What ViewVo offers is a really cool way to get behind the scenes, to see the bits that you would never get to see as a customer or as an outsider. I had the opportunity to spend the day at the stables and ask all the questions I had but wasn’t sure who to ask. I’ve had a great day and it’s been really helpful – I would highly recommend job shadowing and being able to meet a mentor.

I have long wanted to pursue photography as a career, but I have always stumbled when it came to the Marketing and Business aspects of it. Through ViewVo I was fortunate enough to be introduced to Annie Armitage and had a phone call with her. She was very personable and forthcoming when demystifying Networking and various methods of contacting potential clients in the various fields of photography. She was also good enough to inform me of how to organize editing and other aspects of the day to day running. With her background I can see how she has become a successful photographer. Rest assured, if you talk to Annie, you are receiving advice from one of the very best in the business.

Spending a day with Ali helped me realise I would be better off using my time at University studying fashion and not going with my 'safe option' of Business Studies. Ali is a brilliant designer but her being successful is a combination of creativity with strong business skills. All her business skills she's learned are specific to her industry: a business studies degree for example wouldn't tell me how to build a following on Instagram. I realised I'll learn and develop a huge range of business skills if I go into the fashion world, so I've decided as a result to study fashion.

I'm a self-published author whose book is available in ePub and printed. I wanted to meet with Todd to learn some insight on how I could market my book and increase sales, as currently the public interest is rather limited. I was also looking for advice on publishing another book and wanted to know if it may be better for me to do this through a renowned publisher, rather than self-publishing. The meeting with Todd was really productive – he also bought with him 2 editors and they provided some in depth advice and feedback on my first book, and how to breakthrough in the industry in general which has certainly helped a lot. The advice they shared was really valuable and I’m working through the changes they suggested. I’d definitely recommend this opportunity!

If you have a dream and you want to implement it, it's a risk free way of getting experience without getting hurt. The sorts of things I got help with were how to staff, what sort of ratios you need to work to, I've revised my business plan after we went through it. I'm hoping to open in a few months!

‘The call was brilliant! Sheryl is so awesome and her energy is just infectious. Using Skype worked really well as I’m a mum of two, so we were able to have a break for baby feeding/lunch in the middle. I learnt so much – I have 6 A4 sides of notes and loads of action points to take away. Sheryl shared so much knowledge and I’m definitely reassured that I can go and do this! I can't wait to start my business.’

*Update* 1 month on from Anna's shadowing opportunity with Sheryl, she's setting up her website and has already met her first potential client!