When is the right time to move into an office?

When you start your own business you tend to take a zero expenditure approach. Working from home, seeing clients in your kitchen or a cafe (they'll understand) and thinking you won't be spending much. The reality is so, so different. 

Beside the obvious distractions of home; the dishes, the washing. the fridge, friends popping in, you quickly realise not only do you not want clients in your home, you don't want work in your home. So when is the right time to move into an office as surely it's an expenditure you can't afford.

But can you afford not to?

 How much time do you spend getting to and from appointments because clients can't come to you? How much do you spend on drinks when you're in some cafe? and how much does it cost you in professionalism when you're charging for consultation with babies screaming, WiFi failing and the general public milling around you?

But is an office like new shoes, just a nice to have? 

My Nan said that you should never scrimp on shoes or mattresses as if you're not in one you're in the other, and she is right. She didn't work, but If you're not at home you're at work and the two really need to be separated mentally and physically so you're not at work 24/7 at home. (mouthful!)

My desk in the kitchen constantly reminds me I could be working. 

But do I just WANT rather than NEED an office?

maybe, but if you WANT your business to grow can you stay at home?, if you want to employ people, they can't work from your house forever. And talking to people about an office some valuable comments struck home.

If you want a business that has it's own office and you don't have one... then aren't you're failing if you don't take one?

How do you want your clients imagine you when you're not with them, working from a kitchen?

But can you afford it?

on paper, no maybe. But if you don't have goals and challenges, you will never grow. Paying the rent has to be the most concrete of goals I ever heard of. Bill all billable hours, let clients know how much you want to work for them next month and sack the time wasting clients and freebies for a more profitable approach to business. It's not ruthless, it's not exploitative, it's business and will be respected or discussed respectfully, and for me that's all I ask. 

It IS a new ear, a new start and an opportunity to grow. (and buy new cool stuff)

So do I have a new office?

I do, and am moving in on Tuesday. A new era, a new pride in my business and a new attitude to the growth of something bigger than my kitchen.

Wish me luck!! thanks for reading.

Why Use LinkedIn?

If you see the value of networking in real life, just think of LinkedIn as online networking.
Let’s start by answering the most common question. Why use LinkedIn when my company is still growing?

The stats are easy to read,

• Over 3 million companies have a LinkedIn company page (as per mid-2013 stats)
• More than 500,000 company pages were added between 2012 and 2013
• There are 148 different industries represented on company pages
• To date, there are 1,275,000 products and services highlighted across LinkedIn company pages

http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/make-linkedin-company-page-useful/#more-5618

Not Just Gossip

Of all the social media networks out there, LinkedIn is by far the most business oriented of them. Your audience is out there, looking for you and waiting to hear what you have to say.  With LinkedIn you can keep the focus on your message without the irrelevance of other social sites getting in the way.

A Community of Companies

A company page on LinkedIn is essential if you want your business to build a community around it that keeps you in front of mind for products or services.  Acting like an off-shoot of your corporate website, a company page is an unchanging, uniform section of your account that can not only provide information about you and your business, but interacts with others.

A True Testimony

Uniquely to LinkedIn, past employers, impressed customers and proud clients can ‘recommend’ your company and your skills.  Unlike the familiar and friendly ‘like’ button on Facebook, the LinkedIn recommendations are true testimonials to your services and should never be taken lightly.

Introductions through a LinkedIn connection are more likely to lead to a successful business contact than on other social media sites and often build lasting business relationships, all going towards your network of colleagues and contacts.

It’s not all about building yourself up though.  You can easily interact with other companies that have impressed you, by offering recommendations and introductions to their company pages.

LinkedIn is all about networking, businesses supporting business and engaging with like minded, focused professionals who are passionate about their work.

Get the knowledge

If the thought of getting LinkedIn and other social media up and running is just a little too much right now, and you know it ought to be simpler, get in touch.

We can show you how it can all be made more manageable and start working for you right away. A number of seminars are ready to book at the The Fleece in Witney.  Come along with your laptop and passwords and we’ll get you optimised in about 3 hours!

Book here

6 Simple Ways to Use Your LinkedIn Company Page

Ok, so you have your LinkedIn company page all set up and ready to go.  You have built a small group of followers and now you need to be saying something!

It’s all very well getting off the ground with some interesting updates, links and top advice, but how do you keep it flowing? How can you ensure your business stays up there for engaging content?

Here are 6 simple things you can do to make best use of your LinkedIn company page today.

1: Be the Expert

Ask yourself, “why do people need me?” Solve the problems your client base has, don’t go on about who you are, what you can do and why someone should choose your company - Get to the point of the issue and give the answers.  This way, you can position yourself as the expert in your field, drawing people to you for what they need.

2: Captivating Images

Banners and account pictures create an easily recognisable image of your company page and are more likely to captivate your audience.
Eye catching infographics contained within posts not only make your page look more interesting, but because they deliver simple messages, information and advice, they are more likely to be shared or commented on than plain text.

3: Videos

52% of consumers say that watching a video of a product gives them more confidence in the performance (Invodo).
Performing demonstrations in video form is again likely to captivate your audience and increase the likelihood of comments and shares.

4: Show Off a Little

Create a showcase page of your best sellers, best advice or favourite products.  Highlight your successes and let people know you’re proud of them.

5: Short and Sweet

Fast moving social media does not lend itself well to pages and pages of text. No-one has time to stop and read lengthy updates.  Say what you want to say, keep it on point and entice the reader back to your company’s website.

6: Engage

LinkedIn updates are not to be sent into the ether and never again thought of.  You want the reader to engage, ask questions and leave comments.  And you need to do the same.  If you’ve seen something you like, say so.  It’s always nice to be nice!

Need Help?

Don’t be put off by the thought of spending hours each week trying to write catchy comments on pretty pictures.  It doesn’t have to be that way.  Optimising is not just about making LinkedIn work for you, but keeping it from running your work life!

Your time comes at a premium and we understand that, so take a few hours next month and join our LinkedIn Boot Camp on Tuesday 10th June and save yourself bags of time in the future…

Book your seminar here: