Advice

MDs who organise their calendars into ‘In’ days and ‘Out’ days are more effective and productive than their peers who constantly pour over their emails.

I’m all for being approachable and friendly at work and in business situations, but I’ve had cause recently, as those who follow my blog will know, to wonder where the line is drawn and where it needs to be drawn.

It is true that there are plenty of opportunities for businesses to expand by tapping into rapidly growing emerging markets. Many British firms have already found success in countries as diverse as China, Russia, Turkey, India, Mexico and Brazil, while others are examining their options given ongoing concerns about the Eurozone.

I regularly talk about the relationship between my clients and Synetec, as being one of the most critical two-way partnerships their business will ever enter into.

In every walk of life we hear about people who claim to have given 110% to a task but what makes 100% effort and is it really possible to give MORE than 100%?

Is HR a necessary evil or a business savvy requirement? I guess it all depends on who you are and where your frame of reference is coming from.

Coaching is an effective way to impart knowledge. It can benefit you, the coachee and your business, says Steve Webster.

Entertaining people can be a very enjoyable part of being in business – as sharing time, food and drink away from the office can help to build and cement working relationships. But when can you claim tax relief on the cost of entertaining someone, and what about VAT?

After a while, some people get complacent or dissatisfied with their company. Here are eight ways to find that magic again.

I went mystery shopping this week for a new client. They wanted to see what happened at their workplace when they weren’t there following fairly negative informal feedback from friends when they had visited. They had a strong suspicion the reception staff’s customer service was not up to scratch but didn’t know the full extent and wanted us to assess what development needs there may be from our own experience.

In a tough trading climate it’s essential to hang on to good people. Yet in a recession it isn’t always easy to reward loyalty with increased pay. Michael Davies, of LondonOffices.com looks at other ways businesses can retain talent.

Managing your boss may sound like an oxymoron, but it’s an unspoken, imperative part of day-to-day work that will help you achieve your personal career ambitions, and excel in your current role.

Making a capital gain is usually good news – but it can also come with a hefty tax bill. So, whether you are selling all, or part, of your business, or some other assets (for example property or shares) it’s important to plan for a capital gain in order to minimise the tax burden.

Hilary Briggs gives us her top tips for getting the most out of your meetings.

Management thinking and practice have evolved over the last century as a result of increased understanding of human and organisational behaviour, the economic climate and historical context and the changes in generations over time.

Recent research commissioned by the mental health charity Mind found work to be the biggest cause of stress, with nearly thirty five per cent of the 2000 people they talked to claiming it to be an issue.

Teams are the building blocks of organisations. Teams are groups of people who work together to achieve things, but not all groups are teams. Teams are characterised by team members having to work together to get things done.

The number of small businesses throughout the UK trying to ‘go green’ has almost doubled in the last two years, according to recent research, with many of them planning become more and more environmentally friendly in years to come.

As the cybercrime landscape becomes stealthier and more astute, businesses consequently become more susceptible to threats. In the corporate world there is equity at stake too, as sensitive intellectual property and confidential data are increasingly at risk of exposure, impacting both reputation and competitive position.

It’s a trend that has been sweeping the foreign business world over the last couple of years and one that is now infiltrating the minds of UK business owners, but what is it about the BYOD trend that is so appealing to businesses?

By plus one, I don’t mean the +one on a party or wedding invitation! I’m referring to the ability to make a change, albeit a very small change, by one unit, one tiny measure, and if you could, what would it be?

Want to grow your venture? Why you should make like you’re out of funds, even if you’re not.

As a business owner you’ll find that relocating your company is one of the most stressful times and it’s a project that needs to be taken highly seriously.

In business, change is both inevitable and continual. For instance currently J Sainsbury is preparing for the departure of chief executive Justin King, business minister Michael Fallon said that Royal Mail is to be sold for practical, logical and commercial reasons and Lloyds Banking Group is reducing its exposure to the beleaguered Spanish economy with the sale of its Spanish offshoot.

Tired of searching for the secret to a fulfilling career and a happy life? Look no further.