I’ve had a number of requests for articles, tutorials and information on business turnarounds. As a result I’m introducing a new category to this blog on business turnarounds in which I’m post my own thoughts, suggestions and guidance. I’d also be interested in your stories about successful and unsuccessful turnarounds. I’d like to hear about [...]

Have you ever wondered why car and electronics manufacturers are constantly changing their products? Are you starting to think that there might be some merit in refreshing your own offer? Have you ever been faced with indifference by that perfectly qualified prospect as soon as you started to outline your favourite products of services? It [...]

In a meeting with a local business last week I was surprised to find out that they don’t use the product they are selling. The product is fairly high end (tens of thousands of pounds) and the typical sales cycle will involve educating the customer on the need for the product. As the business actually [...]

It never ceases to amaze me how often I can find modern marketing and business lessons in work that has been around for a long time. The Goose That Laid the Golden Eggs is one of many fables attributed to Aesop, and one that can be found in many compilations of his works. It is [...]

A new survey by ProjectWord found that: Nearly 40% of new companies do not have a marketing plan. Around 50% of new businesses launch without any form of marketing or advertising budget. 1 in 3 new businesses don’t understand what marketing is or what role it plays for new companies. Sadly I don’t find the [...]

I know, it’s odd advice for me to give you considering this blog is ultimately about starting a business, but don’t start a business. You probably don’t really want to start a business anyway. Go on ask yourself, why am I reading this? Do I really want to start a business? Did you ask yourself [...]

Every entrepreneur dreams of coming up with a innovative new business idea. It’s exciting. We’re going to change the world, making it better, faster cheaper, greener and we’re going to get rich doing it! Unfortunately the reality is that new business ideas suck. It’s harder to get people to invest in new business ideas, because [...]

Did you see The Restaurant this week? One of the diners at True Provenance truly excelled at being rude, obnoxious and aggressive, watch the video below to see how: If you can stand to watch more you’ll find the full display on YouTube. As a result of watching it I decided to review a post [...]

A reader asks: Can you tell me where I can get some free business start-up advice? Well firstly I’d suggest you join my free business forum and post a message asking for the advice you need. The more specific and detailed you make your questions, the better the quality of the answers and advice you [...]

A reader asks: I’d like to start a small local business but I live in a small town (barely more than a village really) in Somerset. I can’t seem to find any business ideas that are suitable. Can you suggest any? Well the first thing to ask yourself is “should I limit myself to small [...]