The Business Services Partnership

23/01/2024

Miss this and you’ll miss out

Can you join us? Are you ready?

I’m looking forward to delivering “Do You Know the Easy Way to Achieve Your 2024 Goals”. It’s this Thursday, 25th January, 9.00 to 10.30. Where? The SB Alliance Zoom Meeting.

Do You Know an Easier Way to Achieve Your 2024 Goals?

In this twenty-minute educational session I’ll be encouraging each business to consider what they achieved last year. More importantly, what they can do better this year. Now look forward to what they wish to achieve in 2024: if you do nothing, then nothing is likely to change. Set your key goals.

These areas that will be covered:

* Enjoyment
* Business
* Stress factors
* What's important?
* What's one good habit I have?

Discover your theme developing? Discover how to enjoy 2024 more. They’ll also be a Q and A session.

Meeting Programme

The full meeting programme, including timings, is available at: https://www.sballiance.co.uk/events

To Book
RSVP on or before 5 pm on the 24 January 2024. Either call Tony on 079 1906 6053 or email at [email protected]

12/12/2023

Do You Know the Easier Way to Achieve Your 2024 Goals?

It’s round about now that you may want to consider what have you achieved this year. More importantly what you can do better next year. Now look forward to what you wish to achieve in 2024. If you do nothing, then nothing is likely to change. Yes, set some key goals.
How to set your goals
Let’s play twenty questions. Write down the answers. Formulate your strategy for a better 2024.
Enjoyment
1. What do I enjoy, and what am I good at doing?
2. What do I enjoy but could get better at doing?
3. What do I enjoy doing but don't do well at all?
Business
4. What earns me the most money?
5. Who are my best customers?
6. Who are my worst customers?
7. Have I enough money?
Stress Factors
8. What relaxes me?
9. What stresses me out?
10. How can I reduce stress?
What’s Important?
11. What is the most important thing in my life?
12. Who are the most important people in my life?
13. What do I want more of in my life?
14. What would I prefer less of in my life?
15. What am I most afraid of?
What’s to Do?
16. What is one good habit that I have?
17. What is one habit I want to change?
18. What is one thing I set out to do this year that I succeeded in doing?
19. How do I define success?
20. What's the one thing I want to accomplish next year?
Go with your gut feeling and put down the first answer you think of. It’s your answer – there are no rights or wrongs.
See a Theme Developing?
Perhaps you want more time with family and friends. You might decide to ditch unprofitable work to achieve your goals. Set the goals. Check out every month if you are on track.
Now You’ll Enjoy 2024 More
Look to do more things you enjoy next year, and fewer things you don't. You'll be happier, and you'll be more likely succeed in reaching those goals. Guess what? You'll be having fun working towards them.
Want Help?
You don’t have to do this exercise on your own. You can undertake it with a friend a colleague or an experienced, professional business mentor. I’d be delighted to assist you to a better 2024. Contact me, Laurie Bernard, an experienced business mentor at The Business Services Partnership. Call 07973 361 994 or email [email protected]. I’ll help you ensure you’re on target to score great goals.

20/11/2019

Do You Owe it to Yourself?

A bright future? A new decade is about to dawn. Where do you see yourself this time next year and again where are you in ten years’ time? Now is the time to step back, take stock and plan for your sunshine, your success.

An investment “working on your business not just in your business” will reap dividends. Time for your business review. Here are some key areas to look at:

 See where your business is
 Discover how to overcome your obstacles to growth
 Chart where you want to be – set your goals
 Build your Action Plan to move forwards
Can We Help?
Interested in brightening your 20 20’s outlook? It's easier to plan together. Contact Laurie Bernard of The Business Services Partnership on 07973 361 994 or email [email protected] to arrange your Business Review and Audit. Places are limited.

11/01/2018

Sales Made Easy – Discover What Works

If you are looking to promote your business you need to know the secrets of how to sell. Most of us don’t like the idea of selling. We are not comfortable selling. That’s because we have not been trained in selling, or know that selling is just: “helping other people to achieve their objectives”.

This informative, effective and interactive workshop, delivered by Laurie Bernard of the Business Services Partnership, for Connect Dacorum, will help you use the sales process, developing your knowledge and selling skills, boosting your confidence.

Who should attend?

Ideal for business owners, managers, leaders or anyone who wants to grow their business by improving their selling techniques.

What will it cover?

You’ll learn about:

* The 5 Golden Rules of Selling
* The sales process, step-by-step
* How you can be a great sales person
* Find out why people really buy
* Develop listening skills
* Learn the techniques to sell and negotiate
* Discover why selling is a win win
* Objection handling
* Useful sales hints
* Plus, so much more…

Training Process

Presentation, group exercises and open discussions to reinforce delegate’s knowledge. Leave feeling confident when you next make a sale.

When and Where:

Thursday 25 January 2018; 9.30 to 12.30 at The Maylands Business Centre, Redbourn Rd, Hemel Hempstead, HP2 7ES. To find Maylands Business Centre please use postcode HP2 7BA for SatNav purposes. Download a map and directions here.

The Fee and to Book:

Just £65+ VAT. To book please email: [email protected] or call 01442 531 002

14/11/2017

Unmissable business course

Now discover the easy way to start and sustain your dream. So, if you are thinking of starting or running your own business, this is the perfect introduction to business fundamentals and financial planning. This practical course is equally helpful to those already running a business. It will give you the tools you need before and after you start to trade.

When?

The Business Start-up Course commences in November 2017:

Tuesday 21st November 2017 10am – 4pm: Laurie Bernard Business Growth Specialist, of The Business Services Partnership

Tuesday 28th November 2017 10am – 4pm: Carole Pyke Director of Personal Brand Hugs and Stories

Wednesday 29th November 2017 10am – 4pm: guest speakers from: HSBC bank, your Credit Union and RBKC Libraries

Venue

To be held at: Portobello Business Centre 6 Canalside House 383 Ladbroke Grove London W10 5AA

Cost of Course Just £120*

*You may be eligible for a further discount if you live in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea (proof of address will be required). If you live in RBKC, please contact Jenni before booking to receive your discount code.

To Book

Hurry to book your place before we sell out again! Book now here http://bit.ly/BepNov

More Details

Learn the answers to:

* Do I have a viable business idea?

* Which legal structure is best for me?

* How much working capital will I need?

* What about all the taxes involved?

* What is a business plan?

After this course, you'll have a better understanding of:

* Your skills and the impact on you of starting and running a business

* The business plan

* Types of legal structure

* Marketing research

* Marketing strategy

* Financial planning - including templates

* Business planning - including a template

* Sources of finance for your business

* Discover how to stay motivated

Don’t Delay Book Today

Please click this link to book your place http://bit.ly/BepNov

Business Start Up Course - November 2017 Tuesday 21 Nov 2017 Category: Business Start Up Course - November 2017 Time: 10:00am - 4:00pm Description If you are thinking of starting your own business, this is the perfect introduction to business fundamentals and financial planning. The course will give...

25/10/2017

Save 10% on this World-Famous Business Start-up Course (Limited Offer)

Picture, it, your own business! Now discover the easy way to start and sustain your dream. So, if you are thinking of starting or running your own business, this is the perfect introduction to business fundamentals and financial planning. This practical course is equally helpful to those already running a business. It will give you the tools you need before and after you start to trade.

When?

The Business Start-up Course commences in November 2017:
Tuesday 21st November 2017 10am – 4pm: Laurie Bernard Business Growth Specialist, of The Business Services Partnership
Tuesday 28th November 2017 10am – 4pm: Carole Pyke Director of Personal Brand Hugs and Stories
Wednesday 29th November 2017 10am – 4pm: guest speakers from: HSBC bank, your Credit Union and RBKC Libraries

Venue

To be held at: Portobello Business Centre 6 Canalside House 383 Ladbroke Grove London W10 5AA
Cost of Course Just £120* {before your early bird discount}
*You may be eligible for a further discount if you live in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea (proof of address will be required). If you live in RBKC, please contact Jenni before booking to receive your discount code.

To Book

Hurry to book your place before we sell out again! Use the code BEPNOV10 to gain your 10% DISCOUNT! Book now here http://bit.ly/BepNov
More Details

Learn the answers to:

* Do I have a viable business idea?
* Which legal structure is best for me?
* How much working capital will I need?
* What about all the taxes involved?
* What is a business plan?
After this course you'll have a better understanding of :
* Your skills and the impact on you of starting and running a business
* The business plan
* Types of legal structure
* Marketing research
* Marketing strategy
* Financial planning - including templates
* Business planning - including a template
* Sources of finance for your business
* Discover how to stay motivated
Don’t Delay Book and Save Today
Please click this link to book your place http://bit.ly/BepNov

20/10/2017

Don’t Let Stress Takeover

I saw this short article in the Harvard Business Review and it is equally relevant to small business owners.

Be Kind to Yourself When You’re Feeling Stressed Out

Burnout is a serious problem at work. It can make you feel emotionally exhausted, cause cynicism, and hinder your job performance. If you notice these signs of extreme stress, resist the urge to beat yourself up — that will only make the situation worse. Instead, have some empathy for yourself and what you’re going through.
Start by considering how you might be creating unnecessary stress: For example, are you setting unrealistic expectations for yourself? Remember that we all have only a certain number of hours in the day. When you feel overly stressed, acknowledge it and recognize that others would feel similarly in the same situation. Being kind to yourself, instead of laying on the self-criticism, can shift your mindset from feeling threatened to being self-compassionate, strengthening your resiliency and making you more likely to bounce back from a stressful time.
Want to Talk?
A colleague was recently stressed at completing the draft of his book. He was just about to go holiday and said he would finish it there. Myself and another colleague both advised against this. He would be more productive after the rest and his batteries recharged.
“A problem shared is a problem halved”

Contact Laurie of The Business Services Partnership; on 07973 361 994 or email [email protected]. Let’s help you put life back into perspective, set realistic goals and restore the work life balance

09/10/2017

Save 10% on this World-Famous Business Start-up Course

Picture, it, your own business! Now discover the easy way to start and sustain your dream. So, if you are thinking of starting or running your own business, this is the perfect introduction to business fundamentals and financial planning. This practical course is equally helpful to those already running a business. It will give you the tools you need before and after you start to trade.

When?

The Business Start-up Course commences in November 2017:
Tuesday 21st November 2017 10am – 4pm: Laurie Bernard Business Growth Specialist, of The Business Services Partnership
Tuesday 28th November 2017 10am – 4pm: Carole Pyke Director of Personal Brand Hugs and Stories
Wednesday 29th November 2017 10am – 4pm: guest speakers from: HSBC bank, your Credit Union and RBKC Libraries

Venue

To be held at: Portobello Business Centre 6 Canalside House 383 Ladbroke Grove London W10 5AA
Cost of Course Just £120* {before your early bird discount}
*You may be eligible for a further discount if you live in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea (proof of address will be required). If you live in RBKC, please contact Jenni before booking to receive your discount code.

To Book

Hurry to book your place before we sell out again! Use the code BEPNOV10 to gain your 10% DISCOUNT! Book now here http://bit.ly/BepNov

More Details

Learn the answers to:
* Do I have a viable business idea?
* Which legal structure is best for me?
* How much working capital will I need?
* What about all the taxes involved?
* What is a business plan?

After this course, you'll have a better understanding of:

* Your skills and the impact on you of starting and running a business
* The business plan
* Types of legal structure
* Marketing research
* Marketing strategy
* Financial planning - including templates
* Business planning - including a template
* Sources of finance for your business
* Discover how to stay motivated
Don’t Delay Book and Save Today
Please click this link to book your place http://bit.ly/BepNov

Business Start Up Course - Early Bird Tickets 10% Off, code BEPSEPT10 Tuesday 19 Sep 2017 Category: Business Start Up Course - Early Bird Tickets 10% Off, code BEPSEPT10 Time: 10:00am - 4:00pm Description Early Bird Ticket: Use the cod...

18/09/2017

Why You Need a Critical Friend

Here’s an example of why you need one.

Why do you network?

Essentially to get business. Yes, it’s good to get out, meet people and exchange gossip, help and advice. This morning I attended a friendly, local networking group. So far so good. Chatted to a few people went to exchange business cards. Guess what several people did not have a card. They said; “my business is new and I’ve not ordered any yet”. Someone else stated; “I’ve run out and I need to pick them up from the printers”.

Well, I know it was not just me because they told others the same story.

The Point Is

How many people will remember these people’s details. How will they follow up and stay in contact? Many businesses state that most of their work comes from past clients and referrals. So, by just attending the meeting, it’s like eating a meal. Good at the time and you’ll be hungry tomorrow. You need to find ways of sustaining the relationship for when the time is right to do business. Use LinkedIn, a follow up meeting, blogs, emails, Seasonal Greetings etc.

What Other Basics are Missing?

When running our own business’s, we are the boss. The “buck stops with us”. Who is going to be your “critical friend”? The little nag on your shoulder. That’s why clients engage us to review their businesses and mentor them. We assist them to produce action plans, help them implement these key actions and when necessary give them a kick up the anatomy! Not always popular. But I work with several groups who mentor, coach and motivate me. It’s good to have someone to bounce ideas off of and help with your direction.

The Success of Mentoring

We were mentoring a fresh business and I asked the founder what they account their success to? She said we have mentors in different aspects of our business. She’s gone on to be a successful serial entrepreneur, a UN Ambassador and has earned an OBE. Not bad for someone still in her thirties!

Interested in Mentoring?

If you are looking for an experienced proven mentor, then let’s talk. Call Laurie Bernard of The Business Services Partnership on 07973 361 994 or email [email protected].

06/09/2017

When did you take 1 day out to work on your business?

What could you do more to be profitable? Where can you turn to for great ideas?

Why not conduct a Business & Marketing Review, off site, perhaps at a hotel? So, there are fewer distractions. You should:

* Look at the past, present and future
* Identify the areas that need to be strengthened
* Produce an Action Plan that would be timed and budgeted

If time allows develop some materials to help; perhaps for: goals setting, time management, financial planning or marketing etc...

Naturally this is a service we offer clients.

Interested?

If so, please contact Laurie Bernard of The Business Services Partnership on 07973 361 994 or email [email protected] to discuss your tailored BSP Business Development Day.
Looking forward to hearing from you.

A recent client said of their Business Strategy Day:
“Dear Laurie, Thanks for your swift reply and valuable advice. It was good to meet and run through basics. Plenty of food for thought and action to follow. I am meeting with the potential client tomorrow so perhaps we will meet the goals sooner than we have set out… Going forward I will be happy to review the plan over Skype.”

05/09/2017

Does Your Mentor Ask You "How's it Going"?

They should ask you. Do they show a genuine interest in you, your business, your success? Someone to share your highs and lows. That's a good mentor.

What Can a Mentor Do for You?

They can transform your business. Firstly, together, work out what you want to achieve. Perhaps you need a mentor to improve your marketing skills? To hone your sales presentations? Make sure you take actions on a timely basis? Perhaps you're simply confused and want some objective advice? Someone to just ask “how’s it going”?

Then You’re Ready to Hire a Mentor

If you want us to work you, be your mentor, be your critical friend; contact Laurie Bernard of The Business Services Partnership on 07973 361 994 or email [email protected] BSP autumn packages available.

04/08/2017

Boring

I was about to write this blog and became side tracked. Then this morning saw another great marketing blogger had produced a video blog on the very same topic. Well do you think your marketing is boring? Is August just the business equivalent of a cloudy yawn?

It won’t be if you have:

1. Researched your market and know why your customers want to buy from you.
2. Produced marketing materials that are appealing to your customers.
3. Utilised the “magic formula” to produce appealing communications.
4. Sales and marketing, even when you are networking, is about helping your customers achieve their goals.
5. Planned your approach

Want to achieve more?

Contact Laurie Bernard, at The Business Services Partnership on: 07973 361 994 or email: [email protected]. Let’s bring you sunshine this August.