Entrepreneurship is a strange beast. It is a rite of passage for some people, an experience never to be undertaken twice. For others it can be a lifelong addiction. It is definitely not for everyone!

Entrepreneurs are also a bit out of the ordinary themselves, but there is not a set personality type that makes for success or failure. There are many people who make creating a business look easy. They might be inspirational at explaining their complex ideas and getting others to believe that it is going to be possible. They might be doggedly determined to keep trying, perhaps quietly in their basement, until they manage to get the correct formula for success.

One thing that we have noticed at SSC as a team, is that when we participate in, or coach on, entrepreneur/commercialisation courses there are often a majority of “out of towners” signed up.

There is something in the personal challenge of moving for university or employment, away from your home, or going to another country and learning to live around another culture (and often language) that feeds an entrepreneur spirit.

Perhaps relocation gives people the confidence to try new things, perhaps the relocation gives people a new set of vocabulary and cultural references to be able to communicate their thoughts better. Perhaps we just see the world in a different light and can spot new ways to do things, ways that would be normal back home, but in this new environment bring innovation and improvements.

Whatever the cause, it does seem to be a truth that holds across all geographies that SSC has been lucky enough to work in.

Its another tangible benefit of immigration and to be celebrated!

The world of a business expert at SSC is a strange one.

We are constantly learning new things, trying to understand the cutting-edge of technology in many market areas, trying to make contacts with all sorts of vibrant and interesting people and companies to be able to make connections. We are always watching.

We are also not afraid to roll-up our sleeves and provide practical support where it is needed. Sometimes it is the right thing to do to be immersed in a company for the length of a project and share knowledge from the inside not just through a report or presentation.

Recently SSC in Scotland has been working with two young companies who are wanting to take their ideas and introduce them to the world. They want to ideally be able to obtain grant and investment funding to then allow them to take their prototypes and develop them into successful products and to grow their companies around that, enabling employment and revenue.

It is a pleasure and a privledge to see their progress and the changes they are making.

For us it is also the proof of our own skills as that "Teach One" element of mentoring is an art. I think the mark of a true expert is in being able to understand the influence of communication within business enough to be able to encourage and guide others to embrace those skills and use them to move their own businesses forwards.

It might be a strange world at times, but it is hugely rewarding to be trusted with such a depth and quality of new technologies as they make their journey forward to market and commercial success.

It is said that everyone has a novel in them, but I wonder does everyone have a business idea in them as well??

Throughout the world people have been encouraged to stay home as much as possible and whilst that has been tough on a species that is naturally social, it does also allow a LOT of thinking time. And from those quiet moments a new generation of silent entrepreneurs are forming.

People all over the place, are thinking I could make a business about my bright shiny new idea. Some of them will be talking to their friends and families, sounding it out. Talking allows to try and find the pitfalls and to adjust the plan to make it more solid, more credible – and importantly – more fundable.

Not everyone wants to talk to people around them about their wonderful creative exciting opportunities, some people want to talk to people who have walked the path before, who have experience of taking the crazy notion and finding the inner workable business inside.

Some of those ideas will be technological, some pure science and others are simply a better way to do things to make our communities better and our lives happier and hopefully also less impactful for the environment.

Perhaps we can be that sounding board? SSC really enjoy helping young businesses become the best that they can be.

Please watch out for some hints and tips that we are preparing on YouTube and if they inspire you to let loose your inner silent entrepreneur and get in contact.