Latest Articles by Nazir Daud

Franchise Fees, Costs and Royalty Charges

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 21:24:59 +0000

To start a franchise, you have standard initial costs and further ongoing costs. You need to pay first the set up fee. This is sometimes referred to as the initial franchise fee. This fee covers the costs of the franchisor to help get you started in the business, train you, provide initial marketing material and assist you at launch. This initial fee might also cover the cost of specialist equipment, or if it is an internet franchise, the website.

Business Advertising – Forget the Gloss and Go For Gold

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 21:23:23 +0000

Advertising your business offline can help to generate higher turnover but only if done wisely. There are several golden rules which are essential for any small business to follow, and having a clear understanding of these, is likely to have a big impact on the success of any advertising campaign.

Raising Finance for Your Small Business

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 19:53:02 +0000

Raising finance for a small business involves striking a balance between the various forms of funding to ensure that they are suitable for the business. There are several funding opportunities available for small businesses, ranging from a straight business loan secured against some form of collateral, to a business angel, or dragon if you like, willing to invest in your business in return for a share in it.

Promoting Your Small Business Offline

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 14:42:10 +0000

Although web advertising is an essential component of promoting any small business, it is not the only method, and not necessarily always the most effective one. Don't make the mistake of ignoring offline advertising by spending too long on your internet marketing and search engine optimization.

Entrepreneurs Smash Old Business Prejudices

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 21:23:38 +0000

One of the major advantages of entrepreneurialism is the fact that age is entirely meaningless. It makes no difference whether you are in your teens or twenties, or even retired and well into your sixties or seventies.

Great Customer Service Essential for Business Growth

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 18:09:02 +0000

Many small business owners think that customer service is a department that only large corporations have. They tend to think of their own customer service as merely replying politely to emails that might come in, or being reasonably civil on the telephone. However, in reality, providing a good, or excellent level of service to customers, both existing and potential, is essential to the long-term growth of any business.

Dragons Den Makes for Compulsive Viewing

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 20:16:19 +0000

In Dragons Den, entrepreneurs get a chance to pitch their idea to five “Dragons”. The “Dragons” are already successful business people that are looking to invest their funds in return for a share of the business and future profits. In the UK, the programme is shown on the BBC and presented by an economist - Evan Davies. I like the way he introduces the show and his chats with the entrepreneurs after their meeting with the Dragons are very entertaining.

Parks and Gardens in Truro

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 21:25:34 +0000

The City of Truro in Cornwall, England has some beautiful parks and gardens that can be enjoyed by the entire family, for relaxation, for play and for picnics.

The Art of Negotiating a Business Deal

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 22:39:34 +0000

Negotiating a business deal, whether as a buyer or a seller, can be a rewarding experience, but too often people approach the table with a distinct sense of trepidation. Viewing negotiating as a form of conflict is highly negative, and approaching any situation in this way will invariably lead to poor results. The art of successful negotiation is something which only a few select people involved in business seem to be born with, but which the rest of us have to work very hard at developing.

Sound Accountancy Practices for Small Businesses

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 22:38:19 +0000

Accounting is perhaps one of the least enjoyable aspects of running your own business, whether you own a small business and work from home or perhaps a larger company that employ hundreds of people. The idea of being independent and in control of your own life might be one thing, but adding up the income, working out the expenses and calculating the taxes is quite another.