Business coach Richard Gigg from Shirlaws came to speak to MBG members in October to explain a few strategies for keeping up the momentum of your business despite the changeable economic climate. Shirlaws provide business coaching across the world and have 47 coaches in the UK, all their coaches have direct experience of running a business and often of starting a business.

Richard explained that the confidence of customers affects how they buy and that this confidence is affected by media reports of the economic situation. There is a delay of about six months between the state of the UK stock markets and the way the rest of business is affected.

This is a period of cautious optimism that has resulted in customers returning to buying but doing so in a piecemeal fashion. Developing packages so that customers can buy in manageable chunks is a response to this trend.

Richard showed MBG members a diagram of the ‘W’ shaped recession predicted by economists and provided a 5-point list of steps to take to survive and how to thrive when the upturn finally comes.

Commit to Timing
In this time of stock market optimism, the first small increase after the economic crash, plan and implement ways to sell more and find more customers.

Understand Risk
Find out what your risk profile is and that of your business.

Build Capability
Give your staff the skills that they will need when the upturn comes and make sure they stay until it does.

Innovate Packaging
Take your product and package it in a different way, be as creative as possible. Do this now to get the best returns when the economy begins to improve.

Bring in New Channels
Your best customers now may not still be with you when the recession ends so start looking for new ways to find customers by referrals, advocates and any other method. Writing down your ideas and presenting them to others in your business can help to bring about change and measure how far it has come. The simple changes can make a big difference.

Richard also runs a ‘Babylon’Club to help new young entrepruneurs from 25-35 years of age to develop their business
skills and develop business relationships.

Our next meeting is on Tuesday 20th October at 7.30am at the Copper Kettle, Andover, where Richard Gigg from Shirlaws will be presenting “Keeping the momentum of Business” Guests are welcome, the price of breakfast is £10, please contact Darren Crannis on dcrannis@nefu.co.uk or call 01264 721680.

This month, Andover MBG learnt all about Eco-Printing. Jez Scott, director of Andover based Paperfrog delivered his “save money, save the environment and look good doing it” presentation, which focused on how and why members can print efficient and ecologically.

Top tips to save on printing costs included setting a brief in writing and distributing to a range of suppliers, asking other people to proof-read as a double check and not to wait until
the last minute.

To ensure we are as Eco-friendly as possible, Jez focused on the importance of 100% recycled paper, avoiding metallic or fluorescent colours, minimising paper waste and going back to vegetable-based inks.

Finally, Jez helped the group by demonstrating how members should help assist their printers with a series of useful marketing questions – what does your business do, what are your goals and who is the target market.

Each member of the group received a free guide printed in a Eco-friendly process, and a copy is available to anyone who calls Jez on 01264 36 35 24.

Paperfrog’s Top Tips for Saving Money on Print Costs
1. Shop around using a written brief so the prices you get are all based on the same information, making them easier to compare.

2. Ask about run ons: when you extend the initial print run it could be cheaper than printing again at a later date.

3. Take your printer’s advice to help save time, trouble and money, they are experts and will be able to offer suggestions you may not have considered.

4. Keep it clear and simple, ask your printer to explain any terms they use that you don’t understand and be sure to ask for confirmation of your order and when it will be processed.

5. Always ask for a proof, even on repeat print jobs as this is your very last chance to correct any details.

6. When checking proofs look out for phone numbers and addresses that are vital to customers being able to contact you. If your printer offers a proofreading service consider it as the more eyes that check your document the better.

7. Paper comes in different thicknesses, thicker ones give a quality feel, and may not be much more expensive. Ask your printer what costs different papers would add to the bill.

8.Consistent use of colour and the same paper throughout your business stationery will help consolidate your brand identity.

9. Ask your printer about job banking, if there is any space left on the printing plates could you squeeze in some business cards? So long as the paper is suitable for both jobs you could
save money.

10. Don’t leave it until the last minute to arrange printing, it leads to a rush that can create mistakes. Arranging print in advance your printer may be able to save you time and money.

Find out more at www.paperfrog.co.uk.