The Apprentice - not just a TV gimmick
If you think reality TV shows are only about giving contestants their five minutes of fame, think again – The Apprentice’s Claire Young says the show has given her “invaluable lessons” on promoting her business.
Claire Young
Speaking at the Manchester Business Growth Summit, Young said The Apprentice had taught her to have a “vulture attitude” to developing her company, Elegant Events.
“Being on The Apprentice taught me to have no shame, so I’m asking everyone for everything and anything, whether it’s the Prince’s Trust or the Lottery. Business Link is a great start, and it’s free,” she said.
Young shot to fame in series four of The Apprentice, were she was nicknamed “the Rottweiler”, for her tenacity and no-nonsense approach to business. After coming running-up in the final, she set up Elegant Events, which specialises in organising weddings.
“Get as much as you can for free, whether it’s PR, opportunities to network, or using social media which costs nothing but time.”
On top of running her own business, Young, who is passionate about entrepreneurship, is also an ambassador for Enterprise UK as well as for The Prince’s Trust.
The Manchester Business Growth Summit that Young was speaking at was organised by the National Business Awards, which is running a series of summits across the UK. The next summit will be in Bristol on March 24th, and will be free to attend.