Columns, blogs and opinion from some of the UKs leading business opinion makers and entrepreneurs and small business owners
July marked 75 years since Penguin books began publishing stories. They became renowned for their originality and innovation, which got this Book Midwife thinking back to when she found out that certain publishers out there still think that some books don’t deserve to be written. But it just goes to show that every book deserves to be written and every book deserves to be read!
We all know the importance of having a strong brand in business, but, in this age of social media, where we expect personal interaction rather than corporate spiel, and especially for start-ups and SMEs, where there may only be a small number of people involved, the idea of a personal brand is becoming more and more important.
Let me explain why cold calling is such a big issue for many…..and why vital first stages should be completed before a cold call is made….
In the Den, and broadcast last week, The Dragons were asked to invest in a product called Shopbox, which is a secure, temperature-controlled container for groceries that are ordered online, which then became the subject of a heated discussion on the subject of patents – and a very important lesson for anybody with an invention.
The customer is king so engage them with an experience fit for royalty. Gone are the days of admiration for shop windows and acceptance of repetitive brochure sites. Today’s consumer prizes customer service and their own time above all else when shopping online but most brands are not delivering on these demands.
Maintaining great customer relations requires something of a ‘cult’ instinct. Disregarded by many, but cultivated by true believers, an unadulterated commitment to customer service sets brands apart from competitors.
With the news of the government’s plans to cut jobs in the public sector, together with the statistics that showed an ease in employment during June, the current jobs market certainly looks bleak. But one thought leadership strategist maintains that establishing yourself as a REAL thought leader is the only way to keep your job safe!
“I never prepare for presentations, I just wing it.”
I often hear this said about presentations and I’m not entirely sure I believe this statement. At least, not about successful presentations. This article discusses the need for great preparation for memorable presentations.
If your supplier’s factory burns down and, as a result, you do not receive some goods ordered by one of your customers, both you and your supplier may be said to have suffered from Force Majeure, that is to say an event beyond your control.
There’s lots of advice I could give you about how to get the most out of networking. If you ever want my help with that come and ask me. But these are the most important things to remember, in my opinion:
It really is the age old dilemma…probably the biggest issue afflicting business since the dawn of time. What am I talking about? Of course it is the ‘how much activity is enough’ challenge.
Some publishers think that only some books deserve to be published. But this is the 21st century! Let me tell you why every book deserves to be published.
Andy Preston explains why cold calling is such a big issue for many…..and why vital first stages should be completed before a cold call is made….
Previously I suggested various ways of dealing with late payment by a customer, short of terminating the contract. This time I deal with termination clauses in contracts.
With the Clegg-Cameron coalition finally upon us, there is one thing even entrepreneurs can learn from this – how you too can feel strongly about something and go on to influence others by sharing your potentially game changing ideas in a way that everyone wins!
Whether you’re considering paid or natural search marketing, display ads, sponsorship or online video, social media marketing or contextual advertising, the important thing is to find the channels that provide the highest return on investment for your business.
As businesses strive to beat the competition for the number one spot in the search engines, increased emphasis is being placed on search marketing to achieve it. However, the key to success online is to develop a holistic digital strategy that can do this and much, much more.
