Positive Thinking: Yes… or No? It's Wednesday morning, about 11 o clock, your bank manager rings and asks, "Will you be making a lodgement today - you are right up against your overdraft facilities and there are several cheques to clear by close of business?" - So what good is "Positive Thinking" in my situation?...

Do you play sport?  Golf maybe… or tennis?  Maybe like me you're a keen cyclist?  I can hear you thinking "so what has this got to do with my business and its success?"  Good question - I'd like to tell you... Henry Ford famously commented that "Whether you think you can or whether you think you can't… you'll be right." In other words one of the keys to success is self-belief.  Does that work for you?  I know it does for me.

It takes just a quick glance, maybe three seconds, for someone to evaluate you when you meet for the first time. In this short time, the other person forms an opinion about you based on your appearance, your body language, your demeanour, your mannerisms, and how you are dressed.

In this modern day of people being able to Google just about anything, and find an answer or solution to a problem, the up and coming manager knows only too well the importance of having someone, or something to turn to that can provide answers to problems, or at the very least provide useful information in their search for answers.  This article is all about how to spot the signs that your business may be in need of some help.  Below are 25 signs your business might be in need of a Health Check.

Some people would argue 'Cold calling is dead' , it is not dead just not as effective as other methods for generating quality activity. Getting clients through a personal referral is the most powerful way to build a business, but what is the process for getting those referrals. The problem with referrals is that you never get enough of them and you are dependent upon a third party so how do you increase your chances of success?

Ad hoc networking is attending any business event to meet business people and uncover business leads. A business event is any meeting of business people, from seminars to briefings, from exhibitions to socials, from breakfast to dinner. This article is not about relationship networking, in which you nurture relationships with the hope of receiving referrals: with ad hoc networking I am in control of the number of leads I generate.

Customer retention, often measured in repeat purchases, plays a massive role in driving profits for any business. In these difficult times it has never been more important to keep hold of your valuable and loyal customers.

In the early 1900's, Reverend Russell Conwell - founder of Temple University, Philadelphia - gave a popular speech called "Acres of Diamonds."  In it, he said: "Your diamonds are not in far distant mountains or in yonder seas.  They are in your own backyard if you but dig for them."

Whether you are a business owner, marketing professional, or other entrepreneur, it is crucial to remember your backyard diamonds are your past and present satisfied customers.

Experienced business owners will tell you that when you are starting your own business, you may have to wear many "hats". You may have some great ideas, but fail on the more "administrative" tasks that are needed to be successful.  You need to know your strengths and weaknesses.  Lack of management experience accounts for many small business failures. Entrepreneurs often think that they can do it all and may not seek outside help when they need it. Do not be shy about seeking out the advice of expert advisors, networking with other entrepreneurs and hiring staff to work on the tasks that you are not good at.

You Don't Need a USP

You just simply need to be better than the rest…

Much is made of having a USP; the term is used widely in respect of businesses as whole, products, services and even individuals (the "YouSP"). Guidance abounds on the process to create a USP but there are surprisingly few compelling ones to be found.

Attitude is everything in achieving business success

The right attitude gives you an edge over the competition - it can be a massive difference, or more likely just a "razor's edge" difference that puts you ahead of the game.  This article will point you in the right direction to turn your attitude into that of a winner…

The Sales Sandwich… a diet for successful growth!

Here's a recipe for a tasty sales sandwich and how it helps you get more business, time after time!

Getting new leads, having successful conversations with them and closing the business is not down to luck or being a "salesy" kind of person.

Great Minds think differently! And it is one of the reasons for their greatness.

You may have read these thoughts before, but they are a great reminder from someone who we all remember as hugely successful…

For decades, professional service providers - including consultants, accountants, lawyers and others - were reluctant marketers. They thrived in a cosy world where networks of personal relationships and word-of-mouth brought them enough new clients to grow a profitable business. Those days aren't gone, but they're fading fast.

While Facebook marketing is on the rise among small businesses, many are still struggling to master the basics.

Avoid these basic pitfalls to start to get some real benefit from social media marketing…