My first business was selling ice-creams from kiosks on two sites in Cambridge, Lammas Land and Jesus Green. The Lammas Land site was close to a paddling pool and playground which was very well used, so when the sun shone it was busy. However, I was eager to increase sales and would put a signContinue reading “Solve your customers’ problems and they will buy from you.”
Author Archives: edward620
Never hurry a Murray Mint
A little while ago someone in an online networking meeting said that he was new to being self-employed, having previously worked for big companies. While an expert in his field he knew nothing about all the other bits and pieces you must do when you run your own business, and he said he would welcomeContinue reading “Never hurry a Murray Mint”
Networking Does Work
Networking isn’t not working Given my business model you may find it surprising that I attend business networking events. There is an article in Quay magazine (page 76) that explains how my business model works. For that model to be effective, to find customers and to get work I need to be well known inContinue reading “Networking Does Work”
Who You Gonna Call?
What help do you need the most in your small business? When you start a small business, especially when you are a sole trader, you need to be able to perform all the business tasks, unless you have oodles of cash or credit. A little later you will be able to buy in some outsideContinue reading “Who You Gonna Call?”
Business planning
Take off your pants This post was inspired by ‘Take Off Your Pants! By Libbie Hawker. It is a book for novelists about how to outline books for faster, better writing rather than flying by the seat of your pants. Put very simply a story outline has three legs: Character arc Theme Pacing On thatContinue reading “Business planning”
Work life balance
A grave concern I couldn’t resist one more post with ‘balance’ in the title. A business mentor used to say, “it’s not repetition it’s reinforcement”. In this instance I don’t think balance gives the best image, the scales should be very firmly down on one side. To help people decide which side, when I giveContinue reading “Work life balance”
Balance 2 – Revenue/Costs Lose those losses
Having spent many years working as an accountant I know a thing or two about Balance Sheets. The most important of which is that they should balance. Ask any accountant about trying to find the error in an extended trail balance (the precursor of the Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss account) and they willContinue reading “Balance 2 – Revenue/Costs Lose those losses”
Balance
I have been fascinated by scales (the weighing ones not the musical ones) ever since I was about 14 when my music teacher introduced me to Belshazzar’s feast and the wonderful line, the fingers of a hand came forth and wrote upon the wall ‘you have been weighed in the balance and been found wanting’.Continue reading “Balance”
About me
I’ve had a varied business life, selling ice-creams, being a Chartered Accountant, working in Financial Services at a senior level, consulting (helping clients improve systems), being a partner in a business supplying outdoor goods to independent retailers and now trading on my own as Trailrunningman. Also during that time I have been a trustee of threeContinue reading “About me”
Business Thoughts 