Here we are, just five days past Rachel Reeves' October 30th, 2024, budget announcement, and the dust is hardly settling. Across the UK, micro and small business owners—including myself—are delving into the details, analysing the implications, and wondering what comes next. Meanwhile, news has already broken that UK farmers, under pressure from this new budget, are planning a protest in London on the 19th of this month. With Elon Musk weighing in on ‘X’ and Jeremy Clarkson, ideally positioned through his Amazon Prime show Clarkson’s Farm, making his strong opinions known, the unrest in the farming community serves as a reminder that, while the budget is presented as a path forward, not everyone feels it is the right one.
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As the clocks turn back and the days shorten with the UK’s annual daylight-saving adjustment, it’s a fitting moment to reflect on the profound and elusive concept of time. Though the turning back of the clock represents a mere hour, the symbolism resonates deeply: time, the most intangible of our resources, is also our most valuable. Its fleeting nature can feel both empowering and overwhelming, leaving many of us to wonder, how should we be spending this precious resource?
What Modern Marketing Can Learn from Classic Film-Making: Insights from Sherlock Holmes to the 4 Ps1/10/2024 “Over the past 30 to 40 years we have replaced things that work with things that sound good.” — Thomas Sowell, an American economist, social theorist, and senior fellow at the Hoover Institution.
In recent weeks, I’ve been watching some old movies—specifically the classic Sherlock Holmes films starring Basil Rathbone from the early 1940s. It’s fascinating to see how much these films, made over 80 years ago, still feel familiar in many ways. Despite the technological limitations of the time, the essential principles of film-making—strong scripts, storyboards, camera angles, dialogue, and sound design—are all present, and in some cases, they outshine many of today’s modern productions. The simplicity of technology in those films is striking: electricity, telephones, and battery-powered torches are all present. There are no computers, no Internet, no mobile phones. Yet, the films remain engaging, largely because of their rich storytelling and tight scripts. It got me thinking: are there elements of classic films that modern movie-makers—and indeed, modern marketers—can learn from? And beyond that, have we, in the rush toward new technology and innovation, lost some of the essential qualities that once defined excellence in both film and marketing? In an increasingly competitive market, small businesses in the service sector must prioritise the delivery of high-quality and reliable services to sustain their operations and build lasting customer relationships. Whether in healthcare, consulting, or brand management, the value of service quality cannot be overstated. This blog explores the significance of service quality through the lens of a personal experience at a private dental practice and draws parallels with the service industry at large, using our own brand consultancy firm, Future Point 4 Business, as a case study. We will also examine how consumers, potential clients, and critics should appreciate the expertise, training, and costs associated with providing top-notch services
Have You Ever Wondered Why Your Business Social Media Does or Doesn’t Get the Attention It Deserves?26/8/2024 In today's fast-paced digital world, social media has become an essential tool for businesses. Whether you're a small business owner, a startup entrepreneur, or part of a large corporation, having a strong social media presence is crucial for reaching your audience, building your brand, and driving sales. Yet, despite your best efforts, you might find that your social media posts aren't getting the attention you think they deserve. Have you ever posted something you were sure would generate engagement, only to be met with silence? Or maybe you've noticed that fellow business owners and friends, who express support in person, rarely engage with your posts online. If so, you're not alone. These experiences can be frustrating, but they may also reflect broader trends influenced by cultural, regional, and demographic factors. In this blog post, we'll explore the complex dynamics of social media engagement, examining how regional differences, age groups, and social demographics shape online behaviours. We'll also reflect on whether reactions to social media posts are truly the be-all and end-all for your business's success. The Basics of Maintaining a Healthy Micro or Small Business: Lessons from a Doctor’s Advice20/8/2024 After a recent visit to the doctor, I was told that, for my age and circumstances, things were looking good overall. My doctor emphasised that while the hospital could run tests, monitor vital signs, and provide guidelines, the real responsibility for my health lay with me. It struck me that this advice doesn’t just apply to personal health—it’s equally relevant to running a micro or small business. Just like a doctor can monitor your health but can't live your life for you, a business advisor or mentor can guide you, but the real work of maintaining a healthy business is up to you.
This blog post takes a look into the parallels between personal health management and business health management. Just as a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress reduction, and adequate sleep are crucial to physical health, certain foundational practices are essential for the health of a micro or small business. Let's explore these basics and how they can help you maintain a thriving enterprise. Today, something exciting happened in my home city of Southampton. The Coca-Cola Company, a global behemoth in the beverage industry, carried out a promotion at the local Tesco Extra. The promotion was based on the iconic Diet Coke Break campaign, but with a personalised twist—this time, the Diet Coke bottles bore individual names, including my own! It was thrilling to see my name on a bottle of one of the world’s most famous soft drinks, a product that has been a staple in households for decades. But as I reflected on the excitement of this personalised branding experience, I found myself pondering a larger question: Why do large corporations like Coca-Cola, who are already raking in millions of pounds, invest so heavily in targeted branding and marketing campaigns? And why do micro and small businesses, who arguably need it the most, often overlook the importance of branding?
The stock market is a dynamic entity, fluctuating due to a myriad of factors ranging from economic policies to geopolitical tensions. In recent years, Japan, the third-largest economy in the world, has experienced a significant stock market crash that has reverberated across the globe. This blog looks into the causes of the crash, its impacts on Japan and the global economy, particularly the United States and the UK, and offers insights into how micro and small business owners can prepare for such financial storms.
Mistakes are an inevitable part of life and business. They shape our experiences, contribute to our growth, and often leave lasting impressions. The interplay between personal and professional errors can be profound, each domain influencing the other in significant ways. Yet, mistakes should not be grounds for judgement; rather, they are opportunities for learning and growth. Understanding how mistakes in life can impact business and vice versa, and embracing a constructive attitude towards them, is essential for personal development and professional success.
Every week, millions of business owners and senior employees engage in business networking, understanding its essential role in building connections, fostering collaboration, and driving growth. Business networking offers numerous opportunities to enhance your brand’s visibility, generate referrals, and build lasting relationships. Various global organisations, such as Business Network International (BNI), Young Presidents' Organisation (YPO), and Chambers of Commerce, provide structured platforms for networking. This guide focuses in on the benefits of business networking, best practices, and the pros and cons of both physical and online networking, with a focus on leveraging these strategies to network your brand effectively.
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