Last week was National Storytelling Week and we asked people to write into us sharing their story and let us put the spotlight on their business to give you, the readers, a chance to understand that person better, get to know them in a different way and realise why they do what they do. Because lets face it we are all human and stories make us much easier to relate to and refer.
So first up to share was Consulting Practitioner Nicola Taylor..
Nicola’s Story
Thursday 6th February 2020 
In 2008 along came the recession, not only did it cause financial issues at home, because my husband was in the trades, we were also subjected to a huge financial loss due to a Spanish property. Our world was turned upside down, our house was in jeopardy, and everything was falling apart around us.
Having grown up in a family business until it was sold (that also fought off the recessions of the 70’s and the 90’s), where the work ethic was work hard, work evenings and weekends, do whatever it takes, but never rely on others or the state. You had to just take ownership and move forward... so we decided to move forward. Our goal was to help others avoid going through what happened to us. We wanted to share our story and to build a financial wall around us. We surrounded ourselves with positive people and helped others to do the same, and each day we move closer to our goal.
Unfortunately home finances are not taught in schools but are a really important part of life. Debt, or not enough money left at the end of the month can have a great impact on people’s mental health and wellbeing. It’s a frightening and lonely place to be. Now that we are partnered with a fabulous company and surrounded by helpful people (irrespective of background), the personal development journey and knowing that I can help people keep more money in their pockets each month is a true reward for me. And it’s even more exciting that now other people can have the opportunity to start to build their own second income stream and build their own financial future to protect their family, just like us, it truly is amazing.
Some of my favourite sayings that have kept me going are:
• “Don’t wait until you are thirsty to dig your well”.
• “The only thing standing between you and your goal is the B*ll@*1t story you keep telling yourself as to why you can’t achieve it”
• “If you’re absent during my struggle don’t expect to be present during my success”
This one is so true! The supportive colleagues, family and friends we have made along our business journey and still have today, they have been amazing and we could not have done it without them.
My favourite book that I whole heartedly recommend:
Dare to Dream Work to Win – Dr Tom Barrett
If you want to build your financial future or just save towards it Nicola can help! Click here or give her a call and go for a cuppa, you won’t regret it!
Nicola Taylor – 07940 853 890
This May 2020 The Business Clinic is inviting you to MIX IT UP...
Be a part of The BCO Team Building Day at The Anderton Centre – Think of it as ‘Beerworking’ goes outdoors!
The cost to attend this half day of outdoor activities and build connections and memories with your business contacts is £29.50 per head. This includes a morning of problem solving challenges with a fully qualified instructor and all equipment provided.
Tea and coffee is included but if you should wish to add any extras to your package please see the list below (this is to be added to the final price upon making your payment):
• Bacon Barms £2.50 per head
• Danish Pastry £2.00 per head
If you want to be a part of our ‘Beerworking’ Goes Outdoors then please send your payment in full with your name via our BCO Paypal address - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Your immediate payment is the only way that we can confirm the booking with the venue.
After the morning session of action and entertainment, all who wish to join us can do so at a local pub for some lunch and optional beers.
We would love for you to join in the fun, our last team day out was a blast (as you can see on the right) and we know you’ll love it too!
...If you sell on value, not on price
By David Nelson
This article has been created from our January Advice Clinic “Have Your Cake and eat it!” and we have pulled out the best bits for you, the hardworking business owner, the sole trader the SME. The full time mum, part time freelance interpreter or the student entrepreneur from the comfort of their own bedroom. We all share the same passion and desire to pave our own destiny, and we all need a little extra help on that journey from time to time.
Some say that when you work for yourself you get the boss you truly deserve. For good, or bad.
How many employees can and do, blame the marketing department for not building enough awareness? The operations department for not delivering the service the customer should receive? The accounting department if people haven’t been paid on time?
As a business owner we have no one to blame, everything is either to our credit or our fault.
I always believe that we would manage our businesses much better if we could manage ourselves as we would an employee. If we gave ourselves the time we need to be objective regarding our priorities – we would certainly be a lot more efficient and fit in some of that much deserved work life balance we all strive to achieve.
So, do you feel that your business is being run by your customers? Your bank account? Your suppliers? Everyone but you? Well let’s try and address the balance.
Ged Henderson – My 2020 Vision
As a result of the session on 18th December Ged has created himself a development plan with 3 main goals for the year ahead.
1. Online growth (starting with an content archive)
2. Collaboration with strategic partners
3. Working on his exit strategy
Here, at The Business Clinic, we are aware that keeping our team hydrated will aid them to perform at their very best throughout the work day.
As a result, we decided to invest in watercoolers from AquAid.
Our unique relationship with AquAid has also given our company the opportunity to help those less fortunate than ourselves, because with each purchase an automatic donation is made to the Africa Trust.
These funds are used to build ‘Elephant Pumps’ - a modified version of an age old Chinese rope pulley system. One such pump is currently being installed in Africa on our behalf and it will be a much needed source of clean and fresh drinking water for many.
Our organisation’s name will be proudly displayed on our well and we look forward to adding a photo and letters of thanks from the villagers to our site in the near future.
To date AquAid have built over 8,000 such Elephant Pumps across parts of Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe; and have donated in excess of £15 million to charity.
If you have water cooler or boiling needs in your office why not find out more about installation and take part in saving lives with Aquaid's Africa Trust. Click here.
The Art of Focusing Group Energy on a Specific Goal
By Nathan Mayhew
Having focus and setting goals are certainly up there in the list of the most important things SME’s today can do to ensure the success of their business. These go hand in hand with why ‘Peerworking’ is such a successful method of business growth and development for many SME’s in Lancashire along with;
• Having a place to share knowledge, experience and ideas
• Being part of a powerful support network of likeminded people
• Challenging ways of working
• Giving yourself time to work on your business, not just in it
It’s no wonder so many people leave our sessions feeling motivated, inspired and ready to take on the world (of business).
Importance of Business Plan writing
By Fiona Castela - Castela Consulting
Everyone knows that if you’re starting out in business you need to write a business plan. Right?
Yes, it’s important to have a business plan as a start-up but it’s also important as a business grows to write and update a business plan and NOT leave it sitting in your desk drawer. In truth a business plan not only helps to interest investors or get finance via loans, it should work as an excellent operational tool for the business too.
Here are my top 11 benefits of writing down your Business Plan:
Release Your EP!C
By Rebecca Allam - The Business Clinic Organisation CIC
Last Tuesday we had the pleasure of hosting a workshop by guest speaker Richard Harrison from Geminus Training. Richard’s core skills are in innovation training and problem solving for organisations of all shapes and sizes. Richard’s aim was to deliver a thought provoking mini workshop on increasing productivity and engagement in your business, he did this and more.
Regional Finalists - Small Business Big Heart Awards
By Nathan Mayhew - The Business Clinic
The Business Clinic have been selected as regional finalists for the Small Business Big Heart Awards 2019 and The BCO team couldn't be happier!
The Small Business Big Heart awards are centred on giving back to your local community, so when David Nelson came across the award application it was a no-brainer for us to apply as it fits in so well with our brand values.
The Business Clinic joins Forces with UCLan to Drive Forward the Skills Agenda
Lancashire businesses looking to raise the skills of their workforce are being urged to attend a special session designed to give them the information they need to succeed.
The Business Clinic has joined forces with the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) and its UpSkilling Lancashire project to create the free event, with support from the European Social Fund.
Cutting through the “Noise”
By Rebecca Allam
We had the pleasure of playing host to the straight talking PR pro and message building master known as Ged Henderson from Henderson News and Media. Experienced editor and long standing Consulting Practitioner here at The Business Clinic.
For those of you who know Ged well one of his most repeated pieces of advice in regards to marketing is not to get caught up in all the “noise” being made online and that there is more (quite a lot more) to marketing than that what you see on social media. He also made us acutely aware of his hatred of the word “vlogging”... (Who knew)?
