Blog
A helping (virtual) hand for small businesses during Covid-19
The Covid-19 crisis has changed the way we live, work and socialise. It’s a time of unprecedented upheaval and uncertainty for everyone with the pandemic affecting countries across the globe. In the UK, the current lockdown sees us separated from our families and work colleagues, with many of us working from home, and those who are parents having to get to grips with home schooling. Even our pets are struggling to understand why we are at home all the time. These social distancing measures are of course essential to help us save lives and protect the NHS. For small business owners the situation is far from business as usual. Some sectors have been especially hard hit such as retail, travel, leisure and hospitality. Some smaller businesses, including sole traders and the self-employed, have seen their work disappear overnight. There are some businesses that can continue to trade albeit in a different way than usual. People and companies are having to adapt quickly. This is business as unusual.
Fishing for customers in the digital age
When it comes to finding and keeping customers, small businesses can no longer rely on traditional marketing methods alone. A strong online presence is essential in the digital age and that includes having a website as well as being on social media platforms. Small business owners can’t see platforms such as Facebook and Twitter as optional or a ‘nice to have’ – they are essential if you want to engage with potential and existing customers.
New Habits - Good practice for small business owners
At the beginning of the year we look at making changes in our lives, with getting fit topping the list (Ok, so joining the gym helps!). But seriously, sometimes changing our habits can help us reach our goals. For example, to increase fitness levels, instead of taking the lift at work, why not walk up the stairs. Establishing good habits works well for our personal and business lives. By making this a priority for your small business in 2020 you will reap the rewards. A habit is defined by the Cambridge English Dictionary as ‘something that you do often and regularly, sometimes without knowing that you are doing it.’ If you do something regularly bad habits can easily set in without you noticing. It is a good idea for small business owners to keep an eye on standards and establish new good habits and improve systems if there is an issue. The early part of the new year is the ideal time to review things and establish best practice in your business.
Six festive fun ideas for small businesses that work all year round
‘Tis the season to be jolly. As small business owners, we work hard all year round. At this time of year, although we keep on working, we tend to let our hair down a bit and have some fun. Perhaps there is a mischievous elf on the shelf in your office! However, fun needn’t be reserved solely for the festive season, a bit of merriment can benefit your business whatever the time of year.
Running a small business is hard work!
So, you’ve fulfilled a long-held ambition to be your own boss. Maybe you’ve turned your passion into a small business or developed a niche product that fills a gap in the market. While running a business will probably be one of the most rewarding things you ever do, at times it can seem like a daunting task. Making the transition from employee to business owner does come with its own set of challenges, So, why is running a small business so hard? And how can you make it easier for yourself? At Be Rescued, we’ve helped a fair few businesses, here are some tips from us:
How to handle common problems experienced by small businesses
From day one of running your business you will face challenges. Some you will overcome whereas some will test you to your limits. Your business story could be plain sailing. However, much as we hate to sound like doomsayers, it is likely you will encounter problems at some point. Here at Be Rescued, we see first-hand the problems small businesses have to cope with and help them find workable solutions.
Small Businesses and Mental Health
With World Mental Health Day (Thursday, 10th October) just around the corner, we thought we’d focus on the important subject of mental health in the workplace, and how it can affect small business owners and entrepreneurs.
How to be active in August and combat small business slowdown
It’s the time of year when small business owners everywhere experience the dreaded ‘August slowdown’. With the school holidays in full swing, for many of us this month is traditionally a quiet time. Doing business can be difficult. With key staff out of the office, big decisions are often put off until September when everyone is back and the new term feeling kicks in.
9 Steps to Business Growth
Perhaps you are lucky and your business grows organically without you having to do much. However, for most small businesses the key to growth is strategic planning. Whilst businesses can vary in terms of their capacity for growth, whatever the size of your business there are some steps you can take that will set you on the right path. At Be Rescued we specialise in helping businesses grow so we thought we’d share a few hints and tips to help you on your way.
What advice would I give my younger self about starting a business?
As a founder I’ve discovered a fair few things since starting my business ownership life. I’ve so enjoyed the whole process but it’s certainly been a learning curve. When you start out in business there is so much advice on offer it can seem overwhelming. It’s often difficult to separate the wheat from the chaff and discover what is relevant to you and your start-up business. So, I thought I would focus this blog on a question I’m often asked: “What advice would you give your younger self about starting a business.”