One of the most engaging elements of the ConnectingDoorz meetings is the guest speakers we have who share their stories honestly and impart the lessons they have learned from starting and building their own businesses.

We call this part of our meetings ‘Lightbulb Moments’ as ConnectingDoorz members often take away valuable insights, ideas and motivation for their own businesses.

In this blog we will share some of the top tips from one of our February guests – James Quayle the owner and creative director of Warpline Films:

So who is James…

Warpline is a Creative Content Production Agency working with SMEs to help them communicate their stories online through the production of premium, engaging content. Specifically Warpline provides video, animation, photography and consultancy services to their clients.

James started Warpline in 2013, following several years working at the BBC, frequenting the sets of Holby City and other shows. He admits that he was very naive in the beginning, with a “build it and they will come” mentally, that, in hindsight, didn’t really work. Since then, Warpline has grown in size and locale over the past four years, moving from his bedroom to their current office on Milton Park, with a strong creative team of four, and a view of adding more people very soon.

James’ ambition is to build Warpline into a global media company, telling great stories from around the world to global audiences. A huge ambition, and one that he has openly said scares the sh*t out of him, and yet one that he feels he can achieve.

Outside of work, James is an avid film fan, watching as many as he can from as many genres and countries as possible.

Lightbulb Moments

Here’s a little insight into some of the lightbulb moments we picked up listening to James shared his story from being a child with a passion for films to a successful business owner of a video production company:

Words don’t Count!

Saying you’re a company doesn’t mean you are a company; you have to behave like one. Don’t be naive and think that setting yourself up and having everything just right i.e. logo, website and cards means that the business will come to you because that’s not how it works. You have to be prepared to go out and network, introduce yourself, build connections and then you may start to get some work.

Have big, no make that huge ambitions and tell people about them!

My ambitions are to be the next Stephen Spielberg and to be able to buy Disney one day. I may not actually buy Disney but I do want to be able to. I want to do as much, if not more, for the film industry as Stephen Spielberg though and that is an ambition that drives me forwards. Don’t worry about what others think of your ambitions – have them for you and make them as ‘humungous’ as you can – leave a legacy and make an impact!!

Two things that hold people back in business are fear and ambition!

Push through your fears by getting on and doing it. If you’re ambition is so big it can be paralysing at times. Break it down and set smaller steps towards achieving the big goals.

Never bullshit!

Always try to be nice to everyone and give people what they need but don’t bullshit. If you don’t know the answer then be honest and say you don’t know it. You never know who people know, who they are going to be and who they’re going to get to know.

Become an expert juggler!

In business, especially in the early days, you will have to do most things yourself and learn to be very good at juggling. As entrepreneurs we’re great at coming up with new ideas and we also get bored easily so do keep an eye on not just how many things you are juggling but what you are juggling and make sure you do it in an effective and efficient way.

What our members thought…

“James is an Entrepreneur in the truest sense of the word. His ambition and positivity is as infectious as his honesty. I left the meeting feeling empowered and motivated. His advice will stay with me for a long while.”

Lisa Benson – B Engaging Marketing Communications