Entrepreneurship: the achievable dream Gordon McAlpine, CEO, The Sales Club

Secret Millionaire intro video

Entrepreneurship: the achievable dream Gordon McAlpine, CEO, The Sales Club

The Journey begins…. Strathclyde – M.Sc Marketing graduate 20 years ago My business journey begins in 1991 Comes full circle with return to Glasgow 2010

Secret return to Glasgow!

Education Arrived at Strathclyde in 1990 MA in Economics & Accountancy - Aberdeen Travel the world to find the real me… First degree my first BIG mistake Gritted my teeth to graduation

Education – solid platform Marketing was the route for me Back to the classroom at Strathclyde Inspiring, practical & entrepreneurial Fired up to launch my business career

Career launch Apprenticeship in Sales Dream Marketing job after 3 years Entrepreneurial dream forced me to quit

Entrepreneurship Budding entrepreneur at age of 29 2 guys with a dream BUT no real plan BigHand HQ was Steve’s flat! Start up capital was £25k

Entrepreneurship Resellers of Dragon speech recognition software Sales Director on a mission Focus on world class sales performance Barclays, GSK, NATO, PWC…a sales machine

Exciting times

BigHand – the turning point “Get big, get niche or get out!” Created our own software/our IP Legal market was our niche Domestic then global

BigHand – selling our baby 8 year review – 60 staff, £2.5m profit, £3m cash Gut feel right time to sell Sold in MBO in 2006 Multi millionaire overnight

The Secret Millionaire Right time for me to give something back Incredible experience Depressing and shocking – 3 rd gen unemployed! Chance to make a difference

Secret Millionaire – cheque video in here

Secret Millionaire Great reactions Power to change peoples’ lives is priceless! Govan people helped me understand poverty Desire to continue to create wealth

The next chapter…The Sales Club Meaningful & Achievable £20k start up capital – profit in year 2 Sales & Marketing focus “Challenger” selling

The Sales Club – video here

My Business Philosophy Passion – must believe in your vision People – recruit positive staff AND clients Focus – sales & marketing drive the business Drive – give it EVERYTHING

Tips for success Serve your “apprenticeship” in reputable company Learn the art of professional selling Gut feel will tell you it’s time to be entrepreneurial

The achievable dream Anyone can achieve what I’ve done Believe in yourself Intensity & Urgency – career time flies!

Entrepreneurship: the achievable dream Gordon McAlpine, CEO, The Sales Club Thank you for listening!