Trent Business Process Management

06/03/2025

World Book Day.

A day that is both loved and dreaded.

Dreaded?

Well, if you are the parent of a child at junior or infant school, you may know the anguish of what costume to create and a child who can't decide what character they want to be right up to the night before. I've been there, and got the T-shirt!

Although I saw plenty of kids this morning wandering along wearing their pyjamas and onsies, maybe the current trend is to take the pressure off providing costumes and instead just snuggling down to read a book, any book, which looks like a great way to share the benefits of reading.

Personally, I love books, and bookshops, and I always have a book or two or more on the go and love that feeling of retreating into another world. To quote the great Sir Billy Connolly, he loves books too and openly states that "Going to the library changed my life. It may even have saved it, books are your ticket to the world". I couldn't agree more.

I've just finished reading 𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗯𝘆 𝗥𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗯𝗲𝗻𝘁, a study of Yorkshire, its culture and stereotypes, and a good read for anyone from the area (it has close to family history for me) and possibly also for those not from the area wondering why Yorkshire people are so passionate about their county, I recommend it. And following that, I have started one of the 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗲𝗹 𝗗𝗼𝗯𝗯𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗹 series for a bit of historic fictional non-fiction.

For the business, I've just finished listening to the 𝟱𝗮𝗺 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 𝗯𝘆 𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗮 on Audible.

It's my first time listening to an audiobook, so I wasn't sure how it would register. Maybe it was just this book, but I tend to benefit more from reading an actual book, which I also have a physical copy of in this case, so listening to this book first has helped me know which chapters are worth reviewing again. However, I felt there was a bit too much story padding around the learning for me in this case, but I'll try another audiobook to see how that comes across.

𝗔𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗛𝗮𝗯𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗯𝘆 𝗝𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 is up next on audiobooks, so let's see how we get on with this one. I've also got an actual copy of this book too, so I think I will try following along and see how that goes.

But there is something about sitting with an actual book in my hand that allows me to focus on the words and gain a deeper understanding. I don't see myself giving up my trips to bookshops just yet.

I've also recently purchased 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗨𝗽 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝘀. Having attended a webinar given by Stuart recently, I was impressed with the knowledge shared and the delivery, which left me wanting to know more. So, I'm looking forward to that one.

But what are you reading? I'm always open to recommendations and hearing any books people have enjoyed.

So I hope everyone has a lovely World Book Day and happy reading!

06/01/2025

Hello And A Happy New Year to Everyone!!

Today was many people's first day back in the office or at work. How did it go?

Has the inclement weather caused any problems, or are you still recovering from the festive excesses?

Talking to several people, the Christmas lurgy caught up with many of us, myself included. On top of which, I managed to fall over (without the aid of alcohol), which has left me with badly bruised legs, but no broken bones, thankfully.

So, I hope you enjoyed the break. Personally, I am glad to be back in the office today and to get back into what feels like a reassuring routine.

2025 is definitely loading, and the planning is in full swing....... bring it on!!

23/12/2024

That is it; the laptop is officially closed for the year.

Santa has given me a stinking cold for the festivities; Rudolph had better watch out; there'll be competition for the reddest nose soon!

I wish all my clients and everyone I've had the pleasure of speaking with this year a very Merry Christmas. I hope the Christmas cogs are ready to keep everything working smoothly in 2025!!

11/12/2024

There are so many acronyms used in business that it can get very confusing. BPM, KMS, SOP, and OPS are a few I have encountered.

We work mainly with 𝗕𝗣𝗠 (Business Process Management), but I found this interesting article from Business Matters Magazine about the pros and cons of 𝗞𝗠𝗦 (Knowledge Management Systems) in the workplace, and I couldn't agree more.

I believe that centralising a business's knowledge into a central, easy-to-access hub is essential for its operational success and forms a core part of what we do. Whether you use BPM or KMS, it's the information within the business that really matters, as does how it is used and managed.

Have a read, and let me know your thoughts.

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, the implementation of a knowledge management system can be a significant game-changer for organizations.

10/12/2024

Panto is one of the best things about Christmas!

O, no it's not!

O yes it is!!

But whatever your view, pantomimes have become an almost uniquely British thing. They are a welcome chance to forget the world for a few hours to have a good laugh, and laughter, they say, is the best medicine.

So it was interesting to be asked at a recent network event that if my business were to put on a Panto, which one would it be, and which character would I play?

The Fairy Godmother in Cinderella? Possibly, and that option was a popular one with other B2B businesses.

The Golden Goose in Jack and the Beanstalk? Possibly, although not every client is looking to hit the jackpot.

Then I had a lightbulb moment: Tinkerbell from Peter Pan!

Tinker is an old English word dating from the 13th century. It is a term for someone who travels around fixing most things. Applied with a pinch of fun, J M Barrie described Tinkerbell as a fairy who fixed pots and pans. That analogy rings true for me as we help businesses fix the tools of their trade.

So there you have it. In 2025, I will revitalise my magic wand to fix things on my virtual travels.

Wishing you all the very best for the season and let me know which pantomime character you would be.

02/12/2024

Are You Delegating or Abdicating? 🤔

I was chatting at a networking event a couple of weeks ago when I mentioned the phrase "Delegate don't Abdicate," much to the delight of my fellow conversationalists. They loved it because it's so true.

I first encountered the phrase years ago in Michael Gerber’s E-Myth Revisited, the well-known business bible for small business owners. It taught me something transformative: Businesses grow when their leaders step out of the day-to-day grind and focus on strategy, vision, and team development.

But here’s the thing: the secret element is effective delegation. Delegating isn’t just offloading tasks—it’s about 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗲𝗱.

🎯 Here are 𝟱 𝘁𝗶𝗽𝘀 that have helped me delegate effectively:

1. Be crystal clear about what you want and why it matters.
2. Match tasks with people’s strengths—play to their superpowers!
3. Equip your team with what they need to succeed: resources, tools, and access.
4. Follow up with checkpoints, not micromanagement.
5. Always give feedback and celebrate wins.

𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗯𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻!
Delegation = setting people up for success.
Abdication = chaos and confusion.

💡 What I’ve learned: Delegating well is a win-win. My team grows, and I get to focus on driving the bigger picture.

What’s one thing you could delegate this week?

30/11/2024

Things happen in business, and even with planning they can be a leap of faith to see if they work.

Well, one thing I have been very pleased to say has worked was the move to our current offices in Calverton, North Nottinghamshire.

Driving out of Nottingham every morning, passing everyone sitting in the queue heading into the city, I am so grateful to be able to drive through such beautiful countryside every day.

And today marks 1 year since I moved to Daleside House where I am now happily settled.

So, happy first anniversary to the Office. Alas, there won't be any cake, but there might be some fairy lights and balloons.

PS there are some lovely walks nearby where I captured the below image during the summer.

19/11/2024

🌍🎉 Celebrating International Men’s Day 2024 🎉🌍

Today, we honour the contributions of men across the globe—whether as colleagues, mentors, friends, or family members. International Men’s Day is a chance to highlight the positive role models, break stereotypes, and embrace the theme of "Healing and Hope".

In the workplace, men show resilience and support teammates. Outside of work, they inspire us as caregivers, innovators, and advocates for mental well-being.

Let's also take a moment to encourage conversations about mental health, inclusivity, and work-life balance—topics that benefit everyone.

To all the men out there, thank you for your kindness, strength, and compassion.

Do something special for yourself today.

https://ukmensday.org.uk/events/

November 19 @ 12:00 am - 11:30 pm International Men’s Day in the UK Welcome everyone to International Men's Day in the UK. We all hope you enjoy today and please look out for events and social media today! And of course, promote what you are doing using All the best Internati...

07/11/2024

I see a lot of stress through my work.

There I've said it.

It's not something we like to admit, especially in business, but it's often normal for independent business owners who I see battling to run the business while providing their services and products. There just aren't enough hours in the day, and that can cause, well, stress. And stress can be very frustrating and disruptive.

So, my 𝗧𝗢𝗣 𝗧𝗜𝗣 for business owners in this situation is to start logging what they do with their time.

Start jotting down everything, and I mean 𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗬𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗚, you are doing and for how long. Be honest; don't try to hide anything; then, after a couple of weeks, you will start to see where your main time drains are occurring.

Once you know where the issues lie, you can take action: delegate to others, improve organisation, delete bad habits to install better ones, and develop business systems and processes to become more efficient.

Whatever you decide, taking action and making improvements is what keeps businesses moving forward.

So channel that frustration and take action, understand how you use your time and use it effectively.

13/09/2024

I've been reminded that today is 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗮𝘆 and I confess that it wasn't until I started the business that having the right mindset truly made sense for me.

But in fact with the ever-evolving business world, especially for micropreneurs, a positive mindset isn't just a "nice-to-have" – it's essential!!!

Here’s why I believe it’s the top personal requirement for business success:

𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀: Let’s face it, running a micro business means wearing many hats and tackling unexpected hurdles. A positive mindset transforms obstacles into opportunities. Instead of hitting a wall, you see gateways to innovate and grow. 🌱 I like the idea of growth.

𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀: Did you know positivity is magnetic? When your mindset radiates confidence and optimism, it draws in clients, partners, and even investors. People want to be around those who uplift and inspire them. Your positive energy can become your unique selling point! 🌟 That's the Law of Attraction.

𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺-𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴: A can-do attitude sharpens your problem-solving skills. With a positive outlook, you're better equipped to think creatively, adapt to changes, and find effective solutions swiftly. It's your secret USP for staying competitive. 🥇

𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆: If you have a small team, your mindset sets the tone. A positive leader fosters a positive work environment. This boosts morale, enhances teamwork, and ultimately drives productivity. Happy team = happy business! 🎉

As Audrey Hepburn famously said, "Nothing is Impossible, the word itself says I'm Possible!" I love this quote, so, let's embrace positivity and watch our businesses thrive! 💪

What's one positive change you've made recently that's impacted your business? Share in the comments. Let's inspire each other! 🌍✨

10/09/2024

It is alarming to see su***de rates continuing to increase in the UK, and in England it is men aged 50-54 who are showing the highest level of death by su***de.

So I was extremely sad to hear a business contact had been affected by this traumatic event after recently losing a loved one. This brought it home, that we need to understand more and show better awareness that this is not something that happens to someone else, but it is affecting those near to us.

If you are having suicidal thoughts contact the Samaritans below, or if you are wanting to know more then there is plenty of information on the Samaritans website.

I'm standing with this 💚

Only 45% of people are comfortable talking about suicidal thoughts - it's time we change that.

Find out more about how you can be part of this change 👉 https://bit.ly/34sfcMK

https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

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