Top tips for starting a business whilst studying

As students find out their A-level results, many will be off to university. But lots won't just be studying as more and more students are choosing to pursue entrepreneurship alongside their degree. Experts from NACUE, which engages students in enterprise, share tips for starting a business whilst studying.

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1. Dare to be different

You'll probably find that a lot of your friends are out partying whilst you're in your room working on the latest version of your elevator pitch. It's times like those you're likely to want to throw in the towel and just put your business plans on hold, but don't! Dare to be different and remember there will be other nights out.

Julieta Ose, founder of all-natural fruit juice brand OxyOse, started her business at the age of 16 whilst studying at South Thames College. She says: "You can't give up. You've gotta have the vision for [your business]. As long as you have a vision you're halfway there. Just walk towards it, don't look back, carry on walking and you will get there one day."

2. Network! Network! Network!

You can never underestimate the power of networking. As the old saying goes: 'It's not about what you know, but who you know.' Sadly, you'll often find that the saying proves true when it comes to setting up your own business. You may have to lean back on your business contacts from time to time.

It's great to get out there and network whenever you have the opportunity. Whether that be through joining an enterprise society at your university, or attending events in the wider business community, you've got to get networking.

Extra tip: Make sure you've got your LinkedIn account updated and in tip-top shape.

3. Share the load and consider a business partner

Allow others to help you. When starting and growing a business, there's a lot to do! Considering a business partner could help ease the workload, and they'd be a great person to bounce ideas off. Also remember once you enter into a partnership, your business partner's contacts become yours.

Sharing is caring!

4. Be proactive

If you say you're going to do something you should! You should never make a promise you cannot keep so it's best to always be proactive. You need to be able to prove you are serious and that only works by doing what you have said you would.

Pete Bailey, 24, is the founder of South Africa Challenge. The project brings together teams of young people to help them develop businesses. He advises: _"_Don't talk about stuff, just go out and do it. Don't hold back."

5. Find a mentor

University is probably the best place to be when planning to start a business. You're exposed to so many different people and experiences that will shape you and your business ideas. Finding a mentor, perhaps a tutor or a business/economics lecturer will not be hard. You'll often find that many are in fact entrepreneurs or have had experience in enterprise beyond education.

6. Consistency is key

Be tenacious. If you really believe in your idea and want to see it work, you have to be consistent. Follow through with the ideas you put out there, and do not take no for an answer.

Josh Dominguez, 21, an economics and international business student at Manchester Metropolitan University, and co-founder of UniBridge enterprise society sees reliance as fundamental to being a great entrepreneur. He says: "Fail to plan, plan to fail. Be tenacious and never give up. You need to be open to listening and learning, great at engaging with people and self management."

This post was originally published in September 2014.

We can help you grow you student business. Join Enterprise Nation today and become part of an amazing community of small business owners.