Small businesses who are thinking about taking on their first member of staff or who may have had a bumpy experience managing staff for the first time can now access new guidance launched today by workplace experts, Acas.
Category: Self-Employed Business Guides
Practical business guides for UK freelancers and sole traders. Step-by-step advice on finance, tax, marketing, pricing, contracts and growth.
Navigating the latest ten Marketing Buzzwords in the Boardroom
Ever been sat in a meeting listening to those around the table firing buzzwords back and forth, only to head back to the office to Google the offending words? We certainly have: Where marketing provides an umbrella for so many traditional, digital and creative specialisms it has become one of the biggest culprits for developing its own overly complicated lexicon.
Top tips to effectively work from home
While recent figures from the Federation of Small Businesses show that just under a quarter of its members say they work from home, both employers and employees have to battle with working from home stereotypes and perceptions, not least helped by London Mayor Boris Johnson, who described it as a ‘skivers paradise’.
Top Ten Guide to Trade Marks
Mark Kingsley-Williams, Director of Trade Mark Direct gives us his top ten tips to sorting out your trademarks.
Tips on avoiding paying the heavy price of data destruction ignorance
Businesses ignore the storage and disposal of confidential information at their peril as the Government’s regulator steps up its scrutiny of private sector breaches in data laws.
Changes in Payroll
If you run a small business, ensuring your employees are paid on time is vital. Small businesses can’t justify the cost of customised payroll systems but over recent years, the features on offer have evolved to benefit the small business customer, and to ensure compliance with ever-changing regulations.
5 Tips on how to do social media right
You hear that you must be using social media to grow your business and engage with your clients (and yes, you should). But if all you have done is create a whole host of profiles on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Pintrest here are a few tips on how to get Social media and use it to your advantage.
Under Review: Xero Accounting Software
Heather Baker, Founder, TopLine Communications and editor of the B2B PR Blog gives us a detailed look at the accounting software provider Xero as a daily user who has changed her business practice after using the package.
Lessons from the Ryder Cup – What can business learn from Europe’s attitude?
The European victory in Golf’s Ryder Cup was a magnificent example of tenacity. 10-4 down on the final day Poulter and Mcllroy played a series of outstanding shots to deliver a seemingly impossible European victory, but what can business learn from this ‘never give up attitude’?
Your online business starts with your web address
If you own a small business, your domain name could be one of the most important assets you own. Creating a clear domain for your website both makes you look credible and provides you with the rights to your trading name. Sally Tomkotowicz from namesco gives us her advice on getting your small business online
How to use market research to improve your business
Using a professional market researcher can be beneficial for some small businesses. Here is how to get the most out of their services
The 10 sales tactics which lose you business
These mistakes when trying to make a sale for your business seem to be shockingly common. Make sure you’re not guilty of any of them as they could well be costing your business thousands of pounds every month.
4 traits of incredibly effective delegators
You know you don’t want to choke your staff with micromanagement minutiae. Simon Clarke, the founder of the Roof Store, explains how to hold yourself back and get the best out of your employees.
Listening to complainers is bad for your brain
Do you hate it when people complain? It turns out there’s a good reason: Listening to too much complaining is bad for your brain in multiple ways, according to Trevor Blake, a serial entrepreneur and author of Three Simple Steps: A Map to Success in Business and Life. In the book, he describes how neuroscientists have learned to measure brain activity when faced with various stimuli, including a long gripe session.
Business Toolbox: 6 Steps to getting more done
Technology is great, but it can distract us to the point where productivity suffers. Here are some ways to minimise the disruptions.
