First Step Marketing

There are several ways in which you may need to protect your interests by ensuring the exclusivity of your product.

PATENTS

In some instances, where you’ve invented a unique gadget or perhaps a tool, you should consider patenting your product. A patent would protect you from unfair and/or unlawful competition. Read the rest of this entry »

A growing number of women in particular are building highly successful ‘businesses’ through the selling opportunities offered by companies who market their products by the direct selling method. We’re all familiar with plastic kitchenware, underwear, household linens and make-up being marketed very successfully on the home party or home demonstration system. Read the rest of this entry »

This is a popular way to get into business and can be highly successful, as it shortcuts much of the difficult start-up process. Businesses are sold by word of mouth, and advertised in local newspapers and specialist publications. Shop sales are also handled by business transfer agents. Read the rest of this entry »

In franchising, you copy someone else’s business, with their full approval and support, under a licence agreement called a franchise. In this the franchise-giver (the franchisor) allows you to use their trade name, provides training and back-up, and gives their expertise with all its benefits. In exchange, you as the franchisee have to pay the franchisor an initial fee, then ongoing royalties. The major advantage of this method is that you get into business more quickly and possibly with less risk. Read the rest of this entry »

Plan your call

Prior to making the call, plan what you’re going to say—write it out if you like. Take time to memorise it, but don’t learn it off pat, and certainly don’t read it when your debtor answers. Select an appropriate time-9.30 to 11.00 a.m. on a Monday usually gives you a good chance of getting through to the person you want. Read the rest of this entry »

Business Background research

You will be amazed how much information is available on your chosen trade, if you only look for it. There is a mass of statistics, surveys, forecasts and so on to be found in trade journals and the like. The latter can be very useful; for instance, they report the opening of new shop premises. Visits to new businesses which are accessible to you would teach you much about the latest ideas in layout, presentation etc. Read the rest of this entry »

Warning! A business, which might seem an easy way to earn a living, is unlikely to turn out that way. It only looks easy because you do not know enough about it. Read the rest of this entry »

The Employment Protection Act is a much maligned piece of legislation. However, its complications can make life difficult for the small businessman if he does not understand the rules. Read the rest of this entry »

Creative thought does not end once a good business opportunity has been identified. For as long as the business operates, it will be faced with problems and opportunities that force creative thinking. Unfortunately, it is very easy to get into a rut and grow complacent. If this happens, good opportunities may be missed and many setbacks, which could have been avoided with some creative problem solving, could occur. Read the rest of this entry »

You often hear that it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. When it comes to running your own business, obviously both are important, but with all the tasks you have on your plate, you may find that getting together with other entrepreneurs—who are probably as consumed by their businesses as you are—is something that doesn’t take priority in the course of your busy day. Read the rest of this entry »