Business Blog

Business Psychology

Staying True to Vision and Value: Adapting Your Company Culture, No Matter Your Business Size

Staying True to Vision and Value: Adapting Your Company Culture, No Matter Your Business Size

Daniel Bailey December 18, 2016 ,

A company’s culture is one of the most vital building-blocks in establishing a successful business. Not only does it give your employees a vision and values to work by, it also affects the way you lead, and the way others perceive your company. It’s an unspoken social contract that everyone within your business signs up to. When a business reaches a certain point, it’s almost inevitable it will make plans to branch out and expand. This might include launching across additional territories or perhaps growing headcount, either way, as a company develops its culture can be at risk of dilution. This can be down to a shift in focus, strategic expansion or even having to adapt to rising competition. Although each of these factors are fundamental in remaining competitive, they can quickly make yo... »

The LGBT Community: A Possible Target Market?

The LGBT Community: A Possible Target Market?

Edward Johnson November 3, 2016 ,

Below I have outlined some reasons for targeting the ‘pink pound’, and as an owner of a gay-focused business myself, some key considerations that should be taken into account when doing so. Purchasing power It’s estimated that in the UK alone the ‘pink pound’ purchasing power is around £6bn every year. That’s a substantial market and one that certainly shouldn’t be ignored by businesses. Over the past few years there has been a considerable investment into the drive for equality and diversity. The pink pound isn’t just about appealing to a more diverse audience though. It’s about appealing to an audience with a higher than average disposable income, a highly trend-conscious audience and perhaps most importantly of all, a growing audience. The number of people who identify as LGBT (lesbian,... »

How to Develop A Personal Brand to Boost Your Business

How to Develop A Personal Brand to Boost Your Business

Lucy Kirkness November 23, 2015 ,

Often, when people think of the term branding, they associate it with a company or business. However, if you want to get ahead in the business world, you need to develop a personal brand as an entrepreneur too. The way you do things, both off and online, will affect how people perceive you and your company. However there are also advantages to creating a professional brand, for instance you can become known as an expert within your field and use your profile to get your company’s name out there too. What is a ‘personal brand’? First of all, let’s take a look at what the term ‘personal brand’ means. You may have heard people talking about it, but do you understand it? When it comes to a company, the brand is everything from the logo to the tone of voice the business ... »

5 Ways to Make it as a Successful Entrepreneur

5 Ways to Make it as a Successful Entrepreneur

Stuart Melling March 26, 2015 , , , ,

While the amount of new businesses starting continues to rise, almost half of the new companies created in any given year fail within their first five years. So what does it really take to leave the security that comes with a regular pay check and become your own boss? Here are five key traits that have made me, and others, become a better business leader and as a result have helped my company thrive… As a business owner you need to be a go-getter The ability to self-start is perhaps the most important feature of successful entrepreneurs. From a very young age I knew that working for someone else wasn’t for me and although initially launching a company can result in long hours and low pay, it enables you to start and grow something you have created. This was enough to motivate me to work t... »

The Business of Mindfulness: How it Can Benefit You and Your Workplace

The Business of Mindfulness: How it Can Benefit You and Your Workplace

Graham Doke February 20, 2015 , ,

The subject of employee wellbeing is one that is becoming high on the agenda for businesses and employers across the UK as they consider the impact a focus on wellbeing can have on productivity. With US companies such as Google and Apple setting the standard by placing great emphasis on ‘mindfulness in the workplace’, many organisations have started to follow suit and introduce sessions in an effort to achieve a greater work-life balance. Although it is unlikely that we are going to see lunchtime yoga sessions and mid-afternoon meditation coming to an office near you anytime soon, a lot can be said for this level of employee wellbeing. After all, it is said that a happy workforce is a productive one. There are various benefits to supporting mindfulness and relaxation in your business, here... »

Why Great Businesses Start with Great Culture

July 21, 2014 , ,

It’s a cliché that a business’ greatest asset is its people and it’s only half true. A business’ greatest asset is its people when they are aligned, motivated and passionately committed to our collective success – otherwise they’re just a cost. I have the good fortune to meet hundreds of entrepreneurs and see what makes their businesses tick. All of the most successful businesses have one thing in common – a clearly defined, aligned and powerful culture. Great business starts with great culture. »

How a Sales Mantra Could Boost Your Business’ Sales

May 9, 2014 ,

Mantras can be used in two ways to improve your business’ sales team’s performance. Firstly, as a daily exercise to re-programme any internal negative dialogue that your Vicky Pollard voice may be saying. Just as you take a shower and clean your teeth every morning to keep your physical body in tip top condition – think of your mantra as a way of keeping your mind clean and positive. »

Computer Games and Small Business Strategy

November 16, 2012 ,

Are SMEs Being Encouraged to Level Up too Quickly? I’ll admit it; I’m not particularly good at computer games. When I played Halo on the original Xbox against one of my younger brothers I got shot. Lots. On the Nintendo Wii versus my junior-school daughter, her wrist-flicks fired off aces without a single “proper” serve. That’s just not tennis. As for driving games, I’m used to wrestling with a wheel & stamping on pedals, and the last time I remember fighting in a Judo match, I don’t recall manically pressing a convoluted button combination to throw my opponent. But strategy games, ah… that’s another matter. And what does this all have to do with small business, I hear you say? »

The Business Benefits of Marginal Gains

September 19, 2012

My Managing Director and I were discussing the subject of business performance and commercial efficiency the other day when he mentioned the recent story of the British Olympic Cycling team boss, Dave Brailsford. Interviewed on BBC Breakfast Time on the last day of the Olympic track cycling, back in August, Brailsford spoke about the successes of Cycling Team GB’s and their incredible medal haul. »