Women Unlimited Inspiration, lnnovation, Collaboration

“Logic will get you from A to B, but imagination will get you anywhere.” – Albert Einstein. The difference between a nuts and bolt business and one that inspires and attracts is imagination. Visionary companies and people have a story to tell that keeps the ‘audience’ hanging out for more. But while the corporate vision is essential, this article is about a more immediate goal: getting the customer story right. Interestingly enough, the most imaginative and exciting stories are those that are firmly based in people’s reality. We can all ... Read More »

Most of us in business would agree that we’ve come across some inspiring people and some “not so” inspiring people.  Whether we choose to look at business in terms of morality or not is a personal choice.  However, there is no denying that there is a right way to do business and a wrong way. From the political arena to the publishing world we have, in recent times, observed the wrong way to behave professionally.  Similarly, experiences with some business owners can prove to be valuable lessons in what NOT ... Read More »

It’s a noisy world out there with so many businesses and consumers contributing to the babble every second of every day.  So how do you get your business’s voice heard over the din?  How do you make sure it’s your message or offer that’s listened to.  And how do you do this without breaking the bank? Businesses now face a massive range of channels through which to promote themselves.  The sophistication of social, mobile and other digital media gives you the ability to communicate directly with your target public or ... Read More »

It often seems that it’s the destiny of the independent professional to exist in a constant state of feast or famine. Either you are working day and night to keep up with client demands, or you’re wondering how much is left in your savings account and whether the phone will ever ring again. When you’re having a feast of business, there’s plenty of money coming in, you’re getting recognition for your talents, and your energy level is usually high. But you may also feel Read More »

Your first one or two years starting up your own business can be mentally tough.  You start from nothing and then find yourself with one or two clients.  Your confidence grows and you nervously push yourself that little bit more.  Perhaps get out to a networking event or call up a contact or two from your corporate days. Then you may get a few more clients.  Yes, it feels good. But then, your clients cancel.  ”I’m are too busy“, they say.  ”Apologies but I’ve got to go away on business.” ... Read More »

Price strategy is emerging as the most important resource for companies to increase their competitive advantage. The vast majority of companies have spent years achieving gains through cost cutting, outsourcing, process re-engineering and the adoption of innovative technologies. However, the incremental benefits from these important activities are diminishing, and companies need to look at other areas to improve their business results. Today, companies are Read More »

It is an accepted fact that it costs more to get a new customer than it does to keep an existing one coming back. Yet somehow companies and organizations keep neglecting the wisdom of a bird at hand being worth more than two or even three in the bush. It is possible to create a very loyal customer base and consideration of the following customer service statistics will drive home how important it is in these modern, competitive times that an organization keeps its customers happy and Read More »

When you think about “marketing” your business you might be thinking about agencies and fancy campaigns, social media pushes or spending a lot of money on printed materials to endear new customers to your business. When you’re starting out though this can seem like a catch 22. You need marketing to create new customers, but you need new customers first to create a marketing budget.  Fortunately, if you are Read More »

Are cold calls a good idea or a complete waste of time? What about pitching business via letters and emails — does writing to strangers pay off, or should you focus on contacting people you already know? When marketing online with a newsletter, blog, or social networking, should you reach out to folks who haven’t heard of you or stick to your existing network? These are important questions to Read More »

When I started Rentabuggy back in 2008 I had a Unique Selling Point (USP) as I was the only company offering the services I offered. No other business still out there today that I am aware of offers higher end pushchairs on a monthly basis, so I am lucky to say this still remains my USP. In January 2009, I added the Holiday Rental service as an extra line to the business. I knew with this extra service I had added that in time competitors would come along as it ... Read More »