When speaking in business if our desire is to affirm a positive commitment, why not say “I agree completely”; if we have to use percentages to express the level of our agreement/support, “I agree 100%” will convey the appropriate meaning.

Exaggerating to a point of absurdity diminishes credibility and lowers the likely-hood we will be taken seriously.
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The rise in popularity of this phenomena reflects our desire to stand-out, to be noticed and reap the perceived benefits of fame, fortune or both.

Certainly, the featured individuals achieve a degree of both notoriety and income but others, those behind the scenes and pulling the strings reap even greater rewards.

Why place your destiny in the hands of others?
Take control, find out what needs to be done, identify those with the need and the ability to pay and do it for yourself.

The internet affords the greatest opportunity to achive your objective and all it takes is a mix of knowledge, skill, effort and determination.

Making the rules is much more fun than following them.
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Comprehensive communication skills; capable of effective output at own direction or, working withing a group are a given; these business skills and behaviours are expected even a prerequisite of getting to meet face-to-face. Less common is the ability to demonstrate to the selection team how you have developed and deployed the skills. Describe what happened, how your/the groups actions affected the bottom line or changed the course of the project for the better.

And as always, brevity; be succinct. If they are interested, your audience with ask for more information. Less, truly is more. Good night!
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2010 is the 82nd time the gold statues have been awarded so why then has it taken so long for a women to win?

Let’s hope the publicity associated with this important milestone inspires women everywhere; in business as in life itself, success often comes down to personal self-belief and confidence as anything else.
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Not only does the initial brief inform your activity it also leads to accuracy of the fee quotation and so how profitable the endeavour becomes.

Working for no profit might satisfy the soul but not the mortgage lender.
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Later today, Apple holds a press conference in San Fransisco where, we are let to believe, they will announce the much anticipated ‘tablet’ device that will extend the user experience domination started by the iPhone.

If nothing else, Apple ought to be congratulated for keeping a lid on the specifics about this device. Corporate secrets are notoriously difficult to maintain because human beings are involved.

People like to talk and even better they like to tell others ‘juicy gossip.’ Doing so serves to elevate the secret teller to a position of power and implies inside knowledge. Paradoxically if discovered it may also lead to that persons corporate demise too.

Competitive advantage is increasingly difficult to achieve and even more difficult to maintain.

Cynics may say the hype is all part of Steve Job’s master PR campaign, either way we’ll find out later.

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It’s certain there will be job losses, how many and exactly where, is yet to be announced. Kraft will already be working on the who and where but as yet, all that remains a closely guarded secret. There are legal implications and competitive consequences of divulging information about job cuts so we’ll just have to bide our time until the official announcements are made.

As with any business deal, Kraft believes there is a benefit to be derived from the acquisition of Cadbury. If there was not a financial return to be leveraged, why bother?

It’s possible though less likely that new products or markets can be sourced in an already mature marketplace, so it’s more likely that cost savings have been identified. Integration of ‘back-office’ systems as well as preferential buying terms from suppliers can also be anticipated but what about the human cost?

The takeover will mean significant change for those directly and indirectly associated with Cadbury.

We observers will likely have to wait for the passage of time to see whether this latest development benefits one of Great Britain’s world class brands.
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A century ago, ships set sail from this Wharf, delivering their cargo to all points of the globe. As you can see the dock has frozen-over.

This image is a metaphor for business conversations we’ve experienced over the last week. Things seem to be on hold; budgets are frozen, investment is halted, marketing and development plans suspended. Whether this is due to post holiday season inertia, pre-election hesitance, impending fiscal year-end or some other reason is any one’s guess.

Until the metaphorical and meteorological thaw sets in, it may be prudent to revise business plans for the ensuing flood. After all, we know from experience, when the snow and ice melt, the water has to go somewhere. Happy planning.
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Unless the economic landscape changes rapidly they are likely to be disappointed when it comes to securing a real ‘graduate job’ at the end of their course.

First some context parameters; what constitutes a graduate job?
1) One which by a quirk of supply over demand employs people who happen to hold a degree?
Alternatively is it
2) A position, for which, a degree is a pre-requisit?

Last year 408,000* undergraduate places were available, in 2009 this number is likely to increase. Graduates will probably find an excess of supply over demand in the coming years. As the motor industry has found to its cost, keep producing when the market isn’t buying equals a glut of unsold stock.

There is a glimmer of hope though, its never been easier to start a business. Technological advances mean tasks once considered complex and expensive, can be completed for a fraction of the cost. Think what an average personal computer or smart phone can achieve. The consumer market is increasingly sophisticated, creating demand for personalised products and services. It needn’t be the case of invention, innovating something that already exists is an excellent way to earn a living and take control of the economic future.

*Fifty thousand students expected to loose out on university places, July 10th 2009 The Times, Joanne Sugden

Start-up entrepreneurs might ask themselves: ‘how long can my business survive?’

We know cash-flow is key for business survival, how much money do I need? and where it should be spent? are altogether different questions.

Before doing anything, a plan, outlining what you want to achieve, by when and what it will take to achieve the plan. Be aware this plan is likely to change and probably dramatically, over time.

At the outset of your business, beg, borrow, call in favours and even barter or negotiate ‘contras.’ Contra means ‘swap or exchange’ typically it applies to something which comes easily to you and is valued by someone else, whose skill or service you need. A word of caution here though, HM Revenue and Customs might take a dim view of contra transactions; as ever, if in doubt ask.

Spending money wisely is a skill which takes time to perfect; if you discover a way to avoid making costly mistakes please let me know!