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Mike Southon

Mike Southon is a serial entrepreneur and co-author of four books on starting and growing businesses.

During the 1980s he co-founded The Instruction Set, a computer services company, which he later sold to what is now Cap Gemini. He worked with 17 start-up ventures during the 1990s, two of which, Riversoft and Micromuse, later listed on the stock exchange.

Mike is a visiting fellow in innovation and entrepreneurship at London South Bank University and a fellow of both the Royal Society of Arts and the Professional Speakers’ Association.

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Take the free and easy route

Mike Southon claims that the concept of “free” business models represents a great entrepreneurial opportunity.

Follow directions for surfing

A very straightforward business plan is the best starting place for a successful internet business, according to Mike Southon.

Lessons litter memory lane

We all occasionally look back and wonder what might have happened had we done things differently. But there is no point in dwelling on the past.

Circus tricks and business skills

There is no reason why an introvert cannot be a very successful entrepreneur, according to Mike Southon.

Don’t send your audience to sleep

Sponsor presentations at the start of conferences often send a cold chill through the audience. It does not have to be this way.

If you want my advice...

Being able to find the right mentor can clearly be the difference between success and failure for an entrepreneur.

Election policies that get my vote

With the party conferences over, Mike Southon believes now is a good time for people with good ideas to make their voices heard.

Tune into the spirit of giving

Big Brother is facing the cut. Is it not time for a better reality TV show?

Use a foil to gain a cutting edge

Finding someone with complementary skills is a key element to building a successful business.

Virtual work leads to actual rewards

It is now common for start-ups to work virtually, and if you are clever you can use this to scale a business quickly.

There’s a moral in this story

Find the fun in the figures

Pre-prepare for post-election

Mike Southon: Avoid debt in the next downturn

Make yourself heard

Establish contacts

A gem in a pile of rubbish

More time is more money

Find yourself a fund finder

Memory lane to Penny Lane