How to develope skills
Discussion
As i think many business people feel i often feel very bereft of backup whilst running my businesses- i don't really have anyone to bounce ideas off and i don't know many business owners.
I also feeel very strongly that i have an awful lots to learn in the business world- so, where, as a business owner, do you go out and find new skills and products? i'm guessing conferences, business days and all that kind of gubbins but wherre to start? i don't need advice of an accounting nature, or how to run my business. More i need advice on how to improve the admin, my skills, systems i have put in place (be it how to cook the food, or how to fill in tax returns). Basically i want to improve my business in every way possible but don't know where to look for new ideas, products and services- i don't even konw of any business orientated magasines!
It must be great to be a huge multi national with people who can spend their time reasearching products and services but as you all know most of us have to be jack of all trades. I do have admin staff of course, but it isn't their job to improve the business per se!
My apologies for my lack of eloquence but i hope you understand what i am saying.
I also feeel very strongly that i have an awful lots to learn in the business world- so, where, as a business owner, do you go out and find new skills and products? i'm guessing conferences, business days and all that kind of gubbins but wherre to start? i don't need advice of an accounting nature, or how to run my business. More i need advice on how to improve the admin, my skills, systems i have put in place (be it how to cook the food, or how to fill in tax returns). Basically i want to improve my business in every way possible but don't know where to look for new ideas, products and services- i don't even konw of any business orientated magasines!
It must be great to be a huge multi national with people who can spend their time reasearching products and services but as you all know most of us have to be jack of all trades. I do have admin staff of course, but it isn't their job to improve the business per se!
My apologies for my lack of eloquence but i hope you understand what i am saying.
Joining something like the Federation of Small Business (FSB) might be an idea.
They publish technical update magazines which help keep you abreast of legislative changes which may affect your business.
They also promote and advertise business related conventions and seminars.
They can also be used as a "networking" organisation if you want to establish links with other businesses in your local area.
They publish technical update magazines which help keep you abreast of legislative changes which may affect your business.
They also promote and advertise business related conventions and seminars.
They can also be used as a "networking" organisation if you want to establish links with other businesses in your local area.
There is the NFFF for fish and chip shops who are frankly rubbish and a couple for the dry cleaning and laundry side of things.
Areas lacking- new innovations in technology (ie useful computer programs or gadgets), admin function, sales skills, negotiation skills, project management, and i am especially aware that there is probably a huge amount of stuff that i don't even know i don't know- which is the worst of all!
Areas lacking- new innovations in technology (ie useful computer programs or gadgets), admin function, sales skills, negotiation skills, project management, and i am especially aware that there is probably a huge amount of stuff that i don't even know i don't know- which is the worst of all!
www.businesslink.gov.uk may be of some help to you, and it's free 
The IOD has some good events, breakfast meetings etc. Ever thought of getting a non exec director? I do it for a couple of companies and I attend once a month or whatever suits, listen to their problems, look at their forward bookings/sales activities, come up with ideas, do a bit of mentoring etc etc
Works well for the people I work with, and I know quite a few people who do similar/employ similar. Gets you the benefit of someone very experienced without having to pay the earth.
Works well for the people I work with, and I know quite a few people who do similar/employ similar. Gets you the benefit of someone very experienced without having to pay the earth.
In one word: people. Keep your staff sweet and find people at your clients' (assuming you don't sell to the public) to have a good relationship with.
We are a service company and there's a lot of price wars but we have been told that a lot of our repeat business is due to the fact that a particular person (say the Production Manager) likes the guy who turns up to do the job, even if someone else might offer to undercut. We count major aerospace companies, the MOD and large pharmaceutical corps. amongst our long-standing clients. A bottle of something at xmas to the guy who signs the Purchase Orders never fails.
As for your staff, listen to them, find out what makes them tick. We have a lot of ongoing grumbles because the management won't even tell us if we've had a profitable year, so how do we know we'll have jobs in 6 months time? Also, buy a round of drinks once in a while; maybe even walk in one sunny Friday lunchtime and tell everyone to have an early start to the weekend. They'll love you for it, and how much profit will you REALLY lose in those 4 sweaty hours?
We are a service company and there's a lot of price wars but we have been told that a lot of our repeat business is due to the fact that a particular person (say the Production Manager) likes the guy who turns up to do the job, even if someone else might offer to undercut. We count major aerospace companies, the MOD and large pharmaceutical corps. amongst our long-standing clients. A bottle of something at xmas to the guy who signs the Purchase Orders never fails.
As for your staff, listen to them, find out what makes them tick. We have a lot of ongoing grumbles because the management won't even tell us if we've had a profitable year, so how do we know we'll have jobs in 6 months time? Also, buy a round of drinks once in a while; maybe even walk in one sunny Friday lunchtime and tell everyone to have an early start to the weekend. They'll love you for it, and how much profit will you REALLY lose in those 4 sweaty hours?
wedg1e said:
In one word: people. Keep your staff sweet and find people at your clients' (assuming you don't sell to the public) to have a good relationship with.
We are a service company and there's a lot of price wars but we have been told that a lot of our repeat business is due to the fact that a particular person (say the Production Manager) likes the guy who turns up to do the job, even if someone else might offer to undercut. We count major aerospace companies, the MOD and large pharmaceutical corps. amongst our long-standing clients. A bottle of something at xmas to the guy who signs the Purchase Orders never fails.
As for your staff, listen to them, find out what makes them tick. We have a lot of ongoing grumbles because the management won't even tell us if we've had a profitable year, so how do we know we'll have jobs in 6 months time? Also, buy a round of drinks once in a while; maybe even walk in one sunny Friday lunchtime and tell everyone to have an early start to the weekend. They'll love you for it, and how much profit will you REALLY lose in those 4 sweaty hours?
We are a service company and there's a lot of price wars but we have been told that a lot of our repeat business is due to the fact that a particular person (say the Production Manager) likes the guy who turns up to do the job, even if someone else might offer to undercut. We count major aerospace companies, the MOD and large pharmaceutical corps. amongst our long-standing clients. A bottle of something at xmas to the guy who signs the Purchase Orders never fails.
As for your staff, listen to them, find out what makes them tick. We have a lot of ongoing grumbles because the management won't even tell us if we've had a profitable year, so how do we know we'll have jobs in 6 months time? Also, buy a round of drinks once in a while; maybe even walk in one sunny Friday lunchtime and tell everyone to have an early start to the weekend. They'll love you for it, and how much profit will you REALLY lose in those 4 sweaty hours?
Wise words. Any business is only ever as good as it's staff, and without them you don't have a business. Finding productive and honest staff is probably the biggest challenge that a business faces.
Talk to your local Business Link. They have advisers who are usuually ex private sector managers who know their stuff, and come free. They can signpost you to shedloads of training and support at pretty good prices ( well they are in Hertfordshire) Mail me off line if you want to know more
wedg1e said:
maybe even walk in one sunny Friday lunchtime and tell everyone to have an early start to the weekend. They'll love you for it, and how much profit will you REALLY lose in those 4 sweaty hours?
I know what you are saying, but in customer facing businesses that really doesn't work - the customer will be slightly less appreciative!Gassing Station | Business | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff