Alan Clarke is the founder of Paste Dental based on the Dublin Road. His team brings together experience from cities renowned for dental care such as London, Los Angeles and Abu Dhabi, with Alan himself training at the renowned Spear Education School in Arizona. Alan has harnessed his learnings from around the world to create a disruptive dental care brand offering new techniques and technology to Belfast.
Be open to learning from others.
One of the most important things that I have learned as an entrepreneur in Belfast is the importance of building a strong network. By connecting with leaders, entrepreneurs and individuals who share your values and passion, and wish to disrupt their own industries, you will learn that your businesses have faced many similar challenges and so you can support one another and plan the route ahead.
One of my closest friends is Phil Stoops, owner of FIXIT Physiotherapy and Training and another healthcare industry disrupter, changing the face of private physiotherapy across the city. Phil has great insights into scaling a successful clinic, having done it himself. The thing with trusted partners and likeminded entrepreneurs is you don’t know what new thought will come from your chat, but it’s this ongoing conversation that stimulates ideas and solutions. There are so many making the brave step into entrepreneurship so it’s important we support each other in that adventure.
Know that not everyone will get it.
Your business idea will seem strange to some, be misunderstood by others and sometimes even criticised by those close to you. This doesn’t mean you are wrong and should change path. If you have an intuitive feeling that you are on the right path, listen to it and trust your product and your purpose.
Your team is your greatest asset.
The entrepreneurial journey is often perceived to be a lonely one. My team at Paste are the most important part of my business. I recognise that they are the fabric of my success so it’s important I nurture them, and empower their own success by letting them find and follow their purpose.
Focus on customer needs.
Understanding your customers’ pain points, challenges, and goals, is the only way to be able to develop products and solutions that respond to their needs. At Paste we are the first practice in locally to use AI technology from Pearl AI to give objective radiographic data to our clients. This allows for early diagnosis and faster treatment. This customer-centric approach informs the entire patient journey at Paste, putting our clients at the centre of why we design, create and innovate, all to make the patient feel understood, valued and respected.
Stay true to your values.
Finally, as an entrepreneur in Belfast, I have learned the importance of staying true to my values. Building a successful business is not just about making money, it is also about making a positive impact in the community. By staying true to my values and prioritising social responsibility, I have been able to build a business that not only generates profit but also contributes to the greater good. Impact is not just measured financially, but for us with our social brand, Paste Cares, our impact will reach far further than we ever first imagined.
For more information visit pastedental.co.uk
