Brad all over

NEW business ILoveCashback.com (ILC) is the brainchild of online and retail marketing expert Brad Blake, 25, of Houghton Regis, pictured. The site combines price comparison, voucher codes and cash rewards. Here we find out what makes him tick.

Do you think business leadership can be taught or is it something that comes from a natural instinct?

I think it can definitely be taught (or picked up over time) but I do think that once you find something that you’re really interested in, it comes naturally and you learn self-discipline and become very motivated to be the best in what you do.

Where would you like the business to be in 10 years time?

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

I would like ILoveCashback.com to be a household name and the only destination for online shopping worldwide. There are so many savings to be had for everyone!

What positives can you extract from current economic conditions?

Regardless of the conditions, where there is a will, there is a way. Don’t let yourself slow down when in a difficult situation. Think of more innovative ways to get you/your company out there and never give up.

What motivates you to get up in the morning and go to work?

I have a two year old son and I would love for him to grow up seeing that you can make something out of your life from having nothing. I would like him to be inspired and follow his dreams whenever he wants to – whatever they might be!

What is the most important thing in life and why?

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Family. Businesses come and go – your family is here forever.

At what age do you aim to retire and what will you do after that point?

Never! I always seem to come up with new ideas and hopefully always will. Plus, I like what I do so why retire?!

What is the most important thing you learned at school?

I learnt that no matter what, you will never be able to do everything yourself. Never be afraid to ask others for help.

What extra subject should be placed on the curriculum?

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Life. Not sure if it’s possible to be taught but I believe that when you leave school, you are not fully prepared for all that life holds. Good and bad.

Have you ever had to sack someone on the spot and why?

Yes. When I worked in retail, I took over a new store as a store manager and unfortunately, had to suspend several staff members for stealing.

What percentage of your success is inspiration?

70 per cent. Ideas arise from other ideas. My inspiration for ILoveCashback.com has been to see similar websites and come up with ideas to make better versions and help people to save even more money.

What percentage of your success is perspiration?

30 per cent. I find it is definitely about working smarter. You may work so hard that you become stuck in a bubble and find it difficult to look at things from an outsiders/customers point of view.

How do you switch off and relax?

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

To be honest, I don’t want to switch off. I enjoy what I do. But, outside of work hours, I love being with my family and playing with my son. He likes to be free so I find myself in the middle of the field chasing after him most of the time!

How do you measure business success?

That’s a tough one. Off the top of my head, I’d say profit, customer base, reviews, staff morale, but there are a lot more. I also think it’s important to measure success by how it is effecting you/your employees and their lives. A business can’t be successful if you and your staff no longer have a life outside of work!

Related topics: