Some inspiration for your business
We all need some inspiration for how to run our business. Whether that’s getting new ideas, learning what not to do do, or seeing how someone else has developed their career or business, there’s something very special about hearing other people’s stories.
Which is exactly where the Brighton Chamber inspirational breakfasts come in
Why would I get up early to come and talk to other business people?
I’m the worst person in the world for getting up early. It’s one of my least favourite things. And usually I avoid breakfast meetings and events like the plague. But even I make an exception for the Chamber breakfasts. I go partly for the networking, and meeting some potential new clients, to be sure. And the gossip and seeing my Chamber friends is great too. But I’ve learnt a lot over the years from the truly inspirational speakers at the breakfast events.
What’s the idea?
Every month at Carluccio’s about 75 business people get together for breakfast and chat. Lots of chat. And every month there’s a great speaker, chosen because there’s something to learn from their business journey. They might have done something very impressive, built a great empire, or be trying to do that right now. They might have something interesting to say politically, or be an important person in the city. Or sometimes they’ve got something about them where we think that there’s something for the rest of us to learn from.
Who’s been memorable?
I remember Andrew Comben from Brighton Dome and Festival speaking. Partly because the Dome is such an important part of the local economy, and partly because that morning Andrew had just got off the plane from Burma where he had been to visit Aung San Suu Kyi, who was going to be guest curator of that year’s festival. Andrew was dazed and jet-lagged, but still talked in a very moving way about his experiences, why they’d chosen Aung San Suu Kyi, and why the arts are important to the city economy.
I remember one female entrepreneur, who I won’t name, but if you were there, you’ll probably remember her. She told the story of her string of different companies, and told us exactly what she thought of all the people who had got in her way over the years.
What are you looking forward to this year?
Gus Hardy from Glynebourne will be talking about taking over the family business, which will be fascinating. CJ from Bikram Yoga Brighton will be really interesting too, and if you’ve never heard CJ speak, you’re in for a treat.
I heard something about addictive coffee?
Carluccio’s serve endless coffee refills over their tasty breakfast, so you get woken up and set up for the day. Many people have commented on how much work they get done on Friday mornings after some inspiration and the Carluccio’s coffee.
Julia Chanteray is the director of business consultancy The Joy of Business and the President of the Brighton and Hove Chamber of Commerce.