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

Do entrepreneurs have a stronger need to achieve? Leeds station, 11.35pm. It's a dark, cold November evening. The last train to York departed 5 minutes before my train from Huddersfield arrived. But for the night-time usuals I'm on my own, frustrated and penniless. But my need to achieve will get me out of here. Read More

Smug and the devil of self-importance As I climbed the tank crane's 10 foot ladder to access the driver's cab I knew this wasn't going to be a typical hitchhiking experience.. But I wasn't aware that I was about to be hijacked by the devil. The devil of self-importance... Read More

How do you plan 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

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

Trust builds business but how do you build trust? Building trust in business is everything, but how do you do it? Here's a starting point. Can you recall a moment where someone you didn't know well demonstrated real trust - in a risk situation? What happened next? In little time strong bonds may have developed, sometimes at surprising speed. And the relationship changes for the better. The same is possible in the workplace, although the 'risk' catalyst is less commonplace (hence the need for Outward Bound courses). Read More

What to do when demand dries up? After 5 long hours stood by the roadside that hot summer's day back in 1988, I was beginning to doubt my lift chances. Bank Holiday traffic joining the M50 showed no interest in me. Could I get home? Could I even get out of Wales..? Read More