Selasa, 26 Oktober 2010
Budidaya Belut di Air Jernih Potensi Mengiurkan
Waralaba Dobbi Burger & Fried Chicken Yogya
“Dobbi sudah ada di Balikpapan, Bontang, Samarinda, Tabalong, Palembang, dan beberapa kota kabupaten lainnya. Tahun depan target kita bisa ada di banyak kota lagi. Karena untuk luar Jawa ternyata prospeknya sangat bagus, investasinya cepat sekali kembali, dan secara kompetisi memang belum ketat sehingga kemungkinan untuk leading menguasai pasar itu sangat besar. Karena itu mulai bulan ini kita buka kesempatannya,” jelas Irawan Kusumo, owner Dobbi Burger&Fried Chicken.
Minggu, 17 Oktober 2010
PELUANG WIRAUSAHA BARU Usaha Bumbu Masakan
Bumbu masakan menjadi satu bukti baru bahwa segala sesuatu bisa jadi peluang usaha, jika kita jeli dalam melihat kebutuhan masyarakat sekitar. Banyak para ibu serta pelaku bisnis makanan yang selalu menggunakan bumbu masakan dalam setiap menu yang mereka sajikan. Namun tidak semua konsumen ternyata bisa membuat bumbu masakan untuk resep yang ingin mereka masak, selain itu banyak pula konsumen yang tidak memiliki banyak waktu untuk memasak dengan membuat bumbu secara manual menggunakan ulek maupun di blender.
Keadaaan ini ternyata dijadikan beberapa orang sebagai peluang usaha dengan prospek yang sangat besar. Saat ini membuka usaha bumbu masakan yang langsung bisa dipakai untuk memasak atau yang sering disebut dengan beumbu instan, memang berpeluang besar untuk meraup keuntungan. Banyaknya minat konsumen baik dari konsumen individu maupun konsumen industri yang menggunakan bumbu masakan instan menjadi keuntungan besar bagi usaha ini.
Konsumen
Penjual bumbu masakan instan banyak dicari para ibu rumah tangga, remaja putri, serta para pelaku usaha makanan yang membutuhkan bumbu instan untuk mempermudah proses produksi usahanya. Kemudahan yang diperoleh dengan adanya produk bumbu masakan instan ternyata disambut positif oleh para masyarakat, baik masyarakat kalangan menengah maupun masyarakat kalangan atas tertarik dengan penawaran bumbu masakan tersebut.
Info Produk
Produk bumbu masakan instan terbagi menjadi dua jenis yaitu jenis bumbu basah dan jenis bumbu kering. Jenis bumbu bahas biasanya tidak seawet bumbu jenis kering. Contoh bumbu basah antara lain bumbu opor, bumbu soto, bumbu rendang, lombok halus, dan bawang halus, yang sering digunakan para ibu rumah tangga maupun para pelaku usaha catering, rumah makan, dan restoran. Sedangkan bumbu kering biasanya lebih mengarah ke bumbu perasa atau penambah aroma, contohnya saja bumbu aroma barbeque, aroma daging ayam, aroma daging sapi, aroma jagung bakar, serta bumbu perasa lainnya yang lebih sering digunakan untuk memberi tambahan rasa dan aroma untuk makanan ringan atau camilan.
Untuk produk bumbu, dapat dikemas dengan kemasan yang beragam. Dari mulai kemasan plastik, hingga kemasan botol yang menarik para konsumen. Selain itu kemasan juga bisa disesuaikan, dengan memasarkan berbagai ukuran agar konsumen dapat menyesuaikan daya beli mereka sesuai dengan kebutuhan mereka.
Keuntungan usaha
Peluang pasar usaha bumbu masakan masih sangat luas, banyaknya pelaku usaha yang terjun pada bisnis makanan menjadi target pasar empuk bagi pelaku bisnis bumbu masakan. Karena semakin banyak pelaku bisnis makanan, maka semakin banyak pula permintaan bumbu masakan instan yang diminta pasar. Selain itu untuk memulai bisnis ini juga tidak diperlukan modal yang terlalu besar, namun mampu menghasilkan keuntungan hingga 50 % dari omset.
Kekurangan usaha
Setiap usaha memiliki resiko yang menjadi kekurangan dari usaha tersebut, salah satu kekurangan usaha ni yaitu harga bahan baku yang tidak stabil dan cenderung lebih sering harganya naik. Selain itu jika harganya naik, biasanya bahan baku tersebut susah untuk dicari jika ada pun kualitasnya tidak terlalu bagus. Di samping itu, terkadang produk bumbu yang dibuat kadaluarsa sebelum waktunya. Biasanya disebabkan proses produksi yang kurang steril, maupun bahan baku yang kurang bagus.
Pemasaran
Untuk pemasaran bumbu masakan bisa dilakukan dengan menitipkan di toko – toko yang ada di kota Anda, untuk menjangkau konsumen akhir yang biasanya dari konsumen rumahan. Sedangkan untuk menjangkau konsumen industri, dapat dicoba bekerjasama dengan beberapa pelaku usaha makanan seperti usaha restoran, katering, serta produsen camilan yang membutuhkan bumbu perasa untuk produknya.
Selain itu promosi juga bisa dilakukan dengan memasang iklan di media cetak, media elektronik, samapi media online untuk memperluas jangkauan pasar.
Kunci Sukses
Agar usaha Anda dapat berkembang, sebaiknya untuk produksi pilihlah bahan baku yang masih segar. Sehingga cita rasa bumbu yang dihasilkan sama dengan bumbu yang baru saja dihaluskan. Selain itu jaga proses produksi untuk selalu dalam keadaan higienis, sehingga keawetan bumbu bisa lebih lama. Untuk kemasan, pilihlah kemasan yang menarik namun juga sehat bagi para konsumen.
Analisa Usaha Contoh usaha membuat bumbu nasi goreng : Modal awal Blender 1 buah Rp 400.000,00 Baskom 2 buah @ 20.000,00 Rp 40.000,00 Timbangan digital 1 buah Rp 400.000,00 Stapler Rp 30.000,00+ Total Rp 870.000,00 ( Penyusutan alat selama pemakaian 1 tahun = 1/12 x Rp 870.000,00 = Rp 72.500,00 ) Biaya Operasional Bahan baku bumbu nasi goreng untuk 900 kemasan : Bawang merah dan putih 5 kg x 15.000,00 Rp 75.000,00 Ketumbar ½ kg x Rp 20.000,00 Rp 10.000,00 Garam 1 kg x 8.000,00 Rp 8.000,00 Cabe merah 5 kg x 20.000,00 Rp 100.000,00 Merica halus ½ kg x 60.000,00 Rp 30.000,00 Tomat 3kg x @ 7.000,00 Rp 21.000,00 Minyak goreng 10 kg x @ Rp 10.000,00 Rp 100.000,00+ Total Rp 344.000,00 Keperluan operasional Plastik Rp 50.000,00 Stiker / brand Rp 50.000,00 Transportasi Rp 100.000,00 Listrik Rp 100.000,00 Biaya penyusutan alat Rp 72.500,00+ Total Rp 372.500,00 Total biaya operasional Rp 344.000,00 + Rp 372.500,00 = Rp 716.500,00 Omset per bulan 30 bungkus / hari x Rp 1.800,00 x 30 hari = Rp 1.620.000,00 Laba bersih Rp 1.620.000,00 - Rp 716.500,00 = Rp 903.500,00
franchise BAKMI MIE-KITA
HANYA: Rp.100 jt
ane mau jual nih usaha ane... kalo ada yang berminat,,
ane sebenarnya ga mau jual usaha ini.. cuma kerna orang tua ane udah meninggal ane harus mengambil alih perusahaan keluarga di SULTENG (palu)
jadi ane jual,, siapa tau ada yg minat
usaha ini sudah berjalan 1 thn.. masi ada 4 thn lagi sesuai dengan perjanjian franchisor itu 5 thn. BAKMI MIE-KITA udah banyak...
jakarta ada lebih dari 3 dan tanggerang,Bogor,cibinong,cirebon,surabaya dan papua
Jenis makanan yg di jual pun buanyak..kira2 ada 120 jenis makanan dan minuman,, harga terjangkau.
bisa di liat di google (BAKMI MIE-KITA JAK-TIM) Utan Kayu atau di klanakuliner.com
ane ga jual sama lokasi yang ada sekarang yaa! krn ane juga ngontrak..
Ane jual brikut ini nih:
Bar lumayan gede = servis seperti baru
4 sofa + 2 meja panjangnya
8 meja 80 x 80
24 buah kursi
Peralatan masak kompor,panci2 pokonya lengkap sama piring dll yg ber logo
Kaos karyawan
dan mungkin ada beberapa bonus yang ane bisa kasi
Sistem Waralaba Bakmi Mie-Kita - Bakmi
Bagaimana kiat usaha Petrus yang berobsesi membangun 165 outlet baru pada tahun Kerbau 2009, berikut petikannya :
Bagaimana Anda memulai terjun ke bisnis bakmi lewat jalur wirausaha ini?
Awalnya, saya ini kan orang broken home, ikut mama sendiri, yang sejak saya SD sudah jualan bakmi, saya aduk-aduk bahan mie itu hingga menjadi peluang emas yang menjanjikan. Dasar saya hobi makan mie ayam, akhirnya dari hobi itu saya kembangkan menjadi bisnis yang sifatnya komersial. Mulanya kecil-kecilan saja, setelah saya keluar dari Inti Salim Group gara-gara bos saya bilang bahwa yang ngasih makan saya adalah dia. Wah, terus terang saya tersinggung, karena sesungguhnya yang ngasih makan saya adalah Tuhan, bukan dia. Tuhan beri saya makan lewat dia, itu yang betul. Tapi, saya nggak mau debat, langsung saja keluar dari perusahaan itu.
Dari situ, Anda dapat modal dari mana?
Karena wirausaha ini saya mulai dari hobi, modalnya memang modal dengkul. Namun, dalam perjalanannya saya dapat modal dari H Firman Rp 200 juta. Saya bikin rumah produksi mie di Tangerang, berjalan sekitar 1999 sampai 2003. Di rumah produksi itu saya bikin aneka makanan yang bebas formalin, bebas bahan pengawet. Legalitas usaha itu saya buat pada April 1993, biar mudah mengingat, karena pas dengan ultah saya. Selain legalitas, saya juga mendapat sertifikasi halal food, tapi PT itu baru berdiri sejak tahun 2003.
Siapa saja pemegang saham perusahaan itu?
Awalnya, pak Firman masuk jadi pemegang saham. Tapi karena dia menyimpang dari aturan bersama, akhirnya sahamnya saya beli Rp 200 juta. Waktu itu, saya langsung beriklan di media massa, dan ternyata ada yang berminat membeli saham saya, yaitu Djaja Hendrawan. Maka, pemegang sahamnya sekarang adalah saya 60 persen, pak Djaja 40 persen. Jadi, dalam waktu relatif cepat, asetnya jadi 1 miliar. Itu terjadi pada tahun 2000, kini sudah ada yang berminat mau beli lebih dari 8 miliar, tapi saya berkeinginan untuk mengembangkan saja supaya bisnis Mie Kita ini kian berkibar dimana-mana. Obsesi saya umur 55 tahun, sama dengan pegawai negeri sipil, saya harus pensiun dan jadi passive income, tinggal menikmati hidup.
Bagaimana nilai saham itu bisa meningkat, sementara outlet Mie Kita baru 25, setelah buka di kota Bogor, Tebet, dan RS MH Tamrin Jakarta?
Saya jualan skills, ini yang mahal dan bisa mencapai 60 persen. Kalau rumah produksi sih cuma bangunan tipe 21, tapi dua lantai, luasnya sekitar 120 meter persegi. Tapi skills, itu yang berharga bagi seorang wirausahawan.
Bagaimana Anda membangun skills itu sehingga bernilai tinggi?
Untuk tahu masakan mie yang berkualitas, saya tak segan-segan membayar jago-jago pembuat mie yang tangguh dan kesohor lebih dulu. Misalnya, Mie Alok, Mie Aheng. Mereka saya minta demo masak, dan saya bayar waktu itu Rp 1,5 juta, kalau uang sekarang bisa 15 juta sekali demo. Demikian pula ketika saya ingin tahu bagaimana bikin Es Doger yang enak, saya panggil pembuatnya yang handal, lalu saya suruh demo seharian, dan saya ganti biaya produksi dia sehari itu, karena saya suruh demo. Untuk tahu soal toxin, higienitas makanan, packaging, dan enzyme, saya belajar khusus di IPB. Perlunya supaya skills saya meningkat dan langsung bisa saya praktekkan lewat dagang mie.
Selain itu, anda juga berdagang aneka juice dan minuman kesehatan, serta packaging aneka buah. Bagaimana ide itu bisa muncul?
Saya suka baca-baca buku Prof Hembing, ahli herbal dan kesehatan alternatif lewat tumbuh-tumbuhan. Setelah saya cermati buku Prof Hembing, saya lalu berdagang juice anti diabetes, dengan komposisi bahan herbal yang saya pelajari dari bukunya. Juga ada juice anti kanker, juice anti kolesterol, juice anti darah rendah, juice anti hipertensi, juice anti ginjal, anti asam urat, anti batuk, TBC, sariawan, dan juice pelangsing. Itu semua saya lakukan dengan menyerap selera pasar, yang di satu sisi pasar menghendaki minuman segar, tapi juga menyehatkan. Bahannya dari aneka buah-buahan, sekarang juga saya paket, sehingga tinggal dibikinkan juice.
Apa menu unggulan yang anda jual untuk memenuhi selera pehobi kuliner?
Sebagai spesialis Chinese Food Modern, saya juga memasarkan Chicken Kungpao, Cumi Lada Garam, Udang Goreng Gandum dan lainnya yang saya kemas lewat program franchise, yaitu paket mini resto seharga Rp 90 juta, paket foodcourt Rp 58 juta, dan paket resto Rp 125 juta. Rata-rata outlet yang ada balik modalnya 6-12 bulan, paling lama tiga tahun.
Apa yang melatarbelakangi optimisme Anda?
Pertama, harganya pantas, serba sepuluh ribu. Tapi yang lebih penting lagi ialah seleranya yang mengikuti selera kelas atas, sehingga semua kalangan bisa menikmati masakan kami. Tujuan utama saya adalah mengembangkan Bakmi Mie Kita sebagai trademark di kota-kota seluruh Indonesia dan juga membantu orang susah, biar nggak susah seperti saya dulu, yang hidup di panti asuhan. Cara bantu saya ya dengan berwirausaha, karena di Indonesia masih sedikit orang yag mau terjun dan berjuang demi kesuksesan berwirausaha. Setelah umur 55 tahun, saya pensiun biar bisnis ini diteruskan oleh masyarakat luas dimana pun berada.
Di tengah kesibukan Anda membina hubungan baik dengan mitra kerja untuk mengembangkan sayap usaha itu, bagaimana anda membagi waktu buat keluarga, istri dan anak-anak serta kerabat lain?
Anak-anak sih saya arahkan untuk bisa berwirausaha, seperti ayahnya, juga setangguh neneknya. Juga istri saya, mereka semua saya kira mendukung dan bahu membahu berwirausaha untuk mencapai target itu. Dengan karyawan saya sering membina dan mengarahkan mereka. Maklum, kebanyakan karyawan saya adalah mantan tukang becak yang nggak bisa baca-tulis, mantan kondektur, anak-anak jalanan, mantan pedagang kaki-lima, yang semuanya punya karakter sendiri-sendiri. Seperti bekas tukang becak, kebiasannya molor, tidur melulu. Tapi, karena saya memang sudah komit merekrut mereka, ya saya sendiri yang menempanya, bahkan ada yang sampai dua tahun baru bisa mengikuti ritme usaha saya. Selebihnya waktu senggang saya gunakan untuk baca-baca buku guna menambah wawasan yang bisa mendukung usaha saya.
Biodata :
Nama : Petrus Puspo Sutopo
Tempat/Tanggal Lahir : Malang, 27 April 1967
Pekerjaan : Pemilik PT Sistem Waralaba Bakmi Mie Kita
Alamat : Jl. Pajajaran 26 Kota Bogor
Istri : Digna Winarti
Anak : Shoteby Anthony Winsen, Michelle Levine dan Nikola Tesla
Pendidikan :
SD sampai STM di Jakarta di bawah asuhan Panti Asuhan Vincentius, Kramat Raya Jakarta
Teknik Sipil Politeknik Pasar Minggu Jakarta
Kursus Log Grader di Fakultas Kehutanan IPB
Kursus Ilmu Toxin, Herbal, Enzyme, Higienitas dan Packaging dari IPB
Pekerjaan :
Inti Salim Group
Wirausaha sendiri
Warna favorit : Hijau
Masakan favorit : Mie ayam
Moto : Jadi garam dunia
Obsesi : Membantu orang susah
BAKMI MIE-KITA UTAN KAYU
Bagi saya bukan itu saja masalahnya, namun yang paling penting adalah bagaimana seh sebenarnya rasa dari bakminya itu sendiri. Apa sama hebat dan lezatnya dengan sang legendaris Bakmi GM? Ah nggak usah kelamaan cerita... Kelanakuliner pun akhirnya mencoba semangkuk porsi Bakmi Komplet yang berisi PG (
Kembali ke laptop, eh salah kembali ke pokok bahasan Bakmi Mie-Kita Utan Kayu. Resto Bakmi yang masih dalam pengawasan langsung Petrus (bukan Petrik dan juga bukan Petruk, apalagi Patrick Starfish temannya Spongebob Squarepants). Menurut pengakuan Petrus, usaha waralaba Bakmi Mie-Kita yang dikelolanya ini jelas berbeda dengan usaha waralaba lainnya yang sejenisnya. "Kebanyakan para pemilik waralaba bakmi lainnya itu, setelah mendapatkan uang investasi, maka mereka tidak memberikan yang intens dan berkelanjutan". Itulah sebabnya saya lebih mengutamakan para pelanggan, tambahnya, karena pada akhirnya yang menentukan adalah pasar.
Lelaki humoris yang penuh pengalaman pahit selama hidupnya di masa kecilnya ini menegaskan, bahwa tanggung jawab dirinya tidak berhenti setelah si pemilik modal menyerahkan uangnya membeli merk Bakmi Mie-Kita. "Seumur hidup saya membuka komunikasi, kapanpun mereka butuh saya untuk konsultasi usaha yang telah belasan tahun saya tekuni ini," ungkapnya sambil berpromosi. Kelanakuliner sendiri mengakui bahasa tubuh dan caranya berkomunikasi yang mampu meyakinkan orang lain untuk mau bekerjasama waralaba. Saya jadi ingat film klasik The God Father, dimana ada satu quote populer Marlon Brando dalam film itu, "I'm going to make him an offer he can't refuse."
Pada kenyataannya, Petrus membuktikan hal itu dengan seringnya ia meningkatkan pembinaan kinerja kepada para karyawannya yang sering dirolling ke setiap cabang yang berbeda maupun cabang baru. "Saya hanya mau memberikan bantuan tenaga kerja ahli (karyawan) saya yang telah lebih dari 6 bulan pengalamannya bekerja dengan saya, demi mempertahankan kualitas SDM di tiap cabang waralaba lain yang baru dibuka," pungkasnya.
Bila Anda tertarik ingin merasakan nikmatnya ratusan pilihan menu Bakmi Mie-Kita, maka bisa langsung kunjungi Bakmi Mie-Kita Jl. Utan Kayu No. 106, Jakarta Timur atau menghubungi telepon
Bagi saya bukan itu saja masalahnya, namun yang paling penting adalah bagaimana seh sebenarnya rasa dari bakminya itu sendiri. Apa sama hebat dan lezatnya dengan sang legendaris Bakmi GM? Ah nggak usah kelamaan cerita... Kelanakuliner pun akhirnya mencoba semangkuk porsi Bakmi Komplet yang berisi PG (
Kembali ke laptop, eh salah kembali ke pokok bahasan Bakmi Mie-Kita Utan Kayu. Resto Bakmi yang masih dalam pengawasan langsung Petrus (bukan Petrik dan juga bukan Petruk, apalagi Patrick Starfish temannya Spongebob Squarepants). Menurut pengakuan Petrus, usaha waralaba Bakmi Mie-Kita yang dikelolanya ini jelas berbeda dengan usaha waralaba lainnya yang sejenisnya. "Kebanyakan para pemilik waralaba bakmi lainnya itu, setelah mendapatkan uang investasi, maka mereka tidak memberikan yang intens dan berkelanjutan". Itulah sebabnya saya lebih mengutamakan para pelanggan, tambahnya, karena pada akhirnya yang menentukan adalah pasar.
Lelaki humoris yang penuh pengalaman pahit selama hidupnya di masa kecilnya ini menegaskan, bahwa tanggung jawab dirinya tidak berhenti setelah si pemilik modal menyerahkan uangnya membeli merk Bakmi Mie-Kita. "Seumur hidup saya membuka komunikasi, kapanpun mereka butuh saya untuk konsultasi usaha yang telah belasan tahun saya tekuni ini," ungkapnya sambil berpromosi. Kelanakuliner sendiri mengakui bahasa tubuh dan caranya berkomunikasi yang mampu meyakinkan orang lain untuk mau bekerjasama waralaba. Saya jadi ingat film klasik The God Father, dimana ada satu quote populer Marlon Brando dalam film itu, "I'm going to make him an offer he can't refuse."
Pada kenyataannya, Petrus membuktikan hal itu dengan seringnya ia meningkatkan pembinaan kinerja kepada para karyawannya yang sering dirolling ke setiap cabang yang berbeda maupun cabang baru. "Saya hanya mau memberikan bantuan tenaga kerja ahli (karyawan) saya yang telah lebih dari 6 bulan pengalamannya bekerja dengan saya, demi mempertahankan kualitas SDM di tiap cabang waralaba lain yang baru dibuka," pungkasnya.
Bila Anda tertarik ingin merasakan nikmatnya ratusan pilihan menu Bakmi Mie-Kita, maka bisa langsung kunjungi Bakmi Mie-Kita Jl. Utan Kayu No. 106, Jakarta Timur atau menghubungi telepon
Senin, 04 Oktober 2010
Awali Kesuksesan dengan kebiasaan memberi.....
Apa sih yang harus diberikan ?
Pertanyaan-pertanyaan seperti ini mungkin terlintas dalam benak Anda.
- Memberikan perhatian yang tulus kepada orang lain
- Memberikan penghargaan kepada orang lain
- Mau mengerti penderitaan dan kesulitan orang lain
- Mau mendengarkan orang lain berbicara
- Menjadikan orang lain merasa penting dihadapan kita
- Memberikan pujian kepada orang lain
- Menolong orang yang memerlukan bantuan
- Berbagi pengalaman dan ilmu pengetahuan
- Mengerti perasaan orang lain
- Dll
Franchisee Award Announces Winners
Gerald Thompson owner of the McDonald’s franchise in Manchester and Oldham, was crowned 2010 bfa HSBC Franchisee of the Year.
One of 16 exceptional finalists, Gerald was praised for the outstanding success of his franchise, alongside his tireless support and dedication to local community projects.
The 2010 bfa HSBC Franchisee of the Year Award, supported by Express Newspapers, lists the overal winners:
- Gold award – Gerald Thompson, McDonald’s in Manchester and Oldham
- Silver award – Frank Sutherland, Autosmart in Aberdeenshire
- Bronze award – Peter Morrison, Granite Transformations in Cambridge
Gerald commented on winning; “I feel extremely proud to be named the 2010 bfa HSBC Franchisee of the Year. It’s a great honour and one which I couldn’t have achieved without the great support of my team.”
Alongside his work, Gerald continues to be involved with a number of local youth football teams through sponsorship, contributes to local prison programmes and proactively engages with young people on the streets of Manchester and Oldham; getting involved with activities such as the Midnight Basketball Initiative.
Gerald added: “I’m dedicated to the community activity and not only to help me in my day-to-day job, but because it helps the local community get something more from life. It gives me tremendous satisfaction to see some of the kids I’ve met on the street become respectful and respected individuals, with some becoming valued employees at my restaurants.”
Cathryn Hayes, head of HSBC franchising said: “There were some truly inspirational franchisee nominations this year, so choosing the winners was very challenging. It demonstrates to me that British enterprise is alive and well, even in these tough times.
“All 16 finalists should be very proud of what they have achieved through their endeavour and hard work. On behalf of HSBC, I congratulate each of the winners and look forward to hearing about their continued success.”
Brian Smart, general director of the British Franchise Association (bfa), commented; “The winners of the 2010 bfa HSBC Franchisee of the Year have excelled in so many ways, and they are a credit to themselves and the franchise industry. They have shown innovation, creativity and a relentless pursuit of excellence, making them all inspirational examples of best practice.
“Gerald is an exceptional individual showing unbelievable character and belief throughout his career and is deserving of the prestigious title, 2010 bfa HSBC Franchisee of the Year.”
Ben Nealon, classified advertising manager of Express Newspapers, said; “The calibre of franchisees in the UK for this year’s awards was once again tremendous. Every winner has used their initiative and broadened their marketing strategies as part of a successful franchise.
“I’d like to congratulate them all for their dedication to their franchise and wish them every success in the future.”
Gold, silver and bronze award winners were selected from the five regional winners who all demonstrated unique qualities in their field.
Regional winners
London and the South East: Guy Whittaker, Dairy Crest
Scotland: Frank Sutherland, Autosmart
The Midlands: Peter Morrison, Granite Transformations
The North: Gerald Thompson, McDonald’s
The South West and South Wales: Nick Bourne, Cash Generator
Event; Starting an Ethical Business
EcoChic Collection invites entreprenuers to their Ethical Fashion Network, in Hove, East Sussex.
A love of style and a passion for ethical business has driven the creative director of EcoChic Collection, Deborah Miarkowska to launch the first Ethical Fashion Network for the South East.
The first network will be held Monday 20th September 2010, 7.30pm-10pm, hosted by La Fourchette Patisserie, purveyors of fine dining.
The event is open to all ethical businesses and friends to network, collaborate and share creativity.
The evening includes live music, a specialist guest speaker, a chance to appear on local radio and to enjoy a gorgeous venue.
Five lucky ethical businesses who attend will be featured on EcoChic Magazine.
Graduate Entrepreneurship Boosts Economy
The National Council for Graduate Entrepreneurship (NCGE) newly formed University Enterprise Network is on target to create 204 new businesses.
NCGE was set up in 2004 to cultivate entrepreneurship in higher education. It does this by helping graduates to start a business through a number of programmes and by helping universities embed entrepreneurship.
The NCGE recently announced the results of extensive independent evaluation into the impact of its programmes. The programme is currently mentoring and supporting 3,550 graduate businesses and the evaluators estimated that 71% of these graduates either wouldn’t be starting a business or have started the process earlier than anticipated.
Ninety universities are now benefiting from the NCGE and support from the private sector has reached over £2M. The NCGE Board includes Barclays Bank, BAe Systems and Microsoft, with HSBC supporting the delivery of the Flying Start and Make it Happen programmes.
Ian Robertson, CEO of NCGE says “I’m absolutely delighted to be able to demonstrate our impact in such a tangible way. Over 80% of new, growth companies are set up by graduates.
“At this critical time for our economy we need to improve the environment for wealth creation and build a closer, more productive relationship between business and universities. This evaluation shows the critical role that NCGE plays in achieving both those objectives.”
Claire Hookham Williams, Enterprise Champion at the University of Liverpool explains the difference NCGE had made: “We’ve been involved in a number programmes that NCGE have organised including Flying Start, the International Entrepreneurship Educators Programme and the HE Enterprise Champions Project in the North West Region.
“Teaching entrepreneurship needs to be interactive and the funding that we received has enabled us to purchase new interactive teaching tools, organise special three-day events and create business societies for the students.
“It has also helped us to build contacts with other universities so that we can exchange ideas and give each other advice. The staff and students have loved all the programmes we’ve introduced and it’s helped to drive through an entrepreneurial spirit throughout the university.”
Jonathan Lloyd started Falling Pixel while studying at Portsmouth University in 2006. Since launching, his turnover has doubled each year and he is hoping to do the same again this year. He explains the difference that NCGE made to him, “I first found out about NCGE’s Flying Start Programme when I went along to a rally they were organising in Reading.
“There I got some fantastic start up advice and help on developing a business plan to help get me going. After I received a £1,000 grant to start up my business I went to America for six months as part of the NCGE-Kauffman Flying Start Global Fellowship.”
Before doing a three month internship at a leading post-production company in Kansas, Jonathan visited Harvard and Stamford Universities but he says the highlight was meeting the CEO of Google, Eric Schmidt.
Lloyd comments, “Seeing one of the most influential, important guys of our time giving us a lecture on the pitfalls of starting up a business was surreal, but an experience I’ll never forget. When I came back from America I was so inspired and the Flying Start Programme gave me so much more confidence that I wouldn’t have had before.”
David Frost of the British Chambers of Commerce commented, “The impact figures and testimonials from graduates and universities speak for themselves - NCGE is a real success story.”
10 Tips For First-time Entrepreneurs
By Scott Gerber of Entrepreneur.com: There are far too few resources directly addressing the nonacademic trials and tribulations young entrepreneurs face along their journey.
Whenever possible, I encourage up-and-comers and established entrepreneurs to mentor the next generation of dream-seekers, for it is this insight and insider education that will provide the foundation for the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.
With that, here are 10 pieces of advice that I wish someone had given to me before I launched my first venture.
1. Focus. Focus. Focus.
Many first-time entrepreneurs feel the need to jump at every “opportunity” they come across. Opportunities are often wolves in sheep’s clothing. Avoid getting side-tracked. Juggling multiple ventures will spread you thin and limit both your effectiveness and productivity.
Do one thing perfectly, not 10 things poorly. If you feel the need to jump onto another project, that might mean something about your original concept.
2. Know what you do. Do what you know.
Don’t start a business simply because it seems sexy or boasts large hypothetical profit margins and returns. Do what you love. Businesses built around your strengths and talents will have a greater chance of success.
It’s not only important to create a profitable business, it’s also important that you’re happy managing and growing it day in and day out. If your heart isn’t in it, you will not be successful.
3. Say it in 30 seconds or don’t say it at all.
From a chance encounter with an investor to a curious customer, always be ready to pitch your business. State your mission, service and goals in a clear and concise manner. Fit the pitch to the person. Less is always more.
4. Know what you know, what you don’t know and who knows what you don’t.
No one knows everything, so don’t come off as a know-it-all. Surround yourself with advisors and mentors who will nurture you to become a better leader and businessman. Find successful, knowledgeable individuals with whom you share common interests and mutual business goals that see value in working with you for the long-term.
5. Act like a startup.
Forget about fancy offices, fast cars and fat expense accounts. Your wallet is your company’s life-blood. Practice and perfect the art of being frugal. Watch every dollar and triple-check every expense. Maintain a low overhead and manage your cash flow effectively.
6. Learn under fire.
No business book or business plan can predict the future or fully prepare you to become a successful entrepreneur. There is no such thing as the perfect plan. There is no perfect road or one less traveled.
Never jump right into a new business without any thought or planning, but don’t spend months or years waiting to execute. You will become a well-rounded entrepreneur when tested under fire. The most important thing you can do is learn from your mistakes - and never make the same mistake twice.
7. No one will give you money.
There, I said it. No one will invest in you. If you need large sums of capital to launch your venture, go back to the drawing board. Find a starting point instead of an end point. Scale down pricey plans and grandiose expenditures.
Simplify the idea until it's manageable as an early stage venture. Find ways to prove your business model on a shoestring budget. Demonstrate your worth before seeking investment. If your concept is successful, your chances of raising capital from investors will dramatically improve.
8. Be healthy.
No, I'm not your mother. However, I promise that you will be much more productive when you take better care of yourself. Entrepreneurship is a lifestyle, not a 9-to-5 profession. Working to the point of exhaustion will burn you out and make you less productive. Don't make excuses. Eat right, exercise and find time for yourself.
9. Don’t fall victim to your own business bullshit.
Don’t talk the talk unless you can walk the walk. Impress with action not conversation. Endorse your business enthusiastically, yet tastefully. Avoid exaggerating truths and touting far reaching goals as certainties. In short, put up or shut up.
10. Know when to call it quits.
Contrary to popular belief, a smart captain does not go down with the ship. Don’t go on a fool’s errand for the sake of ego. Know when it’s time to walk away.
If your idea doesn’t pan out, reflect on what went wrong and the mistakes that were made. Assess what you would have done differently. Determine how you will utilise these hard-learned lessons to better yourself and your future entrepreneurial endeavors.
Failure is inevitable, but a true entrepreneur will prevail over adversity.
Scott Gerber is Entrepreneur.com's Young Entrepreneur columnist and CEO of Gerber Entertainment, a brand development and venture management company.
Government Support Startups Award
Entries are now being taken for The Startups Awards 2010, which acknowledges the best fledgling businesses the UK has to offer.
Despite cuts across the board, overall, UK business is seeing a positive change thanks to the new Government. Tax breaks, including extended relief on the increase in Capital Gains Tax and National Insurance have been introduced and considerable interest in UK SMEs expressed, with a ‘hands-on’ approach to understanding this integral part of our economy.
Business Enterprise Minister, Mark Prisk, has started a six-month period of ‘work experience’ spending a day with five small businesses throughout the UK to gain an insight into the challenges they face.
In celebration of the importance of SMEs, Entries are now being accepted for The Startups Awards 2010, organised by startups.co.uk, which reward exciting new companies across the country, complimenting the Governments programme of support.
Founder of startups.co.uk, David Lester says: “Each year we unearth a whole set of innovative, disruptive new businesses and entrepreneurs that continue to make people sit up and pay attention to the start-up market.
“We were thrilled with the quality of entries we received in 2009. I'm confident we'll have another fantastic pick of companies to choose from in 2010 because we've seen the impressive scale of UK talent out there today.”
Previous 2009 winners include: Wonga, Go Sustainable, Three Sixty Entertainment and Truecall.
The awards contain 16 categories, including:
Green Business of the Year
Women in Business Award
Product of the Year
Best Use of Technology
Business Plan of the Year
This year, there are five new categories:
Mobile Business of the Year
Franchisee of the Year
Angle/VC Backed Business of the Year
Craft Business of the Year
Winners of each category will then compete to be named the Startups Business of the Year.
To be eligible to enter, the business must have been trading for less than three years and be privately owned. The closing date for entries is 03 September 2010 and finalists will be announced early November.
How To Find a Freelancer
By OfficeCavalry.com: Office Cavalry is changing the way businesses find and work with freelancers.
They show thier hand by launching a teaser website showing how the portal will ensure freelancers maximise their experience and skills, without reducing their fee potential or quality of service.
The site claims it “will change the way businesses find and work with freelancers”, and provides more information about how the fully deployed site will work.
In the recovering economy, it is predicted that there will be over 10% unemployment in some areas of the UK. One of the ways the government is attempting to reduce these figures is by encouraging self-employment through tax breaks. It is expected that the combination of more demand for flexible workers and these tax breaks will encourage freelancing in the UK.
Andy Turner, co-founder of the site has said, “We really want to demonstrate freelancing as a viable option to more people out of work in the UK, as well as showing current freelancers that there’s an easier way to engage with potential project owners without compromising on value and quality.
"I have considerable experience hiring freelancers, so I understand how complex it can be to source quality individuals. From the other side, I also know how freelancers are desperate not to enter into a Dutch auction, where quality of work is compromised over price."
Turner said, "Freelancers need to know that they will still be acceptably rewarded for their hard work promptly after project completion. Office Cavalry plans to address these issues head-on, providing a new business model that is based on integrity, quality and value”.
The company behind the production and design of the site is the award-winning digital agency Cyber-Duck. Their technical and design team were behind BoonSpace.com - the innovative Web 2.0 service where anyone can send money as a gift, and Hablib.com - the social property portal that allows property owners to manage every element of their property sale online for free.
Sylvain Reiter, development director at Cyber-Duck said, “We were delighted when we won the Office Cavalry project. A problem we come across regularly ourselves is how to find talented freelancers. Office Cavalry has been built from the ground up and is going to utilise an innovative search algorithm and a proprietary review system to ensure the best quality freelancers are found.”
In addition to working on the production and design of the site, Cyber-Duck will be heavily involved in marketing Office Cavalry through Search Engine Optimisation, Facebook advertising, social media marketing and working with a PR agency to support the full launch.
The public BETA version of the site is due to launch in September 2010 and in the build up to the full launch, Office Cavalry will be running a competition where potential freelancers and project owners can win one of 20 prizes, including the innovative iPad and the latest iPhone 4.
Franchise Award Announces Finalists
A shortlist of 16 franchisees from across the UK have been drawn up for the prestigious bfa HSBC Franchisee of the Year Awards 2010.
Operating in sectors as diverse as automotive, fast food, home improvement and lettings, the finalists encapsulate the best qualities in franchising.
They will now pitch to the bfa judging panel of Sir Bernard Ingham, president of the bfa, Brian Smart, general director of the bfa, Cathryn Hayes, HSBC’s head of franchising, Paul Monaghan, director of The Franchise Development Centre and Hannah Poulton, associate of the Franchise Team.
Franchisees shortlisted – in alphabetical order by region - are as follows:
1) London & the South East
Wayne Mearns, Belvoir Lettings, Southend-on-Sea & Basildon
Guy Whittaker, Dairy Crest, Guildford
Peter Sullivan, McDonald’s, London
2) Scotland
George Stewart, Apollo Blinds, Hamilton
Frank Sutherland, Autosmart, Aberdeenshire
Stephen McMurray, Signs Express, Falkirk
3) The Midlands
Chris Bird, Autosmart, Stoke-on-Trent
Peter Morrison, Granite Transformation, Cambridge
Glyn Pashley, McDonald’s, Coventry
4) The North
Pamela Schure & Colin Belton, Belvoir Lettings, West Cumbria
Andy & Vicky Thompson, Card Connection, Gateshead
Catharine & Mike Chalton, Home Instead Senior Care, Wirral
Gerald Thompson, McDonald’s, Manchester & Oldham
5) The South West and South Wales
Nick Bourne, Cash Generator, Weymouth
Andy & Shelley Stewart, Dream Doors, Dorset & Taunton
Claire Lamputt, LighterLife, Bridgend
Once the 16 finalists have presented to the bfa panel the five regional winners will be chosen to compete for the coveted UK bfa HSBC Franchisee of the Year Award 2010.
All the winners will be announced at a gala awards dinner at The NEC Birmingham on 30th September.
Cathryn Hayes, HSBC’s head of franchising, said: “We have seen some truly inspirational franchisees through the nominations again this year and it just goes to show that British entrepreneurialism is most definitely alive and well – despite the recent challenges brought by the economic conditions.
“As a leading bank working with franchisees across the UK, we’ve seen innovation and revolutionary business problem solving as a very positive theme. This has been reflected in the bfa HSBC Franchisee of the Year Award 2010 nominations, and the final fifteen are a real credit to the franchise industry.
“We are very much looking forward to meeting the individuals behind some of the best franchises in the UK as part of the final judging stage.”
Ben Nealon, classified advertising manager from awards support, Express Newspapers, said: “The calibre of franchisees in the UK for this year’s awards is once again tremendous. Many are utilising the brand activity being undertaken by the franchisor, however many are also working hard to build local awareness as part of growing the business through difficult economic conditions.
“It’s very pleasing to see some of these tactics coming through in the finalists, demonstrating how important local awareness is for business success.”
Brian Smart, director general, bfa, concluded: “Having a strong and supportive franchisor is clearly important however it is the drive and entrepreneurial spirit of the franchisee which can be the difference between a good and an exceptional business. This year’s nominations for the bfa HSBC Franchisee of the Year Awards highlight the qualities needed to succeed, demonstrating innovation, creativity and the will to be as good as they possibly can and therefore all should be congratulated.
“We have a very strong finalist line-up going into the face-to-face judging stage and although the decisions will be tough, we’re looking forward to awarding the UK’s best franchisees who really have excelled this year.”
PELUANG WIRAUSAHA BARU : Apprenticeships; The Do’s and Don’ts
By the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS): Summer holiday's may see some chilling on a beach, but for those who’ve just left school and are stepping into the world of work as an apprentice, this time of year is anything but relaxing.
In fact, while incredibly exciting it can also be very nerve racking.
Getting something wrong in the classroom may result in a bad grade or detention. But for new apprentices getting it wrong at work could impact on your customers, your boss, and your organisation.
The transition is a big one. So to help all those new apprentices just about to start work, our young Apprenticeship ambassadors have teamed up to create some top tips on how to get the very best start - and on wowing the boss.
First day
Your first day at work doesn’t have to be daunting, it’s a great experience, enjoy it! Plan your journey making sure you arrive on time. Ask lots of questions, the more you ask the more you’ll find out about your new employer. Be enthusiastic. Showing willingness to learn will set a positive first impression.
The apprentices also firmly believe first impressions count. Looking the part and being smart will show that you are confident and people will take you more seriously.
Impressing your boss
Enthusiasm is amazing, is shows you’re committed and passionate! It’s a great way to show off your strengths and capabilities. Offer lots of ideas. Putting your mark on something will show initiative which your employer will love!
Prioritising your workload is an effective way of making sure you stay on top of things. Make a list of everything you have to do, give your tasks a timeline and complete urgent things first. And remember, if it all starts to get a bit much just speak to your manager, they are there to help and will want to know about problems straight away. But if you also have a possible solution ready they’ll be really impressed.
Moving up
And last but not least, being motivated will help you to remain focused and keep that job, suggest our expert apprentices. Having a goal to work towards encourages you to keep going. Always think about what it is you will achieve. Ask your employer for objectives and development opportunities, learn new things and take pride in what you do, feeling proud of a job well done!
Mohamed Mohsen, one of the Young Apprenticeships Ambassadors, says his Apprenticeship was the best thing he ever did: “There was lots of peer pressure to go to college, as it was what all my friends were doing, but instead I took up an Apprenticeship in admin and it was the best decision I ever made. My Apprenticeship has filled me with confidence, it changed my life and I’d do it again!”
10 Tips for Starting a Business That Will Succeed
By About.com: Small business expert, Susan Ward, offers some great advice on starting a business and how to ensure it's a success.
Following the advice below will make starting a business a smoother, less stressful process and go a long way towards ensuring the business you start lasts and thrives.
1) Do what you love
You're going to devote a lot of time and energy to starting a business and building it into a successful enterprise, so it's really important that you truly enjoy what you do, whether it be running fishing charters, creating pottery or providing financial advice.
2) Start your business while you're still employed
How long can most people live without money? Not long. And it may be a long time before your new business actually makes any profits. Being employed while you're starting a business means money in your pocket while you're going through the starting a business process.
3) Don't do it alone
You need a support system while you're starting a business - and afterwards. A family member or friend that you can bounce ideas off and who will listen sympathetically to the latest business start up crisis is invaluable.
Even better, find a mentor or, if you qualify, apply for a business start up programme. When you're starting a business experienced guidance is the best support system of all.
4) Get clients or customers first
Don't wait until you've officially started your business to line these up, because your business can't survive without them. Do the networking. Make the contacts. Sell or even give away your products or services. You can't start marketing too soon.
5) Write a business plan
The main reason for doing a business plan first when you're thinking of starting a business is that it can help you avoid sinking your time and money into starting a business that will not succeed.
Remember, you don't have to work through a full scale business plan for each new business idea you come up with.
6) Do the research
You'll do a lot of research writing a business plaun, but that's jst a start. When you're starting a business, you need to become an expert on your industry, products and services, if you're not already. Joining related industry or professional associations before you start your business is a great idea.
7) Get professional help
On the other hand, just because you're starting a business, doesn't mean you have to be an expert on everything. If you're not an accountant or bookkeeper, hire one or both! If you need to write up a contract and you're not a lawyer, hire one. You will waste more time and possibly money in the long run trying to do things yourself that you are not qualifed to do.
8) Get the money lined up
Save up if you have to. Approach potential investors and lenders. Figure our your financial fall-back plan. Don't expect to start a business and then walk into a bank and get money. Traditional lenders don't like new ideas and don't like businesses without proven track records.
9) Be professional from the get-go
Everything about you and the way you do business needs to let people know that you are a professional running a serious business. That means getting all the accoutrements such as professional business cards, a business phone and a business email address, and treating people in a professional, courteous manner.
10) Get the legal and tax issues right the first time
It's more difficult and expensive to unsnarl a mess afterwards. Does your business need to be registered? Will you have to charge GST or PST? Will you have to have Workers' Compensation Insurance or deal with payroll taxes? How will the form of business you choose affect your income tax situation? Learn what your legal and tax responsibilities are before you start your business and operate accordingly.
Duncan Bannatyne Works with Dragons’ Den Entrepreneur
Now in its fifth year, the business brains from Dragons’ Den have not forgotten past entrepreneurs as Duncan Bannatyne proved with his recent trip to Razzamataz Theatre School.
Founder and director of Razzamataz in Carlisle, Denise Hutton-Gosney, first appeared on the show in 2007 and after her dynamic pitch, caught the attention of Bannatyne who went on to offer her the full investment.
Since the Den, Hutton-Gosney has been busy building up the Razzamataz brand. There are now almost 40 schools up and down the country and Razzmataz has established a further collaboration with Bannatyne with the launch of Razz Xpress within the Bannatyne’s health clubs.
Nurturing young talent, be it in a theatre school environment or new entrepreneurs, is high on Bannatyne’s agenda and during his recent visit to meet the students, he was incredibly impressed with their commitment and enthusiasm.
Hutton-Gosney said: “Building up a child’s confidence and self-esteem is a big part of what we do at Razzamataz. Very early on we decided that the best ways to nurture young talent is by bringing in top professionals in their field to work with our students and inspire them to be the very best they can be.”
Over the last few months, Razzamataz children up and down the country have enjoyed workshops led by Tim Noble, choreographer to Kylie Minogue.
“We all know the benefits of keeping fit but staying motivated is the hard part,” said Hutton-Gosney. “By working with performers such as Tim Noble, Razzamataz students are getting the positive benefits of exercise but having lots of fun in the process.
“Theatre schools need to keep their students motivated, it is far too easy these days for youngsters to become distracted with television or computers and with our country’s growing obesity problem and it is up to theatre schools such as Razzamataz to help solve the problem.”
As well as improving health and fitness, participation in theatre arts has been shown to benefit children in many different areas as they acquire life and performance skills. Theatre trained individuals are identified as having transferable skills such as good interviewing technique – massively important for older children in the job market which additionally teaches self-discipline and the ability to work as a team.
“Working with Duncan Bannatyne and appearing on Dragons’ Den has been an incredible opportunity,” said Hutton-Gosney. “I’ve really appreciated the chance I have had and I’m delighted to say that Razzamataz is now able to invest in today’s youth with the launch of our Future Fund, which will sponsor the career training of a young performer.”
Many talented artists leave school or college with no means of taking their performance skills to a professional level because of lack of funding. Razzamataz students in their final year of school looking to progress their performing ambitions will be able to apply and audition for the funding.
“It is an incredible opportunity for our students and shows our commitment to facilitating them to continue training after they leave Razzamataz,” said Lynn Brownridge, a Razzamataz principal who was the inspiration behind the Future Fund. “It is a privilege to be able to give a young talented performer this opportunity and help them to fulfil their dreams.”
Future Fund will be officially launched on Sunday 28th November 2010 at Her Majesty’s, the West End theatre that is home to the phenomenally successful musical Phantom of the Opera. On the night, Razzamataz students will perform a special one-off performance.
Students from Razzamataz Theatre Schools all over the country will come together to perform at the West End theatre during a special tribute show to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the founding of Razzamataz.
14 Year Old Entrepreneur Becomes Millionaire
From Splashnology: A British teen from Corby, Northamptonshire made his first million pounds after starting his business at the age of 14.
Christian Owens lives with his parents, company secretary Alison, 43 and factory worker dad Julian, 50. He got his first computer at the age of seven. Three years later he got a Mac and started to learn web design.
Four years later, aged 14, he started his first company. It was a simple site that some of you may know - Mac Bundle Box. The site sold a Mac OS X app bundle at a discounted price and only for a limited time. The entire bundle was worth over $400, but Christian sold it for about a tenth of that.
A year later he launched advertising pay-per-click company ‘Branchr’, a PPC ad company that distributes ads via websites, iPhone apps, and Android apps, and worked on the business after school and at weekends.
He invests the majority of his earnings back into his businesses and is going to make £100 million with Branchr in the future.
In an interview the young entreprenuer said, "I really wanted to create something groundbreaking and simple, that would revolutionise the way advertising works.
"Mac Box Bundle was already becoming a success but I really wanted to push myself and do something different, so I came up with the idea of Branchr.
"I think everyone has business sense in them, they just need to gain experience and be determined to make it. My friends and I don’t really talk about my success, to them I’m just a normal teenager and it doesn’t change anything between us.
”There is no magical formula to business, it takes hard work, determination and the drive to do something great.”
When talking about the future, Christian says, "My aim is to become a leading name in the world of internet and mobile advertising and push myself right to the top of the game.
"I don’t know where I will be in 10 years time but I won’t leave Branchr until it has reached £100 million."
Business Presentation Tips
From Nazir Daud of CityLocal: In business, like in life, presentation is important.
Your customers' perception of your sales staff, your back-office staff and yourbrand help to mould how they perceive your business, and their likelihood of doing business with you.
Here are six tips that you can follow which will entice your customers to sign on the dotted line:
Look smart
As the saying goes, don't judge a book by its cover. Unfortunately, people do and you can use this to your advantage. Make sure you're looking well groomed for the occasion. The consequences are far less severe if you overdress, rather than under-dress, so keep this in mind when deciding on suitable attire.
Don't read from a PowerPoint presentation
Slides are meant to enhance your presentation, not be your presentation. Try to use PowerPoint presentations to show graphs, images and figures that are harder to understand when spoken. You should also try to make slides easy to digest, this means the customer will be focused on you more, and your slides less.
Practise makes perfect
Try to practise doing your presentation as much as possible. Try to focus less on the exact wording used, and more on the overall message. Ask a friend or co-worker to listen in and here what they have to say. While you may not have to follow their feedback word-for-word, it is hard to judge your own presentation when you're the one presenting.
It's even better if you present to someone within your business who you don't know as well.
Don't bury your head in your notes
It's easy to bury your head in your notes when doing a business presentation. Try not to. One of the best ways to avoid this is to ensure that you don't prepare what you'll say word-for-word. Only work on an overall message.
Or, if you must read from notes, only lower your head at the start of each sentence, read what you have to say and then lift your head and address your audience. Retro tip - pick something, or someone, at the back of the room to focus on.
Adopt a conversational tone
When presenting, it is easy to sound like your doing a book reading. This is particularly the case when you have prepared too much. Try to only prepare by creating a list of bullet points, and this will allow you to make your business presentation sound more conversational.
Through making impromptu comments you will be able to address this issue, and allow your prospects to focus on what your business can deliver.
Objection - handle as you go
When you are dealing with a small group, address their issues as you go. Make your prospects feel comfortable to ask questions when they come up and address them before moving onto the next part of your presentation.
This may kill the flow, but when the customer wants to interrupt let them. If something is nagging them, and they cannot get it out of their mind, then it will be harder for them to focus on what it is that you want to say
Overcoming Obstacles in Sales
From Nazir Daud of CityLocal: Being a successful salesperson isn't a talent that you are born with.
Some people may have the right instincts and personality traits to potentially be good salespeople, but success still depends on learning and putting into practice the right selling techniques.
One of the biggest roadblocks to business sales success is customer objections. When you're not prepared to deal with them, your prospects for sales are bleak. If you take the time to learn positive ways of dealing with and overcoming objections, however, you will see obvious financial benefits.
Let's say that you are in the business of selling a certain brand of office furniture. You set up an appointment with and then visit a business owner. Your goal is getting him to replace the office furniture he has with what you are selling. You make your presentation to the customer, laying out in detail the benefits of buying and using your office furniture.
The business owner's first response is that he is happy with the furniture that he has, and none of his employees have ever complained. Almost before he finishes saying this, you jump into how the furniture he has now could actually be physically detrimental to his employees. You tell him that he should replace it with the furniture that you are selling if he cares about the people who work for him.
You walk out of there without a sale.
In a slightly different scenario, you make your sales pitch to the business owner, detailing positive facts about your office furniture and why it would be beneficial to him and his employees. He tells you that he and his employees are happy with the office furniture that they have and don't see any reason to spend money on different furniture.
You listen intently to his objection. You ask him to clarify what it is that he and his employees like about the furniture they are using now. You tell him that you can see why he feels the way he does. You go on to explain that a lot of your customers felt that way at first, but when they bought your furniture they found that there was a significant increase in comfort and decrease in employee injury.
You get the sale.
In the second example of dealing with the customer objection, you show that you are truly listening and not simply thinking about the next thing that you're going to say. You acknowledge his feelings and empathize with them.
You ask him to clarify something to show that you want to make sure that you understand what he's trying to say. You give him examples of others that have felt the same way, and then you go on to show why other customers ended up preferring your office furniture over what they used before. You can see the difference between this kind of positive interaction and respect for the customer's feelings, and the negative approach in the first example.
When overcoming objections, customers should always be treated with respect, and their feelings should be taken into consideration. When you think of your customers as people and not potential sales, you are levelling the playing field and creating a positive atmosphere for successful selling.
Naz Daud is the founder of CityLocal. This Franchise Opportunity is for people who would like to work from home and be their own boss.
The Startups 100 list is announced today, identifying the UK’s most innovative
From Startups 100: The Startups 100 list is announced today, identifying the UK’s most innovative, inspiring and ground-breaking new companies.
Startups 100, selected by the startups.co.uk team, celebrates the 100 most exciting, promising, disruptive new businesses and entrepreneurs shaping the start-up market right now. The list includes BookingBug, RateMyPlacement.co.uk and MyDestinationInfo.com; three enterprising business featured on BusinessWings.
Top of the list is Huddle, one of the most successful tech companies to come out of the UK in years. Founded by Alastair Mitchell and Andy McLouglin, Huddle provides packages of project management and online collaboration software and, while there are many players in this market, has managed to gain a remarkable stronghold both in the UK and the US, securing some impressive blue-chip and public sector clients including Nokia, Panasonic, Kia Motors and the NHS.
Sara Rizk, editor, Startups.co.uk, said: “Huddle was an obvious choice to top this year’s Startups 100 list. In just a few years Alastair and Andy have created a market-leading brand with global reach.
"What these two entrepreneurs have achieved, supported by an enthusiastic, fast-growing team, is proof that world-beating technology companies are not the preserve of Silicon Valley. We’re incredibly proud to have them heading up our list.”
Startups 100 also includes:
• Levi Roots, founder of Reggae, Reggae Sauce
• Bulldog, the male grooming products
• SquidLondon, who developed an umbrella which changes colour in the rain
• tweetdeck, the social networking application
• BrewDog, the independent beer makers
• RentYourRocks.com, which provides online diamond jewellery hire.
“Every single company on our 2010 list has felt the effects of launching during one of the most turbulent economic periods in modern history,” Sara continues.
“For some it has presented unexpected challenges, while others have relished the opportunities the downturn has thrown up. The result is a list of companies and entrepreneurs to be proud of. The Startups 100 is made up of a truly eclectic group of businesses and entrepreneurs."
Sara adds, "On our list, global brands sit alongside one-man bands in what we believe is an accurate reflection of the UK’s colourful, diverse and vibrant start-up community.”
Innovative Technology Business for Sale
Have you ever wondered what’s going on in your home while you are away?
You’re not alone. US based Nanny cam technology specialists Tender Tidings, Inc. provides parents and individuals with the technology to stay connected.
With real time streaming video Tender Tidings offers full-service solutions allowing families to monitor daily activities at home through real time streaming of video directly to their secure web site.
The video camera can be installed anywhere and comes both Ethernet and wireless enabled to allow the user to place this camera in any location in the home. Parents who must leave the home to work can still be involved in those special moments in life! Tender Tidings, Inc. helps parents watch their youngster take their first steps, learning while they play and have first-hand knowledge about how they spend their day when they are not able to be by their side.
The full-service solution currently includes the high-end wide-range wireless video camera, fully installed by a qualified technician, access to the secure video viewing site, and a number of tools to manage communication with care givers and family.
The technology may be called a Nanny Cam, but can offer peace of mind to many different demographics including wishing to check in on children, elderly family members, or even pets.
Though currently based in San Antonio, Texas with sales across the US this company can be run from home anywhere in the world and is easily relocatable. This is a family-run business established in 2008 and currently offered for sale by the owner, who is also willing to consider a partnership with the right individual!
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