Reading the news that Clinton Cards has entered administration reminds we of Woolworths. In many ways the two retailers are quite alike in two key ways:
• Shops in every town all over the country
• Shops that look exactly as they did 30 years ago
• A brand that was neither up-market or down- market – but stuck in [...]
Clinton Cards, Multi-Channel and other ponderings
Tesco needs your love
We have fallen out of love with Tesco: but when were we ever in love with them? Tesco have demonstrated a textbook form of hubris for many years now, and many would say that they have received their just desserts.
They have displayed great incompetence in their international expansion: expansion which has cost them many [...]
World’s Biggest Business Class
If you’ve got a little idea which you think could be the next bright idea, then join in the fun with hundreds of other inspired to-be entrepreneurs, on the afternoon of May 4th 2012. We will be hosting (what we hope will be) the largest practical business class ever – and break the world record! [...]
5 steps to boost your business performance
1. Assess and improve your business cashflow
Payment terms – you must agree terms and conditions with your customers that set out items such as credit limits and when you expect to receive payment. Having clarity on these issues makes it obvious when a payment becomes late. If you are a retailer you need to [...]
Your 3 Step Guide to Great Customer Service
Your two key aims in business are:
• Attract customers
• Satisfy customers
If your business doesn’t perform these two fundamental functions, it doesn’t matter how well you do anything else.
Don’t fool yourself into thinking otherwise.
If your customers don’t feel inspired by their interactions with you and [...]
Today Business Coaching is more Important than Ever
You’ve probably heard the one about what’s the difference between a manager and a leader?
A manager does things right - A leader does the right things.
And this makes a world of difference to the effect you will have upon your business. You appreciate that things need to change: but where do you start? Well, lasting and [...]
Here’s how direct marketing improved my business
Bill is a Business School lecturer and business coach, working with people to help them develop and grow their businesses. Bill’s background is as a retail entrepreneur. His last retail development project was Armorica, a premium cookware retailer in Petersfield, Hampshire. Here are some tips for marketing that formed the basis of a Business Link [...]
Reasons to be cheerful: one, two three….
The reality is brighter than most people believe. Some areas of Uk and US business are showing positive signs of growth.
When will UK banks deliver to SME’s?
Latest news from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) blasts holes in the blarney that the banks have been issuing as progress statements on the state of bank lending to the SME sector in the UK. Latest figures from the ONS show that one in five loan applications by small companies was rejected last year. [...]
Use The Zulu Principle to Succeed in Retail
to succeed in business you need to know all about the business you are in. You need to thoroughly understand that business. Jim Slater referred to this as the Zulu Principle: knowing more about your subject than anyone else.
