As a small business owner or even a one-man-band, the fewer people you have working for you, the more “hats” you wear. Whether it’s your marketing hat, your delegation hat or your analytical hat, you need to know how to keep track of your company’s finances, look after customer service, create a marketing campaign, resolve technical issues and continue to grow your wealth. Read More
If you are a small business owner or have an entrepreneurial mindset, you believe to some degree in your ability to take effective action, do something and make a difference. This attitude or state of mind is your personal power. Read More
Perception is the way in which something is regarded, understood, or interpreted.
The right price will attract your target customers and ensure you are making a profit. This is one of the most challenging skills you have to learn on your startup or small business journey. Under-pricing prevents you from realising your true profit potential whereas over-pricing might cause you to lose customers. Value-based pricing looks at the price from the customer’s point of view. What would a satisfied customer be prepared to pay? Read More
Are you a small business owner struggling to keep on top of things? Distractions, unrealistic time management, poor task planning and procrastination can all leave you feeling unsuccessful and overwhelmed. There is no single answer or method though and, like many aspects of your business, it takes trial, error and constant review. It comes down to creating a simple system to collect and organise your tasks and a good serve of willpower. After all the work isn’t going to do itself. Read More
Perhaps you started a business plan when the idea for your business first came to you but did you finish it? Is it just in your head? Here is a guide to help get the ideas out of your head and into a plan that will make your business grow. Read More
Do you spend all your time working in your business, not on your business? Is this because you are too busy to do anything about this? As a business grows, things get more complex and it becomes difficult to keep an eye on everything that is happening. Before you know it, mistakes can be made, things forgotten and you feel swamped. It seems easy if you work alone to not prioritise systems as you are not accountable to others. However, here are a few reasons why clarifying workflow systems are the foundations for building a business of any size: Read More
Before you go any further, ask yourself why? Why do you want to start this business? People start businesses for numerous reasons. Some want to be their own boss, others want to follow their passion, many expect to get rich. Some say it is too risky, you might go into debt and there is no such thing as a work/life balance. On the other hand, being in charge of your own business means each day can be full of new challenges and opportunities and you are the master of your destiny. Can you clarify why you want to take a leap and start your own business? Asking questions is an important part of building a successful business plan. Read More
The main reason people don’t reach their goals is that they don’t define them – Denis Watley
How are you going with achieving the goals you set for 2014? Is it time for a quick check to see if you are on track?
Goals go hand in hand with motivation. Setting long and short term goals help keep you moving and gives you the direction where as motivation gives you the energy. Goals and objectives both involve forward motion. You define a destination so tactics can be developed to enable you to get there. A goal define the big picture, the destination. Objectives are about the tactics, the action plans, the method to accomplish the goal. Read More
What message are you sending with your business card? What message does it send if you don’t have one?
Technology has streamlined communication and the ability to connect with clients and businesses. I am often asked if business cards are still relevant today or are they becoming a thing of the past. They are still very relevant today and a vital part of doing business so don’t be caught without yours. Although your first contact with clients may be via email or phone, I believe you shouldn’t go anywhere without your cards. A business card is a miniature advertisement of your brand. Anyone who receives one will have a reminder of your business. You may be very well connected with lots of online social media accounts, but if you turn up to a networking event or a meeting with a client or potential investor, you need to have something to leave behind a reminder of you so you can stay connected. Read More
Procrastination is the thief of time ~ Edward Young
Why do we procrastinate? Have you taken on too much and don’t know where to start? Is the task too hard or do you just not want to do it? The first step to moving forward is to recognise the reason why you are avoiding the task. By identifying the problem, you can find a solution and less procrastination will happen. Below is a list of common sources of procrastination. Read More
