Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Hi Everyone,

I have been running Eriskay Associates for five years now and we have had a lot of success in Scotland and the UK, working with start ups and growing businesses (including some in the not-for-profit sector). But what I really want to know is how well our approach would work in North America, as I'd dearly like to develop over their in future years.

I would say that our approach - The Eriskay Associates Way - if you like, comes down to three things:

1. A blended approach, combining elements of consulting, coaching and training - so the solution best meets the needs of the client not simply the skills of the company!

2. An eclectic use of tools, models and resources. We try to combine the best of what the academic world has to offer with our own skills, experience and sector knowledge - this about creating a robust and realistic approach.

3. People - business is by people, for people and about people - out mantra is: helping people bring out the best in businesses and businesses bring out the best in people.

We have built a strong client base in the UK and have done some work in Europe too. What I really want to know is how well our approach would work in the US. Is it too academic? Is it too, well, British? I'd love to hear some thoughts on this. 

Many thanks in anticipation.

Mark.

 

-------------------------

Mark A Taylor
Director
Eriskay Associates
www.eriskay-associates.co.uk
http://www.linkedin.com/in/marktaylorglasgow

I can see your concern about being too academic.  I think it all depends on who you target as your market.  Despite popular opinion, there are academic types here in the US.  How many of them are in business I do not know. But if an academic type were to start a business and to see your ads you might have a customer. 

I hope that helps. 

-------------------------

I help entrepreneurs to start and run the small businesses they always dreamed of owning so they can fire their bosses and gain the freedom they deserve.

Hi Guys,

 

Thanks for the comments so far. 

 

One of the things I find in any part of the communications mix is that nothing works for everybody. If you word what you do very generically it becomes so bland that you don't engage anybody... try to be more specific and you engage some and switch off others!

With regard to perceived cultural differences, I wonder how my product offering 'sounds' to US ears (if that makes any sense). Fundamentally, the way we do business is pretty similar, so the tools, models and approaches should transfer well. However, the way we articulate those tools, models, etc may vary considerably.

I guess this is quite a hard thing to ascertain and I will need to follow Alan's advice and come and have a look...

Watch this space!

Thanks again for your input.

M.

-------------------------

Mark A Taylor
Director
Eriskay Associates
www.eriskay-associates.co.uk
http://www.linkedin.com/in/marktaylorglasgow