Small Businesses – leading the way to a family-friendly future.

By Fancydad

At a time when many women continue to face the dilemma ‘Family or career?’, Slater & Gordon commissioned OnePoll to carry out some timely research earlier this year by interviewing 1000 new mothers about their return to work.  The results are interesting but, sadly, they are also hugely predictable, with almost a third of those interviewed feeling penalised for their natural and legitimate ‘predicament’, and over half facing changing attitudes in the workplace after their pregnancies became known.  So much progress in equality, yet we fail at the most basic level.

The good news, which does come as something of a surprise, is that small businesses could be leading the way in family-friendly employment, according to a story in the Guardian Small Business Network this morning.  Take a bow, small-business owners; you’re daring to go where much of the corporate world will not.  Despite the legislation in place, which affords every expectant mother the right to maternity leave, the problems arise after the fact in far more subtle ways.  Career opportunities and advancement can become restricted, disparity in pay rates begins to creep in, and the fundamental responsibilities of childcare conflict with the regimented structure of the workplace.  For some, the issues are not so subtle, with 1 in 7 losing their job and many women facing demotion, replacement and reduction in hours.

Legislation in place requires all employers to be given at least 15 weeks’ notice of an employees due date, which offers a greater window for forward planning than unforeseen absences and sickness. Despite the ability of most employers to accommodate these legal requirements, David Evans, of law firm Cripps Harries Hall, voices concern over the continued problems faced by employees upon their return to work, and this is where small businesses are getting it right.

Perhaps it is due to the close-knit relationships in small firms, committed to a common goal that is more achievable by sticking together and supporting one another.  With many small businesses operating as family enterprises, the importance of family is the very crux of their business.  Corporations are often more removed from their individual employees; relationships are less personal.  On the other hand, small businesses are often more in touch with their employees and relationships are based on a greater degree of mutual respect, commitment and loyalty.  A business need not suffer from an employee’s absence if the maternity leave is managed properly. Rapid Formations, a leading company formation service provider believes this can be achieved by maintaining open and honest communication, keeping an open mind to the idea of flexible working and, ultimately, forward planning wherever possible.

Taking the advocacy of small businesses one step further, many women who faced adversity in the workplace as a result of motherhood have ventured into self-employment.  This can offer a welcomed alternative, allowing women to create a bespoke family-friendly workplace of their own.  With a wealth of start-up grants now available, there is flexibility of self-employment.

Business Mistakes Even Smart People Make

As 2013 is making way for 2014, it is vitally important for you to learn from your travels.     I decided that I am going to tackle business fundamentals in order to enlighten those of you who are ready for 2014.  We are going to start today.  Yes, right now.

I have observed over this past year and made note of topics that people needed clarity in.  I want to share with you, the key elements that will not only allow you to grow and follow the natural positive flow of your business. Your brand will be just where you envisioned it. But only if you actually DO what you learn.

It all starts with YOU!!!  Life is about raising the bar and achieving new heights.  In order to get to your destination you have to put your car in drive.  Are you ready to change gears?  I know you are.

Authors don’t invest in themselves to reach one person and artists don’t make their mix tapes and spend long hours making their music to sit idle on reverb nation.  Small businesses owners don’t pour their heart out only to obtain a few clients, right? You don’t have to wait until you complete some mythical goal to get started with me. Frankly, if you could have reached that goal alone, you would have. Now you have help to reach that goal and now it the time.

Well, just what does it take, Dr. Wright?  I am so glad that you asked.  Before I answer, I want to ask you a question first.  This is about you.  What are you trying to accomplish?   That’s all the time I have for today but remember what I always say!  Ignoring one’s conscience is neither safe nor right!  ~ Dr. Letitia Wright

5 Mail Order Start Up Tips

5 Mail Order Start Up Tips

By Darren

So you have a new business set up, and given lots of thought to the presentation online of your products and started to market them. Congratulations now the hard work can begin.
Here are so tips that you might not have thought of to help you get off to a smoother start.
1, Packing Materials
The first time that your clients actually see your product is when it arrives. At this point you can win a client for life, a person who will recommend you or loose the sale completely. So it is essential that the items that you despatch arrive in good condition and look great, as they only have one opportunity to make a first impression.
Use new packing material for your deliveries, so that they arrive in good condition. Each item inside a parcel delivery should be individually wrapped in bubble wrap. None of the items should touch the outer box and additional loose packaging should surround. In this way even if the box is dropped in transit the items inside should arrive in good condition.
2, Labelling
In addition to writing the delivery address or attaching the couriers shipping label on the outside of the parcel, it is good practice to enclose a copy of the delivery address label inside the parcel. If the original delivery label then comes off in transit and courier has to open the parcel, they will have all the information that they need to send the parcel on its way correctly.
3, Thank-you notes
Include a thank-you for your purchase note. This can also include details of other items that are similar that might be of interest to your client. Or a voucher or discount for future purchases from you. It is much easier to get another order from a satisfied client than a new one. As you have already proven your customer experience, product quality and customer care.
4, Use your reviews
Your website should automatically invite clients to review your products and services. Some of the online marketplaces such as ebay automatically do this for you. Having positive reviews on the product and how it arrived is needed to persuade other clients that they should work with you. If they give good review it gives you the opportunity to ask them to tweet or post on Facebook about the experience. Having positive reviews on your website or against your products can also help to drive sales.
Reviews work both ways. If you have an opportunity to review your buyer, always leave positive reviews and quickly as possible. It sets the tone the relationship and encourages them to do likewise.
5, Communication
Always keep your clients informed. When you get an order online, confirm it and advise when it is being despatched. Once it’s gone, let your client know and provide all of the tracking information that they need to follow their delivery. This is especially important if you are using an international parcel delivery service. For example if you are sending a parcel to Canada and your clients has their tracking information, it gives them the opportunity to monitor their delivery and resolve any customs queries in real time.
Good luck in building your business and I hope that these tips help.

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