Category Archives: Business planning

Never assume

Posted on November 23, 2015 by Jon Stow

When I started my first job, every bit of work I did was checked by a more experienced guy. I remember being asked why I had calculated a client’s dividends for his tax return without having evidence they had been … Continue reading →

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The simple things

Posted on September 1, 2015 by Jon Stow

Four of us went out for Sunday lunch. We chose an Inn which had changed ownership recently. We wanted to try it again as our last experience there had not been satisfactory. The menu was a short one this time. … Continue reading →

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Twitter? How do you find the time?

Posted on August 17, 2015 by Jon Stow

I was asked the above question over lunch at a meeting of tax practitioners. I was a bit surprised, but on reflection the guy asking is an employee. He is engaged to work on particular clients and tasks which are … Continue reading →

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Don’t be afraid to ask

Posted on August 10, 2015 by Jon Stow

When I started out on my own in business, I thought I knew a lot and in fact I knew very little. Why did I think I knew a lot? Well, for a good few years I had worked with … Continue reading →

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Great sausages, but plan your business in advance

Posted on August 3, 2015 by Jon Stow

A long time ago when I was in my early twenties, my Mum thought she would like to run a pub, a free house which is one not tied to a brewery. This was following lunch at a very good … Continue reading →

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Born free, but life isn’t free

Posted on July 27, 2015 by Jon Stow

I get a lot of business through websites; both my own and others where I have a presence. The enquiries I receive as a consultant on somewhat technical matters fall into three categories: Genuine requests for help from people who … Continue reading →

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Building towards delivery

Posted on July 13, 2015 by Jon Stow

We have been having some building work done. Having no experience as a builder’s customer, I thought somewhat naively that once they started on the project they would keep going steadily until they had finished. Not so! What happens is … Continue reading →

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Have a break!

Posted on July 6, 2015 by Jon Stow

Some young people I know starting out at work are expected to work long hours with only brief breaks. It is true that in our youth we can concentrate for longer. That is important with a skilled job whether in … Continue reading →

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The late show

Posted on June 29, 2015 by Jon Stow

I do believe in being on time for meetings. It gives a bad impression to be late. With new prospects and even with clients, they can be left feeling very unimpressed by a late show. Sometimes we are late due … Continue reading →

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Do you like your clients?

Posted on June 25, 2015 by Jon Stow

I think we all want our clients to like us, and that means earning their trust from the outset. However, what if we do not like or trust our clients? The other day I went to see a new prospect. … Continue reading →

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