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Category Archives: Business planning
Networking and Chinese Walls
Confidentiality had to be preserved even within the firm one worked for, so one couldn’t afford a careless word over lunch in the canteen or on the park bench. These special arrangements where we could not talk about our work with members of staff on another team were and are called Chinese Walls. Continue reading
Networking and raining on my parade
We have to accept that some networkers are very insecure. That would be because some people in general are insecure. There can be a problem at some events which allow more than one of the same type of business to … Continue reading
Posted in Business planning, marketing, networking, Referral networking
Tagged marketing, networking, referral, reputation, responsibility, sell, spoil
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Using our window of opportunity in business
There are times when we need to release our inhibitions and just go for the opportunity. Usually we step back from taking action when we have the chance by giving ourselves small alibis for inaction Continue reading
Posted in Business planning, management, productivity, Sales
Tagged alibi, excuse, opportunity, service, small business
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Remembering the few and many others
Image via Wikipedia As I write this there have been commemorations and memorial services remembering The Few, those who fought in the Battle of Britain seventy years ago, and without whom I probably would not be here running my business … Continue reading
Posted in Business planning, Customer relations, Customer service, management, Sales
Tagged Battle of Britain, Bury St Edmunds, employee, loyalty, management, remember, trust, worker
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Personality, marketing and business principles
I wonder if deep down our approach to business reflects our personality and we cannot change it. Continue reading
Posted in Business planning, marketing, Sales, Social media
Tagged detail, marketing, personaility, practical, Richard Branson, Warren Buffett
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Play to your strengths
Especially when we start out in business we try to please every client or customer who comes along. I know because I have been in that position. However I have learned that we should concentrate on what we are best and most comfortable at doing, and on what is most profitable for us. Continue reading
Posted in Business planning, Customer relations, Customer service, productivity
Tagged outsource, planning, sales, service, subcontract
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Why DIY contracts, partnership and shareholder agreements are bad news
I am really surprised at how often I have to mention the problems with using someone else’s template or altering up another contract to save professional fees. It is just that there is no substitute for paid professional and insured advice. Continue reading
Posted in Business planning, management
Tagged agreement, amateur, contract, DIY, NDA, Partnership, shareholders
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Great gestures and goodwill
Here’s the thing. The buffet lunch was free. It was an extremely generous gesture by the host business. Continue reading
Posted in Business planning, Customer relations, marketing, networking
Tagged generosity, local, Market, marketing, Marketing strategy, trust
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The perils of under-resourcing
They were never honest and said “we are at full capacity and we haven’t the resources to meet your or the clients’ needs.” That means that they will continue to fail and they will always lose clients as quickly as they get them. Continue reading
Posted in Business planning, Customer relations, Customer service, Sales
Tagged customer, Customer service, quality, referral, reputation, resource, trust
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Value billing and genuine benefits
In my line of work we tend largely to bill a fixed amount per project or task carried out for our clients. There is always at the lower level a consideration of time involved so that we do make a … Continue reading
Posted in Business planning, Customer relations, Customer service, Sales
Tagged Courier, Customer service, marketing, sales, trust, value
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