Are you ready to tap into the magic of business support? imagine a world where innovators connect seamlessly, exchange ideas and craft the future of business together. This isn't a far-off fantasy - it's a reality for Jon Jackson, a mentor and business support director at Oxford Innovation, and for Artur Grzybowski the business support director at the Salford Innovation Forum.
Who's just as passionate about connecting the dots between start-ups and success. Join us as we dive into their conversation, unearthing the transformative power of specialised support and the networks that make it all possible. Get ready to be part of a journey that redefines the essence of collaboration in the business world. Welcome to Connecting Innovators: The Power of Business Support. Check out the full podcast on Youtube
Connecting Innovator: the Power of Business Support Networks
Meet Jon Jackson, an entrepreneur and the business support at Bucks Hubs with Oxford Innovation at Buckinghamshire New University, who plays a multifaceted role in nurturing start-ups and providing strategic business support. His expertise lies in early-stage start-ups, especially in digital technology, given his background as a web programmer.
Artur, based in Greater Manchester at the Salford Innovation Forum, mirrors Jon’s enthusiasm for business support, specialising in connecting founders with investors and assisting them from concept to pitch. His experience spans from developing products for startups to working with publicly listed companies, bringing a robust background to the table.
During their conversation, Artur explores the essence of business support with Jon, delving into the significance of specialisation within the field. They discuss how Oxford Innovation’s network uniquely positions them to cater to diverse business needs by leveraging a network of over 700 businesses, enhancing the power of connectivity and specialisation.
The dialogue unfolds, revealing the crucial role of such networks in accelerating business growth and the advantages of having a specialist’s touch—whether it be in funding strategies or steering a medtech product in the right direction.
Stay tuned for more insights from Artur and Jon as they delve into the intersection of technology and business, and how they harness their expertise to bring innovative ideas to life.
Demystifying Tech: A conversion with John Jackson
Artur continues his dialogue with Jon Jackson, shedding light on the intricate world of tech startups. Jon, with his adept understanding of digital technology, serves as a beacon for non-technical founders navigating the daunting terrain of tech development.
Jon emphasises the importance of simplicity and cost-effectiveness in the early stages of building a product. He demystifies the stark cost disparities in tech quotes and advocates for a lean approach to prototyping. This philosophy not only spares entrepreneurs undue stress but also lays a practical pathway to tangible results without overinvestment.
The discussion takes an innovative turn as Artur proposes an on-the-spot brainstorming session for a new software idea. Jon, always ready for a challenge, agrees, and they delve into the realms of Edtech and healthcare. They explore a real-world scenario where emergency services could greatly benefit from on-device training, a shift from traditional classroom settings prompted by new technology adoption.
As they dissect the concept further, Artur introduces a healthcare-related idea. He envisions a system where nurses could undergo preliminary training through virtual reality before stepping into real-life scenarios. This idea opens up a conversation about the complexities of business-to-business versus business-to-consumer models and the strategies to navigate them.
Jon reflects on the healthcare education concept with keen interest, hinting at potential collaboration. Artur, drawing on his product development background, outlines a strategy that marries manual service delivery with the utilisation of existing platforms, focusing on a front-end that dazzles with its bespoke appearance.
The pair also consider the marketing aspects, from the design of educational content to networking strategies like workshops and panel participation. John, aligning with the Lean Startup methodology, underlines the importance of validated learning and minimal viable products, even citing Dropbox’s unconventional MVP approach.
This engaging exchange not only showcases the synergy between Artur and Jon’s expertise but also reinforces the notion that innovation often sparks in the intersection of diverse disciplines. Their conversation is a testament to the power of collaboration and strategic thinking in the complex yet exhilarating journey of tech entrepreneurship.
Watch this space for further exploration of Artur and Jon’s ventures into the fusion of technology and business support, where their insights will continue to inspire and guide budding innovators.”
Unveiling the Blueprint for Digital Success with Artur and Jon
As we continue our fascinating conversation, Artur introduces a game-changer in product development: the power of the waitlist. The concept springs from insights by Redempt’s CEO, revolving around their upcoming product, Waitlist. Artur advocates for a visualised endpoint right from the start, working closely with clients to construct a prototype in Figma. This collaborative approach not only sparks creativity but also conserves substantial funds that would otherwise be spent on external consulting.
Artur also sheds light on the unique business model at Oxford Innovation. The innovation directors, including himself, operate part-time, allowing them to run their own businesses concurrently. This dual engagement provides customers access to top-tier services at a fraction of the usual cost.
Moving forward, Artur talks about crafting a landing page and a working prototype that embodies the software’s essence. This allows early users to test and interact with the product, building anticipation and a potential waitlist. Engaging in dialogues like ours could be a stepping stone towards the product’s realisation.
Jon echoes the sentiment, emphasising the importance of communication in the user experience. Reflecting on Dropbox’s story, he points out that it wasn’t just about introducing a new feature, but about showcasing an experience that was head and shoulders above the rest. This narrative is essential in marketing, as it captures the audience’s imagination and underlines the necessity of the product.
Artur then pivots to an intriguing thought: the strategies employed in the high-tech B2B SaaS world are equally applicable to traditional businesses like accounting or finance firms. Implementing such frameworks can elevate these companies, creating a unique market offering.
Jon concurs, pointing out the plethora of tools available in the market. The real challenge for non-tech founders and small businesses lies in leveraging these tools to their maximum potential, especially in the rapidly evolving field of AI.
Finally, Artur describes a strategic approach to tool alignment, emphasising the significance of marketing and branding. While AI and automation might require expert handling, the proper presentation of a product, team, and brand narrative is paramount.
As our dialogue draws to a close, we’re left with a rich tapestry of strategies for digital triumph, woven with the threads of innovation, user experience, and strategic marketing. Artur and John’s insights serve as a beacon for start-ups and established businesses alike, navigating the intricate world of technology and design.
Artur's Enquire and the Tour Commences
Curiosity sparked, Artur asks, “Would you mind showing me around your centre?”
Jon, ever eager to share his world, affirms, “Sure, let’s go for it.” With the virtual tour underway from his university office, he reveals a glimpse of the expansive university, drawing an impressed reaction from Artur, “That’s a really cool view there.”
As they embark on their virtual stroll, Jon showcases the integration of Oxford Innovation with the university. He proudly presents a newly constructed roof garden, allowing Artur a sneak peek into the fusion of academia and serene green spaces.
Artur questions about the campus privileges for centre customers. Jon clarifies, “Yeah, that’s members,” confirming the access to the entire campus, including the library and co-working spaces.
While navigating through the campus, Jon shares his health mantra with Artur, advocating for stair-climbing to stay fit. The tour traverses new buildings, with John’s commentary, “Just quite exciting,” showing the campus is ever-evolving.
Artur then reciprocates with a tour of his side, albeit more concise. He begins with their podcast setup and walks through to the reception, describing the open space for collaborative work. Outside, he points out the North of England robotic centre, hinting at the innovative technologies they host, including those from Boston Dynamics.
Jon inquires about the variety of businesses at Artur’s location. Artur details a mix that includes professional services and fast-growing B2B SaaS companies, exemplifying the diversity and dynamism of their space.
Both back in their respective offices, they discuss the essence of their spaces. Artur introduces his colleague Connor, highlighting their initiative to interview businesses for promotion within their network.
On a finishing note, Artur encourages feedback on their session, inviting suggestions to enhance future interactions.
Jon emphasises the importance of support for startups and expresses willingness to assist those looking to advance their ideas or concepts. He values the diversity within the Oxford Innovation network, considering it a vital strength.
Concluding the session, Artur shares a budding idea: a brainstorming session featuring an innovation director and a founder to discuss pathways to success, potentially covering product market strategies.
The article wraps up on a note of collaboration and mutual support, echoing the spirit of innovation that both Artur and Jon champion within their vibrant communities.
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