Sick of being a slave to ‘the man’? Thinking of branching out on your own two feet? Then check out Inventor Tom’s Top-Tips on ‘How to Start Your Own Business’, in this brilliant interview with Marie Claire….

How To Start Your Own Business: The Apprentice Winner Tom Pellereau Shares His Tips

Former The Apprentice candidate and entrepreneur Tom Pellereau took home the coveted £250,000 investment prize in 2011 after Lord Alan Sugar chose him as the winner on the BBC show. Since then Tom has launched his business idea of curved nail files onto the mass market that are currently stocked at Sainsburys. The line is now being expanded to feature a range of nail care products. Inspired? Then read on as Tom shares his best tips for new business start ups.

Be obsessive: Have an almost morbid fascination about your products or service and know every detail. Philip Green apparently knew the cost of every button stocked, James Dyson made 6000 prototypes and Steve Jobs was utterly obsessive about Apple products. This is not easy, Lord Sugar regularly berates me for not knowing my details.

Be nice: I don’t think you need to be nasty to succeed in business. In fact I think there is huge benefit in being nice. When starting a business people don’t have to work with you or even take your calls. However, if you make working together a pleasure, there is much more incentive for people to work with or buy from you.

Analyse and act: The saying (which has to be said in a Yorkshire accent) goes ‘You can’t fatten a duck by weighing it.’ Analysis and planning are crucial, but don’t let them paralyse you from getting stuck in. Often a good plan today is much better than a perfect plan tomorrow.

Learn from the masters: And from those who’ve made it. Read or listen to business books, autobiographies, podcasts or tweets from those you respect. Having disliked reading all my life, at 21 I was given my first business book. I’ve loved them ever since.

Be 10 times better: Focus on making your product or service 10 times better, not just a little bit better. Existing market places are very difficult to crack. For example, for a new product to get into a major retailer, something else has to come out. This requires work from the buyer, the warehouse and the finance team.

Explain why is it better: Make it blindly obvious, why your offering is better. Ideally using a few words as possible: ’1000 songs in your pocket’ – iPod, ‘no loss of suction’ – Dyson. ‘Trim without the ping’ – Stylfile S-Clippers. Customers don’t want to read long sentences or waffle, they want a clear answer. I often imagine I’m on a market stall and have 3 seconds to explain to passers by why they should buy. Then, when you find a message that works, keep repeating it.

Money: I’m sorry to say clients don’t always pay on time. Have a system that every week checks who is due to pay you money that week. Send polite reminders a few days before and keep a close eye until they’ve paid. Seems simple and obvious, but often clients have a range of payment terms so it can be tricky.

Use tools: Keep an eye out for tools that make life easier and smarter. I use the following almost every day: Dropbox – storing and sharing files, Evernote – making notes, Basecamp – project management, Excel – track payments and stock, Xobni – search Outlook emails and skitch – make notes on photos. All of these tools have massively increased my productivity. Keep an eye out for technologies that can make your life and business better.

 
You can check out the original article here.

Check out the S-File’s appearance in t! Magazines beauty selection as Number 2 in the latest and greatest go-to products that won’t break the bank!…..

‘The curved S creates a natural nail shape and helps prevent splitting – genius!’ 

Thanks guys!

We were really excited to feature in last weeks Edition of HeraldScotland.com, giving you tips on the perfect at home mini-mani-pedi!

“Make-up Manifesto: pamper yourself with a mini manicure or pedicure”

“We all need a little ‘at home’ pampering every once in a while.

Some of us just don’t have the time to book into a beauty salon and get a manicure and pedicure. That’s where my at home mani/pedi routine will come in handy for those days where you feel like treating yourself and don’t have much time.

Step one

Remove any old nail varnish and residue from your nails and toe nails using a nail varnish remover. Then fill two large bowls (one for feet and one for hands) with warm water and a few squirts of lemon juice. Lemon juice will help brighten your nails and keep them strong. Let your hands and feet rest for five minutes in the bowl, remove and then gently push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher.

Step two

Using a foot file remove any dead skin from the soles of your feet and buff gently for soft soles – my favourite foot file is the Margaret Dabb’s Superior foot file. It is perfect for a professional-feel pedicure and also comes with four replacement pads. To exfoliate your hands I recommend using an specialised exfoliator. The L’occitane One Minute hand scrub is fast acting and leaves your hands feeling soft. But you can make your own with some sugar and essential oils.

Step three

Buff and file your nails. To make life easier I like to use the Stylfile. It is an s-shaped file that creates a perfect and professional oval shape to your nails. Buff your nails with a soft buffer – buffing creates a smooth base for your nail polish to glide on too.

Step four

Apply a base coat and then your chosen shade of choice – pastel and nude shades are a big hit this season. For fast drying nail varnish try the brand Seche – their Nude Crème is a muted creamy polish which looks gorgeous worn on fingers and toes. Finish off with a top coat to ensure your home mani/pedi lasts.

Step Five

Once your nail varnish is dry, it is important to moisturise the skin on your feet and hands. Spritz on some Margaret Dabb’s intensive treatment foot oil – it smells great and leaves your feet soft and nourished. Don’t forget to apply a luxurious hand and nail cream too – this will keep your skin and cuticles moisturised.”

You can find the original article here

Get ready for some emergency biscuit moments and boardroom breakdowns.

To make your sweepstake planning easy, we’ve created a downloadable sweepstake word document. Good luck!

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

See below for further details….

It couldn’t be easier. With your Twitter account follow @stylfile, and RT one of that weeks File Friday tweets or include #ff and #FileFriday in your own tweet, while the competition is open.

For example “#ff @stylfile  #Filefriday” You can also make your Tweet a bit more personal if you like, for example “#ff to @stylfile I hope I win this weeks #filefriday I love wine!”

If you don’t have a twitter account you can set one up here

Good luck!

The Stylfile Team

Please Note: Twitter Competition Terms and Conditions

1. The prize draw opens on Friday, 3rd May 2013 and closes at 21:00 the same day.
2. To enter the draw, entrants must follow @Stylfile on Twitter.
3. 1 winner and 2 runners up will be notified by Monday, 6th May 2013.
4. In order to qualify, participants must tweet @Stylfile with tweet containing #FileFriday or retweet one of our #FileFriday tweets. The winners/runners-up will be picked at random.
5. The winner will receive the specified prize, runners up will receive 1 x Stylfile S-File. The decision of the judges is final and no correspondence or discussion shall be entered into.
6. The Tweet may not contain libellous, sexually explicit, disparaging or other inappropriate content.
7. No entry may contain unlawful, obscene or objectionable material. Stylfile also reserves the right at any time during the prize draw to remove or disqualify any Tweet when it believes in its sole discretion that the entrant has: (i) infringed any third party’s copyright; (ii) does not comply with these Terms and Conditions; (iii) failed to obtain the necessary consents as set out in these terms and conditions.
8. Employees of Stylfile and their immediate families or those living in the same household of each such employee are not eligible to enter this prize draw.
9. The entrant must be the original creator of the Tweet and must have obtained the necessary permissions for the inclusion of copyrighted images (if any) within the Tweet. The Tweet must not infringe the rights of privacy and publicity, copyright, trademarks or intellectual property rights of any person or organisation.
10. If the entrant uses any material or elements in the Tweet which are subject to the rights of a third party, the entrant must obtain prior to submission of the Tweet, the necessary consents from such party to enable Stylfile to use and showcase the Tweet. Such consent(s) shall be at the expense of the entrant. A non-exhaustive list of such material or elements include: name, likeness of any person and/or audio-visual material which the entrant does not own.
11. This prize draw is only open to residents of theUnited Kingdom. Entrants must be over 16 years of age.
12. By entering this prize draw, entrants agree that Stylfile may: (i) showcase their Tweets on Stylfile website and any other media in connection with the Prize draw and use their names, likenesses, photographs and/or biographical information (as it appears on Twitter) and Tweets for advertising, publicity and promotional purposes without additional compensation.
13. The entrant agrees that Stylfile shall not be liable for any claims, costs, liabilities, damages, expenses and losses arising out of (i) Stylfile use of the entrant’s Tweet; (ii) the entrant’s participation in the prize draw; (iii) technical failures of any kind including but not limited to problems or delays arising from software or equipment malfunctions or computer viruses; (iv) any events outside Stylfile reasonable control. Nothing in this clause shall be construed to exclude or limit Stylfile liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence or any other liability which by law cannot be excluded or limited.
14. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English law and the Parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

Tweet @Stylfile with the hashtag of your choice and enter to win your choice of gadget from the list below!

Happy #FileFriday

Prize:

This week our #FileFriday winner will be able to choose 1 prize from the following gadgets!!:

1. Wireless Speakers:

Uses NFA (Near Field Audio) to pick up on the phones frequency and amplify the sound. No need for wires or cables, just touch your phone to the speaker and select a song!

2. Iphone camera fishlens:

Detachable screw on fish eye lens. Compatible with iphone 4/4s/5. Angle of view 160. Slimline protective case fits on to the back of the handset, simply screw on the lens whenever you want to use it. Compatible with iphone 4/4s/5, angle of view 160, slimline protective case fits on to the back of the handset, simply screw on the lens whenever you want to use it.

3. Remote controlled helicopter controlled by Iphone or Android smartphones:

Syma iCopter iPhone and Android RC Helicopter is a smartphone-controlled toy helicopter that’s not only fun to fly, but also very durable due to its sturdy metal frame. It is easy to fly and control, making it an ideal choice for beginners or as a cracking gift. The helicopter consists of a built-in gyro system that gives precision control during flight and a 3-channel IR control system for free movement through the air. Being lightweight and small in size, it is very agile and flies at high speeds. Download the free application for iPhone and Google Android from the respective application store, plug in the IR connector and start flying!

FEATURES: – Durable metal frame – Upgraded gyro system for good control – 2 selectable frequencies allows to fly up to 2 Helicopters – Auto Stable & Precision Speed – Portable & Light Weight – Ability to withstand crashes – Super-Wide infrared control – Easy to use – 3-channel, Infrared Control (Allows for Forward/Backward, Left/Right, Up/Down movements) TECHNICAL SPECS:: – Product size: 19 x 3.5 x 9.5 cm

How to enter:

It couldn’t be easier! With you Twitter account follow @Stylfile and tweet us the # of your guess, for example “@Stylfile #ff_mark”. If you don’t have a twitter account you can set one up here Good luck! The Stylfile Team

Please Note: Twitter Competition Terms and Conditions

1. The prize draw opens on Friday, 26th April 2013 and closes at 21:00 the same day.
2. To enter the draw, entrants must follow @Stylfile on Twitter.
3. 1 winner and 2 runners up will be notified by Monday, 29th April 2013.
4. In order to qualify, participants must tweet @Stylfile with their # answer or retweet the @Stylfile competition tweet including their # guess. The winners/runners-up will be picked at random.
5. The winner will receive the specified prize, runners up will receive 1 x Stylfile S-File. The decision of the judges is final and no correspondence or discussion shall be entered into.
6. The Tweet may not contain libellous, sexually explicit, disparaging or other inappropriate content.
7. No entry may contain unlawful, obscene or objectionable material. Stylfile also reserves the right at any time during the prize draw to remove or disqualify any Tweet when it believes in its sole discretion that the entrant has: (i) infringed any third party’s copyright; (ii) does not comply with these Terms and Conditions; (iii) failed to obtain the necessary consents as set out in these terms and conditions.
8. Employees of Stylfile and their immediate families or those living in the same household of each such employee are not eligible to enter this prize draw.
9. The entrant must be the original creator of the Tweet and must have obtained the necessary permissions for the inclusion of copyrighted images (if any) within the Tweet. The Tweet must not infringe the rights of privacy and publicity, copyright, trademarks or intellectual property rights of any person or organisation.
10. If the entrant uses any material or elements in the Tweet which are subject to the rights of a third party, the entrant must obtain prior to submission of the Tweet, the necessary consents from such party to enable Stylfile to use and showcase the Tweet. Such consent(s) shall be at the expense of the entrant. A non-exhaustive list of such material or elements include: name, likeness of any person and/or audio-visual material which the entrant does not own.
11. This prize draw is only open to residents of theUnited Kingdom. Entrants must be over 16 years of age.
12. By entering this prize draw, entrants agree that Stylfile may: (i) showcase their Tweets on Stylfile website and any other media in connection with the Prize draw and use their names, likenesses, photographs and/or biographical information (as it appears on Twitter) and Tweets for advertising, publicity and promotional purposes without additional compensation.
13. The entrant agrees that Stylfile shall not be liable for any claims, costs, liabilities, damages, expenses and losses arising out of (i) Stylfile use of the entrant’s Tweet; (ii) the entrant’s participation in the prize draw; (iii) technical failures of any kind including but not limited to problems or delays arising from software or equipment malfunctions or computer viruses; (iv) any events outside Stylfile reasonable control. Nothing in this clause shall be construed to exclude or limit Stylfile liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence or any other liability which by law cannot be excluded or limited.
14. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English law and the Parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

What they say: With two different abrasive sides, the all-new S-file is the two-step nail file that shapes and smoothes the nail. The unique curved design makes filing quick and easy, and the high quality abrasive lasts up to 12 months, meaning nails can be kept beautiful all year long.

What we say: Absolutely brilliant! Where has this been my whole life?

Fresh from winning The Apprentice, Tom Pellereau has launched his file range in Clicks.

I love this S-File because it has been designed to follow the natural curve of your nail, making it SUPER easy to file your nails and get them even. This is something I really struggle with!

It’s especially fab for getting the on-trend ‘oval’ nail shape – massive for winter, I promise!

This particular file has two different grits. One to shorten, and one to then shape your nails.

ROUGE RATING: 5/5

Thanks for the brilliant review Emmy, we’re really glad you’re a fan of the S-File and that word of the s-curve is spreading!!! You can fine the original article and read more great beauty reviews from Rouge here.

Your ODEON Gift card can be used to buy tickets in cinema and online at odeon.co.uk and to buy food, drink and most other retail items sold in our participating cinemas in the UK.

Participating cinemas include all UK ODEON/ABC Cinemas including BFI IMAX with the exception of the purchase of food and drink at “The Lounge” (in ODEON Whiteleys).

Please note: ODEON Gift Cards cannot be used to make purchases over the telephone.

Gift Card Terms and Conditions are available here

How to enter:

It couldn’t be easier. With your Twitter account follow @stylfile, and RT one of that weeks File Friday tweets or include #ff and #FileFriday in your own tweet, while the competition is open.

For example “#ff @stylfile  #Filefriday” You can also make your Tweet a bit more personal if you like, for example “#ff to @stylfile I hope I win this weeks #filefriday I love wine!”

If you don’t have a twitter account you can set one up here

Good luck!

The Stylfile Team

Please Note: Twitter Competition Terms and Conditions

1. The prize draw opens on Friday, 19th April 2013 and closes at 21:00 the same day.
2. To enter the draw, entrants must follow @Stylfile on Twitter.
3. 1 winner and 2 runners up will be notified by Monday, 22nd April 2013.
4. In order to qualify, participants must tweet @Stylfile with tweet containing #FileFriday or retweet one of our #FileFriday tweets. The winners/runners-up will be picked at random.
5. The winner will receive the specified prize, runners up will receive 1 x Stylfile S-File. The decision of the judges is final and no correspondence or discussion shall be entered into.
6. The Tweet may not contain libellous, sexually explicit, disparaging or other inappropriate content.
7. No entry may contain unlawful, obscene or objectionable material. Stylfile also reserves the right at any time during the prize draw to remove or disqualify any Tweet when it believes in its sole discretion that the entrant has: (i) infringed any third party’s copyright; (ii) does not comply with these Terms and Conditions; (iii) failed to obtain the necessary consents as set out in these terms and conditions.
8. Employees of Stylfile and their immediate families or those living in the same household of each such employee are not eligible to enter this prize draw.
9. The entrant must be the original creator of the Tweet and must have obtained the necessary permissions for the inclusion of copyrighted images (if any) within the Tweet. The Tweet must not infringe the rights of privacy and publicity, copyright, trademarks or intellectual property rights of any person or organisation.
10. If the entrant uses any material or elements in the Tweet which are subject to the rights of a third party, the entrant must obtain prior to submission of the Tweet, the necessary consents from such party to enable Stylfile to use and showcase the Tweet. Such consent(s) shall be at the expense of the entrant. A non-exhaustive list of such material or elements include: name, likeness of any person and/or audio-visual material which the entrant does not own.
11. This prize draw is only open to residents of theUnited Kingdom. Entrants must be over 16 years of age.
12. By entering this prize draw, entrants agree that Stylfile may: (i) showcase their Tweets on Stylfile website and any other media in connection with the Prize draw and use their names, likenesses, photographs and/or biographical information (as it appears on Twitter) and Tweets for advertising, publicity and promotional purposes without additional compensation.
13. The entrant agrees that Stylfile shall not be liable for any claims, costs, liabilities, damages, expenses and losses arising out of (i) Stylfile use of the entrant’s Tweet; (ii) the entrant’s participation in the prize draw; (iii) technical failures of any kind including but not limited to problems or delays arising from software or equipment malfunctions or computer viruses; (iv) any events outside Stylfile reasonable control. Nothing in this clause shall be construed to exclude or limit Stylfile liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence or any other liability which by law cannot be excluded or limited.
14. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English law and the Parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

Tweet @Stylfile with the hashtag of your choice and enter to win a paint-balling adventure for you and 7 friends!!

Happy #FileFriday

Prize:

Imagine crashing through the undergrowth, dodging paintballs, hiding behind buses or helicopters and spying on enemies. This is a real chance to shake off those day-to-day responsibilities and rekindle a spirit of adventure. On arrival, get kitted out with full body armour, head protection and the latest USA-spec rapid-fire semi-automatic machinegun. Begin with a briefing from the friendly DF marshalling staff, prior to selecting a game zone of choice. There are six zones in all and as many or as few can be played as you like. Paintballs are not included but there is no limit on how many can be bought on the day and hot drinks are on tap throughout. The day will finish with a debrief and awards presentation.

• Entry for eight people into one of the UK’s top paintball venues
• Protective clothing and guns are included
• Choose from six challenging game zones
• Paintballs are not included but you’re welcome to buy as many as you like on the day

PLEASE NOTE!:

Participant Guidelines: Minimum age 10. Paintballing is physically demanding and paintballs can bruise you if you get hit.

Weather: Paintballing will go ahead whatever the weather.

Duration: If you choose to stay for the full day then please expect to be at the venue for approximately seven hours, beginning at 9am and ending at around 4pm. Please arrive a few minutes early to ensure a prompt start. Lunch will be at around 1.30pm.

Numbers On Day: There is no limit to the amount of participants but there will be no more than 20 to each marshall.

Spectators: Spectators are welcome but must remain in the safety zone at all times. Viewing of the actual experience will be limited. Bring a camera as there will be some great shots to be taken in the safety area.

Dress Code: Wear old clothes (ideally layers or thick, padded clothing) and trainers or walking boots. Full body armour and face masks are provided.

How to enter:

It couldn’t be easier! With you Twitter account follow @Stylfile and tweet us the # of your guess, for example “@Stylfile #ff_james”.

If you don’t have a twitter account you can set one up here

Good luck!

The Stylfile Team

Please Note: Twitter Competition Terms and Conditions

1. The prize draw opens on Friday, 12th April 2013 and closes at 21:00 the same day.
2. To enter the draw, entrants must follow @Stylfile on Twitter.
3. 1 winner and 2 runners up will be notified by Monday, 15th April 2013.
4. In order to qualify, participants must tweet @Stylfile with their # answer or retweet the @Stylfile competition tweet including their # guess. The winners/runners-up will be picked at random.
5. The winner will receive the specified prize, runners up will receive 1 x Stylfile S-File. The decision of the judges is final and no correspondence or discussion shall be entered into.
6. The Tweet may not contain libellous, sexually explicit, disparaging or other inappropriate content.
7. No entry may contain unlawful, obscene or objectionable material. Stylfile also reserves the right at any time during the prize draw to remove or disqualify any Tweet when it believes in its sole discretion that the entrant has: (i) infringed any third party’s copyright; (ii) does not comply with these Terms and Conditions; (iii) failed to obtain the necessary consents as set out in these terms and conditions.
8. Employees of Stylfile and their immediate families or those living in the same household of each such employee are not eligible to enter this prize draw.
9. The entrant must be the original creator of the Tweet and must have obtained the necessary permissions for the inclusion of copyrighted images (if any) within the Tweet. The Tweet must not infringe the rights of privacy and publicity, copyright, trademarks or intellectual property rights of any person or organisation.
10. If the entrant uses any material or elements in the Tweet which are subject to the rights of a third party, the entrant must obtain prior to submission of the Tweet, the necessary consents from such party to enable Stylfile to use and showcase the Tweet. Such consent(s) shall be at the expense of the entrant. A non-exhaustive list of such material or elements include: name, likeness of any person and/or audio-visual material which the entrant does not own.
11. This prize draw is only open to residents of theUnited Kingdom. Entrants must be over 16 years of age.
12. By entering this prize draw, entrants agree that Stylfile may: (i) showcase their Tweets on Stylfile website and any other media in connection with the Prize draw and use their names, likenesses, photographs and/or biographical information (as it appears on Twitter) and Tweets for advertising, publicity and promotional purposes without additional compensation.
13. The entrant agrees that Stylfile shall not be liable for any claims, costs, liabilities, damages, expenses and losses arising out of (i) Stylfile use of the entrant’s Tweet; (ii) the entrant’s participation in the prize draw; (iii) technical failures of any kind including but not limited to problems or delays arising from software or equipment malfunctions or computer viruses; (iv) any events outside Stylfile reasonable control. Nothing in this clause shall be construed to exclude or limit Stylfile liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence or any other liability which by law cannot be excluded or limited.
14. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English law and the Parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.