Could your business offer something unexpected? May 2013
One frustrating aspect of running a small business is trying to reach that point where you’ve developed a reputation that sets your venture apart from everyone else in your sector. The problem with reaching this goal is that there is nothing you can directly say that will result in it happening. In fact, the harder Read more…
New Start Up Course Programme For Rural Dorset
Posted 13/02/2013 WSX Enterprise, the business start-up and growth experts, have announced a new series of training courses aimed specifically at people living in rural Dorset who have either just started a business, or are considering working for themselves. The 2 day training programme is entitled ‘New In Business’ and provides the essential information Read more…
Thinking of buying a franchise?
Buying a franchise allows you to set up your own business without starting from scratch. You use a tried and tested formula, and benefit from the experience and support of the franchisor (the company offering the franchise). Franchisees can enjoy many of the benefits of self-employment with less risk. Successful franchise operations have a much Read more…
Why do you need a marketing strategy? December 2012
Every so often, when I ask a new business owner what their marketing strategy is, they struggle for an answer. Invariably they may have a vague plan to ‘sell more goods/services to customers’, but little in the way of substance to actually stand a realistic chance of achieving an objective. Ok, so let’s get back Read more…
Alternative ways to raise your prices – and profitability! September 2012
In many business sectors, the difference between a winning and a losing product or service is how you price it. Sales tests have shown time and again that effective pricing is one of the most important factors which will determine the success or failure of a product’s sales, or even of the business itself. However, Read more…
10 Tips for Effective Facebook Posts – 1st August 2012
To increase visibility, improve engagement and drive more traffic to your website, consider these Facebook posting tips – 1. Tell Fans What You Want Them To Do If you are looking to encourage comments – ask for them! Similarly, if you are intending for Fans to ‘like’ your post – tell them to do so! Read more…
6 key elements to a good website – give thought and time in getting it right!
Many of our ‘New in Business’ course delegates are planning, or are in the process of designing a website. It is important to consider exactly what you want from your website – Or more accurately: What do you want your website to get your visitors to do? Do you want them to call you? Then Read more…
Let’s Go Dutch! 5th June 2012
Over the last two years, around 10% of Amsterdam’s cafes have closed down, but Basis, a recently opened ‘bring-your-own-food’ bar has shown that a fresh approach to handling the economic downturn, can be profitable. When the economic crisis first descended over Europe, the Netherlands appeared to cope fairly well, but since the old government collapsed Read more…
How is your competitive intelligence? 29th May 2012
Generally speaking, market research is the weakest area in any business plan, and researching competitor activities is an important part of this. Failure to know enough about your competitors, and to be able to compete effectively in your chosen market sector, is ultimately going to contribute to the failure of your new business. So why Read more…
Starting a business – my ten top tips 16th April 2012
Since the launch of the fantastic ‘New in Business’ start up course programme in February, I have received many requests to name my ‘top ten tips’ to consider when starting a business. Perhaps surprisingly, this is no easy task as individual needs and immediate priorities can vary, but in no particular order, (except for No Read more…
