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Chamber Blogs
Introducing our NEW Chamber Blogs!
Our Chamber Blogs page has been developed to offer businesses and individuals, across Herefordshire and Worcestershire, access to information and advice concerning current, important topics.
These topics include, how to set up a new business, growing a businesses, sustainbility, skills and much more.
Not only will you be able to read blogs written by our Chamber team, but you’ll also hear from our Members who are experts in their industry and a wealth of knowledge they’re willing to share.
Start Your Business
Have you recently started a brand-new business, or perhaps you have an amazing business concept but don’t know where to start? Then these blogs are for you!
Read more about our Members and the advice they’d offer you as a start-up. The blogs listed below will tell you all about the do’s and don’ts, as well as give real life experiences of what it’s like to start a business from scratch.
See below blogs from our Members…
From Second-hand Laptop to Business Owner
It started with a £200 second-hand laptop, typing skills and some dodgy software. My first client netted me about £250 in my entire first month. I was actually paid to do something. On this occasion, it wasn’t typing and I felt like a fraud. Not worthy, but I felt the fear and did it anyway.
A friend of mine once said, “Say yes to everything and work the rest out later!” and I did. It isn’t the ideal way to start anything but my, it makes you learn – fast!
As it happens the ‘fast’ learning was in the wrong direction and although I loved what I did, it was too time consuming for too little reward. About twelve months ago I made a lateral move to leverage my core skills which revolve around traditional secretarial and business support. My earlier career saw me as department head at Christie’s in London and significant spells in blue chip companies such as Deloitte, KPMG and various high profile law firms.
So began my journey that is now Hewson Business Support Limited. Initially as a virtual assistant, six years later I have my own office and I’m about to hire my very first employee focussing on administrative and secretarial support for businesses, law firms, surveyors and academics.
The key skills I have learned to date are to constantly challenge yourself to learn but also listen to and be flexible enough to change direction if things are not going as well as you planned. We don’t get it all right and it’s important to not see it as failure and see it as growing and just “go with it”.
It’s also essential to ‘let go’. As a small business it’s almost instinctive, mostly due to costs, to do everything yourself. The accounting, marketing, HR and legals are all yours in the mistaken belief that only you can do it the right way. You’re wrong.
The very best thing and probably the first thing to do is to secure the services of a good accountant. They will save you hours of worry, dread and paperwork. The next would be a Business Coach. It’s tough making decisions on your own and they can really help you nail down your goals and help you get things out of your head and onto paper to be able to see clearly where you are at and where you need to go. Marketing is an art and more so an art that has to be used at the right time for the right reasons in the right places. Get it right at the wrong time and you’re flooded with too much work. Get it wrong at the wrong time can easily see thousands of pounds disappear without any return. Get it right at the right time and you’ll grow your business and keep your clients happy.
Above all, having the experts on your side allows you to concentrate on the business in your business, it relieves the stress and creates the space to see yourself from their eyes.
And you’ll need clients! Tell EVERYONE you meet what you do, you never know who they know who might need your services! Networking is key to building your business and getting clients. There are so many places to network both online and in person these days and a lot of them are free, so seek them out and get out there meeting people.
Starting a business is hard work but it’s work you’re doing just for you. The rewards are great but you have to listen to your gut. Recognise the good from the bad and be nice. The rest will follow.
www.hewsonbusinesssupport.co.uk
Contact email: [email protected]
Navigating the Team Terrain: A Beginner’s Guide to Business Success
Hello there, fellow business trailblazer!
First off, big congratulations on taking the plunge into the world of entrepreneurship. Whether you’ve recently opened your business or are just about to embark on this thrilling rollercoaster of a journey, there’s a critical element that can make or break your business dreams: Team Dynamics.
Now, I know what you might be thinking – “Team Dynamics? I’m a one-person operation!” Well, hold your horses, my friend. Even if you’re a solopreneur, understanding the dynamics of teamwork is crucial.
You might have the world’s most amazing product/ service and know exactly why you’re doing what you’re doing but, a business will succeed or fail because of the people in it and around it. So, whether you do, or don’t, have a team around you, buckle up, because we’re about to dive into the foundations of what makes a team – and business – truly triumph.
There are foundations, building blocks if you will, that all successful teams are built on. Without focussing and understanding on these key parts of the puzzle, may not result in total failure – it will result in you not being as successful as you could be.
To highlight that point; try this… write down a number that represents your business goal, be it financial profit, number of customers or number of products sold. I know you can achieve that goal. Now, scrub it out, rub it out, scribble it out. And. Write. It. BIGGER. Write down a bigger, bolder number! This is what you can achieve by understanding the dynamics of the team you build around you. I truly hope you achieve this goal! Nailing your understanding of team dynamics will generate more success for you.
- Trust is the Glue: Picture this: you’re standing on a rickety wooden bridge high above a gorge. Without trust, that bridge might as well be made of match sticks. Trust is the glue that holds your team together. If you’re a solo entrepreneur, trust yourself. If you’ve got a team, build trust like your business depends on it – because it does. If you don’t trust your team, your suppliers, your collaborators, why should they trust you? And, why are you working with people you don’t trust?
- Conflict is Good: Yep, you read that right. Healthy conflict is like a good cup of tea – it stirs things up but ultimately makes the blend better. Don’t shy away from disagreements; embrace them. It’s how breakthrough ideas are born. You can’t spend more than about five minutes in Human Everything’s office without the words ‘Productive Conflict’ being heard. If you don’t embrace conflict (and manage it of course) then what’s going to change? The status quo will never move and things will never get better.
- Commitment is Key: Ever heard of the phrase ‘all in’? Commitment is about everyone in your boat rowing in the same direction. Make sure your goals are crystal clear, and everyone’s on board. No stragglers allowed! This might sound easy… however, you’ve just had a big debate (lovely, lovely healthy conflict) about the latest idea or business direction and the team’s chosen a route that wasn’t your idea… are you truly committed to the choice the team has made? Is everyone else? Quick check – is everyone leaning in, look at the body language, is everyone leaning in to the idea, or is anyone – including you – leaning back?
- Accountability Matters: We’re not playing the blame game here. Accountability is about each team member taking responsibility for their actions. It’s the secret sauce to getting things done. Everything is a choice and choosing accountability is choosing the path to better results. Blame, excuses (don’t give me that it’s a ‘reason’ not an ‘excuse’ B.S.) and denial are the bedfellows of those who choose to not to take ownership, be accountable and take responsibility for their successes.
- Results, Results, Results: At the end of the day, it’s all about results. The sweet taste of success. Keep your eyes on the prize, celebrate victories – big or small – and learn from the hiccups along the way. Is everyone, including you, focussed on the results of the team? Park your egos at the door, if you’re looking for personal reward or some ego stroking then the team result isn’t front and centre.
Now, even if you’re a solopreneur, these principles apply. You’re not an island – you’ve got suppliers, collaborators, and maybe a virtual assistant or two. Understanding how you interact with others externally is just as crucial as internal team dynamics.
This is where understanding peoples’ behaviour steps in. Think of it as the instruction manual for your team members or collaborators. Knowing how people tick can save you from a world of miscommunication, which is a world of pain. Are they detail-oriented or big picture thinkers? Do they thrive on deadlines or need a bit more flexibility? Tailor your communication style to match, and watch the magic happen.
Remember, it’s not just about what you say but how it’s received. The same message can be interpreted in various ways. Communication is only successful if the message you’ve sent is the message that’s received – just because you understand what you’re on about, don’t assume the other a party does too! A nod to understanding others’ preferences – be they fast paced or cautious – ensures your words resonate with your suppliers, making your business relationships plain sailing.
In this exciting journey of entrepreneurship, the ability to navigate the seas of Team Dynamics is your compass. So, embrace the team building blocks, understand the quirks of your team (even if it’s just you and your laptop), and watch your business soar to new heights. Cheers to your success!
With a background in Anthropology and Engineering Human Everything are the proven difference in understanding your team dynamics and formulating a measurable people strategy that will build confidence, collaboration and sustain positive change in your business. www.humaneverything.co.uk
Sources:
Lencioni, P. (2002) 5 Dysfunctions of a Team. 1st. USA. Wiley.
Schwarzenegger, A. (2023) Be Useful. Seven Tools for Life. 1st. USA. Penguin.
Bartlett, S. (2023) Diary of a CEO. The 33 Laws of Business and Life. 1st. UK. Penguin.
Connors, R., Smith, T. and Hickman, C. (2004) The Oz Principle. 2nd. USA. Penguin.
How do you turn passion into profit?
Who is Lorraine Gbadegesin? I am a certified Business, Entrepreneur coach with extensive experience in the fashion industry, exemplified by my successful fashion consultancy brand, Lozboutique. I am also a dynamic business speaker and Furthermore, l have a solid background in finance and project management, having worked with various public and private organisations in diverse roles.
My mission is simply to support other women especially mothers on their ‘mumpreneurship’ journey. It’s my desire to see women thriving in business, breaking barriers & reaching their full potential. And become the best version of themselves the way God intended for them to be.
How it all began
Growing up I envisioned myself in a beautiful marriage, having a lovely family, a rewarding career, and a successful business. It’s good to have all these elaborate dreams on your vision board. However, dreams are meaningless if you do not take action. You have to put in the effort to make everything work. Don’t just dream! Take action and make your dreams a reality.
To make your dreams a reality you will need to find your purpose?
Finding purpose often involves introspection. Reflect on your values, interests, and the impact you want to have. Consider your skills and how they can contribute to something meaningful. Engage in activities that bring fulfillment and explore different areas until you discover what resonates most with you. It’s a personal journey that may evolve over time.
How do you turn passion into profit?
Turning purpose into profit involves identifying a market need that aligns with your purpose. Develop a business model that addresses this need while staying true to your values. Communicate your purpose effectively to attract customers who share similar values. Balancing ethical practices with profitability is key for sustainable success.
This has been my blueprint in starting my business. To learn more about my journey, Please head over to https://hwchamber.co.uk/lozboutique-our-journey/.
Here are some of the questions to help you unlock your purpose and turn it into profit:
What do you really love doing?
What would you do if you didn’t need money ?
What makes your heart sing?
What difference do you make?
How can you ramp up what you do and impact more people.
What do you need to create consistent profits that will enable you to keep growing.
I love connecting and working with women across the globe whether it’s through my fashion brand or through coaching great things are birthed when women come together!
If you would like to partner with me, please contact me via email [email protected] or visit my website www.lorrainegbconsultancy.com, to stay updated on her latest endeavours.
Or connect with me through Instagram and LinkedIn.
A Guide to Intellectual Property Protection & Starting Your Business the Right Way
Starting a business can be both exhilarating and challenging, filled with endless possibilities but also requiring meticulous planning and dedication. It’s crucial to set the right foundation, especially when it comes to protecting your Intellectual Property (IP). From choosing a unique business name to avoiding common pitfalls, here’s guide to help you kickstart your entrepreneurial journey with the best foundations.
Choosing Your Business Name:
Your business name is your identity; it’s how customers will remember and recognise you. When selecting a name:
Words to Avoid:
- Generic Terms: Generic terms could potentially limit your uniqueness or blend you in with competitors. Using wording not used in your sector can really make you stand out from the crowd.
- Trademarked Words: Avoid using trademarked names or phrases without permission; a search of the Intellectual Property Office will help you avoid this pitfall.
- Confusing Spellings: Overly complex or misspelled words might hinder brand recall and recognition. You want your name to be easy to read, spell and say, this will help it to be remembered.
- Restrictions: A company name cannot be offensive, abusive or suggest a connection with the government, a charity or trust if it is not. Eg. You could not call your business “ XYZ Trust” if you do not fall in to one of the Trust categories such as Charitable Trust.
Tips on Choosing a Unique Name:
- Creativity is Key: Aim for a name that’s distinctive, memorable, and resonates with your brand’s essence. Your business name should mean something to you. By doing this you are more likely to be able to register your business.
- Research and Mind Map: Consider wordplay, cultural references, or unique combinations. Putting all your ideas down on paper often result in innovative names.
- Check Availability: Before finalising, ensure the name is available for registration across various platforms and doesn’t conflict with existing trademarks. Companies House is a good place to start for this, but it needs to be remembered that just because something is available there, it doesn’t mean that it is truly available. There are many very successful and established sole traders out there, there isn’t one register of those, so you do need to do your research, check domains, socials and the Intellectual Property Office also. Businesses often register brand names for protection and exclusive use rather than the company name they register at Companies House.
Searches to Be Completed:
To secure your business name and protect your IP, conduct thorough searches. We have developed a search tool on our partner website Start.Biz which allows you to undertake a simultaneous search of Companies House, our internal register of Business Names which are protected against Passing off, and domains. Alternatively, you need to undertake these searches yourself:
- Companies House: Check for name availability and avoid similarity to existing registered businesses.
- Domains: Ensure the domain name associated with your business is available. Consistency across online platforms is crucial.
- Intellectual Property Office (IPO): Investigate trademarks to ensure your chosen name isn’t already registered or infringing on existing trademarks.
- Social Media: This is a way to check those businesses that may not be registered at Companies House.
Other Business Tips – Strategy and Intellectual Property:
Including IP within your Business Strategy is a great way to give your business the best foundations to start. Without doing this you may end up creating and producing brands or products that are already within the market. A thorough consideration of IP will begin to form your proof of concept.
- Identify Valuable IP: Assess what IP your business owns or will create—trademarks, designs, patents, and copyrights. Be sure to check that you have rights to this Intellectual Property. At National Business Register we too often speak to business owners who unknowingly are infringing on another’s IP.
- Secure IP Early: Consider protecting the IP that you are creating and are able to register. This prevents others from using similar names or designs but also makes you a safer bet for investors should you need or wish to look for funding. If you are looking at franchising your business in the future registering your IP is essential.
- Consult Professionals: Consider consulting specialists to navigate complex legal aspects and ensure comprehensive protection. At National Business Register we have met with an incredibly capable and successful business owner, they have a line of products that are now being sold within national supermarkets. They protected their IP in respect of the manufacturing of their product but NOT the retail of it and therefore any other business in the same line of work could have used the same name but retail it in shops/online etc. Failure to register the IP in the correct area could have had catastrophic consequences for that business had they not engaged with us to review their Intellectual Property. This allowed us highlight gaps and to rectify this situation for them.
Research really is key. Failing to conduct thorough searches can result in unintentional infringement or clashes with existing brands. We have encountered many businesses that have chosen their name, had their website designed, ordered their business cards, stationery and uniform all with their logo on. To find out that they had been infringing on someone else’s IP.
Starting a business is more than just an idea—it’s about laying a solid foundation. By carefully selecting your business name, conducting comprehensive searches, and prioritising Intellectual Property protection, you’re safeguarding your brand’s future. Remember, being startup savvy means being proactive in protecting what makes your business unique. Be sure to include Intellectual Property within your business strategy and plan. This is something that needs to be reviewed at least annually.
Written by Michaela Cusack
Solicitor and Director of NBR Group.
A Comprehensive 8 Step Guide to Starting Your Business
Embarking on the entrepreneurial journey is a thrilling endeavour filled with promise and potential, but it’s not without its challenges. The excitement of bringing your vision to life is balanced by the need for careful planning and strategic thinking. In this comprehensive guide, I will help you navigate the essential steps to turn your business idea into a reality, from defining your concept to building a successful brand and implementing effective marketing strategies.
1: Defining Your Business Idea
Your business idea is the heartbeat of success. Discover how to make it stand out:
- Value Proposition: Clearly articulate what sets your product or service apart.
- Uniqueness: Identify your unique selling proposition (USP) or competitive advantage.
- Feasibility: Assess practicality, market demand, and overall viability.
- Passion and Expertise: Align your idea with your passion and expertise.
- Scalability and Sustainability: Plan for growth and consider environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
In essence, your business idea is a well-thought-out concept, guiding your entrepreneurial venture.
Additional resources:
2: Conducting Market Research
Understand your audience by employing diverse research methods:
- Surveys, Interviews, Focus Groups: Gather quantitative and qualitative insights.
- Observational Research: Observe real-life customer behavior.
- Secondary Research: Analyse existing data and literature.
Additional resources:
3: Creating a Business Plan
Craft a dynamic business plan:
- Executive Summary, Company Description: Concisely outline your business.
- Products or Services: Detail offerings and benefits.
- Organisation and Management: Outline your team structure.
- Marketing and Sales Strategy: Develop comprehensive plans.
- Financial Projections, Risk Analysis: Present detailed projections and identify potential risks.
Remember, a business plan is a living document that evolves with your business.
Additional resources:
4: Legal and Regulatory Considerations:
Navigate the legal landscape with considerations such as:
- Business Structure: Choose wisely for liability, taxation, and governance.
- Name and Tax Registration: Register your business name and for VAT.
- Employment Laws, Intellectual Property: Understand legal obligations.
- Contracts, Data Protection: Develop clear contracts and comply with privacy laws.
- Health and Safety Compliance: Ensure a safe working environment.
- Consult legal professionals for tailored advice.
Additional resources:
5: Building Your Brand
Create a lasting brand with:
- Memorable Name and Logo: Develop a unique identity.
- Consistent Voice and Messaging: Maintain a unified tone.
- Online Presence, Visual Elements: Leverage digital platforms and visuals.
- Authentic Storytelling, Brand Advocacy: Share your story and build a community.
- Building a brand is an ongoing process requiring dedication and consistency.
Additional resources:
-
- Hubspot How To Build Brand
- Canva – for designing logos and brand visuals
6: Financial Planning and Funding
Navigate finances by:
- Estimating Startup Costs, Creating a Budget: Identify expenses and plan for income.
- Determining Revenue Streams, Managing Cash Flow: Define income sources and monitor cash flow & working capital requirements
- Investing in Financial Software: Use tools for tracking expenses.
- Exploring Funding Options: Consider self-financing, loans, investors, crowdfunding.
- Approach financial planning strategically for sustained growth.
Additional resources:
7: Setting Up Operations
Establish a strong operational foundation:
- Define Operations Strategy, Set Up Physical Space: Outline processes and arrange workspace.
- Invest in Technology, Build a Supply Chain: Implement tech and establish reliable suppliers.
- Hire and Train Staff, Develop SOPs: Recruit and train, create documented procedures.
- Implement Quality Control, Inventory Management: Ensure quality and manage inventory efficiently.
- Adaptability and iteration are key for sustained growth.
Additional resources:
-
- Shopify: Guide to Setting Up a Retail Store
- Zoho Inventory – for inventory management
- https://www.sumup.com/en-gb/
- https://stripe.com/gb
8: Marketing and Sales Strategies
Build your audience with effective strategies:
- Understand Your Target Audience, Create a Marketing Plan: Identify goals and target audience.
- Build Online Presence, Utilise SEO: Optimise your digital footprint.
- Content Marketing, Email Marketing: Develop valuable content and nurture relationships.
- Networking, Develop Sales Strategy: Engage in industry events and define your sales process.
- Establish a strong foundation for attracting customers and driving sustainable growth.
Additional resources:
Conclusion:
This guide is just the beginning. Explore additional resources, stay connected with the business community, and embrace continuous learning. Your entrepreneurial journey is dynamic—adapt, refine, and success will follow.
Author:
Martin Hill,
Managing Director; Sandler West Midlands
Starting Right: Why Core Values are the Key to Business Success
When the founder of the US e-commerce business Zappos.com was asked for one thing he’d do differently if he could restart his company from scratch, his response was clear: “I would actually come up with our values from day one.”
Establishing your business values early – whether as an entrepreneur, or a corporate giant – can be a game-changer in the success of your company as it grows. Your values are the heart and soul of your enterprise, influencing everything from your marketing brand to your culture and interactions with customers.
So where do you start?
- Understand your own Core Values first.
We all have 3-5 Core Values that drive everything we do. Once we understand what they are, we can use them to create the direction of our business.
Business is personal – so it makes sense to uncover our own core values first, before establishing the values that will create our foundation for growth. When we connect the dots between the two… that’s when the magic happens! By understanding our own Core Values and how they drive and motivate us, it leads to stronger decision-making skills, as well as creating the certainty and confidence that we are doing what’s right for us and our business.
You can then start to connect your Core Values with the values you want for your business blueprint.
- Create the Values Script for your Business.
Once we know the Core Values that serve us, we can start to create a script for how our business will stand out and stand up in the marketplace. This is often where business owners can make some innocent mistakes that mean the work on values is wasted.
The CEO of a Fortune 500 networking company had ‘a sense of urgency’ as one of his firm’s Core Values. This wasn’t because employees were always hitting deadlines, it was only included because he thought people were too complacent! It was an aspirational goal for his business, rather than a value that would drive the business in practice.
Communicating values is key here. We tend to presume that a value will mean the same thing to everybody who encounters it – whether that’s a new recruit or a potential customer – but it’s often not the case. In a recent workshop with a small sales team, there were ten different definitions for their company value of “Being Flexible”. It was no wonder that tensions had started to appear!
Spending some time on translating our values into a clear vision, mission and purpose is vital at the start of our business journey. Asking questions such as “Do I know how my values are being met?”, or “Do they match with the company values?” and “How do I know they are understood by others?” can really help to create clear communication.
If we can connect the dots between the company values and what they actually mean to each person that encounters them, the potential for success can only grow, while the risk of costly mistakes and future workplace conflict is drastically reduced.
- Use Them or Lose Them!
Probably the biggest mistake that business owners make is to spend some time developing values, only to forget about them as soon as the posters are up and the website updated.
Core Values are dynamic. Just as our business changes every year, so we need to ‘check-in’ on how the values of our business are holding up. Are they still as relevant? Can we see how they show up in the day-to-day practices with customers, clients and staff?
They can be utilised across the business and at all stages of its growth, like sprinkling the salt that makes everything taste better: in branding, marketing, hiring, performance reviews, skills development, wellbeing, managing conflict and retention.
However, let’s also recognise how tricky it can be to maintain and stick to the Values Script we create for our business, especially when times are tough: Living by stated company values is difficult. That’s why it’s important to check back with your own Core Values and think of them as your “portable psychological safety”.
If you and your business are fully aligned with your Core Values, then you know you can always reach for your own oxygen mask first, so you can then look after the business too.
Sarah Evans – The Values Connection
Create a Reputation That Brings You Long-Term Success
In the dynamic world of business, your reputation is not just an asset; it’s the cornerstone of your long-term success. As new start-ups embark on their entrepreneurial journey, it’s crucial to remember that while a reputation takes years to build, it can be lost in mere minutes. In this ever-evolving landscape, nurturing a reputation that resonates with reliability, excellence, and integrity is paramount.
The Value of Time in Building Reputation
The adage ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’ aptly applies to reputation building. Establishing a strong, positive reputation is a gradual process, requiring consistent effort, unwavering commitment, and an unyielding dedication to your values and vision. This journey involves every interaction, every decision, and every setback. Over time, these elements coalesce to form the bedrock of your business identity – your reputation.
Working with the Best: Why Quality Connections Matter
A pivotal aspect of reputation building is the quality of connections you nurture. It’s advisable to aim to work with people and businesses at the top end of the scale – let’s say, on a scale where one is low and ten is high. The ‘tens’ are those who value and appreciate you for what you bring to the table. They are more than clients or partners; they are advocates of your business ethos. Collaborating with such entities not only enhances your brand value but also ensures a working relationship that is mutually respectful and fulfilling.
Why is this important? Because ‘tens’ are great to work with – they appreciate your work, pay what you’re worth, and do so punctually. Their respect for your business is not just in words but in actions, setting a precedent for how others should interact with your business.
The Downside of Lower Scale Associations
Conversely, working with people lower down the scale – those who don’t appreciate your value, argue over bills, and are generally difficult to work with – can be detrimental. Not only do such interactions drain your resources and morale, but they also detract from your reputation. The time and energy spent in dealing with these negative experiences could be better invested in fostering relationships that are more profitable and fulfilling.
Referrals: The Reward for Excellence
One of the most significant benefits of working with ‘tens’ is the power of referrals. A satisfied client or business partner who values your work is your best advocate. They extend your reputation through their networks, bringing in new opportunities that are already primed for success. This word-of-mouth marketing is invaluable; it’s organic, credible, and often results in long-term, fruitful business relationships.
The Road Ahead: Building a Lasting Reputation
In conclusion, building a reputation that brings long-term success is a multifaceted endeavour. It requires a strategic focus on working with the right people, delivering quality, and staying true to your core values. Remember, every interaction is a building block in your reputation. Aim high, deliver excellence, and let your work speak for itself. As a start-up, your journey is as much about building a robust business model as it is about crafting a reputation that precedes you.
Your reputation is your brand’s story told by others. Make it a story worth sharing.
Peter Roper Founder of The Family Business Practice
How do you build a marketing plan to grow your business?
Your approach to marketing is a key element in building a successful business. You may need to look within your company team to source strengths and marketing experience or you may need to reach out to an experienced team of digital marketers to support you to raise brand awareness and get your company noticed.
A digital marketing team will be able to create a marketing strategy with you. Using your knowledge of your industry, your experience within your business as well as before it, and using a collaborative approach to understand your budget and your intended outcomes from your marketing strategy.
It is important that you understand the elements included in a marketing strategy as you begin planning with your marketing team and this blog will help you to understand the foundations of this planning process.
- Website Design for brand accessibility
If you haven’t already got a website, or you are looking to update, this is the key player in your marketing strategy in a digital age. A place for you to share your brand identity, your company values and ethos, and a point of contact for potential business links and customers; your website needs to be ready to support everything you are doing to have an impact on your business.
- Graphic Design for brand identity
The visual representation of your company should be clear throughout every channel of your marketing. The imagery used and the style of design will filter through every aspect of your brand’s representation, allowing customers to feel familiar with your business and ready to connect.
- Content Writing for brand communication
Copywriting often holds together graphics and web. Providing the words to communicate anything, on anything, is where we come in! Marketing website copy that is keyworded for SEO, written content for brochures, banners, exhibition stands, blogs or social media. In other words, we write across industries and for anyone from small businesses, new start-ups, or larger, global companies too.
What is SEO and how does it help my business marketing?
SEO specialists understand how your website is functioning to increase the chance of you getting found on a Google search. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the making or breaking of the success of your website. If you aren’t getting found on search engines, you aren’t connecting with your clients or customers.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) of your site for keys words, using the correct heading tags and link building to support domain authority. These are just for starters…
The fast-paced nature of social media means that having a professional writer can generate content quickly; responding to new trends, and developments in the news and giving you more words in less time. This means efficient use of your company’s marketing budget.
Understanding the nature of each individual social media platform eats into valuable working hours for anyone running a business. By using professional support to create your social media content for you and provide social media support, you are making sure that your company has a professional image across the platforms which you select for your business. When your content is written by a writer who understands the platform it gives you the biggest impact on your social media content across the whole of your online reach.
Building a Bespoke Marketing Plan
A marketing team will show a range of skills within the possible services within digital marketing. Understanding the different services and different approaches to getting your business noticed is the number one job as you find the team you will work with. As you explore the options together, you will feel what will work for you and your brand, learning from your digital marketing team about how to use your marketing budget for maximum impact.
Many marketing agencies offer free consultations or free discovery sessions, get booked in and have a chat to find out more about the team and the services they offer. This will enable you to find out more about the marketing industry and to see how to build a marketing plan that suits your skills, budget and time commitment.
Building a robust marketing plan is a pivotal step in ensuring the growth and success of your business in today’s digital landscape. Whether you tap into the expertise within your company or enlist the support of a seasoned digital marketing team, the key lies in a strategic and collaborative approach.
Making connections and finding effective marketing approaches
This blog has provided valuable insights into the foundational elements of a marketing strategy, emphasizing the significance of a well-designed website, cohesive graphic design, compelling content writing, and the critical role of Search Engine Optimization (SEO). As you embark on this journey, consider the impact each component has on brand accessibility and communication. From the visual identity to the written content, every detail contributes to shaping your business’s online presence. Moreover, social media, with its fast-paced nature, benefits from professional writing that not only responds to trends but also efficiently utilizes your marketing budget.
Crafting a bespoke marketing plan requires a deep understanding of the diverse services within digital marketing, and a reputable team can guide you through these intricacies. Engage in consultations, explore options, and collaboratively determine the strategies that align with your brand, skills, budget, and time commitment. In doing so, you pave the way for a tailored marketing approach that not only suits your unique needs but also maximises the impact of your marketing efforts.
Chat more with the team today!
www.tiem-design.com
www.businessspacemidlands.co.uk
Promote Your Business with PR
Across Herefordshire and Worcestershire, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often face the challenge of promoting their businesses effectively. Public Relations (PR) is a powerful marketing tool that goes beyond traditional advertising, creating a positive image for your business and fostering meaningful connections with your audience. This blog explores what PR is and how it can elevate your business promotion strategy.
Understanding PR
Public Relations is not just about managing crises or issuing press releases. At its core, PR is about building and maintaining relationships with the public, including customers, employees, investors and the wider community. It is the art of storytelling, shaping the narrative around your business to create a favourable perception.
Jeff Bezos:
“Your brand is what other people say about you when you’re not in the room.”
Building credibility and trust
One of the key benefits of PR is its ability to establish credibility and trust. While advertising is often perceived as self-promotion, PR focuses on earned media, such as news articles, features and reviews. When your business is covered by reputable media outlets, it adds a layer of credibility that paid advertising cannot match. Consumers tend to trust editorial content more, viewing it as an unbiased endorsement.
Richard Branson: “Publicity is absolutely critical. A good PR story is infinitely more effective than a front-page ad.”
Creating a positive image
PR allows you to control the narrative surrounding your business. By crafting compelling stories, you can shape how your audience perceives your brand. Whether it’s highlighting your commitment to sustainability, showcasing community involvement, or sharing success stories, PR enables you to present a positive image that resonates with your target audience.
Warren Buffett: “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.”
Fostering relationships
Effective PR is not a one-way street. It involves engaging with your audience and building lasting relationships. This could mean responding to customer feedback, participating in community events or collaborating with influencers and thought leaders in your industry. These interactions contribute to a positive brand image and can result in valuable word-of-mouth promotion.
Steve Jobs: “You can have the best product in the world, but if you don’t have effective communication, you have nothing.”
Beyond traditional PR
In the digital age, PR extends beyond traditional media to encompass online platforms and social media. Maintaining an active and positive presence on social media, engaging with online communities and managing your online reputation are crucial components of modern PR strategies.
Elon Musk: “Brand is just a perception, and perception will match reality over time. Sometimes it will be ahead, other times it will be behind. But brand is simply a collective impression some have about a product.”
Conclusion
Promoting your business with PR is not just about getting your name in the headlines; it’s about crafting a compelling narrative that resonates with your audience. By building credibility, creating a positive image, fostering relationships and navigating the digital landscape, PR becomes a strategic asset in your business promotion toolkit. So, embrace the power of PR and watch as it transforms not just how your business is perceived, but how it thrives in the competitive market.
Bill Gates:
“If I was down to my last dollar, I would spend it on public relations.”
You Do Better Ltd’s pay-as-you-go PR services offer a cost-effective and strategic solution for SMEs looking to boost their visibility and credibility. Visit their website at: www.youdobetter.co.uk to explore how You Do Better can help your business do better in the local market.
The Chamber's Blog
How the Chamber can support you, when starting a new business.
Starting a new business can be an exciting experience, but knowing how to take the first step can be daunting, especially when you have your business plan ready. At the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, we believe that preparation is key. To support new starting businesses the Chamber works closely with the Marches Growth Hub in Herefordshire and the Worcestershire Growth Hub. Together, we are experts at guiding new businesses with their new ventures, ensuring they are well-informed and equipped at every step of their new business. This is not limited to first-time business owners. Every business is different, and every journey has various stages; even if you have owned businesses before, we are all here to help.
The Chamber's Blog
Employees and your Business
Employees are the cornerstone of any business, big or small, and creating a team with a good work culture, benefits, and staff can be challenging, especially after the pandemic, which has put more demand on skilled employees, a better work-life balance, and staff benefits. At the Chamber, we understand the importance of employees and the struggles employers face. That’s why, throughout the year, we conduct research to find patterns, trends, and behaviours in businesses that are either recruiting or retaining employees, and support businesses throughout their recruitment journey.
Employees and your business
We all know, people and skills are the cornerstone of any organisational success. A skilled and motivated workforce drives innovation, productivity, and customer satisfaction.
Read more about our Members and the advice they’d offer you in regards to employees. The blogs listed below will tell you all about the do’s and don’ts, as well as the upcoming trends in employment.
See below blogs from our Members…
How Video Enhances Your Recruitment Efforts
In today’s competitive job market, attracting top talent is more challenging than ever. Companies must differentiate themselves to appeal to the best candidates. This is where the power of video comes in. Video is a dynamic and versatile medium that can significantly enhance recruitment efforts. In this blog post, we’ll explore how video can revolutionise your approach to attracting top talent.
- Bringing Job Descriptions to Life
The traditional text-based job description is often uninspiring. Video, on the other hand, can bring these descriptions to life. By creating short films about a role, its responsibilities, and the team, potential candidates can get a real sense of what the job entails and the company culture. This dynamic form of storytelling can captivate potential applicants and make your opportunity stand out.
- Showcasing Company Culture
Company culture is a key factor candidates consider when choosing their employer. Video is an excellent tool for conveying your company’s culture, values, and ethos. Through employee testimonials, behind-the-scenes tours, and highlights of company events, you can showcase what makes your workplace unique and appealing.
- Improving Candidate Engagement
Video can enhance candidate engagement in numerous ways. From the initial job posting to the interview process, incorporating video can make the experience more interactive and engaging. Video interviews, for instance, offer a more personal touch compared to phone interviews and are more convenient than in-person meetings.
- Expanding Reach and Accessibility
Video content is easily shareable and can reach a wide audience quickly. By leveraging platforms like LinkedIn, YouTube, and your company website, your recruitment videos can attract a diverse pool of applicants, including those who may not be actively job searching but are open to new opportunities.
- Demonstrating Innovation and Forward Thinking
Utilising video in recruitment signals that your company is innovative and forward-thinking. It shows that you are adapting to modern communication trends and are invested in providing a positive candidate experience. This can be particularly appealing to younger generations who value creativity and innovation in the workplace.
- Video as a Tool for Employer Branding
A well-crafted recruitment video is not just a tool for a specific job opening; it’s an asset for your overall employer branding. It helps in building a narrative about who you are as an employer and what you stand for, which is essential in attracting and retaining top talent.
Video is not just a trend in recruitment; it’s a powerful tool that can give you a significant advantage in attracting top talent. It offers a unique way to showcase your company, engage with potential candidates, and stand out in a crowded job market. By integrating video into your recruitment strategy, you can transform the way you attract, engage, and hire top talent.
Embrace the future of recruitment by incorporating video into your hiring process. Start exploring the endless possibilities of how video can enhance your recruitment efforts and help you attract the top talent your company deserves.
www.TerryLiveseyPhotography.co.uk
07800 653 291
Risk Assessments – A guide for the cynical
Most of us have heard of risk assessments and the thought of them generally creates a whimper of misery – more paperwork, health and safety gone mad, jobsworth, and so on. Even worse is when someone tells you to write a risk assessment – where do I start, where do I finish, this is going to take forever…
Do not despair, this brief blog will not make you fall in love with risk assessments, but it might make you look at them in a more favourable light.
Why carry out risk assessments? The boring answer is: the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (2000 in Northern Ireland) say that every employer must make a ‘suitable and sufficient’ risk assessment of the health and safety risks workers and any other persons who may be affected by their business face. The more reasoned answer is: a business which carries out risk assessments will be in a better position to avoid problems or reduce the severity of problems. The grey-haired insurance broker’s answer is: if something goes wrong and you end up in court the absence or presence of risk assessments could be the difference between guilty and innocent.
What are risk assessments? We carry out risk assessments in our head every day, when you cross the road you think about the possible dangers, you check if it is safe to cross and act appropriately. Likewise if your spouse asks if you like their new haircut you make a mental risk assessment before responding! A formal risk assessment is simply a written record of this same mental process that you undertake every day.
How do I carry out a risk assessment? You can record your risk assessment in any way you want but most people will follow a similar format to that promoted by the Health & Safety Executive. You can find lots of clear guidance on their website https://www.hse.gov.uk/ including templates and examples. When carrying out risk assessments a sensible procedure is to consider the following:
Identify the hazards –
Assess the risks –
Control the risks –
Record your findings –
Review the controls –
This is a simple and structured way of checking off the various hazards you might face, assessing what measures are in place to reduce the risks and highlighting what needs doing to reduce risks further. By putting them in a table and recording them helps you formalise and share your risk management in a clear and easily understood format that can be quickly reviewed and updated.
How detailed must risk assessments be? You need to strike a sensible balance, when looking at slips and trips, for example, a generic assessment would be OK in an office environment but you might want a more detailed range of assessments if you operate a business such as a holiday park where different parts of the business have different risks. There needs to be enough detail to ensure risks are reviewed but not so much that it becomes an unworkable mountain of paperwork that ends up ignored.
When should risk assessments be carried out? Once you have risk assessments in place it is good practice to review them annually and whenever you have any incidents, even near misses, which could highlight a weakness in your safety. You should also carry out risk assessments if your business changes, for example new procedures or machinery. You should also be aware of changes to people such as young or pregnant workers who may require assessments specific to their risks.
This information was provided by Sutcliffe & Co Insurance Brokers. If you would like to know more about risk management, please contact Sutcliffe & Co on 01905 21681 or [email protected]
Taking the challenge out of recruitment
Recruitment isn’t just about finding the right person for the job. Candidates want to know your company is the right fit for them too, say the experts at Hewett Recruitment.
A job isn’t simply about the paycheck anymore”, says Ben Mannion, co-owner and director at Hewett. “People – particularly the latest generation of talent joining the workforce – want to work for companies that align with their own values on issues like sustainability and how they treat people.”
Hewett leads by example, having achieved coveted B Corp certification last year.
Ben and fellow owner and director Laura Hewett have since set up a B Corp Three Counties peer network group, to show how being perceived as a good company is good for business. “It’s also extremely good for recruitment and retention of staff,” Ben adds.
AI’s perfect role
The local jobs market was sluggish last year, dragged down by what Ben terms the “cost of doing business crisis”. And while business is picking up, it’s clear the world of work continues to change and adapt. In fact, the Hewett team has already embraced one of the workplace’s biggest gamechangers – artificial intelligence (AI).
“Using the right technologies allows us to spend more time developing the human side of our services,” Ben points out.
“It’s an area we have always excelled in, and we can invest even more in it now.
“AI will not replace the people in our business, but it will remove the admin burden and speed up processes.
“There’s a lot of negative chat around it but jobs will always exist and it’s our role to add the very best value for our clients and candidates.
“By freeing up precious time, we can take more time to understand our clients’ needs, meet their requirements, and develop our own staff training.
“We can focus on the all-important ‘soft skills’ like great communication and problem solving – things that empathetic, intelligent humans can do and AI certainly can’t!
“Our consultants always offer the best-quality advice and guidance. It’s what puts us ahead of our competitors.”
What employees want
Going back to the perennial issue of attracting good job candidates, Laura says a bit of push and pull is in play. The money aspect certainly can’t be underestimated, but the demand for a better work-life balance remains a huge influence.
Laura explains, “It’s true that employers increasingly want people to return to the office … because that’s where the best collaborations happen.
“On the other hand, they are still prepared to offer flexible working hours – so long as time and outputs are effectively managed – and hybrid/remote working is still hugely popular.
“And as Ben mentioned previously, there’s the purpose-driven element. Companies need to be aware of how they are perceived in the local jobs market, even when not recruiting.
“Are they an employer of choice? A place where people would love to work?Organisations are judged on their purpose, culture and values, and we always advise our clients to think about these in detail.”
Job spec vs. job advert
Hewett also advises companies on their workforce planning, specifically how to promote vacancies.
Ben explains, “A job spec is sometimes confused with a job advert.
“A job spec outlines the required competencies to perform the role.
“A job advert, on the other hand, should focus on what it means to work for you as a company, and what the jobseeker gets in return.
“Obviously main duties should be included, but in essence, the advert should be drawn up as an invite to ‘come and work for us!’ The focus is on the opportunity, not the job.
“Unfortunately, some employers get a bit mixed up, and basically put out a list of what you have to do for us.
“This causes problems because, although the market has slowed slightly, vacancies are still significantly higher than pre-Covid. Prospective candidates are staying in their current jobs until the economy improves.
“So, unless employers offer the right benefits package and convey the right image, their recruitment drive will fall flat.
“Crafting the right recruitment strategy takes time. Get your job spec right – just
because it was written five years ago doesn’t mean it’s fit for purpose now.
“Make sure your job advert attracts the best candidates.
“And make sure your brand is valued by the local workforce. Recruitment and retention will be so much less of a challenge!”
Hewett Recruitment can be contacted by email at [email protected]. Full details about their range of services are
available at hewett-recruitment.co.uk.
Grow your business
Increasing the number of people that you employ, expanding your site, developing new products or services increasing the skills of your workforce, developing new markets, finding customers, increasing productivity or accessing finance all require planning and action.
Read more about our Members and the advice they’d offer you in regards to how to grow a business.
See below blogs from our Members…
Neil Lloyd has transformed FBC Manby Bowdler into one of the Midland's fastest growing law firms
Neil Lloyd has transformed FBC Manby Bowdler into one of the Midland’s fastest growing law firms enjoying increased profits and turnover for four years in a row. Here Neil, the firm’s managing partner, gives an insight into how to grow your business.
It really is the $64,000 question isn’t it? How do I grow my business?
Well, if our experience is anything to go by, you must start with the basics. Get the foundations right and give yourself something to build on.
Start with leadership. Have you got people with the right skills and experience in place in operations and on the board? If not, think about where you can strengthen and how you might go about it. Sometimes, bringing in external expertise when you don’t have it in house can really kickstart things.
And remember, the right leaders for your teams are not always the best performers at their jobs. Look to choose people with the core skills and aptitude for a leadership role and then use learning and development to grow their skills and experience.
FBC Manby Bowdler has 30 team leaders across the business which is very high. But it means all our leaders are looking after small teams of around 6 or 7 people. With smaller groups, coaching can be more bespoke and staff benefit from individually-tailored support to help them grow, be the best they can be, and deliver for clients.
The impact on client service is hugely positive – and leads to existing clients using more of our services, recommending us to others and creating a virtuous circle which continues to feed growth.
If you need some external verification, take a look at the 1,700 or so reviews of the firm on ReviewSolicitors. The feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Staff deliver for clients because they have the right leadership in place and clients are happy to recommend us because they have had such a good experience.
It’s been a great recipe for success over the past few years, and I am confident it will be again in 2024.
Growing a Business, by Sue Johns
You’ve turned your business idea into a reality – congratulations! You can call yourself a company director – cool! You know what you’re doing – of course you do! You’ve done all the essential admin and are now excited about delivering your product or service and eventually making some money. But until the day comes when your income exceeds your outgoings, you need to keep your costs to a minimum. This often means that small businesses are run from a kitchen table or a cheap commercial space, and that may lead to a disconnect between the quality you know you can deliver and the environment you work in.
This is where a good, local business centre can transform your operation and help your business to appear more established than it may actually be. You can use it as your Virtual Office Address (VOA) or Registered Office Address (ROA) so, instead of having a residential or unimpressive address on your business stationery, you can use that of the business centre, which is likely to be a central or even prestigious location. It could be that you call in regularly to pick up any correspondence for your business or you may have an arrangement where it is scanned or forwarded to you. Think carefully before using a London office address service though as that may backfire: although you may feel that an address in the capital conveys prestige, many people like to use a local business and may not realise that your business is exactly that.
If you are a one-man-band, working from home isn’t necessarily ideal. Home is full of distractions, from the fridge to the dog, but sometimes the problem is exactly the opposite. Working alone can leave you feeling isolated and craving human company. Those kind of negative feelings are likely to impact on your productivity and you may find that on some days you achieve very little. Again your local business centre can come to the rescue. A day’s hot-desking and a few conversations with other co-workers over the coffee machine may well stimulate your creativity and productivity.
What about meeting potential clients? You don’t want to compromise your privacy or professionalism by inviting them to your home, and you don’t want them to come to your less than impressive current workspace. A coffee shop in town may work in some circumstances, but it won’t enhance your professionalism in any way. Once again your local business centre can help by providing a meeting room. If you also use the business centre for your VOA or ROA then it may well appear that you work from the business centre. Smoke and mirrors? To an extent, yes. But if you are providing a good quality service, using a business centre is just a sensible way of presenting yourself at your professional best for minimal costs.
Ask your business centre if they have networking opportunities; this is where you meet other small businesses on a regular or occasional basis. Getting your name known in the local business community should be part of your marketing plan as it will raise your profile as well as linking you to people whose aim is mutual help and co-operation.
As you get to know your local business centre, you will become aware of other services they may offer. They may have large training rooms where you can deliver seminars on your service or product or a private Zoom room where you can have a quiet call. They may have a reception service so can help you manage interviews when you are ready to take on staff. They may have serviced offices to help you make the transition from kitchen table to your own office.
So if you are lucky enough to have business centre on your doorstep, you’ll find it’s a valuable asset to help you grow your business. Time for a visit.
Sue Johns, Director
Kingsway House Business Centre
40 Foregate Street
Worcester
WR1 1EE
Thriving Through Business Growth
Running a business is a constant juggling act for owners, CEOs, and MDs, especially during significant growth periods. Navigating such growth presents unique challenges and areas of focus. This blog highlights key points to consider when growing a business. While not exhaustive, it provides an overview of crucial aspects to manage during these times, setting the stage for potential follow-up discussions.
The first of the blog looks at planning growth for your business and the second part looks at managing that growth within your business.
Planning Growth
The following outlines some the key points to planning business growth:
1. Goals & Objectives
Your growth needs to align with your company goals and objectives. If you have lost track of these, revisit your goals for the next year. What do you want to achieve in terms of turnover, profitability or team/resources? Once your goals are clear, you can plan how to achieve them.
2. Plan
Not everyone is a fan of planning, but it helps determine the tasks needed, the resources required, potential results and how to monitor progress. Planning allows you to focus on what needs to be achieved and who to target. Create a business, marketing or sales plan based on your goals and objectives.
3. Understand Your Audience
A key part of planning is understanding your potential customers. Are they B2B (business-to-business) or B2C (business-to-consumer)? What problems do they have that your product or service can solve? Where are they likely to be found? Once you have defined your potential customers, you can identify your competitors.
4. Competitors
Understanding your target audience helps you identify your key competitors. This allows you to determine your unique selling points and what sets you apart, helping you stand out from the competition.
5. Customers
Often, businesses overlook their existing customers when focusing on growth. It is much more cost-effective to grow from your current customer base than to acquire new ones. Ensure you have an account management plan in place. How will you continue to service your clients? What upselling opportunities exist, and how can you achieve them? How can you provide a better service?
6. Marketing/Sales
Ensure you have a clear strategy for your monthly marketing and sales activities to achieve your business goals. Identify the marketing tasks required each month. Determine how many leads your business needs monthly and how you will generate them. Outline the resources, tasks, and activities necessary to implement and achieve this strategy.
7. Resources
If you are looking to grow, don’t leave resource planning to the last minute! Too often, businesses either neglect the impact of growth on resources or over plan by increasing the team before the sales are in place. Have a tight resource plan early. Consider:
- How many more team members will you need if your growth plan is achieved?
- How many team members will be needed during the growth process?
- Will you hire permanent staff or use contractors in the interim?
- What if sales decline suddenly? How will you handle the change in resources?
Being aware of all possible scenarios and how to manage them is crucial. Not having a strong handle on resources early can lead to significant financial impacts, stress, and lost time.
Managing Growth
Once planning is in place, the next step is to consistently review, manage and assess business growth. The following outlines some key steps in the process:
1. Take Action
Having plans is essential, but you must take action! Every week and month, plan tasks based on your overall strategy. Review what has been done, what needs to be done, and who will complete these tasks and by when. A plan without action won’t achieve anything, and action without planning can waste time and energy. With a plan in place, you have the research, consideration, and goals necessary to guide your actions and achieve results.
2. Review and Refocus
Review your results each month. Identify what’s working, what’s not, and what needs changing. Adjust your plans and actions to increase the chances of achieving your desired results more quickly.
3. Time for Communication
Business growth impacts everyone in the organisation, increasing workload, pressure, planning needs, and presenting new challenges. Therefore, ensure there is time for:
- Team Communication: Regular updates and open discussions.
- Downtime: Opportunities for more relaxed, informal team communication.
- Management Communication: Clear and consistent communication from management.
- Owner Support: Identify someone to bounce off ideas, get support, and discuss any concerns.
- Don’t forget clients!
It’s easy to get sidetracked with focusing on new business sales but do not forget existing clients! Keep checking that you are in line with your account management plan. Regularly check in with clients through regular calls, meetings or surveys to ensure expectations are being met.
4. Finances
Keep a close eye on cash flow predictions and overhead costs. During growth overhead costs can increase quite substantially, and cash flow may change. Larger clients, for example, may require longer payment terms. Be sure to monitor finances closely. Have monthly cash flow projections and monthly management accounts to review. Work with experts and maintain a solid financial plan.
5. Take care of yourself
As many business owners know, it’s too easy to lose track of self-care. Growing a business often means taking on more tasks and hours. However, it’s easy to reach burnout during these times. Always prioritise self-care. Don’t cancel your personal routines such as exercise or socialising for business. Being the best you, will help create the best business, spark ideas and creativity, and provide you with more energy.
These tips are not an exhaustive list of growing your business but some guidelines to help you through. Business growth is different for every business but having a strong network and support around you can greatly help. Growth isn’t about a relentless pursuit of victory at any cost. It’s about embodying resilience, being agile and continuous strategic planning. True growth lies in the ability to weather storms, pivot with purpose and persistently chart a course toward success!
Author:
Claire Wozencroft
Out of the Cage – Helping business Grow (consultant, marketer and coach).
07904 556047
Susan Marlow, managing director – Minster Micro
Going for growth!
As a business owner, I understand what it takes to stay ahead in a competitive market. To put it simply, whilst it’s rewarding, it can also be all-consuming at times. With this in mind I’d like to share with members some short, practical advice – elements of which have been instrumental in driving my own business forward.
Understand your market
First and foremost, understand your market. In my experience, comprehensive research has been the foundation, and we found tools such as surveys or focus groups really helped us research the market locally and regionally. The key is to engage with customers directly, and through that route, I’ve found we’ve been able to create bespoke IT software solutions.
Relentless innovation
Staying one step ahead of the competition puts you at a significant advantage. I saw that very early in my journey and it’s a discipline we continue today by fostering a culture of creativity – and recognising that often the best ideas come from listening to customers’ suggestions and frustrations.
So whenever asked for business advice, I always ensure that innovation is a consideration.
There are a variety of key phases, but developing prototypes has served us well. We test software with a select group of customers who can provide critical insights and help refine before a full-scale launch, ensuring we’re on the right track and allowing for adjustments.
When it’s time for full-scale development, ensure it’s an efficient process. We provide bespoke and off-the-shelf business software, and therefore work closely with our own development team, but also with other software houses – helping us to streamline our offering whilst maintaining standards.
But it doesn’t stop there. A go-to-market strategy is essential. Make use of the right traditional and digital channels to create excitement. In our case, leveraging influencers and engaging storytelling has been particularly effective. We also use an external PR agency to help push our messages out to the market and to engage with communities. However good your product or service offering is, if no-one knows about it you won’t sell it!
Add value
Continuously improving your products also has a significantly impact on your growth. Every tweak can lead to increased loyalty – but ensure you tell everyone! It’s a common mistake to not keep customers updated, but good communication can bring opportunities.
We’ve also found a variety of ways to add value. One is sales-boosting product bundles. We’ve had success by combining complementary products and offering them at a discounted rate, backed by exceptional after-sales service which can turn a one-time buyer into a repeat customer. For example, with our infrastructure business, we offer extended warranties along with responsive customer support.
I also can’t shout enough about the role of personalisation. Personalising products based on customer preferences can significantly enhance the experience. Our customers appreciate when we remember what they like.
Closely linked to personalisation is loyalty. Not everyone can implement a loyalty programme, but if you can reward repeat customers, there are huge benefits. Offering points for purchases that can be redeemed for discounts or free products can be extremely powerful.
Embrace Technology
Coming from an IT provider you’d expect me to cover this!
But seriously, if harnessed correctly technology makes a huge impact. There are countless tools I can mention, but a good CRM system to manage customer relationships and data analytics can help your team make informed decisions.
Similarly, expanding into e-commerce can reach more customers. Ensure your website is mobile-optimised as offering a seamless shopping experience can be an absolute game-changer.
Finally, automating repetitive tasks can save time and reduce errors. We’ve implemented automation tools for sales and marketing, as well as ticket management for our helpdesk team. It’s really led to an increase in productivity and efficiency.
Summing up
Whilst this is just a snapshot of ideas to grow your business, developing new products and adding value really are vital strategies for growth. By understanding your market, leveraging technology, and fostering a continuous, customer-centric culture, you really can stay ahead of the competition.
So, stay agile, listen to your customers, and never stop innovating!
Susan Marlow is the managing director of Kidderminster-based IT and software specialist, Minster Micro. Readers can contact Susan through [email protected]
The Chamber's Blog
Grow your Business
Business growth is that word that is constantly thrown around in the corporate world; however, the word ‘growth’ can have many connotations. For some, growth is physical, buying a bigger office, increasing the workforce, or increasing distribution. For others, growth may be personal; for example, upskilling, growing your network, and meeting new people are great ways to grow yourself and your staff. For businesses, it could be taking the business in a new direction, creating new strategies and plans, implementing new employee benefits, or making the most of local support.
Get involved!
Are you a Chamber Member looking to raise your business profile? We’re looking for Chamber Members, willing to share their knowledge and expertise with the Herefordshire and Worcestershire community, by submitting a blog post.
To get involved, or to find out more information, get in touch with our team.
Become a Chamber Member!
Contact our Chamber Membership team to find out how we can help your business.