Am I good enough?

Posted on by Steve Bicknell

Its often ‘not what you know but who you know’ but networking is scary for most people and speaking is even worse.

When you start a business, you normally have a skill but new business owners often lack confidence in telling potential clients about their abilities.

It often doesn’t feel comfortable to explain the brilliant skills you have.

So here are somethings you can do to make it less scary:

  • Introduce yourself – it’s one of the best possible and most obvious ice breakers – just go up to people and say ‘Hi, I am …. and I am a …..’ and ask them what they do
  • Give examples in a mini story format – how do your skills or products benefit people, why do they need your services? You don’t have to name names, just explain in general terms how you help businesses and clients
  • Why do you love what you do? Start Up Business Owners are always passionate about their business so be passionate when you meet people at networking event, its infectious
  • Smile – being happy will make it easier to make new contacts and win business
  • Work the event with your contacts – when you see people you know talk to them and ask them to introduce you to their contacts
  • Watch out for Body Language – 93% of communication is none verbal so don’t cross your arms and do maintain strong eye contact (but don’t get too carried away!)
  • Do things that make you feel confident – so dress appropriately, think about who you might meet and what you want to say
  • Think positive thoughts – imagine how networking is going to make your business a success

Remember you are Good Enough! You have the skills to be successful and networking will be your key to success.

BCTC SJB

GDPR: 8 months and counting

Posted on by Mark Gracey GDPR

Described by the Information Commissioner as “the biggest change to data protection law for a generation”, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is Europe’s update to data protection law that comes into force across the whole of Europe (including the UK) on 25th May 2018.

If you process personal data, that means you have just over 8 months to get your data, systems and policies in order and compliant with the new rules. Whilst in a general sense the GDPR is not too far from the current data protection regime in the UK (the Data Protection Act 1998) there’s a number of significant changes coming that will impact the way you use personal data in your business.

Its aim is to bring data protection up to date for our digital, data driven era and to make organisations more accountable for their data processing activities, whilst protecting the privacy and interests of EU citizens.

At 88 pages, 99 Articles and 173 Recitals the GDPR is a complex piece of legislation, but in a nutshell, some of the more significant changes can be summarised as:

  • liability and responsibility for organisations seen as data processors
  • new rules for when you’re using consent as the lawful basis for processing (e.g. when collecting data for marketing purposes)
  • certain requirements for the recording of processing activities (e.g. when consent is the lawful basis for processing)
  • new data subject rights: the right to be forgotten and the right to have your data exported in a portable format
  • introduction in law of data protection by design and default along with use of Data Protection Impact Assessments
  • the requirement for some businesses to appoint a Data Protection Office (DPO) responsible for data protection compliance in a business
  • the requirement, in some circumstances, to report data breaches to the Information Commissioner’s Office and those affected by the breach (i.e. the data subjects)
  • the potential for increased fines for failure to comply – up to 4% of global turnover or €20m in some cases

And if that’s not enough, add into the mix:

So, if you’re not already thinking about how the GDPR may impact your business, with only 8 months or so to go, now’s probably the time to start thinking about it. At the very least, audit your data, data flows, systems and policies across your business and consider how the GDPR will impact them – this will give you an idea of what you’ll need to do and the scale of what’s needed to be compliant.

But don’t worry, help is at hand. Flavourfy Digital offers a number of services that can help your business including the Digital Compliance Hub. We can do everything from pointing you in the right direction to taking care of it all for you.

Plus, in conjunction with the Bournemouth Chamber we’re running a training seminar on the 12th September where we’ll run through the main challenges and how to address them. Book your place now!

Whatever you do, don’t stick your head in the sand and think it doesn’t impact you – if you process personal data (data that identifies an individual) then it does. And, don’t think Brexit will save you – if anything, it complicates things, but for sure the GDPR is here to stay before the UK leaves Europe and after we’ve left.

Act now, whilst you’ve still got time.

Taylorcocks, Xero Feature of the Month

Posted on by matthewbendertaylorcocks

This month we are going to take a look at Invoice Reminders. This great little feature automatically reminds customers/clients that they have an outstanding invoice.

You can set the feature to send up to 5 reminders for each invoice, and you can choose the number of days after the invoice date that each reminder is sent. Additionally, there is the ability to word each email differently so that they become progressively firmer as the invoice ages.

The feature also allows you to deselect reminders below a certain value from being sent. This feature neatly ensures that you do not look like Scrooge – chasing £0.05 for example – whilst also preventing you from constantly reminding someone that they have overpaid you!

To access this feature, please log into Xero and then go to Accounts / Sales / Awaiting Payment. On the ‘Awaiting Payment’ screen, click the ‘Invoice reminders off,’ option that appears at the top of the section. Alternatively, you can follow this link.

We understand that this feature will not work for everyone. If you want greater flexibility or more control, then please talk to us about the great Xero app called ‘Chaser.’ Chaser allows you to choose exactly what time such reminders are sent and on what day of the week. If you have multiple invoices outstanding with a single client, the system will automatically merge them into a single email, whereas the Xero free option will send a reminder for each separate invoice.

For more information about how taylorcocks can help you with your bookkeeping needs on Xero, please contact one of our Xero experts.

Bring your accounting into the cloud! 
For more information about TCVision and our online accountancy offering, visit our website or give one of our Xero experts a call on 0330 088 7111.

Shocking Social Media!

Posted on by Steve Bicknell

Is this what your clients think when they see your picture on social media!

It might seem like harmless fun to post a profile photo from your holiday snaps but what impression does it give? Using a photo taken at a wedding or on holiday with a glass of wine in your hand, or one taken 20 years ago, maybe sending out the wrong message and cost you thousands in lost opportunities.

Linked In is particularly important for business

So what makes a good profile picture?

Business Image

The photo should show you ready for business. Dressed as you would to meet client.

Depending on what you do that might mean a business suit or it could be a uniform, often in the creative industries people wear casual clothes.

So wear what you would wear to work.

Up to date

It might be tempting to use an old favourite photo of yourself, but will people recognise you?

How often do we meet a new client or supplier and they look nothing like their profile picture!

Professional Photos

Selfies often don’t work, professional photos are much better. A professional photographer will line the shot up properly and make it look as good as possible. Your face should take up 60% of the frame.

Expressions Count

Smiles are good but try to look professional, definitely don’t try to pull a funny face!

Backgrounds

Try to avoid distracting backgrounds, the viewer needs to focus on your picture not what is happening behind you.

BCTC SJB