• Good marketing is essential not only from a promotional point of view. By researching existing and potential markets you can identify routes for expansion whilst identifying potential threats. By talking to customers you can not only enhance your service but also find out what they want next. Research and development are essential to any business, no matter what the scale. The selling and promotion of products and services can take many forms and can be very effective if well done. A marketing mix comprises of various areas in which you invest money and time. Selecting the right places to promote for your audience takes time but time well spent. Explore new routes to market such as events, radio or magazines. Remember that not everyone reads the same titles, how many readers they have and how appropriate your service is for the reader will determine the outcome. The Internet is an invaluable medium for all businesses, large and small - click here for more. Always track the results and optimise your advertising spend accordingly. For marketing advice, courses and reading click here.

• Cutting unnecessary costs is an obvious way of improving profitability. Negotiating better supply contracts, improving energy efficiency, reducing sick days and improving staff productivity. Where ever you spend money there are inevitably ways to save. To search a range of services that might help your business save money click here

• Selecting the right people to work with and playing to ones strengths are also a key. Many spend too much time on tasks that could easily be outsourced and too little time focused on what’s most important.
  
  

For traditional and on-line employment agencies see the  Money Jungle business directory.

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• Technology is nothing to fear and can inevitably help improve productivity. Finding the best tools for your business can take time but invested well, could dramatically improve your performance. To search a range of business technology and service providers click here

• Getting the best out of your team will always benefit the business. Everyone’s motivated by money (despite what they tell you) but there’s also training and development to consider. If everyone were as good as your best employee what impact would that have? For further information on training, development and motivation click here.