paying to have experts on your side.

One rainy Sunday I came across an online article on a business networking site and really identified with it.  I clicked through to the author’s website and sent her an email asking if she wanted to be my mentor. She agreed and even though it is really difficult to find the money to pay for things before you have any money coming in, with her on board the money will be coming in a lot faster than if I hadn’t recognised her value and made the decision to pay for it.