Here are some simple troubleshooting tips for the most common problems whilst sending or receiving e-mail: (more…)
February 25, 2009
February 4, 2009
Seven out of ten home-based businesses say they can beat the crunch
New survey figures, released by insurer RSA today, show that self-employed home-based professionals are optimistic regarding the performance of their businesses despite the current economic climate.
- 71% believe they will be able to grow or maintain their level of business during this time of economic downturn
- 29% of self-employed home-based professionals say general trading conditions for their business are positive, with an additional 38% saying conditions are average or no different to normal
- Only 8% believe they will definitely not be able to grow or maintain their level of business
RSA’s survey, undertaken in August, interviewed 450 self-employed home-based professionals and found that 29% of respondents described current trading conditions as positive and an additional 38% described conditions as average or no different to normal.
Aaron Devitt, Director of Professional and Financial Risks at RSA, said: “Given the current economic uncertainty we’re experiencing, these survey results are a welcome surprise. They suggest that the present and future do not need to be as bleak as some are predicting. With all this talk about an impending recession, we are in danger of talking ourselves into a situation that is worse than reality. Clearly, in at least one area of the economy, there are reasons for remaining optimistic about future growth.”
To read the complete article released by Pipex Business News go to
January 17, 2009
For the New Year don’t make Resolutions – set Goals!
Earlier this week I attended a networking event where Julie Blunt of Interact Training Solutions delivered a timely reminder of how setting proper goals for your business can help us all have a truly prosperous New Year. Whether your business is a new one or well established it is all too easy to get so involved with the day to day work that you lose sight of your ultimate aims. Setting aside some time now to review your progress and plan your next steps will pay dividends later on. With Julie’s permission I would like to share with you all her 7 top tips for fabulous goals. (more…)
August 28, 2008
The problem with broadband in Milton Keynes….
One of the most common reasons that people in the Milton Keynes area call NSP Utility Consultants is because they are unhappy with the broadband connection they are getting. The problems fall into three main categories..
- The speed they are getting is nowhere near the promised 8mb – in fact it’s terribly slow. Worse, sometimes they have just paid for an “upgrade” and not only is it now not any faster, the connection keeps dropping!
- They are a landlord with houses in multiple occupation, or a small business and the connection seems terribly unstable – especially when more than one user is online at the same time.
- They can’t get broadband at all – not mobile broadband, not the free MK hub broadband, not anything.
Some of these problems apply UK wide it is true but I honestly don’t think that there is any other major UK city which suffers quite so severely. Luckily there are some simple things which you can do to improve things.
The root of Milton Keynes broadband difficulties is based (more…)
May 27, 2008
Commercial energy – the “con” in your contract?
99% of commercial energy is supplied on 1-3yr contracts. When the contract comes due for renewal the customer is sent a letter from their supplier telling them what the new rates are. Just at the moment, the percentage increase in renewal prices can be huge – 64% in one I saw recently. It is not surprising therefore that a lot of companies are feeling the need to look around for a better deal. (more…)
May 16, 2008
Do you want more customers?
Did you know research has shown that 64% of consumers will call a Freephone number first?
The Chartered Institute of Marketing has found that using a Freephone number on an advertising campaign can increase response by up to 40%. This includes adverts in periodicals, local papers and on the web.
The reasons for this trend are self evident. An 0800 number is almost universally seen by consumers as a sign of business stability and shows that you really care about their call. (more…)
May 12, 2008
The self employed revolution.
Recent research commissioned by Vodafone UK, found that 12% of the UK’s working population have set up their own business and that a further 33% of people are seriously considering dumping the rat race to join the ranks of the self-employed. So what is behind this silent revolution in the UK’s working life? (more…)
April 11, 2008
Hot tips for overcoming the fear of speaking in public.
Piggy’s Hot Tips for Overcoming Fear of Speaking in Public
Nerves are a good thing and everybody has them. It is essential to be nervous if you are to perform at your best. Learn to welcome the feelings of nervousness that you get before making a speech. But you also need to learn to control them.
Ways of controlling nerves:
• Prepare your material and where possible familiarize yourself with the environment in which you are working to prevent anything from going wrong. If you are doing a short slot with a set time limit, practice at home with a timer so that you know you won’t have to rush to fit it all in. (or worse still run out of time!) (more…)
April 7, 2008
Non Geographic Numbers for SOHO’s
Non Geographic numbers (NGN’s) can be a very useful tool for any business but they are not all the same and as with any business service its important to get the right type for the job. If you don’t not only could it cost you a lot of money, it could literally drive your potential customers to your competitors! (more…)
