Public relations (PR) Introduction Public relations (PR) means getting people to talk and think about your business in a positive way. It can be an important part of your marketing plan. It’s a way to get good publicity without advertising. Also if there’s ever a problem facing your business it helps you deal with it effectively. You can use PR to attract and impress people such as customers, suppliers, distributors,… Read More »Public relations (PR)

Recruiting staff: seven things you should know If you want to expand your business, one way to do this is to take on new staff. Recruiting new staff means taking a chance and investing in your business so it’s essential that you choose the right recruitment methods to suit your individual business needs. 1. Decide if you really need to recruit new staff: You’re going to be spending time and… Read More »Recruiting staff: seven things you should know

Recruiting staff Introduction If you’re running a business and you want to expand, you’ll need to consider the best options for meeting your new needs – these could include outsourcing, training existing staff or taking on new staff. Taking on new employees – whichever way you choose to do it – will always mean some form of investment for your business. If you decide to take on new staff, or… Read More »Recruiting staff

Research and develop ideas, new products and services Introduction Research and development (R&D) is a key activity for growing and improving your business. Successful R&D relies on extensive market research and detailed assessment of your customer needs and behaviours, before developing new and improved products and services to fit those needs. R&D is crucial to growth, both when starting up and as means of keeping your existing business profitable. But… Read More »Research and develop ideas, new products and services

Retail business networking If you want to raise the profile of your retail business you can get involved in local business networking. Getting to know your peers, competitors, potential suppliers or partners, politicians and media personalities can open new avenues for your business. It’s also a good idea to get to know key influencers in your local area. Networking organisations Although you may have direct competitors in your local area,… Read More »Retail business networking

Selling online Create an online shop The key issues to consider when creating an online shop and selling your products and services online, including the benefits and how to get started Accepting online payments How online payments work and how to set up a payment facility Fulfilling online orders The main issues to consider when delivering products to online customers once a purchase has been made including how to implement… Read More »Selling online

Preparing to sell An overview of what you need to consider before your business sells anything including sales environments and channels The sales process How to follow a step-by-step process to achieve sales, and build long-term customer relationships Sales channels to reach your customers How to decide which sales channels to use to reach your customers, including face to face, retailers and sales agents Sell through a commercial agent How… Read More »Preparing to sell

Traditional marketing Advertising: the basics Why every business should consider the possible benefits of advertising, how to get the most from it, types of advertising and the pros and cons of each Comply with advertising standards The laws and codes of practice that govern advertisements and direct marketing and how to work within them by being honest, legal, decent and truthful Work with an advertising agency How to get the… Read More »Traditional marketing

Visual merchandising for your retail business Introduction Visual merchandising is about presenting your retail premises and products in an attractive way to entice customers and drive sales. Attracting customers begins on the outside of your retail store. You can do this through visual merchandising methods, including strong signage and appealing window displays. These techniques should aim to bring customers inside the store. Considering your approach to these methods, alongside retail… Read More »Visual merchandising for your retail business