Here are some of the questions we are often asked by new or potential clients considering their next step in business:
Are there any other hidden costs other than your monthly retainer?
Absolutely not, we recognise that businesses need to keep control of their costs hence the fixed charge. If any extras did crop up, we certainly wouldn’t commit to them without your approval first.
How do I know your digital marketing activities are working?
Based upon our experience, you will very soon start hearing people commenting in your industry sector. Comments like “where did you suddenly pop up from?”, “you must be spending loads on marketing” or “you’re all over the internet these days” are very common. You will also see increases in web site activity, quotation requests and ultimately sales.
Do we have to sign a contract?
Absolutely not, we are great believers that if a relationship is working, there is no need for red tape. If you decide at some point you don’t want to work with us any more, that;’s fine. no hard feelings (none of our customers have made that decision as yet).
Can anybody start a business?
Yes, pretty much anybody can start a business, with a few rare exceptions. And keeping things simple early on is best. The easiest way to test-drive whether your business idea has legs is to start off as a sole trader then, as your business grows, think about making it a limited company.
Where do you start?
Nobody is born with a natural ability to start and run a successful business, it’s a matter of researching and learning as you go along. A small investment in professional advice from somebody who has already done it a number of times will save you a vast amount of time, money and heartache along the way. Like a good accountant, a good business growth advice professional like me will save you a lot more money more than you spend on their services. People like us generate a lot more money than we cost.
How to find and attract customers?
Marketing has often been considered a bit of a black art but in its most basic form it can be defined as follows: A means of identifying and finding your potential clients, finding out what they want or need, sharing your product or service with them and – it being a match made in heaven – enticing them to choose you over your competitors. It’s all about intelligent targeting, giving the right people exactly what they most need, want or desire.
A good, clear marketing strategy to ensure correct focus is invaluable and should be used by every business without fail. I can help with that too, including support creative realistic, timely, achievable marketing plans harnessing proven strategies and tactics. With my help you will make more sales.
Do you need lots of cash to start a business?
It really depends upon the type of business you are planning to build. Opening a café, for example, will require premises, catering equipment, furniture, cutlery, crockery etc. but you can reduce your initial outlay by leasing premises and equipment. You’d be surprised what catering equipment you can rent for a modest monthly amount. Better still the tax man will give you 100% credit for rental spend against any corporation tax due.
Conversely, if you are planning to make cakes at home and sell them on local markets your initial set up costs will be minimal. If, in factm you can work from your home, your set-up costs can be minimalised, giving you more wriggle room as fra as your bottom line goes… at least in the early days.
How can you save money running a business?
Someone like me can see the wood for the trees, which often means seeing money-saving opportunities where you least expect them. The longer a business has been around, the more sprawly and inefficient things can get. With my help we may be able to shave £££s off your variable and fixed costs, to the advantage of your bottom line.
Should you consider a business partner?
If appropriate, yes, but don’t mistake a partner or friend for a business partner. You need to join forces with a business partner because of what they could bring to the table, generally either money or experience. Employing friends is almost always a bad idea and almost always ends badly, damaging both your friendship and your business.
You’re not great with maths – is it a problem?
Not at all. We all have our strengths and weaknesses. Find a good accountant and, the same as a business growth adsvice expert like me, they’ll always save you much more than you spend on their services. And find someone at the start of your journey, not after the first year when there’s a massive box of invoices and receipts sitting there looking at you and HMRC is breathing down your neck.
What about tax and national insurance?
Contact your local HMRC office at the start of your journey and tell them what you are planning to do. You can find your local office via the HMRC website. Unlike in the past, where they were an organisation to be wary of if not feared, the modern HMRC is very approachable and understanding. Your accountant will also be able to give you vital financial advice to keep you on the straight and narrow as regards VAT and tax.