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Robert Craven Website

An Interview With Robert Craven - 'The Entrepreneurship Guru' (The FT)

Who Are You?

"Robert Craven. Managing Director and Founder of The Directors' Centre - the consultancy for fast growing businesses. Robert specialises in strategy and marketing.

Author of 'Kick-Start Your Business' and 'Customer Is King' (Forewords by Sir Richard Branson) published in UK, USA, China... The FT describes him as 'the entrepreneurship guru', The Independent says he is 'truly inspirational'. Clients include: Barclays, Warwick Business School, DTI, Business Links, Tenon, Bighams.

What Do You Do?

"Three things:

One, I run the team at The Directors' Centre, working with owner-managers of fast-growing businesses...

Two, I personally mentor and coach a handful of the UK's most successful MDs and owner-managers...

Three, I have developed an 'international reputation' for my writing and speaking on the subject of entrepreneurship."

And Your Style?

"Challenging, honest and goading are the words that spring to mind! Free of business school nonsense and preoccupied with practical results."

What Have You Done?

"As an owner, I've run a catering business, a sound recording studio, a training company... I was director of training and consultancy for entrepreneurship at Warwick Business School, Associate Professor at Toulouse Business School, designed award-winning training programmes for entrepreneurs... currently working with four MDs of Times Fast Track 100 businesses... written two business best-sellers... "

Why Should I Care?

"I have the track record and credibility. I help you and your team to deliver results in a simple, straightforward manner."

What Can You Do For Me That I Can't Do For Myself?

"I can get you to see your business in a simple and easy-to-understand way so that you can make better and more effective decisions which means that you get to run the business that you really want, which gives you the lifestyle you desire! "

What Mistakes Would You Stop Me Making?

"I would stop you from believing the business school hype that blinds us with science; I'd stop you from believing that you are not in control."

How Else Would You Save Me Money (Or Make Me Money)

"I would help you sort your strategy, your marketing and your teams - you would take control of your business and lead it to success."

Give Me An Example Of One Business You Worked With This Year?

"A food company (£13m t/o) expands at 50+%pa - it started its momentous journey with me three years ago and continues to maintain its meteoric growth rates despite all industry sages claiming that it would be impossible. All the result of some very clever, but simple thinking and sheer hard work from their senior management team."

Why Should I Trust You?

"Look into my eyes...! Seriously, look at the accolades, testimonials and endorsements. Talk to my clients."

How Much Will It Cost Me?

"Not cheap, but on the other hand most clients say they see a return on my fees in the order of fivefold. "

How can I contact Robert?