TGt Meets... Jade Nash

As part of our Entrepreneur Week Specials, we've been speaking to Jade Nash from Choose Leads Ltd.

Tell us a little bit more about your business?

Choose Leads LTD. was set up in 2013 – originally I started as a broker in the direct marketing space. I worked from home, and was making a really good living! But, as with everything in life, this wasn’t enough. I employed a PA/Office Assistant to make sure I could focus more on sales, rather than sending out orders etc. This all felt very grown up!

I then moved quickly and within 8 months employed 3 more sales people and an amazing apprentice. (Who, by the way, is nominated for Wiltshire Apprentice of the year!) In the last few months I have now started a small outbound telemarketing operation which is working progress. The business is now turning over just under 1 million pound a year… but as we all know, it's all about the profit!

What inspired you to set up your business?

After going on the BBC Apprentice in 2012 it gave me the inspiration and drive to ‘go it alone’. My parents are my main inspiration though, both running their own small businesses. My mother is a funeral celebrant, and my father runs a caravan and camping park. They always supported and made me feel like anything is possible – and even if it isn’t… you may as well give it a go!

What do you think attracts people to starting their own business?

I would imagine most people are attracted to having their own business because:

• You can be independent
• You're in charge of your own destiny
• You can implement ideas from the beginning to the end
• Life is too short to work for other people!

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced?

My biggest challenge is employing staff. My industry is pretty cut throat. Staff need to be motivated, and have that ‘want to succeed’. This is lacking in people I have employed (not all of them thankfully), therefore the next task was learning how to let people go! I must admit I almost cried the first time! Now, I am toughened to it!

Do you have a motto or favourite motivational quote?

Success isn’t easy, if it was, everyone would be doing it! Don’t be afraid to fail. What’s the worst that could happen?

What advice would you give someone looking to take the plunge and start a business?

Just do it! Take calculated risks, do one thing well, instead of 10 things badly.

What’s the biggest challenge facing business leaders today?

Business is about evolving – the biggest challenge is making sure you don’t get stuck in a rut. Constantly moving!

What’s been your biggest achievement to date?

Being constantly happy! Well, 99.9% of the time.

When you’re not busy running your business, how do you like to spend your down time?

I have a large social circle and spend almost every weekend away, or out with friends.  I love the gym – because of working so hard I have to have Personal Trainer 3 times a week! Healthy body, healthy mind.