Photo Joe Allison, courtesy Getty Images Who is your biggest competitor? The obvious answer is another business selling the same product or service. But for many small businesses, the real competition is harder to spot. It might be a cheaper option, a national brand, a DIY fix, or a customer deciding to do nothing at […]
Author Archives: Chris
21
Sep
Sep
Scaling your efforts is not just about chasing more customers, turnover, or profit. It starts with a shift in thinking. When you plan for small growth, you usually look for small changes. You add a little more effort, squeeze more into the week, and hope the rewards follow. But when you ask, “What would it […]
18
Sep
Sep
When you’re managing multiple customers, fixed contracts, urgent requests, and competing employer expectations, it can be hard to make every person feel like they matter. But the answer is not always to respond faster, work longer, or treat every message as an emergency. The real key is consistency. Customers feel valued when they know what […]
19
Aug
Aug
When was the last time you actually gave your brain permission to do nothing? Recently, the members of local networking group The Independent Board ditched their usual boardroom setups for some fresh air, starting off their session with a brisk walk. Stepping away from the screens and just getting moving laid the groundwork for a […]
05
Aug
Aug
Running a local business on the Coast is a rewarding juggle, yet it is easy to lose sight of the bigger picture in the day-to-day grind. Recently, our Independent Board met to discuss how we can sharpen focus and boost performance. Whether you operate from a polished local office or dispatch your gear straight out […]
20
Jul
Jul
There’s a moment in every career — and often several — where you realise you’re moving fast but not necessarily moving intentionally. The calendar is full, the inbox is loud and yet something feels slightly out of focus. Most people recognise that feeling. Far fewer pause long enough to understand it. At our recent Independent […]
19
Jul
Jul
Have you ever wondered why a customer walks past three other businesses just to get to yours? It is rarely just about price. In a crowded market, people do not just buy what you do; they buy how you make them feel and the unique way you solve their problems. If your customers understand what […]
10
Jun
Jun
Inspired by When I Say No, I Feel Guilty by Manuel J. Smith, first published in 1975. Most of us know the feeling: someone asks for a favour, a shift swap, or “just one more thing,” and before we have checked our calendar, we have already said yes. Later come the stress, the rush, and […]
18
May
May
Life insurance ownership is often overlooked, but it can make a big difference to who receives the money, how quickly it is paid, and how much control you keep. Your main ownership options include: • Owning your own policy: You keep full control and can direct the payout through your will. The trade-off is that […]
11
May
May
If you’re marketing your business on the Coast, chances are you’re already doing the basics well. You’re sharp on service, you know your numbers, and you work hard to stand out. But when everyone says they’re friendly and fairly priced, it gets noisy fast. Most of us have learned the traditional service and price models […]