Category Archives: Start-up

A scam or a rip-off attempt

Posted on September 11, 2023 by Jon Stow

Last week someone or some company tried to relieve me of a fair amount of money. They said that we needed to issue a new certificate for the installed loft insulation in our house. Therefore I assumed they represented the original people who did the work. Continue reading →

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More dishonesty

Posted on June 13, 2022 by Jon Stow

If he was taking cash in hand to allow me to avoid paying his VAT, he was certainly dodging tax on any cash he took. Continue reading →

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Scamming small businesses and individuals

Posted on March 1, 2016 by Jon Stow

On two successive working days, I have experienced attempts to obtain bank details via cold calls. The first call purported to relate to a renewal of insurance for an appliance. We did have such insurance but I thought it was … Continue reading →

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Turning down work – really?

Posted on February 1, 2016 by Jon Stow

One of the mistakes many start-up businesses make is taking every project or job, no matter what. I made it myself.  It is very tempting to accept anything which comes along, but the new business owner needs to consider: Is … 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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Verbal understandings are not contracts

Posted on September 1, 2014 by Jon Stow

  In my business I think it is important to have agreements in writing with my clients so that they know exactly what I will be doing for them in conducting their affairs (and what I will not be doing). … Continue reading →

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Was it small business or the internet that changed my life?

Posted on June 9, 2014 by Jon Stow

It is no secret that I started my own business after the world of employment left me, and I could not get another job. There was no grand plan. I just got “on my bike” to get some money coming … 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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Business partnerships and collaborations – Part 1

Posted on June 1, 2012 by Jon Stow

It can be lonely being in business on our own. We might want to work with someone else. Maybe we have met someone and dreamed up a great idea for a business, or perhaps a great product. We have that … Continue reading →

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Can small businesses live off referrals?

Posted on February 6, 2012 by Jon Stow

In my work I talk to many small business owners, and on a daily basis. Some in professional services are doing pretty well without making any effort to market. This is because they provide their clients with reliable, dependable support, … Continue reading →

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