'If we can, you can' is a welcoming community of established and aspiring entrepreneurs who have in common the shared drive to achieve their goals. They’re happy to share their experiences and knowledge to inspire and guide their peers as they start and grow their businesses.
It’s inspired by and built on the principles that underpin the well-respected Entrepreneurs' Forum – the best way to fast-track your progress in business is to talk to and learn from someone who has already been through the experience.
Whether you're already growing a business, developing a business idea or about to turn an idea into reality, it's an opportunity to share experiences with a growing online community of like-minded business people.
The site is broken down into four key areas – so hopefully, each time you come back you’ll find something new and interesting. And it should help you move forward whether:
- you need a bit of motivation
- you’re looking for a solution to help overcome an obstacle you’re facing
- you want to find someone who’s been where you want to go
- you’ve reached a milestone and you want to tell the world
- you want to share a moment of insight
- you just fancy being nosey and finding out what others are up to
What are we not? Well, we're not a selling platform. Members should not hassle their fellow members by openly soliciting business by direct mail. Although plenty of business happens between members, it happens where they find a mutual business relationship.
INSPIRATION
This is where it all started over three years ago.
Through our connection with the Entrepreneurs’ Forum we were in the fortunate position of being able to collect together the fascinating stories of some of the region’s best known entrepreneurs along with a few less well known but equally inspiring.
By sharing their journeys, warts and all, they provide an invaluable insight into what motivates them, the challenges they’ve faced, the highs and lows, mistakes and successes, and the ambitions and aspirations that continue to drive them.
Over the years we’ve collected hundreds of stories; some long, some short and to the point; most yet to reach a conclusion. And we hope to collect hundreds more – including yours.
CONNECTION
One of the key aims of the site is to create the connections that will allow entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs across the North East to move to the next level.
And whilst you don’t need us to connect you (although whenever we can we will!) we’ve come up with a couple of ways to give you a starting point.
The first is what we’ve called communities. It’s all about finding the common links that connect you – from education and background to location and sector, from organisations you’ve been supported by to people you’ve done business with.
The second is badges (it was actually an idea we pinched from a meeting with one of our members!). It works in two ways - we want to acknowledge everyone’s achievements and give you the recognition you deserve. But just as important, there will be plenty of people who are aiming to do what you’ve already done, such as implement KPIs, write a business plan, or take on their first employee.
Connections might just be about referrals; they could be a great way to find out how to do something; they might open some interesting doors; or create opportunities for collaboration. You just never know where they might lead.
KNOWLEDGE
There are times when people don’t realise what they know! But we believe that the knowledge gained through practical business experience is at least as valuable as more formal learning. There are no right or wrong answers – just perspectives, ideas and insights.
Even if you're only 6 months down the line, the fresh (and sometimes raw) experiences you can share with those just starting out could make the difference between success and failure.
This is an authentic, user generated knowledge bank – it really is the kind of stuff you wouldn’t read anywhere else, and it’s updated and administrated regularly.
We’re also in a very fortunate position to hear from the many speakers brought to the region by the Entrepreneurs’ Forum – and take the opportunity to jot down and share a few gems of inspiration and wisdom.
SHARE
You’ve all got something to share. And we think that’s probably what this ‘Big Society’ thing is all about.
It might be your story – we’re more than happy to help you write it.
Or a snippet of knowledge – share it before you forget it and while it’s fresh in your mind.
Or something you’ve achieved – however big or small.
And better still – if you’ve got some time that you could spare we’re sure that your peers would appreciate it. Or alternatively we could find a group of students you could inspire.
So, with the region’s economy depending on the private sector to ‘take up the slack’ and drive the recovery, Ifwecanyoucan is encouraging a spirit of entrepreneurship in the North East – inspiring people to set up businesses, grow them faster, have vision, grasp opportunities, and recognise that people of all background have become successful entrepreneurs.