Question: Kindly give our readers an introduction to your business. Please include what your business is all about, in which city you are located and if you have offices in multiple locations/ cities.
Answer: Lawdit is a commercial law firm which was established in 2001, with offices in London, Southampton, the Isle of Wight and associated offices in Rome, Marbella and Qatar. Our highly experienced team of solicitors offers expertise in all aspects of commercial law but with a heavy emphasis on intellectual property rights.
Question: Kindly give us a brief description about yourself (it should include your brief educational or entrepreneurial background and list some of your major achievements).
Answer: Started by Michael Coyle (A Solicitor and Barrister (Solicitor Advocate) we pride ourselves on treating clients the way we would expect to be treated by any similar service provider.
We provide clear and concise advice in plain English with a particular focus on solutions. We are approachable, dependable and have an excellent rapport with our clients.
Lawdit’s success has been built on hard work and our extensive knowledge has enabled us to grow and to establish ourselves as the law firm of choice for individuals and businesses.
Question: What inspired you to (start a new business venture) or (to make significant changes in an existing business)? How did the idea for your business come about?
Answer: Initially Michael was determined simply to sit at home, wait for the ecommerce revolution to kick in and ‘audit’ websites…..ie Lawdit. But gradually as we have all become so reliant on the Internet Lawdit has grown in to a commercial law firm and pride ourselves on providing clear and concise advice in plain English with a particular focus on solutions. We are approachable, dependable and have an excellent rapport with our clients.
Lawdit’s success has been built on hard work and our extensive knowledge has enabled us to grow and to establish ourselves as the law firm of choice for individuals and businesses.
Question: What three pieces of advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?
Practically
Work 24/7
Humanly
Be honest
Legally
Own the trade mark and make sure everything agreed is in writing
Question: What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
Answer: Be self driven, have a a sense of humour and lots of patience
Question: How many hours do you work a day on average?
Answer: 8-10 hours
Question: To what do you most attribute your success?
Answer: My personality and loyalty to others
Question: How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?
Answer: We have tried to be as organic as possible and so have tried to submit hundreds of articles on our website. At the same time being involved in TV and radio interviews also works
Question: Where did your organizations funding/capital come from and how did you go about getting it? How did you obtain investors for your venture?
Answer: I mortgaged my house!
Question: What is the best way to achieve long-term success?
Answer: There is no magic potion. Hard work, patience and luck
Question: Where you see yourself and your business in 5 – 10 years?
Answer: Doing the same thing but having the developed the four brands
Lawdit ( primary)
Stay Legal
Protectyourdesign
Lawditmusic
As being firmly established
Question: Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
Answer: Apple – brilliant customer relations
Question: How important have good employees been to your success?
Answer: Huge
Question: How long do you stick with an idea before giving up?
Answer: Its not an idea if you give up- so I don’t
Question: What motivates you?
Answer: Dread of being bored
Question: What are your ideals?
Answer: Honesty, laughter and patience
Question: How do you generate new ideas?
Answer: Over a bottle a wine! With colleauges, reading
Question: How do you define success?
Answer: It can apply differently to so many people, I think its achieving what you are capable of and being satisfied that you have done your best
Question: How do you build a successful customer base?
Answer: Loyalty and attracting the right people to trust you with your legal services
Question: What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
Answer: The freedom to choose what you do and the fun in so doing
Question: What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
Answer: Qualifying my 20th Trainee as a Solicitor, Winning my first case in the High Court
Question: What do you feel is the major difference between entrepreneurs and those who work for someone else?
Answer: Madness
Question: What kind of culture exists in your organization? How did you establish this tone and why did you institute this particular type of culture?
Answer: Its reflective of me. Hard working, honest and with a sense of humour
Question: In one word, characterize your life as an entrepreneur.
Answer: Rollercoaster
Question: If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
Answer: Not worry as much
Question: How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?
Answer: It has had a major drain – separated from my wife.
Question: What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?
Answer: That the work stops coming in. Keep working.
Question: How did you decide on the location for your business?
Answer: Where I live so I can be close to the children
Question: Do you believe there is some sort of pattern or formula to becoming a successful entrepreneur?
Answer: No
Question: If you could talk to one person from history, who would it be and why?
Answer: Sir Matt Busby former Man U manager. I am from Stretford and a Season ticket holder at Old Trafford Id love to spend a day in the great man’s company and talk to him about the babes and the 1968 winning team
Question: Who has been your greatest inspiration?
Answer: Sir Alex F!
Question: What book has inspired you the most? (OR what is your favorite book?)
Answer: I loved and still do love to read Great Expectations by Charles D
Question: What are some of the biggest mistakes you’ve made?
Answer: Sometimes too trustworthy, rather naïve.
Question: How can you prevent mistakes or do damage control?
Answer: Recruit good people and talk constantly
Question: What are your hobbies? What do you do in your non-work time?
Answer: Football and running ( I run London and NY marathons every year)
Question: What makes you happy?
Answer: When Im running in a forest with my beats and music screaming out loud to the Manchester band The FALL
Question: What sacrifices have you had to make to be a successful entrepreneur?
Answer: Possibly marriage, possible friendships and missing out on some good trips away
