Turning Ideas into Reality
The second week of the Man Cave session we kicked off with a session dedicated to the importance of developing an idea and turning it into reality. The session was led by Ben Ravilious the owner of Leicester Start Up who shared valuable insights on moving from just having an idea to making it a tangible product.
Ben emphasized that while having an idea is crucial, the real challenge lies in executing it. He discussed various steps to bring an idea to life, starting with determining whether your idea is viable. This involves researching your audience and seeking feedback to ensure your idea is relevant to their needs.
The session covered the concept of building a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and the significance of knowing your target audience. Ben stressed the importance of engaging with potential customers early on and gathering their feedback, which can be invaluable during the development phase.
He also advised participants not to over-plan but to take action instead. Sharing your idea with others, seeking feedback, and asking for help from your network are key steps. Ben provided tips on assessing whether your idea is worth pursuing and recommended some books for further reading to help participants refine their business ideas.
The session was particularly helpful for those in the early stages of starting a business. Participants found the discussion insightful and appreciated the practical advice they received.
it was a welcome opportunity to plant the seeds of entrepreneurship in the minds of some lads with loads of potential
Ben Ravilious, Leicester Start-ups
Marketing and Branding Workshop: Building a Strong Foundation
Week 3, The Man Cave series continued with a session on marketing and branding, facilitated by Curtis and Becky from Iconic Group, with additional support from Tracy from Samworth Brothers. Tracy contributed by offering guidance to the young participants and sharing ideas on effective marketing and branding strategies.
The session began with an activity where participants identified various brands and logos, highlighting the importance of strong branding. Tracy provided further insights on how to leverage tools like ChatGPT for marketing research and branding ideas, making the process more accessible for the participants.
Following this, the group engaged in discussions on how to create an effective brand and understand their target audience. The session also introduced participants to the basics of sourcing suppliers, covering topics like cost, quality, and reliability.
In addition to branding, participants learned about advertising strategies, including the use of social media and print media. They explored how to develop a social media advertising plan and the role of networking in building a brand.
The session was well-received, with participants gaining practical knowledge on branding and marketing, which they could immediately start applying to their businesses. Tracy's contributions, in particular, were valued for offering real-world insights and practical tools to support their entrepreneurial journeys.
From the moment we arrived, both the staff and the young participants made us feel incredibly welcomed and appreciated. The environment was one of respect and enthusiasm, which set a positive tone for the sessions. It was clear that the staff had done an excellent job of preparing the young people, as they were highly engaged and eager to learn from the outset.
Curtis Matthews, Iconic-Group.
We are confident that the young people who attended the workshops now have more of an understanding of Branding, Marketing, and Business Finance.
Becky Edwards Iconic-Group.
Written by
Jennifer Rodall
VIP Youth Worker
If you are a business and you would like to get involved in the work that we do by providing valuable work experience/work trials, please get in touch using the email address below.
Youth Justice Project Development Manager
Chikodi Lori
chikodi@leicestershirecares.co.uk
To read about our Power to Change approach, click on the link below:
For more information and insight into our Youth Justice Projects click the links below:
https://www.leicestershirecares.co.uk/about-charity/news-events-/vipphoenix-careers-and-hoodie-design-day/
https://www.leicestershirecares.co.uk/about-charity/news-events-/vipphoenix-mock-interview-preparation-event-pathways-and-nelsons-solicitors/
https://www.leicestershirecares.co.uk/about-charity/news-events-/hinckley-and-rugby-building-society-budgeting-workshop/
https://www.leicestershirecares.co.uk/about-charity/case-studies/jg-work-experience-case-study/
Listen to Our Podcast All Things Youth Justice
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/2Ysw35d3jvrKBmrQk2y8Sj?si=aba613797d414b1f
I thoroughly enjoyed being part of the Man Cave session, it was a great opportunity for the group to be involved in some great sessions, which were led by some great professionals. It is always great to be involved in these projects.
Tracy Renshaw Communications and Engagement Partner - Walker & Son