Dawn talked about elements of a successful business. Her main points included...
In all Dawn expanded on 7 key points - much enjoyed by the receptive audience.
Ray gave a very interesting, humorous and informative insight into debt recovery techniques.
Everyone was very impressed with his 3 minute presentation.
Dawn talked about New Year business resolutions. These are just some of the points she made...
Dawn elaborated on these points briefly and generally encouraged members to get the New Year off to a great start.
Craig made an appeal on behalf of a local charity as follows...
Thanks for giving me the opportunity to present Cedarmount Vets 2012 “human” charity to your breakfast meeting this morning. Excellent atmosphere and an enjoyable meeting! I am really deeply moved by the work this local NI charity does, and what great things they achieve with the help of their partner charities in India. If you have a minute take a look at their website - Saphara.
The two main events I am looking for help with are the Pub Quiz in Scrabo Golf Club on Sat 14th July 2012, and a Marathon Exercise Relay Event on Sun 5th Feb 2012 in Bloomfields Shopping Mall. Cedarmount Vets and DTrain (David Bell) are currently sponsoring the exercise event, but if anyone else would like their logo on the stand then please shout out – a small donation is all we would need for that!
Peter gave a short talk entitled "Lets talk about Marketing". This focused on how to attract new business. These are some of the points he made...
Simon talked about various ways that Google can be used to help your business. He gave useful information about Google Alerts and Google +1.
Dawn outlined 7 ways to improve motivation within your workforce. Including ...
Norma explained how video could be used on our websites to enhance customer experience.
Les gave a very interesting talk entitled "Be Nice to your Customers"
He discussed the following points in detail.
Entrepreneurial Tips
William made 5 points and illustrated each one with examples from his own experience.
Customers
Online Marketing advice
Fran mentioned several online marketing schemes which were useful and one which was not !
Niche Marketing
Most businesses in NI are small and owner managed / family owned. Most businesses are under-capitalised and rely on bank funding for their working capital. Owner managers tend to have one or perhaps two areas of speciality e.g. they can sell or source product or design things. The tendency is that they do not look after the administrative side tightly enough. So...
General Tips about attitude to business -
Effective Time Management -
It is very worthwhile for business owners to gain relevant qualifications and keep them up to date. This includes getting membership of professional bodies and associations.
Try to cover your professional activities with insurance (which may be available through the professional association). This will give you some peace of mind and assurance for your customers, in the event of a mishap.
Information about both of these can be incorporated into your website and advertising literature for promotional purposes.
Most businesses in NI are small and owner managed / family owned. Most businesses are undercapitalised and rely on bank funding for their working capital.
Owner managers tend to have one or perhaps two areas of speciality e.g. they can sell or source product or design things. The tendency is that they do not look after the administrative side tightly enough.They are not comfortable with figures, even their own!
They equate sales increases with success and don't understand the dynamics of their cash flow. They consider themselves to be cost conscious but in many cases they don't know their own gross profit margins.
It is important to make the right moves when you plan to recruit a new staff member. Identify, analyse and define your need.
Analyse the job role. Compile a job description and person specification.
Compile criteria that the ideal person should have.
Keep your processes consistent. Part of a professional approach is to send unsuccessful candidates some feedback.
For some people the process of going on holiday can cause a multitude of stresses, eg clearing up office work and leaving everything in order for temporary staff cover; packing - what clothes shall I bring? what if mother takes sick? what if I am sick on holiday? What ifs??? and so on.
Much pre-holiday stress can be diminished by carrying a face cleansing pad (in a little plastic bag) sprinkled with any relaxing oils such as Lavender or Geranium around with you. Sniff as often as necessary.
Prepare for holidays - pace yourself, make lists including all items to bring and jobs to be done, don't be a martyr-delegate and ask for help
Challenge worrying thoughts-if you find yourself worrying there is too much to do, I'll never be ready in time-challenge that thought with calm down, one step at a time. I'll be fine.
A business comprised of partners will be aware that the long-term success of the business depends on their contribution
Without an agreement:
Death of the partner automatically dissolves the partnership and estate of deceased partner becomes entitled to value of his interest in the business
Discuss this with us.
To run a business successfully requires certain key skills that you, or a business partner, must have. Here are some of the key business skills that all aspiring entrepreneurs must possess.
Financial management... This includes having a good grasp of cashflow planning, credit-management and maintaining good relationships with your bank and accountant.
Networking... Everyone you meet can be a doorway to new opportunity. Always be passionate and talk about what you do, so your contacts can spread the good word for you. You never know whom they'll meet.
Product development... It is essential to make long-term plans for product development and identify the people, materials and processes required to achieve them. Business owners should always remember that they don't have to take the first offer: haggling with suppliers can lead to real cost savings.
A business can have the best products in the world, but without staff that are engaged and motivated, it will not succeed
Know your Business to Grow your Business. Have a business description - know what sort of business you are in. Stay focused on your customer and maintain customer satisfaction.
Set targets - aim to be the best in your field
Strive to provide the best in customer service and track your performance.
Keep planning ahead and moving forward. Keep your business fresh and exciting.
Start the day happy. A smile works wonders with your customers. Choose your attitude and keep it positive.