Simon Woodroffe
6 October 2010
Budding entrepreneurs were treated to an inspirational talk from former Dragon’s Den star and Yo! Sushi founder, Simon Woodroffe, who visited the University for the launch of Southampton Solent University’s Solent Sparks Entrepreneurs Student Society.
More than 100 business-minded students and staff turned up to hear Simon Woodroffe - who made his fortune promoting rock groups and sushi bars in the UK and the USA - talk about how he turned his passion for sushi into a business portfolio which now also includes hotels, radio, property, merchandising and spas.
He told the budding entrepreneurs that a big part of building a successful business is finding out what you are good at and being passionate about it.
“When you are obsessed you are in the zone,’’ he said. “When you have an idea for a business don’t not tell anyone. People who talk about ideas will make them happen,’’ he added.
After taking questions from the audience his final piece of advice was to just get things going.
“It’s not hard to make money, the hard things are the sacrifices you need to make,’’ he said. “You have to be willing to step out of your comfort zone and take the risk. You have to be willing to fail.’’
Student president of the Society, James Headspeath, was thrilled that Simon had accepted his invitation to speak at the launch.
“There was a great buzz about the place and students commented on how inspiring and motivational the talk was. Simon provided a great evening of engaging conversation and thought provoking advice for budding entrepreneurs to take away with them.”
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