First things first, who are you and how do you help small businesses?
My name is Eric Siecker and I have been in the corporate world for many years and in 2018 started my own business. I help small businesses with all things IP – patents, trademarks, copyright, confidential information, etc. IP is often a difficult matter to navigate and my passion is to help people find affordable solutions to IP questions.
What made you become a member of Start-Talk-Grow?
All small business owners and start-ups experience pain during the growth journey and IP is one of such pain points. I had plenty of help along the way to establishing my business – now I will be delighted to give something back to the community.
What inspired you to start your business?
I enjoyed a great corporate journey but it left me feeling unsatisfied and aspired to a greater sense of achievement.
What makes you different from others in your field?
That is hard to say as there are many “competitors” I highly respect – and in reality I work closely together with many of them to complement each other’s strengths and services. However, teh strength at our end is easy to talk to, we avoid legal jargon and will give you commercial focused advice )not just legal advice that is then tricky to translate into the real world)
What are the greatest achievements you’ve had in your business?
There are plenty of things I can think of that I look back on with great pleasure – however, currently it is probably the fact that I left the safety of the corporate world a few months before COVID – and we although it was tough, we have come through it and are growing fast.
What did you wish you knew when you started that you have learned along the way?
Collaborate! Build as many good relationships as you can and nurture them. It is more important than I ever could have imagined.
The quick-fire round
Which is your favourite social media platform
I don’t post much, but enjoy reading and learning from twitter, facebook and Linkedin
What is the best bit of work kit you have?
Home office!
What was the best piece of advice you were given when you first started? And by whom?
Don’t give up your day job until your own business is up and running (build it up in the “shadows”) by Luke Johnson from his book “Start it up” (a brilliant book for people thinking about starting their first business)
Imagine you’ve been given an unexpected day off – how will you spend it?
Something outdoors – fishing, cycling, hiking (with family or friends)
Which is your while-you-work drink of choice?
Coffee
Which is your favourite business book?
What is your secret to success?
Collaboration
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