Unique Umbrellas Open Up Great Business Opportunity

LONDON, ENGLAND, August 12, 2010 (Press-News.org) It takes a certain kind of creative mind to look at an umbrella and see a canvas for a new kind of art. And an even more creative mind to use the elements to reveal that art. But Viviane Jaeger and Emma-Jayne Parkes did just that when they linked the gap between science and design and created Squidarellas. Dry, Squidarellas are striking black and white umbrellas. But as rain falls on them, the white areas change to reveal the colorful patterns beneath.

The two co-founders and directors of SquidLondon have been impressing some of the top names in the fashion industry since gaining First Class Honours degrees from the University of the Arts London College of Fashion in Product Design and Development. With their passion for innovation in material technology and product design, BBC Radio 4 has said "SquidLondon are the entrepreneurs to watch in the future."

Jaeger and Parkes met in college, and secured the initial funding for their company when they won the second prize in the Business Plan Deustche Bank Award. While developing their business, they made use of a variety of resources, like Business Link, Flying Start boot camp, the British Library IP Centre, and UKTI. Jaeger recommends the programs, especially Flying Start, to anyone starting up a business.

Managing cash flow, Viviane says, has been the biggest challenge they've faced in running their business so far. "As a startup, it's not easy to raise capital," she comments.

Creating a sales strategy was also on the list of challenges until this past April, when they started using Business Plan Pro. Jaeger used it to write a five-year plan detailing the company's long-term strategy. Their goal is to become a recognized design brand in Europe, and ultimately globally, and she says the business planing software has helped them plan a lot more efficiently.

To succeed in their industry, says Viviane, it's important to get the product right before you launch. "There's no point going to market with a product that's not finished," she says. And having good ideas is a start, but making sure those ideas can translate into a business is essential.

Networking, and maintaining good connections with your contacts, is an often overlooked part of doing business, but Jaeger suggests that not only do startups have to spend the time doing it, they have to do it right. "Make sure you always thank people. Industries are small, and you'll always see people again," she comments.

Online social networking is important too, which is why Viviane suggests making use of blogs, Twitter and Facebook to reach your target market. "People (customers) like to see what you are up to, and want to keep in touch. It's an ideal way to share ideas, share things like images from photo shoots, and also to get feedback."

Ultimately, success comes down to perseverance and believing in yourself, according to Viviane. "Make sure you give your business everything you've got," she urges. Be proactive, she advises, and meet new obstacles with energy and passion.

About Palo Alto Software Ltd
Palo Alto Software Limited is a U.K. based company that produces Business Plan Pro the best selling business planning software product. It also develops, publishes and markets other software products for small businesses and entrepreneurs. The company aims to help people succeed in business and they also run the popular business planning website www.Bplans.co.uk.