Articles
Online Directories
How to create a directory listing The internet is a big place making it difficult for the sole trader or small business to be seen. In the old days before the internet, your business could be listed in physical directories such as the Yellow Pages or Thompson Local....
Online Bookkeeping
Bookkeeping nightmares? Accounting is an essential part of business but has any of the following happened to you? You’ve done well, business is good with lots of customers who have paid on time but somehow, the bank account seems empty? You’ve had expenses and they...
Cash or Credit Account?
Many suppliers like to provide trade accounts for their business customers as it allows them to provide tailored marketing and gain brand loyalty. There are two types, cash or credit. So what is the difference and what are the advantages or disadvantages? Cash Account...
Five quick ways of getting customers
It's not 'desperate' to look for work. People like the fact you are interested and hard working. 1. Don't cut prices, add value For example say ”If you book now, I'll do [PAT test five items for free, give you a smoke alarm etc] anything which costs you little but...
Leaflets – cheap, cheerful and effective?
The internet is awash with advice about building email lists, growing your ‘tribe’ and getting followers, so is direct selling using leaflets a thing of the past? Possibly not for trades businesses. Most houses still get marketing leaflets pushed through their doors....
20 Ideas for Twitter
You might have mixed feelings about Twitter. It sometimes appears to be not much more than a platform for bored people to give their opinion on things they know nothing about or insult people they don’t know. For sole traders and small businesses, it can be a great...
Getting a business phone number
To be professional, you need a business number so your customers can get in touch with you. You probably don’t want to give your personal or home number to strangers. But - a second phone and contract is another expense and another phone to carry around. Solution? A...
Getting paid
Getting Paid - On Time What does credit control mean to your business? Do you find that some months you have lots of work but no money in the bank? Running a business often means that you have to pay for materials before you get paid by customers. Slow payment can be...
Business Types
So you are going to work for yourself? First, you need to decide what type of business set up you are going to have. For trades, this is normally either a sole trader (self employed) or a limited company with you as a shareholder, director and employee. Sole trader...