Monthly Archives: September 2011

And then the bad news

Posted on September 29, 2011 by Jon Stow

After the excitement of telling you about the good news of the revival of our local airport, I am afraid there are some amongst our local population who either resistant to change or just don’t understand the needs of local … Continue reading →

Posted in Business planning | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

First the good news!

Posted on September 26, 2011 by Jon Stow

I went to a very informative and enjoyable business breakfast meeting the other day. The purpose of the event was to update local business owners and other interested parties on the development of Southend Airport or London Southend Airport as … Continue reading →

Posted in Business planning, marketing | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Customer service is what makes us different

Posted on September 22, 2011 by Jon Stow

  Choices Our prospects need to differentiate between a huge number of offerings. How do they know to choose us? For small businesses it is often going to be through recommendation; referrals. How do we get those referrals? It can … Continue reading →

Posted in Customer relations, Customer service, marketing | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Running your business the right way

Posted on September 19, 2011 by Jon Stow

              Most of us are very serious about our businesses. Many people work very hard but do not use their time well. It is so easy to get involved in matters which don’t make … Continue reading →

Posted in Business planning, management | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Playing at business

Posted on September 15, 2011 by Jon Stow

I don’t think I am unique in believing that I should take seriously every activity which I undertake. This is whether I do it for fun or for money. I don’t pretend to be an expert in my hobbies. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Business planning, marketing, Sales | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Don’t compare

Posted on September 12, 2011 by Jon Stow

No one can have missed the incessant TV adverts for car insurance and car insurance comparison websites. They are nearly all very annoying and I think insult my intelligence (no snide comments, please). Discounting the one-in-twelve of British motorists who … Continue reading →

Posted in Business planning, Customer service, Sales | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Commuting a life sentence Part 2

Posted on September 8, 2011 by Jon Stow

All our yesterdays It is almost ten years since I was an employee with a large firm, and at the time they were just thinking about the concept of hot-desking. I must admit I did not like the thought of … Continue reading →

Posted in Business planning, management | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Commuting a life sentence?

Posted on September 5, 2011 by Jon Stow

Here in the UK there was news recently that commuter rail fares may rise by 8% in January 2012 at a time when the economy is struggling and fuel (petrol / gas) prices are very high. We are told that … Continue reading →

Posted in Business planning, Customer service | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

The Frank Sinatra guide to running a small business

Posted on September 1, 2011 by Jon Stow

The local councillor who couldn’t help me might have been a local version of one of those politicians who think it is sufficient to reach high office and do not have a vision or a plan to do anything when … Continue reading →

Posted in Business planning, management | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment