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Can outsourcing help to keep employee costs down?

As a new financial year begins for many, employers face a higher wage bill. With many companies already operating on tight margins, these increases can be hard to afford. Yet, skills and experience are essential to maintain operations. As a small business, I have built a virtual team of professional and trusted contacts. I know I can’t do it all, so the option of outsourcing enables me to flex. If you are new to outsourcing, this article can help you decide if it is a viable way to cut employee costs without compromising services.

A positive approach to goal setting

As January kicks off, are you making resolutions and setting goals to enhance your personal life or business achievements? We often start the year with great aspirations and the best intentions, yet sticking to the plan is a challenge. Life gets in the way.

Last year, I had two dreams which I committed to and I am so proud to say I achieved them both. It’s an amazing feeling, that I want everyone to experience, so let me share my positive approach to goal setting.

10 questions when designing slides for a presentation

Job interviews, sales meetings, keynote speeches or staff training; there are many occasions when we need to prepare a presentation. The thought of public speaking can set off the butterflies in your stomach! However, when you’ve planned and prepared an impactful set of slides, you can start with confidence. So, what are the 10 questions you need to ask before designing slides for a presentation?

10 questions to ask for your logo design

You company logo communicates what you do and the company values, while helping to build brand familiarity. A logo can go on everything from documents to clothing. That’s a lot of work for one icon! So, to help you get it right, we explore the 10 questions to ask when you are getting a logo designed.

10 questions to ask before writing business reports

Business decisions and long-term strategies are most effective when they are informed by relevant data and research. To keep improving the key is to measure and analyse performance. That’s where business reports come into play.

Well-prepared, business reports provide a comprehensive collation of data and research. They can evidence that outcomes were achieved or give insight into the appropriate allocation of resources.

10 questions to ask before formatting a book

Is writing a book your New Year’s Resolution?

Whilst many of us start the year with a desire to read more books, others have ambitions to write one.
Fortunately, self-publications and e-books have made this option more accessible, but the layout has to be in line with specifications. So, in this article, we’re exploring the 10 questions to ask before formatting a book.

Pictures bring your business to life

Our brains process visual information in an instant, which is why images are essential for business communications. Pictures, photos and illustrations tell a story and bring your business to life.

This article explores the best images for commercial use and important points for consideration.

Fillable forms: What are they & why use them?

So, you need to encourage a group of people to respond to your list of questions. Electronic fillable forms are a simple way to reach everyone concerned and gather their responses. Let me tell you more!

Fillable forms are ideal if you need to ask multiple people the same questions. This could be part of a recruitment process, gathering customer insight or arranging the work’s Christmas do! You might use these electronic documents as part of the process of onboarding new clients or surveying employee satisfaction.

Engage audiences with interactive documents

Have you got an informative and persuasive message to share electronically? If so, you need to present it in a way that is engaging and memorable for the audience. The days of static manuals, catalogues and PowerPoints are over; it is time to deliver interactive documents.

The advantage of short-term business plans?

Traditionally, business plans are created at the start of the year and reviewed at the end. They guide the direction of the company and inform decision-making. However, in times of uncertainty and change, they can quickly become irrelevant.

So, I’m exploring the advantages of short-term business planning.

Do your employees read staff documents?

The staff handbook, user guides and team forms are all essential documents for sharing the brand vision, mission and guidelines.

Resources to provide information and tools for your teams and a great way to ensure consistency in service, message and presentation. If you doubt your employees even skim through your documents, this article is for you.

Holiday requests & how to manage them

We all enjoy a holiday, we work hard and deserve a break. However, as a business owner, managing annual leave requests can be a headache, especially through the Summer. How can you keep the business running smoothly while team members are off? What can you put in place to streamline the process, prevent disruption to the business and enable your team to have a well-deserved break?

Reasons to start planning your Christmas events in June

We’re already halfway through the year – can you believe it? Whilst BBQs, drinks in the pub garden and summer escapes are at the forefront of your mind, I invite you to think ahead. Planning a Christmas do is time-consuming, but start early and use event planning documents to nail it!

Is your SME attractive to investors?

If growth is on your agenda for the 2022/23 financial year, you may be hoping to attract investment or apply for a grant. An injection of money and business acumen can help business owners to realise their ambitions to scale, but what will ignite an investor’s interest?

Are you project managing the process of investments into your business?

Is it time to rebrand your business?

There comes a point when the values, market position, mission or offer that applied when you set up in business have shifted.
Rebranding your business is one option for bringing everything back in line, but what’s involved? Let me share my experience.

Keep the cash flowing

Cash flow issues are the number one reason why businesses fail. How can your SME keep on top of the finances so you don’t run out of accessible cash?

What are the best options for secure document storage and sharing?

Flexible and remote working had to come into play during the pandemic. After two years of upheaval, it seems that a return to the old work structures is unlikely. With internal teams, freelancers and clients working from a variety of locations, the need for secure document storage and sharing is essential for successful projects.

Get 2022 on the right track with 10 essential documents

A list of ten essential business documents that every organisation will benefit from. They are not industry-specific and can be valuable to companies of all sizes.

Impactful infographics

You have important data to share and you want to make a point; what’s the best way to approach it? Infographics!

Infographics combine short, snappy text and data in a graphic form. The visual appeal of the infographic attracts the eye. It makes the content easy to digest and more memorable than simply presenting raw facts. In this article, we explore the role of infographics in making external and internal communications impactful.

Delight customers with memorable documents

Customers deserve to feel valued. Every interaction should reinforce the fact that they made the right decision in doing business with you. Let me share how professional, branded documents help to deliver a consistent message that differentiates your brand in a highly competitive market.

Is internal branding important?

Company branding typically focuses on attracting and engaging customers. Businesses want consumers to perceive them in the best light, but what about their staff? Internal branding is often neglected. It is assumed that every member of the team is already convinced; they don’t need persuading about the brand value. Is this a fair assumption?

Client proposals made simple

Well done! You have attracted a lead and engaged in conversation; all is going well. Now they have asked you to send a proposal. Does this fill you with excitement or dread?

Read more to find out about writing a winning proposal.

Can small business owners ever take a holiday?

Picture your dream holiday. Are you relaxing and enjoying indulgent pleasures? Is that the reality of your time off, or are your constantly distracted by phone calls, work emails and remote meetings?

After the year we’ve all experienced, everyone deserves to get away, relax and recharge. That includes small business owners!

The value of delegate feedback for trainers and presenters

How do you know if your training materials and presentation style is hitting the mark unless you ask for feedback from delegates?

The opinions of your audience are valuable; they are your learning opportunity.

How to Plan your Social Media Marketing Activity

Social Media offers an accessible, affordable means of marketing. It provides SMEs with an opportunity to compete alongside established brand leaders. On the flip side, it can consume a considerable amount of time, so how can you make it work for your business?

5 Tips for positive and productive appraisals

With the right approach, appraisals can be an opportunity to show your employees that they are valued.

These exchanges recognise achievements and support the development of the individual, in ways that align with the company goals.

Kickstart the financial year with business development in mind

What are your business development goals for this financial year and how are you planning to achieve them?

Undertake a business development audit of where you are right now.

Evidence the value of your business with case studies

Attracting new customers is easier when you can evidence the difference your products and services make; yes, I’m talking case studies.

Working towards the same goal with a Staff Handbook

In these times of flux, it’s more important than ever to make new members of the team feel welcomed. Especially if they will be working remotely or at least not in the usual busy office environment of olden days!

A Staff Handbook can be a great way to make people feel part of the team and to share essential knowledge. Not only the policies but the company vision and spirit.

Mapping your ideal customers

As a small business owner, do you pursue every opportunity or are you selective about only taking on work from ideal customers? With ideal clients, there is a synergy.

The Capacity Challenge: Is it possible for business owners to work less yet increase productivity?

Everyone has limited capacity (yes, even you). Do you regularly feel that there is not enough time to get everything done?

Are you ready to face the capacity challenge?

Emergency scenario planning

As a sole trader or small business owner, what happens if the worst happens?
Your clients rely on you to provide them with a service. With all the best intentions, there may be a time when you aren’t able to turn up for work. What needs to happen to protect your business and your customers?

From reactive to proactive work processes

Improve efficiency and consistency with branded documents.
Darwin identified that survival was most likely when species were able to adapt and adjust to a changing environment. The same is true of businesses and this theory has been certainly been put to the test through the pandemic.

Need a concise business plan template?

The prospect of shutting up shop was not an option for every
business. To ride the storm, many sprang into action. Reading the market and adapting their processes or offer, they spotted fresh opportunities and attracted new customers. Was your business one of them?

As the lockdown restrictions continue to be lifted, what is
the plan now? Will your company return to the old way of working or has diversification opened up new doors that could support business growth?

Risks and mitigation: Plan and be prepared

When Covid-19 hit and the country, indeed most of the world went into lockdown, businesses were stunned. Who could have predicted such a situation?

With a comprehensive risk plan we’re in the best position to respond because knowing the options will mean you can react faster to turn things around.

A change in circumstances? Refocus your goals

Whether you set goals as new years resolutions, planned your
objectives with the new school year last September or have a more relaxed view
of things, now might be a good time to review your goals.
Covid-19 will have an effect on all of us and will inevitably
mean we have to change our plans in life as well as in our businesses.

Safe and effective video call success

A video conference call, while not the same as a face-to-face meeting, has the same purpose: to bring people together with an agenda in common and with a view to sharing information, be that a formal client meeting or a casual chat with your friends. As Bob Hoskins said in the BT adverts of the 1990’s “It’s good to talk”

Learning to Say ‘No’ constructively

Say no: It’s time to take back control of your workload. You have your own priorities and don’t have time to do what everybody else wants you to.

Collaborating to Achieve your Goals

Collaboration is working with others to achieve your goals. It means that we can expand, think bigger and achieve more.

As small business owners, we are often encouraged to niche and specialise but that can make it hard to take work of a wider scope. Collaborating, therefore, can mean being more agile, taking on bigger projects, reaching a wider audience and involving experts that specialise in different aspects of a job.

Getting Social: How networking can aid your business

I have met a huge variety of people running businesses that I never knew about when in my corporate life. I have worked with many businesses, in lots of different industries, seeing how they each function and helping them to grow. Reasons why small business owners should network

Hand over your Spreadsheets!

For many people, a spreadsheet is a tool for making lists or a way of adding a column of numbers or just something to be avoided altogether. I think spreadsheets are very underrated.

Endless ‘To Do’ list? Need support? I have a solution.

Summertime should be associated with holidays, relaxation and enjoyable days out. In reality, many people find that it brings the challenges of a work/life balance to a pinnacle.

Brand Identity

your brand is your identity. Customers will form an opinion of your brand from your products, your services, your website, your logo, how you dress, how you sound, in fact from everything you say and do.

Brand Strategy

Your brand is your identity. It lets customers know what you are about and what they can expect from you. A great business name and an eye-catching logo can really make a business stand out from the crowd.

Inspiring your Audience with Powerful Presentations

When presenting to an audience, making a good impression is key. Consistency in the way you look and what you say are really important. If you are using slides it’s essential that these back up what you are saying and don’t detract from your message.

Make your meeting a success

Our time is precious and none of us have time to waste it in meetings that don’t achieve anything. So how do you make your meetings count? How do you keep on track and achieve the outcome you want?

Written Communication

We all communicate every day. The good thing about written communication is that we have longer to plan our message, which is just as well because it’s much easier to be misunderstood or simply ignored.
Whether a user guide, sales report, fillable form, meeting agenda or simply an email, communicating effectively requires some thought.

Beat Your Impostor Syndrome

Do you ever feel like a failure? Even if you appear to be successful, are you worried that you could get found out for the fraud you are any moment? Well you’re not alone. It’s far more common than you think.

Setting Goals You Can Achieve

It’s that time of year when everyone starts making new year’s resolutions. But there is a big difference between having a dream and setting a goal. “Goals are pure fantasy unless you have a specific plan to achieve them.”

Asking for Help

Do you think asking for help is a sign of weakness? It might surprise you that it can actually be a strength. It’s no great surprise that we consider solving challenges on our own, being independent and being self-sufficient, as strengths. But what about when we are stuck?

Writing Email Messages People Want To Read

281 billion emails are sent and received each day worldwide, according to statistica.com. Think about your own email inbox for a moment. How many do you get a day? But more importantly, how many do you read?

Positive Communication with NLP

NLP can totally transform your communication. In this short blog, I will give you my 3 top tips, to using the power of NLP to make your communication more positive. What is NLP? NLP standards for Neuro Linguistic Programming.

Asking for Feedback

It used to be said that if someone liked your service they would tell 4 people and if they didn’t they told about 10. Now, thanks to social media, they can tell everyone they know and many more that they don’t. But that doesn’t mean that they will always tell you!

Giving Feedback

I think it is fair to say that most people avoid giving feedback. I know it can make me feel uncomfortable. But I want the people I work with to be successful, and the best way I can help them is by giving them feedback.

Creating Brilliant Training Environments

One of my favourite quotes about learning is by Benjamin Franklin “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”There are a few things you can do to create an environment where people feel involved, engaged and curious from the moment they walk into the room.

Processes to Save Time

I have been working with developers to create system fields and liaising with account managers to understand the best solutions. I’ve had to get up to speed with some new systems pretty quickly but essentially, they are all the same, tools to help companies to better manage their processes.

Stand up if you want a good working environment

I realised that I regularly spend many hours a day sat at my computer, often for several hours at a time and I know it’s not good for me. I have tension in my neck and shoulders and live in fear of developing a profile like the hunchback of Notre Dame. So, I have (ahem) taken a stand.

Project Management

Project Management is all about planning what needs to be done and managing the different elements to achieve your desired outcome. Whether you are creating or updating your website, transferring from one system to another or managing building work for home.

GDPR: A Summary

The GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) builds on the existing Data protection act 1998. GDPR will apply to any business that processes personal data of EU citizens and will give individuals more rights on how businesses use their data.

Homeworking

Ding dong… “Hello luv, can you take a parcel for number 12?” When you are a home worker you’re there to take in deliveries for half the street. Especially in December!

My Journey So Far

A thank you to my family….. I’ve had an interesting time recently. In September, 2 years ago I had put my hand up to take voluntary redundancy and was waiting for my manager and HR to say if I could leave.

Conquer Your To Do List

You probably have a never-ending list of things you feel you need to do. I know at times it feels that my To Do list gets longer and longer not shorter. So, how can we tackle the To Do list?

How to Master Delegation

Running a busy company or team takes a lot of time and if you want to grow the business you’ll need some of that time to focus on development. If you work on your own, your time will have to be split.

Achieving Balance

Sometimes it feels like I have a never-ending to do list. I could easily sit and beat myself up that I haven’t finished this or started that or cleaned out the toaster! But life is all about the balance.

Time out for myself

Sitting by the pool enjoying my holiday…. OK, I admit it. I wasn’t able to completely forget about my business. There is always the worry when you run your own company that people won’t be able to contact you.

Customer Relationship Management

Networking is a key way to meet new people that may benefit your company. In business, you need customers. Everyone you meet is a potential client or knows someone who could potentially want your product or service, at some point.

Networking Nerves – No Need!

When I was just starting my company, I had some advice from a business coach to get out there and network. It was one of the most terrify thoughts, I was to voluntarily walk into a room full of complete strangers and talk about myself. Crazy!

Why do I Procrastinate?

There are things we would all like to defer and sometimes the strict regime of do it, delegate it, or ditch it just doesn’t cut it! But procrastination can mean always having something from that to-do list hanging over us.

Efficiency: Time to do what you love!

Time is money and so we strive for efficiency: we want to do the best job to accomplish success with the least amount of time and effort. The key to being efficient is knowing what you want to achieve.

Holiday Planning For Small Businesses

Thinking about going on a summer holiday but worried about missing out on a client? You’re not alone many small business owners forgo holidays or spend hours each day while away, checking and responding to e-mails and calls to keep their business running smoothly.