Article 2. The Entrepreneurs (1, 2) Business Handbook by Monocle, Recommended Reading

With the world slowly releasing the pause button and the impact of COVID being realised, there’s an appetite to learn about the pivots businesses and governments have implemented to face the situation. This is in addition to general appetite for information on innovative businesses, business practices and other links in current affairs. 

Navigating information sources for balanced perspectives, quality, an engaging presentation of information, precise design, and diverse content can be a meandering process. However, there is Monocle, which is a treasure trove and consists of print and media content across topics on business and current affairs, governments and policy, travel, style, design, society and lifestyle. 

Their content is specifically great for those aiming to start or develop a side project or business, aiming to learn about innovative structures and achievements across the contemporary world, looking for inspiration or in need of a recharged and reinvigorated mindset.

Based on their Entrepreneurs podcast, which focuses on inspiring journeys of businesses and owners, guidance and information on what creates successful business environments, the first issue of the Entrepreneurs Handbook was released in 2019 with a subsequent issue in April 2020. Issue 2 covers some of the COVID period and is a good read to find out about what some businesses and governments have done under the circumstances. 

Below are some insights and highlights...

The Entrepreneurs Issue 2, Monocle 

An impactful issue that focuses on ‘the tools to fix, secure and refocus your business.’ It covers some of the impact of COVID, highlighting manoeuvres of businesses and governments to face the challenge, as well as topics outside of this. Some favourite sections include: 

•  ‘Doing The Right Thing,’ which looks at fashion businesses pivoting to produce medical supplies, political leaders and their manoeuvres (European Central Bank €750bn stimulus, Mayor of Sydney and financial aid initiatives, and the Mayor of Los Angeles  and microloans), and the Dining Bond Initiative in New York City.

• ‘In This Together,’ which highlights 20 businesses and their owners, founders and senior staff, the impact of the pandemic and their approach to the situation. Closure of locations, cash flow concerns, and supply chain impacts are among the experiences, with approaches from: 

- remote working, taking care of staff and ensuring connection with colleagues.
- digital approaches on communication, events and content (video tours for gallery exhibitions, trade shows, collaboration).
- developing new products such as long-life goods for bakeries and cafes.
- reviewing strategies, strengthening partner, supply chain and client relationships.
- local economy focus.
- focus on family, time and other life important things.
- appreciating freetime and being proactive to learn and pursue creative opportunities.
- rotating working times between teams and every precaution where remote working is not possible. 

• ‘Essays/ Thinking Big,’ with writings on the macroeconomic effect of the pandemic, and other pieces such as an entrepreneur’s worth, and more apprenticeships and less MBAs.

• Outside of the pandemic articles are other items on enhancing the office environment with art, a piece on a winning graphic design firm in Melbourne, start-ups in Armenia, nurturing company culture and bonding, and what external factors that can help young companies thrive.

The Entrepreneurs Issue 1, Monocle 

With the spine lined with the words ‘Business Handbook for Big Ideas,’ it doesn’t fail to meet this. It is filled with case studies, and interviews with business leaders with inspiring details and guidance. Favourite sections include:  

• ‘Friends in the North,’ focuses on East Neuk of Fife, Scotland, where a community of entrepreneurs interlink, grow the local economy, attract folk to live and visit, and ensure a sustainable community. This is through establishing an environment where small businesses could grow, process and sell. Noted is Food from Fife and Bowhouse which establishes this principle, and connected business in organic farming and other local ventures. 

• ‘20 Ideas to Steal,’ which note brief ideas from CEOs, co-founders and directors such as meat alternatives, sustainable initiatives, environmental clean-ups, wellbeing/ solitude, and microfinancing.

• ‘Smarter Art,’ which pieces together creative businesses such as:

  - The Projector, which is a cultural destination in Singapore, built from a converted disused cinema.

  - Salut au Monde, a gallery in Porto which has developed a subscription based model where subscribers/ supporters receive a print from each of its four annual exhibitions.

  - The Cultivist, which is an annual subscription-based business to access art exhibitions and private tours, tailored trips and artist studios.

• Back to School,’ which covers three business schools away from the MBA or other business and finance degrees. Noted are Jolt, which has a subscription based syllabus for start-ups, École Internationale de Boulangerie which teaches organic artisan baking (with business modules), and Haystack Mountain School of Crafts which is an arts and crafts retreat. The section also has tips on running business schools.

• ‘Scaling Up,’ which looks at space and architecture, and its influence on the working environment, wellbeing and communication.

Add both to the reading list… https://monocle.com/