1. How long have you been in business and what exactly do you do ?

Carl Bradshaw

I have been in business in one shape or form for over 20 years, from a provincial insurance broker in financial services to digital design and email marketing, I currently run my own management consultancy (for want of a better description) that specialises in helping micro and small business achieve growth through a professional approach to sales and sales planning. Remember: a new client costs more to attain than looking after an existing client.

I also volunteer with a number of business based voluntary organisations across Lancashire, and work as a business coach and mentor, helping business owners deal with the stresses of running a business, whilst setting goals and moving forward to success.

2. Have you always run your own business and would you class yourself as an entrepreneur ?

Since leaving college I have only had three actual employed position’s, so yes I have mainly run my own businesses both with and without partners and a number of joint ventures. My health has also played a large factor in my decisions to remain self employed, as I suffered a serious illness in my early twenties that means I cannot always conform to the 9-5 life that an employer would expect.
Although I have run a number of business I wouldn’t necessarily class myself as an entrepreneur; just an individual who is happy carving their own path through life.

3. How do you see social media playing a part in your business in the future ?

Social media plays a number of different roles within my future business plans, not only as a sales tool, but also in making sure that my customer service levels are right and as another method of staying in contact with clients, friends and family.
Although I sometimes struggle to see the value in Facebook and Google Plus I can however, highly recommend Linkedin and Twitter as successful business tools.

4. How do you see social media playing a positive part in local community ?

A good question, one of which I hadn’t really considered, and have no answer.