Business Advice General

When you’re running a business, your team is your most important asset and biggest resource. Without them the business could not function so it’s essential that your employees feel encouraged and inspired on a daily basis. In order to achieve great results, you should be constantly thinking about ways you can motivate and inspire your… Read more

Types of business structure When first thinking about how to start a business, not many people worry about structure. But your business structure can affect how you’re treated by the government and by the law. Here are some of the ins and outs. Business structures and their effects The main types of business structure are… Read more

Pricing and the cost of goods sold Setting prices is one of the most important things you’ll do as a new business owner. A lot of factors play into the value you put on your products or services. But none is more important than covering your costs. The first rule of price setting Not every… Read more

Forecasting sales can seem like guesswork. There are a lot of estimates, and those estimates are often based on assumptions. But you can approach it scientifically. Here’s how. What is forecasting in business? Forecasting goes hand-in-hand with budgeting to help you predict the financial outlook of your business. You start by estimating income (sales) and… Read more

Starting a business is a big financial decision. Before you get going, you’ll want to estimate how much money it will go through, and how much it will make. Welcome to the world of budgeting and forecasting. What is a business budget? Budgets show how money will come and go from your business over a… Read more

What is a brand identity? Is it your logo? Your colour palette? Your tone of voice? It’s all that—and more!  Ultimately, it is a way to communicate with your audience, differentiate yourself from your competition, and create a brand experience that encourages people to engage with you. In our next Business Builder Forum you’ll learn:… Read more

Starting a business can be expensive, but what if you don’t have the cash? What sorts of business finance are available? And how do you get access to them? Your business funding options Not all businesses can get every type of finance. For starters, you can’t sell a stake in your business if you’re a… Read more

If you could be shown a way to work fewer hours in your business and at the same time ensure a consistent level of operations and service… would you be interested? That’s what you’ll gain from coming to our next Business Builder Forum. You’ll learn how to: put your team in charge – motivate by giving… Read more

If you can’t get into a flow with your business planning, try doing a SWOT analysis. It’s a great way to organise your thoughts and kickstart the planning process. What is a SWOT analysis? SWOT stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. It’s a way of thinking about your business from the inside out, and… Read more

Are you daunted by the thought of writing a big, formal business plan? You’re not alone. A lot of people start and never finish, but you don’t have to be one of them. You can start with smaller tasks and work your way up. What is a business plan anyway? Think about your business plan… Read more