Author Archives: Jon Stow

Emulating and bettering the best in business

Posted on September 6, 2012 by Jon Stow

  Cyber wars There was an interesting take recently on the Apple v Samsung wars, in which accuse the other of violating their intellectual property particularly with regard to mobile or cell phones. Apple had a really big win on … Continue reading →

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Do you really have a business? Part 3

Posted on September 3, 2012 by Jon Stow

Putting all your eggs in too small a basket Leisure renting is popular. Those who know me better are aware that I have an interest in let property. There is quite a boom in buy-to-let even in these difficult times. … Continue reading →

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Sales and marketing and the butcher’s apostrophe

Posted on September 2, 2012 by Jon Stow

It is always dangerous to write about grammar, spelling and punctuation. We all make the occasional mistake. In writing a blog post like this we’re all allowed the odd contraction (see?) to be more conversational than we might be in … Continue reading →

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Do you really have a business? Part 2

Posted on August 31, 2012 by Jon Stow

Out in the country Last time I discussed the problems for a catering-type business in town, in part limited by the premises and the high rents. At least if they had proper footfall they could make money with the right … Continue reading →

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Do you really have a business?

Posted on August 28, 2012 by Jon Stow

Leaving jobs I see many small business owners during the course of a year. Some are ongoing clients and others need advice but not a continuing service. In the current economic climate there are many people who have been made … Continue reading →

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Sometimes losing customers is not our fault

Posted on August 23, 2012 by Jon Stow

We have all lost patrons of our business, or, if we have only just started, we will lose customers in the future. When someone leaves us, it is always important to get feedback. Has something one wrong in our delivery? … Continue reading →

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Why consistency and continuity of service is important

Posted on August 20, 2012 by Jon Stow

  Shopping for essentials As consumers, when we are out shopping we have an expectation of what we can buy. We do not like to be disappointed to find that what we want we can no longer get. At our … Continue reading →

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Never assume

Posted on August 16, 2012 by Jon Stow

Once upon a time, my first job was with an international and mainly Far-Eastern bank. I wrote a nice letter of application in my best handwriting and was placed in the “Income Tax Department”. We only dealt with personal tax. … Continue reading →

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Showing us the way with enthusiasms

Posted on August 13, 2012 by Jon Stow

  The long and winding road Do you sometimes look over your shoulder and wonder how you got where you are? In terms of learning our personal and working lives become inter-twined. Always along the way there are people whose … Continue reading →

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Redundancy at 50 or even 45 – Part 2

Posted on August 9, 2012 by Jon Stow

The man who fell to earth We discussed the other day our accountant who has been unemployed for three years and is now 50. We have heard about the dramatic drop in income, about living on cheap food, the problem … Continue reading →

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