Business and Social Networking Club
A group of business people in Hertfordshire
This is the official blog of BSNC, a small non-profit networking organisation formed by a group of business owners based in the Hitchin/Letchworth/Stevenage area. We're not like a conventional networking group, we don't have any rules and we don't specifically aim to recruit new members.
If you run a business, on this blog you will find a compendium of useful information, some valuable advice, or at the very least a series of entertaining rants. We hope you enjoy it, and please feel free to leave comments or contact us.
10 Things You Should Never Say to a Web Designer
I love my job, and the vast majority of my clients are intelligent people who know their businesses better than I do, and are able to strike a balance between taking sensible advice and asserting their wishes. But over the years I’ve had a few requests that have left me wondering why I bother. Some of these crop up time and time again. So here’s a fun look at some of the things they say:
Top Ten Tips to make sure your web site is really working for you!
Are you a frustrated web site owner? Have you had your site a while but you’re still waiting for all the business to start flooding in? It happens all the time. As a web designer I’m constantly amazed at some of the very basic mistakes I see on company web sites. But as any professional web designer will tell you, there are some small things you can do that will make a world of difference.
Top Ten Tips for startups/self employed
If you’re thinking of leaving the safe world of regular employment for the glamorous life of a business owner you may want to read my Top Ten Tips for start-ups and self employed. I’ve been self employed for a while and have learned a few important lessons along the way. Read my tips and it might help you to avoid making the same mistakes I’ve made!
To Show or not to Show
I am being bombarded by requests to attend Garden Shows both regionally and nationally – catalogues, phones calls, book early get extra table space etc etc. At the moment I have said no to all but in the back of my mind there is still a little uncertainty?? Being an online retailer and having two specialist websites www.gardendivas.co.uk and www.thehorsediva.co.uk should I be getting myself “out there” in front of Joe Public??
The etiquette of email??
When you are in business, and an internet retailer at that, obviously email is a fantastic way to keep in touch with your customers – don’t overdo it tho as no-one likes to be bombarded. However I get irritated by those I have contacted ( not any of my lovely customers I hasten to add) who, having already done business with them, have failed to reply to my correspondence via email or returned telephone calls.
New Year, New Start. Beat the Recession!
Unless you’ve been in a coma for the past year or two, you’ll have realised we’re in an economic downturn. Whether or not it’s over now depends on who you listen to, but there’s no denying times are still hard, and it’s all being hyped up beyond all sanity by the Daily Mail and the BBC.
Creditsafe, please leave me alone
I’m still receiving sales calls from a company called Creditsafe Business Solutions Ltd despite having less than politely told them that I don’t want to hear from them again. I’ve nothing against mailshots and cold calling, people have to make a living after all, and I use the former method myself. However, this lot have to win the award for most persistent and thick skinned sales people ever.
Warming Thai infused squash soup
Here is a winter warmer for you.
Pick up 2 squash chop into chunky cubes throwing out the manky bits. Mix with a tablespoon of extra virgin , making sure nicely coated all over. Add sea salt and freshly ground black pepper (as Delia does), and heaped teaspoon of Herbs de Provence.(mixed will do if you haven’t the provence ones). Place the squash on a baking tray and roast in a per-heated oven 220c gas 6-7 no adjustment for fan (fan is better if you have a choice) and roast for 25 minutes turning once. Meanwhile dice 2 large onions and place in a suitable microwavable dish adding a tablespoon of water.cover and microwave for 3-4 minutes until soft. This is a great way to cook onions as you don’t need any oil etc.
The Trouble With Networking Groups
Maybe I’m a cynic, but I’m always immediately suspicious of networking groups.
Over the last few years a growing number of structured networking organisations have sprung up around the UK. These range from small local breakfast clubs to national networks with branches all over the country.
