Entries by Giles

Using KPIs to monitor and improve business performance

The key performance indicators (KPIs) for one company will invariably be different from the KPIs of another firm. What both hypothetical companies share however, is the challenge of selecting which KPIs are best suited for measuring the goals and progress of their particular business model. Indeed, entrepreneurs have a vast array of reports and data […]

Using blogs to improve your business

Showcasing a business online is an increasingly effective tool for attracting new customers. Blogging is a great way to start to communicate with your target audience. Blogs are highly effective tools for sharing your expertise with others, increasing web traffic and brand awareness, and for attracting and interacting with new customers. WordPress and Blogger are […]

Tips for writing effective performance reviews

Without knowing your break-even point, you can’t make informed business decisions. The performance review has become a rite of passage in the business world, yet many managers and employees fail to make the most of the opportunities these important discussions can provide. When used properly, the annual review process can provide managers with real insight […]

The top 10 cities for business start-ups

Whether you are thinking of launching a small, local business or a global enterprise, finding a city that is friendly toward entrepreneurs is important. You want a city that is culturally supportive of business owners, in a region or country that makes things easy for you from a financial perspective. You also want to be […]

Protect Business Reputation by Planning for Big Sales

A business plan is essential for business development. But even with a solid plan there is some aspect of unpredictability. There are a multitude of variables that have to be taken into account, any of which could have great impact on the prosperity of a small business. Sales forecasting may well be the most difficult […]

Paying down debt

Debt can be a crippling problem for small businesses wanting to grow or just break-even during difficult times. By reducing debt you’ll improve the value of your business, its financial situation, and its ability to continue operating into the future. Assess your debt situation Take a detailed look at all of your debts – both […]

Optimizing Your Website for Local Searches

Local search engine optimization (SEO) is an important part of any online marketing strategy for traditional businesses which service a specific geographical area. Local SEO works in much the same way as normal SEO, although there are some important differences to consider. Taking the time and trouble to optimize your website for local is essential […]

Inspiring Marketing Examples

NB: we recommend splitting this blog post into six smaller posts. It would work well on social media.   From Apple to Avon: six inspiring marketing successes From Mac computers to make-up, here are six examples of super-strong brands that cornered their markets using different marketing strategies. If you look at their histories and analyze […]

Improving your business with better time management

When things are hectic, most small business owners wish they could find a way to get more than 24 hours into a day. Often, your ‘to-do’ list can get so long that you feel you never get to put as much attention into every task as you would like. It can also mean more time […]

Identify your break-even point

Without knowing your break-even point, you can’t make informed business decisions. To cover the costs of your business you need to sell enough goods or services to reach your break-even point. Knowing where that point is, and how long it will take you to reach it, can be fundamental to your success. This especially true […]