Better Business Issue #155

Highlights:

Network your way to business success

- If you want to grow your business, forget cold-calling - the fastest way to do it is through networking. Louise Heasman explains how to put together a networking strategy.

Break the marketing barrier!

- Marketing is the lifeline to business continuity and growth, yet many businesses fail to use it to its full potential. Fraser J. Hay explains why people don't get the results they expect.

Are you the heartbeat of your business?

- Its your business - everything revolves around you. But are you passing on your goals and values to your team? You should be the heartbeat of your business, says Judith Leary-Joyce.

William, the internet wizard!

- William Berry has been in business since the age of 10 - now he's one of the UK's top internet marketing experts. Richard Reed talked to him.

The duo who dared to defy the Dragons

- YogaBugs founders Lara Goodbody and Nell Lindsell found fame on Dragons' Den when they turned down several offers for their fledgling business. They haven't looked back, reports Bonnie Yuill.

Nail those job interviews!

- Dealing with staff is a complex process. Clive Van Der Velde looks at how to interview potential recruits - and what to avoid.

Time to create a strategy for survival

- We face uncertain economic times and it's essential to plan ahead. Colin Thompson looks at how to put together a strategic plan for the future of your business.

Be careful what you say in those emails

- We take email for granted these days - yet there is huge scope for misunderstanding. If you want to keep customers, make your emails as good as your normal service, says Bob Selden.

Get on the right terms with clients

- Do you have terms and conditions in place to protect yourself in the event of non-payment? It's essential to protect yourself, particularly in the current climate, says Katy Hansom.

Motivate your sales team

- One of the most common problems faced by an owner is why a salesperson is underperforming. Andy Preston explains how to deal with it.

Avoid dead-end questions

- One thing to avoid at all costs when dealing with prospects is asking a dead-end question. Instead, assume they have a need and phrase your questions accordingly, says Art Sobczak.