Sohrab Vazir
Consultant | Founder | Global Citizen | Writer
All posts by Sohrab Vazir
Approaching an Innovator Founder Visa Endorsing Body: 3 things to consider
*Disclaimer: None of the content in this article, or this website, constitutes any form of immigration advice whatsoever. The material in relation to immigration on this website is solely “signposting” and readers are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified advisor using the OISC’s website. Any opinions expressed on this website are those of the author and of a business nature, nor do they constitute any form of advice.* Starting a business in the UK requires an endorsement from an Innovator Founder Visa Endorsing Body. These are organisations that are approved by the Home Office to issue endorsements to selected international entrepreneurs. According to the UK Government’s website, there are currently 3 Innovator Founder visa Endorsing Bodies, which you can find HERE. Regardless of your immigration status/nationality, the process of approaching an Innovator Founder visa Endorsing Eody does have a business/commercial element. For instance, your business plan and how well you articulate your idea are integral to the endorsement outcome. In this article, I seek to highlight 3 points that may be beneficial in choosing an Endorsing Body. This is best for your business proposition (e.g. their past portfolio and expertise in your sector). Thus, these factors are the “business/commercial” ones rather than being associated with the visa application. Communication This is a significant factor in any form of relationship, whether personal or professional. Moreover, you will have to work with the Innovator Founder visa Endorsing Body that you choose for the duration of your visa. Hence, it’s important to ensure there is sufficient communication that you feel comfortable with as an entrepreneur. Pay attention to how you and the Endorsing Body communicate in the initial stage. Communication is always a reliable indicator. Communication is also evident in an organisation’s clarity about their procedures. Startup portfolio of the Endorsing Body Another helpful factor in choosing an Endorsing Body, or even another stakeholder such as an accelerator in the next stages, is looking at the past companies under their support. One that may be decisive is industry knowledge. For instance, you have a business proposition in the Blockchain sector and the Endorsing Body has previously supported founders in the same industry. Additional support offered by the Innovator Founder Visa endorsing body Each founder has their own unique circumstances. Therefore, it is a good idea to find out whether the Endorsing Body that you are targeting offers any form of additional support. However, as stated, this may not be applicable to every founder. About My name is Sohrab Vazir. I’m a UK-based entrepreneur and business consultant. At the age of 22, and while I was an international student (graduate), I started my own Property Technology (PropTech) business, StudyFlats.I did so by obtaining an endorsement from Newcastle University under the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme (similar to the current Start-Up Visa). Subsequently, I obtained a further 3-year Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa (which was replaced by the Innovator Visa). I grew my business to over 30 UK cities, and a team of four, and also obtained my Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement) in the UK. I now help other migrant entrepreneurs, such as myself, with their businesses, and mainly with obtaining endorsements from the endorsing bodies.
Entrepreneurship can destroy your health: how exercise can make you a better entrepreneur
In the world of entrepreneurship, many are continuously exploring how to be a more efficient entrepreneur. And it’s hardly a surprise: being an entrepreneur is hard work and efficiency is integral to success. One of the main challenges of entrepreneurship is the fact that there is no universal solution or how-to guide to its success. Hence why I mostly view “entrepreneurship tips” on the internet with cynicism. However, one point that many may agree with is that being an efficient entrepreneur demands considerable self-management and self-discipline. And it’s hardly a surprise: you really are on your own and the odds are (usually) against you. Thus, you need to have sufficient self-awareness and a sense of discipline to push through the hard times (oh and there will be plenty, take my word for it). About me So, let’s start this one with me: I started my first business, a PropTech venture called StudyFlats, straight after finishing my master’s degree at Newcastle University. At the time, I was 22 years old, and lived the unhealthiest lifestyle possible. For instance, I was a cigarette smoker and smoked well over 25 cigarettes everyday. Moreover, I was completely alien to any form of physical exercise or regimen. About 2 years after I launched StudyFlats, my lifestyle and some other life stressors took their toll on my well-being. Without going into further details, I spent months in surgery and in between hospitals and GP surgeries. I can certainly say that the stress and pressure of being a solo founder had a considerable effect on my health. It was exactly during this period that I discovered calisthenics. Calisthenics is a form of physical exercise that incorporates bodyweight movements and other forms of conventional training such as pull-ups. Pursuing this sport on a consistent basis helped me: My advice to every entrepreneur would be to prioritise their health, with the view that their well-being is integral to their venture’s success. Physical activity helps entrepreneurs in various ways. Health is wealth As cliche as this may sound, but your health really is your wealth. Would you wish to see your venture’s success and become a multi-millionaire/billionaire, but have to spend all your time concerned about your health? No. Moreover, let’s look at this in a more practical sense: any personal issue, and certainly health issues, has a direct impact on your project’s outcomes. Therefore, it’s super important to ensure your health and well-being comes before anything else. Self-discipline is integral to entrepreneurship I have almost covered this point entirely earlier. But, given its importance it is worthy of its own sub-heading/section. Physical activity and the persuasion of a sport does not only improve your physical well-being. The process itself affects your brain wiring and mental outlook as well. The most important outcome of improved physical health is that it reinforces the importance of self-discipline in a real-life context. As an example, I personally felt that I could: That sums it up really! As a founder who has been through the dark side of work affecting my well-being, I hope to prevent the same fate for other fellow entrepreneurs. My name is Sohrab Vazir. I’m a UK-based entrepreneur and business consultant. At the age of 22, and while I was an international student (graduate), I started my own Property Technology (PropTech) business, StudyFlats which I scaled to over 30 UK cities. I currently help other entrepreneurs and businesses of all size with the digital marketing strategy around SEO, copywriting and content.
3 things to consider when hiring SEO copywriters
You’ve decided to look into hiring SEO copywriters. The word “saturated” would perhaps be an understatement to describe this sector. Hence, finding the best SEO copywriter(s) can be challenging. SEO is crucial if your business has a digital presence, which it most likely does. The obvious reason is that online searching, particularly Google, is where customers will find your business. However, another key importance of SEO is that it helps you communicate with your audience through content. With the latter in mind, I will emphasise the “content” aspect as it will be a major factor in hiring SEO copywriters. The purpose of hiring SEO copywriters should be the creation of content that: Personally, during my time managing my PropTech startup, StudyFlats, I made several mistakes with hiring SEO copywriters. I worked with both freelance writers as well as my own in-house marketing team. These are the three things that I’d recommend considering when hiring SEO copywriters: I. Writing portfolios An obvious one. Past work is a good indicator of the type of standards that you can expect. There are external websites such as Contently that freelance SEO writers use to create their own portfolios. Check mine HERE. II. Familiarity with your industry This may not be the ultimate deciding factor. Creating SEO-optimised content mainly requires expertise and superb writing skills. Hence, a skilled SEO copywriter should normally be able to create engaging content regardless of their past experience. However, it is undeniable that past work and experience specifically in your industry is a positive factors when hiring SEO copywriters. III. Demeanour and attitude Hiring SEO copywriters may be far from being similar to hiring employees. Nevertheless, it’s important to understand that working with a copywriter is still a business relationship. Moreover, you do not want to work with a professional who may be good at what they do but have a negative attitude. Let’s look at some of the attitude green and red flags in a copywriter: Green flags Red flags Respectful & professional behaviour Rude & unprofessional (e.g. late responses, general bad attitude) Client testimonials & reviews No reviews or testimonials from previous clients (albeit there are exceptions) Takes time to understand your business & allows you to explain your issues in details Does 95%of the talking / Asks little or no questions about your business / Self-centred & one-sided dialogue These are the three top things to consider when hiring SEO copywriters. Need help with SEO and copywriting? Contact me today (and you can test me on these three factors too). About My name is Sohrab Vazir. I’m a UK-based entrepreneur and business consultant. At the age of 22, and while I was an international student (graduate), I started my own Property Technology (PropTech) business, StudyFlats which I scaled to over 30 UK cities. I currently help other entrepreneurs and businesses of all size with the digital marketing strategy around SEO, copywriting and content.
How to boost your networking skills as an entrepreneur?
Networking skills are crucial in all walks of life, especially as an entrepreneur. Why? It’s hardly a surprise; First, humans are social creatures. We need human interaction to survive. Second, genuinely succeeding as an entrepreneur is primarily determined by who you know and your sales ability. Trust me: it all boils down to sales. For those who do not know me: I started my own Property Technology (PropTech) company, StudyFlats, when I was only 22 years old. As the sole founder and director, I scaled the business to over 30 UK cities. Okay, enough with the self-marketing, but feel free to read more about me here if you wish. In my years as an entrepreneur, I realised that one of the key determinants for an entrepreneur’s success is their networking skills, as well as their existing network. Personally, I always thrived on meeting new people and generally interacting with others. However, I did have my periods of being shy and introverted and therefore can relate to others who feel similarly. Building my own business helped me turn my outgoing personality, as well as my flaws, into effective networking skills. Today, I want to share 3 hacks that you can start implementing RIGHT NOW to improve your networking skills. 1. Get out there & talk to people I don’t care what it is, nor does it have to necessarily be business/networking events at first. Of course, business and networking events are essential for building a network relevant to your business. However, at this point, the purpose is to get in the habit of talking to ANYBODY. The best way to start is to take part in activities that you resonate with on a personal level, such as sports. Start getting comfortable with the idea of talking to anyone and shake off any discomfort/anxiety that you have about it. 2. Surround yourself with effective networkers | “ Your network is your net worth” One of the best ways to learn networking skills is by being in the company of effective networkers. “Your network is your net worth” is a golden quote and one that is particularly relevant to any entrepreneur. Moreover, simply being in the presence of those who possess a skill that you desire will enable you to adopt their positive traits/approach/mindset. 3. Approach and talk to influential people, especially if it makes you uncomfortable I grew up in an environment where I interacted with people who were either celebrities or nationally known within their fields of expertise. Initially, I recall that sense of anxiety when being surrounded by such people. However, since being a teenager I pushed myself to start conversations with such individuals. Interestingly, those conversations were always very positive despite feeling uneasy in the beginning. Remember this: “everyone is a human being with their own flaws and imperfections, including yourself”. Once you truly realise that, social pressure will have far less impact on your networking skills as an entrepreneur. As an example of this, in 2019 I was shortlisted as a finalist by NatWest Great British Entrepreneur Awards for North East England. These 3 simple hacks will help you take your networking skills to the next level. As an entrepreneur, your social and professional circle is paramount to your success. Therefore, developing your networking skills should be a key priority for any prospective and current entrepreneur. About My name is Sohrab Vazir. I’m a UK-based entrepreneur and business consultant. At the age of 22, and while I was an international student (graduate), I started my own Property Technology (PropTech) business, StudyFlats which I scaled to over 30 UK cities. I currently help other entrepreneurs and businesses of all size with the digital marketing strategy around SEO, copywriting, and content.
Pros and Cons of WordPress
WordPress is a popular content management system (CMS) used by millions of people around the world. It’s a great platform for building websites and blogs, but it’s not without its drawbacks. In this blog post, we will explore the pros and cons of WordPress. We’ll discuss everything from its ease of use to its security vulnerabilities. By the end, you should have a good understanding of whether or not WordPress is right for you. As mentioned WordPress is a popular content management system (CMS); a CMS is a software application that helps you create and manage digital content. that enables you to create a website or blog from scratch, or to improve an existing site. WordPress is free and open source software released under the GPL. There are many advantages to using WordPress as a CMS. WordPress is easy to use, has a large community of users and developers, and is very flexible. You can find a theme or plugin for almost anything you want to do with your website. However, there are also some disadvantages to using WordPress. Because it is so popular, it is often a target for hackers. WordPress websites can also be slow. This is due to the large number of plugins and themes. There are two ways to use WordPress: via the hosted version at WordPress.com, or by installing it on your own web server. Pros: While WordPress is a great platform for many users, it may not be the best fit for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of WordPress to help you decide if it’s the right CMS for your needs. Cons: About My name is Sohrab Vazir. I’m a UK-based entrepreneur and business consultant. At the age of 22, and while I was an international student (graduate), I started my own Property Technology (PropTech) business, StudyFlats which I scaled to over 30 UK cities. I currently help other entrepreneurs and businesses of all size with the digital marketing strategy around SEO, copywriting and content.
4 Free SEO Keyword Research Tools
Free SEO keyword research tools can be very helpful for new founders or small businesses with limited budgets. Keyword research enables you to understand what your customers are searching for online. Therefore, it’s a tool to also understand what search terms people use to discover products, services or information. In this article, I want to highlight 3 free SEO keyword research tools which you can use to get started. If you want to read more about keyword research, this article by Hubspot provides plenty of information. So, let’s get started with our free SEO keyword research tools: 1. Ahrefs Ahrefs has a comprehensive set of SEO tools, including a free SEO keyword research tool. This tool allows you to discover search phrases across custom countries as well as categorise the keywords via metrics such as monthly search volume. 2. Quora That’s correct, I placed Quora on this list. And no, it’s not by mistake either…. For those who are unfamiliar, Quora is a social question-and-answer platform. In my personal experience as a founder, it has been instrumental in understanding my target market. The benefit of Quora is that it allows you to discover “actual” real-world questions that people have. Hence, you can use this to your advantage. Let’s demonstrate this in an example: Example: You want to discover what people are searching for in relation to resume writing/career advice. By searching for a resume, as you can see in the image, you will see a whole list of different questions around that topic. By being strategic and using this information to your advantage, you can discover plenty of SEO keywords for free. 3. Reddit Similar to Quora, this is another odd one in the group of free keyword research tools. Reddit is also a social platform that works on the basis of questions and answers. The principle is to target social platforms that have a “community” function with questions/answers. These can be beyond helpful in SEO keyword research and planning. 4. Google Trends Google Trends is one of the most helpful free keyword research tools. This tool enables you to analyse and evaluate the popularity of custom search phrases and keywords across different locations. These are some of the most helpful free SEO keyword research tools. If you’re interested in this topic, check out my other article on 5 free awesome SEO tools. Need help with your SEO & Digital Marketing? I have over 6 years of experience in this area and offer tailored services to founders and businesses of all sizes. About My name is Sohrab Vazir. I’m a UK-based entrepreneur and business consultant. At the age of 22, and while I was an international student (graduate), I started my own Property Technology (PropTech) business, StudyFlats which I scaled to over 30 UK cities. I currently help other entrepreneurs and businesses of all size with the digital marketing strategy around SEO, copywriting and content.
Startup Visa Business Ideas: 3 Simple Steps to Get Started
Are you thinking about your next step and exploring startup visa business ideas? Every successful venture starts off with an idea. Thus, the right business idea is the seed of future success. In this article, I want to help you get started with exploring startup visa business ideas. This article is essentially a “how to” guide for aspiring migrant founders. Brief intro about me: I moved to the UK when I was 17 on a student visa. Following the completion of my master’s degree at Newcastle University, I founded my own startup. My venture, StudyFlats, simplifies renting for students going abroad. It was built upon my own experience of being an international student in the UK. I scaled this business to over 30 UK cities and also obtained Settlement in the UK via the former Entrepreneur Visa scheme. Therefore, I’ve been there! And in this guide, I will hopefully make your life easier as a founder. Believe it or not, exploring startup ideas mainly requires common sense. Some of the largest companies in the world such as Uber are built on relatively simple concepts. Here are the steps you should take to come up with startup visa business ideas: Find a personal “pain” point Ask yourself the following questions: Starting off with things that are personally inconvenient in your life is a great first step in exploring startup visa business ideas. What are you personally skilled at? What is your passion? Do you possess a specific skill set or competence in a specialist area? Moreover, this could also be a particular life experience (e.g. going abroad). As a matter of principle, it’s essential for a founder to know the associated industry of their prospective venture. Therefore, an area in which you are already competent is a great starting point. For example: as an international student, I realised that there were no accommodation websites for overseas students. My proposed solution was a website that targeted international students before they moved to the UK. The key point here is that I knew my industry / international students because I was one myself. Startup visa business ideas relevant to the host market Finally, another important point to keep in mind is how relevant and applicable your idea is to the target destination. In this step, ask yourself these questions: Hopefully, these tips will help you in your discovery of startup visa business ideas and ultimately pursue the right one. Need help? Get in touch with me today or click here to find out more about my Startup and Innovator visa business consultancy. About My name is Sohrab Vazir. I’m a UK-based entrepreneur and business consultant. At the age of 22, and while I was an international student (graduate), I started my own Property Technology (PropTech) business, StudyFlats.I did so by obtaining an endorsement from Newcastle University under the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme (similar to the current Start-Up Visa). Subsequently, I obtained a further 3-year Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa (which was replaced by the Innovator Visa). I grew my business to over 30 UK cities, and a team of four, and also obtained my Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement) in the UK. I now help other migrant entrepreneurs, such as myself, with their businesses, and mainly with obtaining endorsements from the endorsing bodies.
Free Courses For New Founders
In this day and age, free courses for new founders can be super helpful. Starting a new business comes with many challenges and budget is usually the biggest. Therefore, in this article I will share a list of free courses for new founders as a starting point for your entrepreneurship journey. Of course, it must be noted that these courses are primarily centred around digital tools. Therefore, this article may not be applicable to founders seeking a non-digital free course. Introduction to Generative AI | Free Course by Google Great introductory course for founders and other individuals to understand the basics of Generative AI. Introduction to Large Language Models (LLM) | Free Course by Google This is a useful course for founders who wish to develop their own GenAI applications. Google Analytics | Free Course by Google Google Analytics is the fundamental tool that allows you to track your online presence as a founder. Therefore, it’s really important to prioritise learning about Google Analytics as you start your own business. Google Search Console | YouTube Series by Google Search Central Next up is Google Search Console. I mentioned how awesome Google Search Console is in another article about 5 Free Awesome SEO Tools. Google Search Console is the tool that will enable you to track the keywords that your website is ranking for. Of course, the features are far more detailed, but that’s the essential function of Google Search Console Google Digital Garage | Free Course by Google Google Digital Garage offers courses within a number of areas, most notably digital marketing. “The Fundamentals of Digital Marketing” course is free and also comes with a certificate which you can add to your resume or LinkedIn profile too. Digital Marketing Course | Free Course by HubSpot Academy One of the really useful free courses for new founders is the Digital Marketing Course offered by HubSpot academy. It covers the key elements of digital marketing which is very useful for every new business owner. Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace | Course on Udemy Right, so with this last one I wanted to highlight a different angle. So much of the current trends and directions are towards acquiring technical and commercial skills. Over the years there has been increasing attention towards “soft skills”, especially those applicable to the workplace such as emotional intelligence. Therefore, it was worth mentioning a free course for new founders that targets their interpersonal competencies. Introduction to Microsoft Excel | Course on Coursera Being proficient with Excel can go a long way, and therefore this course hosted on Coursera can be very useful to new founders Build a free website with WordPress | Course on Coursera This course is very useful if you wish to build a website for your founders, especially for smaller and more basic projects. These are some of the best free courses for new founders… For more insights check out my blog + discover more about my advisory learning programs for new founders below. About | My name is Sohrab Vazir. I’m a UK-based entrepreneur and business consultant. At the age of 22, and while I was an international student (graduate), I started my own Property Technology (PropTech) business, StudyFlats which I scaled to over 30 UK cities. I currently help other entrepreneurs and businesses of all size with the digital marketing strategy around SEO, copywriting and content. For more info, please visit here.
How To Create an Innovator Founder Visa Business Plan?
If you’re considering the UK’s Innovator Founder Visa, then one of your key questions is probably “how to create an Innovator Founder Visa business plan?” *Disclaimer: please note that I am not an immigration adviser, nor do I offer any immigration advice. My services are purely of a business nature. Rightly so, one of your key concerns should be how to create an Innovator Founder Visa business plan. In this article, I will briefly highlight 3 steps that you should take in order to create an Innovator Founder Visa business plan. However, it’s perhaps more accurate to state that these steps will provide the “groundwork” guide for how to create an Innovator Founder Visa business plan. Seek expert opinion Regardless of how much of a seasoned entrepreneur you may be, it’s important to get another perspective. The Innovator Visa route is expensive and you have to invest plenty of time into it. Thus, it’s key to get it right from the start. In this sense, I am the expert that you can speak to (more about me HERE). Determine the viability & innovative aspect of your concept Before taking any other steps, it’s imperative to ensure your idea is both viable and innovative. Here are a few questions/pointers to help you get started: Of course, these are only a small point but they will help to place you in the right path. Research the Innovator Founder Visa Endorsing Bodies Generally business plans follow a standard structure, with certain differences depending on the business and its industry. One of the most helpful things you can do is to get to know the endorsing bodies. Subsequently, it’s key to understand the endorsing body or bodies that you wish to target. In doing so, pay attention to the following: Hopefully these tips should help you get an idea about how to create an Innovator Founder Visa business plan…..Need help? Get in touch with me today for an informal consultation to discuss your business proposition. As a former veteran of the business immigration path, I am best equipped to help you create a solid Innovator Founder Visa business plan. About My name is Sohrab Vazir. I’m a UK-based entrepreneur and business consultant. At the age of 22, and while I was an international student (graduate), I started my own Property Technology (PropTech) business, StudyFlats.I did so by obtaining an endorsement from Newcastle University under the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme (similar to the current Start-Up Visa). Subsequently, I obtained a further 3-year Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa (which was replaced by the Innovator visa). I grew my business to over 30 UK cities, and a team of four, and also obtained my Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement) in the UK. I now help other migrant entrepreneurs, such as myself, with their businesses, and mainly with obtaining endorsements from the endorsing bodies. Helpful Resources Immigration business plans: 3 things to keep in mind
5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Business Name
Choosing the right business name is a tricky task. The bad news is that it’s becoming increasingly difficult to choose one these days as well. But not all hope is lost. In this short article I will highlight five key things to consider when choosing a business name. Hopefully these will put you in the right direction and help you avoid any costly mistakes when coming with the ideal name for your business. First and foremost, you need to be mindful of the legal part. This means making sure that your chosen business name does not infringe another business’ intellectual property. With business names, this usually concerns Trade Marks. There are several sources such as the UK’s Intellectual Property Office (IPO) which you can use to check existing trade marks. The best business name has less than 10-15 letters. However, this can be subjective and vary. But the general rule of thumb is that the shorter the name the more memorable it will be. Next on the list is checking the availability of a domain name for your business name. Unless you do not require a website, which in this day and age puts puts your business at a very small minority. You need to ensure that the relevant domain name is available for your chosen name. Here’s a few things to keep in mind and ask yourself during this part: For checking and registering domains, I recommend Namecheap. Many entrepreneurs and companies don’t take domain history into account. For instance, a domain, although suitable in other aspects, may have been used in an illegitimate website before, or it could have a high spam score. The latter can considerably affect the “SEObility” of a domain. One of the most useful tools I have discovered, although it is not strictly useful for domain history, is the WayBack Machine It allows you to see snippets of a website through a historical timeline. For instance, below is a snapshot of StudyFlats’ (my tech startup) website from 2016 Last but not least, you have to make sure that the social media handles of your chosen business name are available. Ideally you want all handles to be available. However, depending on your business, one platform may prevail over the other. So these are five things to keep in mind when choosing a business name…. If you need help with choosing the right business name, have a look at my full services or book a call with me today. About My name is Sohrab Vazir. I’m a UK-based entrepreneur and business consultant. At the age of 22, and while I was an international student (graduate), I started my own Property Technology (PropTech) business, StudyFlats which I scaled to over 30 UK cities. I currently help other entrepreneurs and businesses of all size with the digital marketing strategy around SEO, copywriting and content. For more info, please visit here.