Great to see you here!

Folks, I don’t usually do this but, when you have a moment, why don’t you click on Anita’s name at the top of her comment. You’ll be taken to her website and you might be tempted by some of her gorgeous and unique offerings 😉

“I think that since the banks became sales outlets for financial products rather than places where you could share your triumphs and challenges, there is a big gap.” Oh, my ouch – but so true! And I think you may have just provided me with the key to a rant/ opinion piece to follow up my current post over on Birds http://www.birdsontheblog.co.uk/goodbye-obesity-lets-be-top-of-a-different-league/

If I do it, I’ll credit you

There are certain basics needs, skills and processes that all businesses need regardless of their niche, and having those easily available would make a real difference. I think that since the banks became sales outlets for financial products rather than places where you could share your triumphs and challenges, there is a big gap. I remember my bank manager when I first started in business, over 25 years ago, being a great help and full of useful ideas that didn’t involve buying insurance or suchlike. He was not a businessman, but he had sound ‘numbers’ knowledge, and what’s more he used to come out to visit me!”

Hoping to change that lack of proper guidance with new initiatives and getting to talk to people who can make different things happen!

Through some research it looks like those who are in my niche , have done very well, by exhibiting at the large RHS shows such as Chelsea and Hampton Court, unfortunately the prices are just sky high, as in I nearly choked when I saw the price 😉 and there is the fact that many exhibitions are really not something I can do physically, so I am considering alternatives. I really need to work on confidence, I really respect people like you, Sarah, Yolanda etc.. and wish I had your skills. I am hoping to improve as I need to push myself forward much more, to exhibit and see if I can get my cards/gifts into other shops etc… All part of my plan for 2012

Business Link has just relaunched online. I’m guessing its remit is start ups and small business growth. I was asked to preview the tools on offer. By day three or so pre launch last week – still being unable to access the site development I’d almost given up. When I finally got a glimpse I saw that folk are actually being directed to a LinkedIn group for interactive forum stuff…

Until government offices work with people who understand the needs of sole traders, micro and small businesses – rather than civil servant employees or equivalent (and please don’t get me started on quangos ) I really don’t think anything will change radically for the better.

@Linda, sole traders make up so a huge amount of the workforce yet have so little say in how the laws and regulations affect them, disproportionate?

Funnily enough I was talking earlier today to someone, following up on our brief conversation at the everywoman conference where we met at the beginning of this month.

This lady runs a cleaning franchise as well as two networks locally. She attracts potential members by word of mouth and keeps them by the quality of the experience she heps to provide them with. She reckons your reputation is what comes back to you from people you don’t know – I’m cobbling her words but that’s the gist of it.

I’ve had great success via in-person networking and speaking locally. You don’t always see the ROI immediately – but you plant the seed and you’d be surprised how people come back months or years later. And it helps when they see your name or face in multiple places.