Friday 28th January 2011, 12:13 pm
By Tara Dalrymple
If you’re in a panic because January 1 has already passed, but you’re still digging under fast food containers, folders that contain who knows what, and miles of wires to find the one pen that actually works, calm down. It’s never too late to rid yourself of clutter, organise what’s left, and smile when you walk to your desk every morning. Of course, there are multitudes of how-to’s, hints, and organising websites, books, and articles in magazines. The key, however, is to set up a system that works for you! An organised work space means you’ll be more productive and will spend more time pursuing success.
First, a couple little tasks to get you inspired.
1. What DON’T you need? You can’t organise clutter and clutter must go. Put a recycling container and a rubbish bag next to your desk and toss (check with your boss first if necessary). You’ll be amazed how little time this will actually take.
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Thursday 27th January 2011, 2:13 pm
By Marcela Dias
Leadership is a vital part of any business. Poor leadership can have a devastating effect on staff morale, which in turn can cripple your business. Good leadership on the other hand ensures a positive staff engagement and a consequently an effective workforce. The skills required to exercise effective leadership may vary slightly depending on the situation but there will always be common factors. Develop the following characteristics and your business will reap the benefits:
Flexibility
A good leader is able to respond to any given situation. When everything is running smoothly your staff will happily get on with their jobs without to much direction from you. It is when the unusual occurs — an unforeseen challenge or problem to overcome — that your help will be most required. The ability to take everything in your stride and to adapt as situations change, will give your staff confidence that the challenges they face are not insurmountable. This is critical to good leadership. Continue reading →
Thursday 27th January 2011, 11:34 am
By Grainne Madden
In such a volatile economic and political environment it’s natural that we are more sceptical about whose opinion we should trust. In business we need to think about how we build and maintain trust with various stakeholders. This article, The ever-changing currency of trust is an interesting and thought provoking read on the subject.
Click here for the article
Grainne Madden
GMJ Associates
www.gmjassociates.com
Wednesday 26th January 2011, 9:10 am
By Simon Ball
John Smith was let go from his job as a management consultant in 2009 but since then has identified a niche market and set-up a successful company, Fitzwilliam Limited employing 3 people. In these recessionary times when margins are constantly being squeezed, trimming the cost base and maintaining a close watch on cashflow is key to optimising performance.
Free Online Advertising
Traditionally, the main method of advertising a small and medium sized business has been costly by using newspapers and magazines. John, as a tech savvy entrepreneur, has decided to make use of the free and highly penetrative advertising medium available online. The main ones that John uses to promote his company are the social media sites, Facebook and Twitter. John is able to update his customers immediately to new products and services available just by updating his Facebook page and by ‘tweeting’ to all of his followers. He is also gaining increasing exposure and building up his contact base through using LinkedIn. Finally, to keep customers updated as to future products and current offers he also has a blog updated regularly on the company website. Once this is updated, then alerts are sent out from his Twitter account and also posted on his Facebook page.
Financial Adviser
Having the right financial support is vital – running a business is difficult at the best of times and trying to get a handle on complex financial issues and mandatory business returns is nigh on impossible without the right people behind you. John knows his business and it is his main priority to continue to grow the business. His job is not to be doing the books each evening and processing invoices. From the start, John appointed an accountant and tax adviser who takes care of all of the financial matters, from keeping the financial accounts to preparing the various returns that have to be completed e.g. company tax returns, payroll returns and personal tax returns. Continue reading →