Running a business takes more than selling products and offering services. It takes careful planning and sound business management. Successful business owners learn from their experiences, maximise opportunities and continually identify bigger and better ways to attract new custom and ultimately increase their sales. Are you doing this for your business?

Plan for sales

When you first establish your business, it is best practice to outline the key goals you are keen to achieve. Creating a comprehensive business plan will give you a platform from which to launch your business. If you have bee...

If the life you’re living seems too fast-paced, you’re working at a job that gives you no satisfaction and you find yourself constantly saying, “I’ll do that later" or “We’ll do that soon”, it is likely you’re feeling underwhelmed with your current lifestyle! Modern families tend to lead hectic schedules full of monotonous routines, dashing from activity to activity with little fun or enjoyment thrown in. If this sounds familiar, perhaps now is the time to make those all-important changes that will bring confidence, balance and joy back into your life.

Take some time over the next few weeks a...

Despite all that is easily available on the Internet and High Street, the demands of a hectic, modern and competitive lifestyle can leave you feeling unfulfilled and unsuccessful. However, if you truly analysed what you do have, you would probably feel both humbled and happy.

The excesses of modern living and the influence of celebrity lifestyles will, inevitably, impact on the desires of people the world over. Wanting what others have is not a new phenomenon but it can often leave you feeling drained and anxious, which will ultimately impact the relationships with those closest to you.

The ...

A very successful way to attract business is via word of mouth. Having customers who recommend you is a wonderful result, especially when it drives new business through the door.

It is possible to harness the power of these recommendations and ensure they have a greater reach by requesting testimonials from satisfied customers. On completion of a successful project, remember to ask your customers for their comments about how much they have enjoyed working with you. Inform them that you wish to use their words within promotional material, such as your company brochure and website. A great ince...

Living the life you really want is about making choices that are right for you and your family. If you considered all the decisions you made during the last week, it is likely many of them considered the needs of others – the people outside of your immediate family - before your own. If this is the case, you are not necessarily making choices that are congruent with your desired lifestyle.

Living the life you want is not about being selfish. It is about finding a balance; ensuring your own needs are met as a priority, whilst keeping others happy, or at the very least, satisfied with your resp...

As your shop window to the world, your website is one of your most vital business assets. It is the way you can communicate with your prospective customers, informing them about all aspects of your business.

Brochure websites that promote your products and services have their place but they can be static and costly to maintain. Paying a little extra to have a content management system built during the development stage of your website is a worthwhile investment. It allows you to update key sections of your website yourself on a regular basis. This functionality is particularly useful as it wi...

Weekends can suddenly disappear into a whirlwind of DIY, catching up with friends and and never-ending piles of ironing. However, the thing most parents want to do at the weekend is spend quality time with their kids. Making time for quality moments with your children can be tricky but not impossible, if you make it a priority.

The easiest and best way to allocate quality time is to mark “FAMILY TIME” on the calendar over three hours on a Saturday or Sunday – and ensure it happens. Do this every weekend because even this short amount of time can help you to re-connect, catch up and have fun. ...

In my recent posts, I’ve explained how much easier summer holidays can be when you plan your schedule in detail. This will ensure you fit in all your usual tasks and make time for family fun! Here are some more great tips to enjoying the summer!

What’s on?
You can easily find out what activities are planned in your local area – or any areas of the UK you may be visiting – by searching online. Look out for free activities and community events, such as carnivals or duck races, as the whole family can get involved.

Coupon Cutters
Most major attractions offer online discounts. It is always worth...

If you would like to increase your online presence, managing a blog provides an excellent way to interact with a wider audience, promote products and services, and become an expert in your field. Here are ten top reasons why you should maintain a blog.

Increased rankings 

Uploading regular, informative content will naturally result in more key words and phrases being included in your website, making it easy for search engines to find you. This is an extremely effective way to improve your SEO activity. 

Industry voice 

By writing regularly about your specialist subject, the greater the cha...

Having indestructible confidence is a tool every mum can learn. Living a life without confidence and with low self-esteem can be incredibly limiting, affecting relationships and potential in all aspects of life.

You can increase your self-confidence and boost your self-esteem by believing in your own abilities, strengths and qualities. Having a personal confidence mantra is something on which you can rely when you need to be reminded of your tremendous capabilities.

I want Everyone has hopes and dreams for the future. Identify what it is you want for you and your family. Decide what it is th...