Practical ‘How to’ business guidance and advice
Straight-talking tips and advice on a wide range of business and entrepreneurship topics from an experienced expert.
Going faster by slowing down
Going faster by slowing down is a important way think
In my earliest hitchhiking days, any stopping vehicle was an opportunity to travel. The excitement of the moment put me in the car. Going faster by slowing down was a concept outside my impatient grasp... Read More
Teenage Love Fires Entrepreneurial Spirit
Teenage love fires entrepreneurial spirit
To describe one of my first loves as a 'big bag' might be a little misleading, but it is quite true.
Like any other 16 year-old, relationships were important to me.
I wasn't necessarily looking for love. But back then I had no idea how or why teenage love fires entrepreneurial spirit.
Fast-forward. Thirty years later, I get goosebumps. And the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end when I think of how we first met.
It was like this... Read More
It is your business to make it happen
Don't wait! It is your business to make it happen
Escaping the clutches of suburban Northampton by hitchhiking to west London might not be everyone's idea of fun on a late Friday afternoon, but I was really up for it... Read More
Fine tuning Entrepreneurial Music
Fine tuning entrepreneurial music Read More
Present to Influence the Audience
How do you present to influence the audience?
Stood by the roadside thumbing lifts was an empowering experience. Drivers who stopped validated what I was doing and thus hitchhiking became meaningful, worthwhile and rewarding.
Whilst it wasn't rocket science, I always thought carefully in advance about my appearance as well as how and where I stood. And I looked at the driver as the vehicle approached. By thinking about how I should present to influence the audience, I was doing my best to sell the idea of being offered a lift... Read More
When not to listen to business advice
Decide when not to listen to business advice...
Tell others that you want to go it alone and don't be surprised when more people than you thought advise against such action. So how do you know when not to listen to business advice? Read More
Achieve Sales Effectively
How to achieve sales effectively?
In the early nineties I employed a salesman on a short-term 10 week contract. I gave him a sales target of £10k and suggested we meet each Friday to review progress. This was my plan to achieve sales effectively... Read More
Develop Resilience: Tackle the Biggest Problem First
When the going gets tough, tackle the biggest problem first
"Where ya goin?" The van driver shouted above the noise of the engine.
He was leaning over from his seat, pushing the passenger door open with his outstretched hand. Standing on the pavement and with my heavy rucksack held over one shoulder I replied.
"Lake District!" The prospect of a lift added eagerness to my voice.
"Get in. But I'm only going to 'arrogate'..." Read More