Sohrab Vazir
Consultant | Founder | Global Citizen | Writer
Tag Archives: Start-up
Why you should hire me as your SEO content writer
The SEO/digital marketing landscape is oversaturated with SEO content writers. Whilst lack of supply in a certain industry is problematic, oversupply is equally challenging. So, with a wide pool of SEO content writers, who can be found online, on LinkedIn or through freelancer platforms such as Fiverr, how do you choose the right one? And no, ChatGPT cannot be your SEO content writer, at least not for the next few years! I wrote a few articles on this subject over the past year. As a starting point, I’d recommend checking this one out, which explains why you should hire an SEO content writer/copywriter. So, this article is essentially a semi-sales one in light of my SEO content writing services. Well, let’s dive into why you should hire me as your SEO content writer. Solid writing skills In case you haven’t seen my CV/educational history, I’ll summarise them here; I hold the following qualifications: -(BA Dual Honours) Business Management & International Relations | Keele University -(LLM | Master of Laws) International Legal Studies | Newcastle University My educational history is within the social sciences domain and has given me a solid grasp of writing in the English language. Plus, I am multilingual. My first startup was highly reliant on SEO | The business owner perspective My first business, StudyFlats, which I scaled to over 30 UK cities was highly reliant on SEO. Before I hired and led a marketing team of four, I was my own company’s SEO content writer. Remember, education is not the only factor for someone to be a decent SEO content writer. Writing competency is integral to being a good SEO content writer, but it is not everything. My experience as an SEO content writer for my previous company allows me to strategically approach your SEO needs from a business owner’s perspective. Better than an agency Now, this is not to write off agencies or bad-mouth them (although I am quite sceptical about most). The problem with writing services provided by agencies, in contrast to a freelance SEO writer such as myself, are: -Agencies manage many clients and therefore have a less tailored solution -Agencies hire either employees or freelance SEO content writers to do the writing. And they also need to make a profit, which means? More costly Although, please note, that my services are not “cheap”. No quality work is cheap, and you get what you pay for. However, due to the aforementioned points, it works out at a lower cost when you deal with an individual SEO content writer instead of a business entity such as a digital marketing agency. ChatGPT is terrible for inbound/organic content ChatGPT has and will continue to revolutionise the marketing/writing domains. It is great for smaller SEO needs such as product descriptions in an e-commerce website. However, organic content as part of your inbound marketing strategy is based on thought leadership. This requires an actual human to apply critical analysis and tailor a content strategy that is unique to your business. Want to hire me as your SEO content writer? Get in touch with me to discuss your SEO needs. 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.
Business Immigration | Working With Me
Just over a year ago, I began helping founders with the commercial aspects of business immigration. It simply began as a side hustle and has now turned into my main business. The philosophy behind a business immigration consultancy was simple: I went through this journey myself. As is the case with many businesses, at some point there is the need to adapt to expansion accordingly. My consultancy business was initially focused on business plan writing and consultations as a secondary service. However, with growing demand and client base, my consultancy now covers every stage of the business planning process, from the idea stage to producing a viable business plan. Additionally, I now also offer services in relation to SEO, digital marketing and PR. In this article, I will briefly outline the various stages of my business immigration assistance, and what clients may expect. Stage 1: Initial Consultation | The first stage of my business immigration assistance is an initial consultation, which can be booked here. The purpose of this consultation is: Once we determine the aforestated, you can then decide which one of my business immigration services would be the most suitable for you. Stage 2: Service Discussion | Ongoing Calls Once you purchase any additional business immigration services, we will arrange a second call to explore how we can begin working together and set up a timeframe. Currently, my business immigration services cover the following areas: Stage 3: Delivery Once we set the timeframes and your project needs in stages 1 and 2, the final stage will be the project delivery. The timeframe for this stage is subjective and depends on the services purchased. For instance, a business plan will take longer than a review of your business idea. Need business immigration services? Then please get in touch with me today to find out how I can help you with your business immigration needs. 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 grew my business to over 30 UK cities, and a team of four. I now help other migrant entrepreneurs and all founders with their businesses, including their business plans.
5 elements of a good business plan
Writing a good business plan can be a challenging task. In essence, business planning is the first major challenge an entrepreneur faces as it is a blueprint of their venture. In this article, I will outline 5 elements that make a good business plan. This is based on my own experience as a tech founder, consultant and writer. Writing a good business plan goes beyond proposing a viable business proposition. It entails clear articulation, milestones, well-written content and a thorough blueprint of how your business will succeed. There are plenty of articles that will refer to the basic and compulsory parts of a business plan such as SWOT analysis and regard them as factors contributing to a good business plan. However, my aim in this article is to provide you with the correct mindset and approach to: With the aforementioned in mind, let’s highlight the 5 key elements of a good business plan. Inclusion of the key standard sections Okay, so let’s briefly highlight an obvious part, which many entrepreneurs surprisingly fall short of. Regardless of the purpose of your business plan and where you are, several key sections must be included in every business plan. These key sections are: Clear & realistic business vision Entrepreneurship and starting a business require vision. And it is fantastic to set high goals. Nevertheless, this is where many entrepreneurs make a mistake. And the mistake is that they “fly too high” and set goals and visions that are essentially unrealistic. Your vision and anticipated goals should be realistic and based on market trends supported by research. Clear business milestones The ideal business plan is not a fancy document to impress your investors or other parties. It is the blueprint of your business as a commercial entity. And what does a blueprint entail? Clear procedural steps with timelines and outcomes. Moreover, this is not just related to one part of the business plan, for example, product development. Each aspect of the business (plan) should be subjected to prior anticipation with clear input/output estimations, whether it is product, marketing, sales or anything else. Objective market research and avoiding the “founder bias” As stated earlier, I will not highlight standard business plan sections. However, this part is crucial and you notice that I have used the word “objective”. You may have a business proposal that does respond to a genuine market need. However, this is where what I call the “founder bias” kicks in. The “founder bias” is when a founder only states market research that supports the notion that there is a need for their product and/or service. This eliminates the “objectivity” aspect. Your plan must be supported by objective market research, and this is why a business consultant like me is useful. By highlighting all the facets of the market, you demonstrate enhanced commercial awareness. Plus, it enables you to anticipate and prepare for unexpected market shifts and how to respond accordingly. Money, money, money (the financials) Regardless of the type of project, the primary goal of a venture is making money. Even if you are starting a non-profit/charity, your finances matter the most. This is one of the most neglected aspects of many business plans. You must anticipate and account for cash inflows and outflows of your business. And I get it: this is perhaps among the most difficult aspects, and hence why it is often neglected. However, without a financial analysis that is subject to scrutiny, you are almost always doomed for failure. 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 grew my business to over 30 UK cities, and a team of four. I now help other migrant entrepreneurs and all founders with their businesses, including their business plans.
Innovator Founder Visa | Policy Analysis
Just over a month ago, I created a YouTube video exploring the policy flaws of the UK’s Innovator Founder visa. This article is essentially a reflection of the same video, highlighting three fundamental policy flaws surrounding the Innovator Founder visa requirements. *Please note that this content is merely a reflection of my personal opinion and evaluation and does not constitute immigration advice in any shape or form. If you are seeking immigration advice, please refer to OISC to find a registered immigration advisor/solicitor.* According to the UK Government’s website, the Innovator Founder visa allows international entrepreneurs to set up businesses in the UK. Full details of the visa rules can be found HERE. The purpose of this article, however, is not to outline the general information about this visa. I have written this blog post to: –Highlight the flaws that other founders may resonate with; –To draw the attention of policymakers towards the anticipated flaws of the Innovator Founder visa and how it may potentially harm the UK in the short and long term So, let’s explore the flaws of the Innovator Founder visa policy. The low number of Innovator Founder visa endorsing bodies This is perhaps the major weakness of the Innovator Founder visa policy. This is especially the case when one takes a comparative evaluation between this visa path and its predecessor, the Innovator visa. There are currently 3 endorsing bodies overseeing all applications made under the Innovator Founder visa pathway. This excludes the Global Entrepreneurs Programme (GEP) which is administered by the Department for Business and Trade. The aforementioned is in contrast to over 20 endorsing bodies that had the authority to issue endorsements for the former Innovator visa. Moreover, the previous endorsing bodies included well-established and reputable accelerators such as Founders Factory. To summarise the key issues in relation to the number of endorsing bodies: High endorsement & visa fees Another major issue which may discourage many prospective applicants is the high visa fees associated with this visa pathway. Let’s look at the initial costs associated with the Innovator Founder visa (and these are for single applicants only): As you see, you are paying a minimum of ÂŁ3000 to simply make an application under this visa pathway. By setting such high fees, the UK Government has failed to consider the long-term economic contribution of international entrepreneurs to the UK. Not applicable to all The Innovator Founder visa is likely to not be applicable to every single founder. And the manner in which this is evident is through the three key business idea requirements, which are: Whilst on the surface, the abovestated factors may seem appropriate, they are not practical in action. For instance, the viability requirement may only be evident once a business actually begins trading. Yet, this visa is also aimed at entrepreneurs who wish to “set up” their business in the UK. Another instance where the lack of applicability of this visa path is reflected is the removal of the former Startup and Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visas. These visa routes were specifically aimed at founders who were to set up their business in the UK. Personally, I underwent the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur route myself under the endorsement of Newcastle University. Currently, the Innovator Founder visa is a mashup of all founders, from all backgrounds and regardless of their business nature/stage. Final notes Entrepreneurship is fundamentally unpredictable and involves a core element of risk. Combining this with stringent and unfeasible immigration requirements does not provide an optimal outcome for any stakeholder. Moreover, it will only serve to weaken the UK’s global position as an entrepreneurial hub. I appreciate that policymakers ought to ensure that genuine and innovative migrants move to the UK. Nevertheless, policies should be drafted in such a manner that involves a thorough comprehension of entrepreneurship and also mitigates the risk between the government and international entrepreneurs. Need help with the Innovator Founder visa? I am the UK’s #1 & leading business consultant for international entrepreneurs. Whilst I do not provide immigration advice, I am able to assist in multiple areas such as drafting your Innovator Founder visa business plan. For a full overview of my services, please refer to my homepage here. 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 (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.
8 skills that will help you succeed in business and employment
The business and employment skills landscape is constantly evolving. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep on top of your game and ensure you develop the right skills to succeed in business or employment, regardless of being an entrepreneur or employee. You have probably wondered what skills makes people successful in business and employment. And there is never a straight forward answer as it is a combination of multiple factors. However, it is indisputable that you need to have the right skills to succeed in either business or employment. In this article, I will highlight 8 skills that will contribute to your self-development and ultimately succeeding in business and employment. Articulation & communication Almost every aspect of business and employment boils down to communication and the “people” factor. Whether it’s sales, leading a team or a job interview, communication is a core element. Success in business and employment is highly dependent on fostering mutually beneficial relationships. Therefore, it’s a skill that you must actively develop. Now you notice that I used the verb “articulation” here, and it’s because you may be a good communicator, yet lack articulation. Being articulate is an evolving progression that will come with time, and it encompasses both verbal and written communication. Moreover, being articulate is subjective. For instance, the use of the correct words is fundamentally important to being articulate. Your choice of words will significantly differ if you are presenting at a sustainability conference, in contrast to presenting to a team of junior salesmen. Articulation boils down to identifying the correct language for your audience and applying it with confidence. Cultural awareness We live in a globalised world, whether you like it or not. Being culturally aware not only opens doors to new opportunities, but it is also important in being a good communicator (refer to the first point above). If you live in a multi-cultural society, which applies to most developed countries, cross-cultural awareness is a vital skill to master in both business and employment. Critical thinking Success in business and employment is, in many instances, reliant on problem-solving. Unfortunately, one shortcoming of educational systems is not enabling pupils to develop this skill, and encouraging a one-dimensional perspective. Critical thinking skills enable you to see the bigger picture, identify problems and solutions and subsequently influence others, whether in business or employment. Confidence Ever heard of the phrase “nice guys finish last”? Well let me elaborate: niceness is not bad in itself. However, in many scenarios, niceness derives from a lack of confidence. Sadly, I had to learn this one the hard way, as I was a “nice” person before and it only allowed others to cross my (non-existent) boundaries and take advantage of my “niceness”. Again, I am not telling you to be a jerk. However, it is important to understand your strengths and weaknesses as an individual and build relationships based on mutual value. Remember: today’s world is extremely competitive and there are many not-so-nice people out there. By mastering confidence as a skill, you will set better boundaries and form better relationships. Financial literacy Financial literacy is a skill that is mostly relevant to business and entrepreneurship in a professional context. And it really does not need to be explained in detail as any venture’s success will ultimately depend on its financial health. However, this does not mean that it is not applicable to your personal life. Being financially literate will enable you to avoid stress, create more opportunities and achieve better health. Legal competency Okay, now I am not asking you to do a law degree or read every single legislation that exists. However, both business and employment operate within legal frameworks, and it’s a skill that will get you far. The key principle here is awareness of the existing legislations, your rights, obligations and applying critical thinking to them (see above) Sales I have run two businesses over the last seven years. One lesson that I have learned is that “cash is king”. The purpose, or one of the primary purposes, of business and employment is making money. Nevertheless, allow me to be clear that “sales” skills is not just limited to selling products/services. I am also referring to sales in an interpersonal context. I’ll break it down by asking and answering these two simple questions: How do you make money? By selling How do you land your dream job? By selling yourself and your competencies Writing Writing skills are, in most cases, crucial for succeeding in business and employment. Writing competencies are vital in becoming a better communicator, and communicating your thoughts, values and skills. Whether it’s writing your resume, cover letter, a blog article on your website or an email to a client, writing skills will help you a lot. 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.
Innovator Founder Visa: Business Consultant vs. Business Plan Writer
If you are considering the Innovator Founder visa, you have probably come across the terms “business plan writer” and “business consultant”. Well, at least on my website/channels you have. So let’s look at the difference between a business plan writer and a business consultant. Understanding the difference will also help you decide which one may be useful to you. Depending on your venture and personal skills, you may need the help of a business plan writer or business consultant for your Innovator Founder visa application. First of all, I will do the “sales” part to inform you that I am both a business plan writer and a business consultant. Nevertheless, this is not usually the case, distinguishing me from any other service pertaining to Innovator Founder visa and international founders. In fact, I am the UK’s first and #1 business consultant for international founders. Moreover, I was an immigrant entrepreneur myself and settled in the UK via several business visas. Okay, now let’s look at each in detail, followed by a comparison table at the end. Business Plan Writer In the abstract, the function of a plan writer is perhaps quite clear. Business plan writers possess the knowledge and skills to produce a well-written and well-researched business plan However, the key point is that a business plan writer may not necessarily be familiar with running a business or have prior experience of doing so. The key competencies of a business plan writer are: Business Consultant Business consultants, in contrast to business plan writers, are essentially there to advise on your business concept/protocols. Thus, they may not necessarily engage in producing business plans. However, they help you understand what needs to go on your business plan and eventually your venture. The core competencies of a business consultant are: Summary Business Consultant Business Plan Writer In-depth industry knowledge Understanding of business plan standards Experience in running and scaling a business Language/writing skills Need help? I operate as both a consultant and plan writer Whether you need help with writing your business consultant or are seeking a consultant to advise on your operations, I am here to help. Get in touch with me today to find out more. You may also watch a YouTube video that I have made on the same topic. 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.
3 free SEO hacks
With SEO being integral in website visibility and traffic acquisition, it’s always good to be on the lookout for the latest SEO hacks. It’s even more important to do so as a founder/company with a small marketing budget. One thing that I learned as a founder and SEO copywriter is that sometimes a small SEO hack can end up generating a lot of traffic and sales. Before outlining the SEO hacks, I want to emphasise a key factor that you should be aware of throughout your marketing campaigns. And that is to think like your customer and understand their thought process. SEO HACK #1 Use forums and social media channels for SEO content brainstorming One way to start generating ideas for the content you wish to write on your website is by looking at your customers’ questions. Some of the best platforms to do so are Reddit & Quora. This is also covered in another blog post that I wrote about free SEO keyword research tools. SEO HACK #2 Do a speed test on your website Did you know that user experience and therefore your website’s speed affect SEO? You may have good content; however, if your website fails to provide an adequate level of positive user experience then it’s bad news for your SEO. You can do a speed test on Google’s PageSpeed Insights. SEO HACK #3 Sign your business up on online directories Online directories such as Yelp can increase visibility, as well as boost your SEO through backlinks. However, be careful with this step as too many submissions and thus low-quality backlinks can actually harm your SEO. These are 3 little SEO hacks that can help you give your online visibility a boost and rectify existing issues through a speed test. If you require assistance with SEO and copywriting, find out more about my services or if you prefer to have a chat, get in touch 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.
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.