Mike Foster, who was born and raised in Kidlington and is now based in Didcot, has written The Financial Times Guide to Starting a Business, a practical guide combining essential business knowledge with the mindset needed to succeed as an entrepreneur.
Drawing on more than a decade of experience building, scaling, franchising and selling his own businesses across sectors including bookkeeping, marketing, training and children’s entertainment, Mike brings first-hand insight into the challenges faced by business owners.
Since 2012, he has worked as a business coach, helping entrepreneurs identify the areas of their businesses requiring attention and develop strategies to support growth, teams and customers.
The new book follows Mike’s previous publication, 105 Ways to Accelerate Your Business Success, released in 2023.
“Many start-up guides focus solely on the mechanics of launching a business,” said Mike.
“But I wanted to be brutally honest about the realities and challenges entrepreneurs will face, sharing from my own journey which has included both big successes and a six-figure setback.”
The guide explores the practical and personal challenges of entrepreneurship, from developing a business idea and creating a marketing strategy through to sales, finance, legal structures and operations.
Mike said many people launch businesses because they are highly skilled in their chosen profession but underestimate the demands of running a company.
“Business owners wear many hats and need to understand their strengths, recognise their weaknesses and surround themselves with the right people to succeed,” he said.
Alongside his coaching work, Mike has supported young entrepreneurs through his involvement with local education initiatives. He has served as an enterprise advisor for Enterprise Oxfordshire, formerly OxLEP, supporting links between businesses and schools including Didcot Girls School.
He later helped Enterprise Oxfordshire recruit business advisers to work with secondary schools across the county, sharing entrepreneurial experience with the next generation.
Mike has also contributed to the local community through coaching football.
The Financial Times Guide to Starting a Business is designed to help readers assess whether they are prepared for the realities of entrepreneurship, while providing practical advice on developing confidence, avoiding common mistakes and building sustainable businesses.
The book is available in paperback and e-book formats through retailers including Amazon, Waterstones and other book sellers.
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