Sohrab Vazir
Consultant | Founder | Global Citizen | Writer
Tag Archives: Entrepreneurship
Why you should work with a freelance SEO writer
If you have considered or are considering working with a freelance SEO writer, this article is for you. As a tech startup founder, and now a digital marketing consultant, I have dealt with SEO for over 7 years! As an SEO copywriter myself (see more details here), I thought it would be helpful to share why working with SEO writers can be valuable. When I started my first company, StudyFlats, I needed to learn about SEO. It all just seemed so complicated and tech-based. This combined with having to juggle around all other areas of the business made me reliant on external third parties. Initially, I worked with a marketing agency, which proved useless. The high costs associated with digital marketing agencies further prompted me to seek freelancers, mainly freelance SEO writers. Bear in mind that I had £400 in my bank account as a marketing budget in the first year (oh those really were the days). Anyway, I soon discovered that working with a freelance SEO writer can be hugely beneficial, so long as the following are clear: 2 years later, I hired a marketing team of four at StudyFlats and oversaw SEO content creation as a team leader/CEO. Hence, I also possess first-hand experience with SEO writers as employees. So let’s look at why you should work with a freelance SEO copywriter: Cost-efficient Perhaps the key differentiating factor in favour of freelancers against digital marketing agencies is the pricing. Working with a freelance SEO writer helps you generate far more content at a fraction of an agency’s cost. Tailored SEO service Working with an individual freelancer, in contrast to an agency, allows for a more tailored service. Many individual freelancers are (more) dependent on positive client feedback and retention. Less liability Working with digital marketing agencies and/or freelance SEO writers bears less legal liability than hiring employees. Unless your venture is at the stage in which it needs more permanent employees, then perhaps you may consider the recruitment option. However, EVEN if you do decide to hire employees, working with freelance SEO writers can still be cost-efficient. Plus, it’s beneficial as it creates a new frame set for your existing content. These are some of the reasons why working with a freelance SEO writer can benefit your business. If you are looking to hire a freelance SEO writer, then get in touch 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.
Starting a business in the UK: 3 things to do
Thinking of starting a business in the UK? There are various things to consider and plan for when you decide to pursue your own venture. However, sometimes the most basic aspects can be confusing. This is especially true if it’s your first time starting a business in the UK. In this article, I will highlight 3 basic steps that you need to take if you wish to start up in the UK. In contrast to many other countries, starting a business in the UK is relatively straightforward. Although, it is advisable to seek professional advice if you are uncertain about any of the points covered in this article. Determine your business structure There are various ways in which you can start a business in the UK. The most common forms are either: Each of the abovestated have their own procedures, advantages and disadvantages. Choose a business name This is an obvious, yet somehow overlooked one. And believe me: it can be notoriously difficult to choose the right business name in today’s world. Additionally, your business name can often make or break your business. There are two key sources that you should check to see if your proposed business name is available. These are: Companies House Use the company register by Companies House to check whether there are any existing UK companies with your proposed business name. UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) Once you have ensured that there are no companies with a name similar or identical to yours, then you must check for Trade Marks. Legally, trade marks have much more weight. The key factor to consider here is trade mark classes, and identifying those that apply to your business in the UK. This guide, prepared by the UK Government, provides a useful guide to UK trade marks. Choose a business bank account It is important to do your research and identify the best banking solution for your business. Starting a business in the UK does give you several options in terms of banks. This is especially true with the emergence of the new “challenger” banks such as Monzo. Choosing the best bank for your UK business is dependent on the particular circumstances concerning your business. Some relevant factors to consider are: If you need help with starting a business in the UK, get in touch with me today. My service is cost-efficient, tailored and friendly. 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.
Immigration Business Plans: 3 things to keep in mind
Preparing an immigration business plan can be a tedious and stressful task. There are many things to consider when starting a business, and each must be reflected in the business plan. This is not exclusive to immigration business plans, but any form of business plan. Moreover, preparing an immigration business plan is separate from being a competent entrepreneur. This is precisely where a business consultant such as myself comes in. In this article, I aim to highlight 3 things to prioritise when preparing an immigration business plan. These are applicable irrespective of whether you writing the plan yourself or working with a consultant/business plan writer. So before discussing the key points, let’s evaluate why writing an immigration business plan can get tricky. As I said earlier, you may be a skilled entrepreneur and have a viable business proposition. However, the issue can sometimes be in communicating that proposition in the best way possible. For example, a business plan may be far better when written with native-level fluency and using visual elements. The many factors that are inherent to a business plan require clear articulation above all. Let’s face it: First impressions are instrumental in outcomes. And your business plan is the opportunity to make that first “professional” impression. With this in mind, now let’s take a look at 3 key things to consider when preparing a business plan. 1. Problem & Solution Problem & solution are the key introductory elements of your business plan. Moreover, they also include an overview of what your product or service is. Ensure to clearly emphasise the following: It is important to be thorough yet clear with this part. By “clear” I am referring to simple, graspable and non-technical language. In summary, focus on clearly communicating the problem you solve and how you do so. 2. Numbers, numbers, numbers….. Please take this lesson from me as an entrepreneur who has been on both sides of the spectrum: “Cash is king”. Cash flow is the bloodline of every business. Unless you are a charity, non-profit or similar organisation, your goal is to make money. Interestingly, many founders over-focus on other aspects such as their product instead of prioritising how they will manage their company’s cash flow and revenue stream. To keep it short: 3. Use visual elements in an immigration business plan Nobody wants to read large chunks of paragraphs in a 20-50 page-long document. Utilise the power of visual elements to create an engaging immigration business plan. These can include charts, bars, graphs and much more. These are 3 things to keep in mind when preparing an immigration business plan. If you need assistance with writing yours, get in touch 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.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.
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.
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.