At thinkbigbebig Entrepreneurs we’re always on the look out for inspiring people who have a great story to share.

Whilst searching we got introduced to AJ who is the founder of the Ultimate Man Conference who describes himself as “A former shy-guy, who transformed himself from an average ‘wall flower’ who spent countless hours in clubs with his back up against the wall, too afraid to even look at a woman, into a fireball of energy.”  So we asked this fireball of energy some questions.

1. Age: 27

2. Business: Ultimate Man Conference

3. Type of business: Conference/Events – Teaching Men About Confidence and Dating

4. Live Start date: 6 March 2010

5. Tell us about your business:
The Ultimate Man Conference (UMC) brings together a host of experts including: dating & relationship coaches, fashion consultants and mindset & performance coaches to share the insights to their success and empower men to confidently express themselves and who they are – so they can live life fully and create the types of romantic relationships they desire! The events have received much praise and this year UMC Freedom 2011 will be our third event!

6. When did you first decide you wanted to start your own business?
Towards the end of my time at University. To be totally honest my yearn to have a business was sparked by my concern that I would not achieve the right grades required to secure a good job in the highly competitive graduate job market. My first action was to Google ‘how to become a millionaire’! In the end through hard work and persistence I gained good grades – however my interest in having my own business continued to grow and I began to realise that I simply could not see myself working for someone else for the rest of my life.

7. Once you decided to start a business, what did you do first?
I spoke with everyone I knew who had a business and started to learn what having a business entailed. I had never taken an interest in studying business before and so I was literally starting from scratch in terms of my understanding.

8. What research did you do?
In terms of what type of business to create and which niche to focus on – again, I spoke with people who had experience and gained an understanding that it is best to create a business around something I know well and that I am passionate about.

In terms of creating the first Ultimate Man Conference I did very little research on market needs as I felt I already had a very good understanding of what people wanted; Confidence, relationships and dating are always going to be a need for men and women. Also, I had spent 4-5 years studying social skills and confidence and by 2010 I had been coaching men in this area for 2 years with great results – so I knew what I was offering was of real value and people wanted to learn it.

9. How much did it cost to start the business? Zero. I pulled in a lot of favours and ensured ticket sales for my event covered any costs.

10. Is it just you?
While UMC is my creation I’ve always relied upon and had the support of my dedicated network of friends who share my vision – they form the ‘UMC Team’ and help me to set up and run the events.

11. What are your main ambitions?
For the Ultimate Man Conference – to become a world recognised and the number one event where guys can go to receive the best, the simplest and most effective advice on confidence and dating.

For myself, to be a global leader in business and contribute to the world on a global level.

12. What advise would you give to people wanting to do what you do?
I find one of the most powerful tools is talking to people and sharing your ideas, connections and resources. Whatever you want to do – talk to everyone you know about it. I’m continually surprised how quickly results can be achieved simply by talking to people and seeing where you can help them and they can help you. This works both for developing your ideas and for overcoming obstacles.

For more information on the Ultimate Man Conference check out their website or their Facebook Group or book your place at the event here

Great little short film from Derek Sivers about how what you think is obvious to you is amazing to others.

Also check out First Follower: Leadership Lessons from Dancing Guy below.

In a study of 120 senior teams in 11 countries, the Hay Group found that CEOs themselves aren’t always clear on the decisions they want a leadership team to resolve versus those they reserve for themselves. The research findings identified six steps that increase the likelihood of a senior team evolving into an efficient and effective unit capable of leveraging its collective expertise to address an enterprise’s most important challenges and opportunities.

These are:

1. Deciding you need a team.
2. Creating a compelling purpose for the team.
3. Getting the right people on and the wrong ones off.
4. Giving a team the solid structure it needs to work.
5. Giving it the support it needs to succeed.
6. Coaching the team.

Original source: http://www.chiefexecutive.net