Small Business Advice Blog

How to Setup a Management Team

Johnathan Briggs — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 13:03:49 GMT

Most businesses reach a point where its not possible to progress without first establishing some form of management team. Setting up and management team is a tricky business as lots of things can and will go wrong. I’ve put together a few tips here that I have learned that will make the process less painful than it was for me.

Simple Sales Skills That Win More Business

Johnathan Briggs — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 16:24:43 GMT

Some simple techniques that I guarantee will win you more business.

5 Ways to Improve Cash Flow

Johnathan Briggs — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 12:15:40 GMT

I've found that the majority of business owners are unaware of the effect growing their business has on cash flow, yet by you not understanding this concept a massive barrier to the growth of your company is created.

How to Make a Compelling Special Offer

Johnathan Briggs — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 12:58:07 GMT

Time-dependent special offers are a fantastic way of closing business, they work particularly well when you can forecast lower sales periods. If you've never used this technique within your business then I would urge you to experiment - it can become a powerful weapon in your sales armoury.

Successful Owners Have a Profit Mentality

Johnathan Briggs — Thu, 20 May 2010 21:42:11 GMT

Every company that I have ever come across that has been long term successful has owners who have a Profit Mentality. Find out what I mean by this and if you have it!

Should You Give Away Equity to a Key Employee?

Johnathan Briggs — Fri, 21 May 2010 13:56:37 GMT

Fifteen years ago when I was just starting up in business for the first time, a businessman that I met said to me, "It's hard to find good people when you are a small business and when you do you can't pay them what they are worth. Give them some shares in your business and they will be committed to the company". Is this right or wrong, I discuss.

5 Ways to Charge More and Win More Business

Johnathan Briggs — Thu, 20 May 2010 21:34:41 GMT

Most companies compete on price, ie they are cheap. As a result they exist on very tiny margins and make little, if any, profit for the owners. This does not build a sustainable business. In this blog I discuss how you can increase prices but not lose out on business.

Are You the Owner But Get Less Than The Minimum Wage?

Johnathan Briggs — Fri, 07 May 2010 12:47:58 GMT

I work and meet with dozens of small businesses and to my surprise a large proportion of them suffer from the same issues. When you start a business it is important that you, as the owner, invest a lot of your energy and time into the company for future financial rewards. In other words you work ridiculously hard for not a lot of money (if any)! This state of affairs should only be a means to an end and should be temporary, however with a large proportion of the businesses that I see all of which have been trading for several years they don't seem to have moved on. I see companies whose owners work 12 hours a day for less than the minimum wage whilst other employees take home a normal wage.

Winning More Sales: When to Ask Questions

Johnathan Briggs — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 11:49:43 GMT

I helped out an organisation who were looking to find a web development company to build them a new website. We selected three companies to come in and see us and talk about how they could help us. Being on the other side of the fence for once, it was noticeable how poor the “selling style” of each of these companies was. With just a few very small changes in their approach they could easily of made themselves stand out and ‘really’ won the business. Watch this video, if you follow these simple steps you will win more business.

Does Twitter Work For B to B Marketing?

Johnathan Briggs — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:42:48 GMT

I think it is very clear that social networking has a big part to play in marketing. From a business perspective every business group / organisation seems to be booking social media experts to provide seminars and presentations. I think some of the promotion has become almost hysterical with business owners feeling foolish if they don't use twitter.

7 Easy Ways to Boost Your Profits

Johnathan Briggs — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 12:34:10 GMT

Sometimes its a lot easier than you think to boost your profits. Here are seven tips that can be applied to most businesses that don’t require a lot of effort.

Small Business Coaching - When to Try It and When to Save Your Money!

Johnathan Briggs — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 15:57:35 GMT

There are numerous business coaches out there looking to offer you business advice in exchange for some of your hard earned cash. The question is does this work and is it worth the investment? And at what point is it going to be most helpful?