Ceyhan Mihcioglu

Name:

Ceyhan Mihcioglu

Business:

YO'Genie Ltd

Web site:

www.yogenie.com

Years in business:

Number of businesses:

Being totally honest, I can’t work for anyone else as I always want to use my own ideas and have control of what I’m doing. My dad has been a big inspiration to me and has numerous businesses of his own including Inscape Training and Chaps World and has shown me that hard work can lead to living the lifestyle that I wish to live.

I always wrote down a business idea since the age of 15 when I used to tell everyone I’d be a millionaire by the age of 30. However it wasn’t until the end of last year when I was studying Business, Marketing and Enterprise did I realise how much I wanted to get on sooner rather than later.

My business, YO’GENIE.COM, aims to create a student world, where the art of sharing is excelled upon. This means businesses, experts and students alike can interact with one another to share discounts, help, opinions, experiences, photos, files, information… the list is endless relating to student subject matter.

As soon as I thought of YO’GENIE.COM, I knew this would be the one, after all I’m only 19 years of age and I’m better off taking risks now rather than later. Since then I’ve never looked back!

My aspirations have always been to create a beneficial, respected and renowned business, in relation to web based businesses such as Facebook.com, Youtube.com and Google.com.

The way I look at it is your limitations are endless, so why not think big, and even if you don’t make it you’re still going to be very successful.

I began straight away by using a business plan template, and gradually building one up from scratch by myself. Soon after, I booked an appointment with Business Link as I thought I could benefit from their support in regards to expertise and financial support.

I went in with my business plan, and showed that I had the confidence and commitment to pursue my idea. To this date, Business Link have been very helpful and are helping me to generate and grow YO’GENIE.COM.

Setting up a business without doubt affects your lifestyle though, financially in particular. I personally have chosen not to work and commit 100% to the business, which means if they business doesn’t make money, I don’t either. This is particularly difficult in the earlier stages. It’s crucial when setting up a business that you will be able to cope both mentally and physically.

My biggest challenge thus far has been supporting the business financially. However, I have only myself to blame because I don’t want to give any equity of the business away. The outlook is promising though, as I have the commitment and confidence that I can overcome this hurdle.

My biggest success thus far has been to generate the interest I have. For a 19 year old to set up a business which already has shown great interest and support to me personally, means a lot.

Now I want to prove myself and fulfil my goals and ambitions. When your building a business of your own it can be very exciting, which is why I have learnt to take each step in my stride, and think carefully before taking actions and making decisions.

For someone setting up their own business I would say what my dad has always said to me ‘Never give up’ and ‘You can, if you think you can’. Never let anyone put you down, or criticise you in a negative way. Always belief in yourself, it will help you and your business both mentally and physically.

I think in order to become a good entrepreneur you need to be able to show a good idea, but more importantly commitment. If you commit 100% and belief in yourself, no one can stop but yourself.

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