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Friend us on FacebookWith three out of ten of the nation's small businesses fearing they will not be here this time next year many business leaders are worried about how to steer their firms through the choppy waters of the next few months. The figures are released in a new report that also identifies a new tribe of businesses called 'Super SMEs' who are booming through increasingly tough market conditions. Crucially, the report, by workplace telecoms specialist Plantronics, investigates what Super SMEs and struggling businesses did differently as the slowdown first loomed on the horizon. In doing so the report delivers an action plan for business survival. The action plan is comprised of a ten-point checklist for anyone running their own business and includes tips on where to concentrate investment and what to prioritise when the chips are down, using the Super SMEs as the template for success. So if your business is struggling or you fear that it may do so as economic conditions worsen why not join a panel of experts involved in putting together the report. They will have practical tips and advice based on the report's findings and will be sharing their tips for survival Join our three wise men: David Molian of Cranfield Management School, Philip Vanhoutte, EMEA Managing Director of Plantronics and Peter Thomson of WiseWork live online to discuss how to turn your SME into a Super SME. For more information visit http://www.be-a-super-sme.com/advice
Show 2 - Michael Dell Exclusive InterviewRunning Order: 00:12 - Welcome from Sean 01:02 - BCC Business News Headlines 02:25 - Discussion with Andrew Stone - interest rate cut 08:00 - Michael Dell Interview Part 1 15:19 - Analysis of interview part 1 with Andrew 20:05 - Michael Dell Interview Part 2 26:25 - Analysis of interview part 2 with Andrew Many small businesses will be worried about how the current economic climate will affect them and what the new year will bring. In this special WebTV show, we bring you an interview with founder and CEO of Dell Inc, Michael Dell for some invaluable entrepreneurial insights and experiences that can help business owners. The task of running a $60bn global company with 80,000 employees is hardly going to be short of challenges. Michael gives his advice for those looking to start a small business and also provides expert opinion on dealing with tough times like those we are currently experiencing - especially for those who want to use technology but are concerned about cash flow. Staying on the technical side of running a business, he asks what SMBs can do to effectively manage their data storage as levels of digital data increase significantly. Covering topics such as how Green IT and social networking impact on small businesses, Michael also reveals what he views to be the three most important factors for a successful small business. Presenter Sean Walsh will introduce the show, and after this exciting interview, you'll have the opportunity to send in your comments. Sean will also be joined by Andrew Stone, Small Business Features Editor from the Sunday Times who will be on-hand with his advice and commentary on the big issues facing small businesses. We will also have our regular round up of all the latest small business news from the BCC. Join us online with Michael Dell and Andrew Stone to discuss advice for small businesses.
Show 1 - Working Your Way Through the Current ClimateRunning Order: 00:12 - Welcome from Sean 01:25 - Panel discussion - Chancellor pre-budget comments 06:00 - BCC Business News Headlines 07:40 - Panel discussion continued 12:51 - Video report from Rapide Communications 14:19 - Panel discusstion continued - innovation Kicking off our new series, presenter Sean Walsh, interviewed MD of the BCC, John Dunsmure, to give us some insight into recent research carried out by Dell that brought about the development of smallbusinessadvice.tv. According to the survey, a quarter of small business owners said that while they were enthusiastic about the beneficial role TV rogrammes like Dragon's Den and The Apprentice play in educating and encouraging would-be entrepreneurs, they felt programmes like these helped to dumb down the public's perception of real business and that they didn't help viewers deal with real business situations. 75 per cent of respondents also said they would be interested in seeing more relevant specialist business programming for small businesses on the Internet for live viewing or download. A quarter made it known that they would specifically like to see online programmes that allowed them to interact with and put questions to experts in a live show format. So in answer to your request, here is our first show of Smallbusinessadvice.tv, and joining Sean and John on the sofa was Nigel Shanahan, MD of Rapide Communications, fresh from his company's win at the The Chamber Awards 2008, which recognise and celebrate business excellence. We also had a round up of all the latest small business news from the BCC.
Help is at hand for small businessesSmall businesses provide the backbone of Britain's economy but these tough times mean a bumpy ride for many. For start-ups, the climate can appear especially daunting. Fortunately there is a wealth of advice, information and help available for SMEs that need assistance in areas ranging from finance to networking, from telecoms to training. By logging on to our webchat with Karen Hanton, one of Britain's leading entrepreneurs, you can find out how to locate it, how to make the most of it, and how to make big savings for your business. Named as one of today's top 30 entrepreneurs and the founder of toptable.co.uk, Karen Hanton understands the problems that today's small businesses face. Karen provides expert advice and coaches start-ups and existing enterprises that want to cut costs and maximise networking opportunities such as seeking assistance from Small Business Gateway, friends, businesses in their sector and the government. In the show she will also address queries small business owners have about identifying and minimising unexpected costs for start-ups. As well as that, she will tell you about a business loyalty programme that's already attracted more than 500,000 businesses. The Nectar Business programme allows you to collect Nectar Points on your daily business expenditure which can then be used to reward your business or treat yourself or your team. Log on to the chat to find out more. Entrepreneur Karen Hanton joins us live online to discuss help and advice for small businesses and start-ups, and the Nectar Business programme. For more information visit www.nectar-business.com
Beat the RecessionCash is essential to the operation and growth of any business, but during a recession it can be hard to come by. In the coming months, businesses of all sizes will find that as credit dries up, and consumer spending drops, they risk getting caught in a tight spot if they don’t manage their cash flow well.
On this business TV show, some of the world’s leading business consultants give tips and advice for staying liquid and staying afloat during the downturn. The show distils a large pool of advice into four strategies recommended by the contributing business consultants and experts.
The first recommended business strategy is that businesses conduct a thorough analysis of their current financial situation. In particular, to assess what cash reserves are held and where. The next business strategy is to reduce operational expenditure and overheads as much as possible. According to the business consultants who contributed to the business TV show, most businesses should consider outsourcing some functions in order to reduce payroll and other costs.
The third business strategy is to focus on developing systems to recover money that is owed to you. Business owners and retailers need to start “thinking like a banker,” say the business consultants, and consider carefully how credit they offer, and to whom. The final business strategy described in the show is to do whatever it takes to stay liquid.
Even, say the business consultants, if this means selling surplus assets at a discount. The key message in the show that businesses who fail to manage their cash flow and liquidity carefully risk losing everything in the recession, because the margin for error is so small.
Like all the yourBusinessChannel Beat the Recession collaboration shows, viewers who are registered with yourBusinessChannel can submit questions they have on any advice or business strategy covered in this show, to be put back to the business consultants as the basis of future shows.
