Strategy Targets Accounts Marketing People However you voted in December, and whatever your preferred outcome, we know the UK will be leaving the EU on 31st January. The clock starts on the transition period… but don’t worry, this is not a Brexit rant! The start of every New Year is the perfect time to restock your thought-bank, recharge your batteries and do some planning. Here’s how you can put your STAMP on your business in 2020 by focusing on these 5 important areas: Strategy Most small businesses do not have an up-to-date business plan, which means they tend to focus only on shorter-term outcomes. And as the Cheshire Cat in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland once said, “If you don’t know where you are going, any road can take you there.” The classic result is an initial feeling that you are responding to the market and widening the range of services you provide, but this soon develops into a business spread so wide that it’s impossible for potential customers to define what … [Read more...]
Getting Brexit Proof: Tips for researching new Markets for 2019
Concerns about how Brexit might impact export expansion plans are completely understandable, but it should not hold you back. You just need to get serious about how you research and plan your export strategy. That strategy should form an integral part of an up-to-date business plan, which must include your business objectives for the next 2 to 3 years. I always find setting a target is good place to start, as without it you have no objective measure of whether you have succeeded or not. Once you have a clear goal you can then work through the steps of what needs to be done. A revisit of the business plan should include an updated assessment of risks, as well as the opportunities, ensuring the business is as resilient to external shocks or changes as it can be. So while the final shape and terms of the Brexit deal are still unknown, your business will be significantly better prepared for whatever transpires if you take the following action. Your Strategy A strategic analysis … [Read more...]
