Doug Cooper, music website entrepreneur

Tell us what you do for a living?

I run a music website www.ukmusic.com

Can you describe what that involves?

Oh where to begin?! I run a music website that involves looking after all areas of the business including editorial, financial, advertising, marketing, and technical! I speak to advertisers, pr companies and record labels as well as technical teams and companies that approach us about new business opportunities.

What do you enjoy about your job?

The challenge of working for myself and the variety of work involved.

Is there anything you do not enjoy?

When you set up your own business all the responsibility falls on you and you end up doing all the little odd jobs as well as the big important decision-making. It can sometimes feel like the workload is never ending and that there aren’t enough hours in the day!

Can you describe what a day in your job might be?

No one-day is the same as the next. It depends what the focus for that day is and what needs doing. It is important to priorities your work and go from there.

What hours do you work?

All day everyday! Normal office hours just don’t apply when you run your own company. Sometimes I am still working at midnight! But it’s something I enjoy and I get great satisfaction from making things happen

How much do you earn or what is your salary?

It’s never easy starting a business and there are a lot of costs involved. I am hoping I can retire by the age of 30 as a dotcom millionaire! Now wouldn’t that be nice…

How long have you been working in this area?

I’ve worked in the music industry since I was 17 and have just worked my way up. This has given me great contacts for the website. The website has been running for a good few years and is going from strength to strength.

Can you tell us how you got to where you are?

Dream and vision. Work your way to the top and reach for the stars. You can get there if you push yourself and make it happen.

Can you tell us about your education to date?

I left school at 17 and just worked my way up in the music industry, learning the ropes as I went along. That’s the way it works in this business.

Can you tell us about any training you have sought/received?

That all sounds very official! I’ve learnt on the job and taken myself off to music seminars and conventions as well as online conferences. I work hard and play hard. It’s all about establishing and making contacts and being in the know. That’s how you survive in this game and you have to stay one step ahead.

Have you learnt any new skills whilst doing this job? If yes, please tell us what they are.

Yes. I’ve had to educate myself on the online industry. It’s been a massive learning curve but is now second nature and seems to be the way the music industry is going anyway – so a natural progression!

Did you come across any problems getting this job?

There are problems that I’ve come up against but you learn as you go along become educated on the industry you’re working in. Setting up my own business has by far been the biggest challenge of my career. There is so much to learn and so much to do, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Looking back, would you choose the same job again? If no, what would you choose if you could start again?

I wouldn’t change a thing. I live by the policy of no regrets. It’s best that way.

Thinking about your personal experience, what advice would you give to someone hoping to follow a similar career path?

Work hard, keep at it and make your dreams come true. Be careful of sharks, don’t make enemies, as the industry is so small it could come back and bite you! Knowledge is power.

Do you have an aspiration/goal for your future career?

Just to keep at it and grow my empire!

How will you try and get there?

Hard work and perseverance.

How long do you think it will take you?

2 years but my work will never be done.