Less mistakes for new business?  

I remember when I started out with my first business, seventeen years old (some misty years ago now).....I could drive so it was skies the limit, I could go self employed, take on the world, become rich and have plenty of time on my hands. Ok....I could drive and go self employed.

My point is, back then there was no real help available for new business, well not genuine anyway unless you got lucky. Most of the time help meant someone had spotted I was young, vulnerable and easily persuaded to part with money on some shite deal or something I didn't really need.etc etc. But that's how it was at the time so you learned by your mistakes (and there was many) and over a period of time the mistakes grew less, They are still there....but less.

These days it's great to see the help and guidance available to young budding entrepreneurs is not only genuine, but of good quality too. I did a talk at the recently held Teentrepreneurs here at the Main Place to a few youngsters, and took the time to check out the schedule for the week. It was excellent, these kids have every chance of fast tracking their businesses through the power of experienced mentoring. Of course they will still make mistakes, but less of them.......now where is my time machine?


 

Working From Home v Renting an Office

So, you own your own business, it’s just you or perhaps you with a partner. You have probably converted a room or at least part of a room at home.....but, is it the best way forward for your business?

Let’s look at the pros and cons concerning working from home

Pros  

1: Save Money - I guess first and foremost for most people would be money. It cost almost nothing to work from a home office.

2: convenience – You’re already there! Your day can start immediately if you wish.

3: Transport – No travelling time and again, a saving.

4: Flexibility - The ability to choose your hours more conveniently.

I’m sure there are many other great reasons why so many people choose to work from home but the following cons should also be considered, especially if you are thinking of expanding in the future.

Cons

1: Kudos - An office address will usually make your business look more professional to a potential client.

2: Meetings – Often, (not always) your customers will take your business more seriously if you have an office.

3: Work/Life Balance – When your business is at home it’s sometimes difficult to shut off. Offices can be locked.....see ya Monday!

4: Productivity - Distractions at home can sometimes hinder progress.

Really, I think both sides of this topic have good points. It’s personal choice and nature of your business combined with budget that influences the decision for most, but sometimes I feel the wrong route is chosen (both ways) which ultimately could mean limiting the progress of your business. It’s always best to consider both sides thoroughly.

Training staff is an important if not vital area for developing your business. Well trained employees tend to be happier in the workplace, therefore more productive and ultimately more profitable for the company.

Providing attendees with the correct relevant material is of course essential, but some careful thought should also go into the venue. The “Training Room” should be warm, comfortable and well equipped. Pleasant surroundings create a better atmosphere, making the learning process more enjoyable.

Refreshments and regular breaks are good to increase how much of the knowledge taught will be retained as the brain tends to switch off after long periods of information intake.

It’s a simple process really, but ensuring all the above are in place makes good sense. After all if you get it right for your staff....you get it right for yourself and your company. 

What is a Volunteer?

Many community organisations, including the Coleford Area Partnership, could not exist without volunteers.

To give you one example:

The Dr.Charley Luncheon Club was set up in 1973 and Dora Matthews was elected as the Chairman.  Forty years later, Dora is still at the helm of this successful organisation that exists for the benefit of anyone over the age of 60 years who lives in the GL16 post-code area. The Club meets every Wednesday at the Main Place here in Coleford.

On Wednesday 14th August 2013, Dora will also celebrate her 90th Birthday.

Now tell us that you do not have any time to be a volunteer.

Teentrepreneurs are soon soon soon!

It's great to see the Community Enterprise Centre here at the Main Place, Coleford being used to help young people achieve. The Teenentrepeneurs scheme is due to start this month with workshops designed to help youngsters 13 - 19 develop their enterprise skills.

Working on behalf of the Coleford Area Partnership, Clare Ham has made it all happen and was awarded funding  by the Royal Bank of Scotland's Inspiring Youth Award.   

A series of workshops have been setup, taking place over a one week period, and will include exploring feasibility of ideas, market research, marketing, websites, social media, customer service etc.

For more information and to apply contact Clare on 01594 836469 or email info@main-place.org.uk     or follow the link: application

Tips for a successful meeting

When hiring rooms for meetings, training days or whatever your requirements, make sure the venue can supply all the equipment needed for a successful event.....never presume, just ask...Do you have the following?

Projector & Screen – if you have a large audience these are a must for power point presentations.

Large TV Screen – Useful for smaller venues and ideal for PP’s

Flip Charts – Still a favourite, flip charts are an excellent tool for training etc

Laptops – for those occasions when things go wrong or a delegate forgets...!

Other requirements might be – Whiteboards, Display Boards, PA system.


Simple really, but I have seen the blind panic when these simple tips are ignored and you have that audience arriving and no time to find /replace vital equipment.

Get a Room!

It still amazes me the amount of years I spent as a small business owner entertaining potential clients in my small home office, meeting in cafe's and just about anywhere that really doesn't cut the mustard. 
I often wonder how many deals never came to fruition or how many bigger fish I may have impressed if i had given some serious thought on meeting places.

When I took on the marketing role for the Community Enterprise Centre at the Main Place Coleford it was a real eye opener. Professional rooms for meetings,  training days, demonstrations, in fact as many reasons as you can shake a stick at are available at very reasonable prices. The rooms are well equipped with everything you need to make your business look good and run smoothly in front of your new acquaintance.

We are talking about your business here! You order high quality business cards to impress, design a fancy website, dress accordingly and everything you possibly can to create that important first impression.....do yourself a favour, get a meeting room that matches your efforts with everything else, it needn't be expensive and might land you that contract you have been after.