Top Tips: 10 useful suggestions

There are a few key things that crop up when we are out with clients, plus some good ideas that we would like to take this opportunity to share with you. We are very happy to advise and put you in touch with some of the companies that have assisted us in these areas.

Backup We are constantly surprised at how often people are not backing up their vital business information - just imagine if you lost it all. We are using software from Acronis which takes a 'picture' of your total computer content or specific areas if selected. www.acronis.co.uk

Business Link We constantly refer to this site for almost any topic when we need to get good advice. The training courses run regularly in our area are excellent and the presenters of the highest calibre www.businesslinksw.co.uk This service may not continue for too much longer in its current form so use it while you can - it is FREE!

Customer service We have recently worked with several retailers giving them practical advice on how to address the needs of the customer. In these difficult days of business this is a vital area to focus on and it is one where it is possible to differentiate from the competition, often at low cost. Remember, (corny as it may sound we all know it is true), 'you never get a second chance to make a first impression'! Whether it is on the phone, face-to-face, by letter or email. We offer an hour of free advice to new clients and learning how to focus on your customer or client might be a very good use of one hour of your time - please call us on 01722 782288 to make an appointment.

Data protection For anyone holding data for staff or clients this is an area that needs to be addressed, it is possible to register at www.ico.gov.uk

Disaster recovery Having contingency plans in place for things that could potentially stop your business functioning is a worthwhile exercise

Document sharing Big files can be difficult at times to pass back and forth, especially in these days of 'virtual meetings' courtesy of Skype! We have found DROPBOX to be excellent and very easy to use. www.dropbox.com

Health and safety HSE has published a new simplified version of the Health and Safety Law poster. It tells workers what they and their employers need to do in simple terms, using numbered lists of basic points. www.SafetyServicesDirect.com

Insurance For small businesses it is easy to overlook but is really necessary in most cases. Don't overlook Professional Indemnity (if applicable).

Intellectual property This is a specialised area and one which we have considered with the help of Laura Trapnell of Bonallack & Bishop Solicitors, we have also attended a thought provoking presentation from Laura at a Stonehenge Chamber of Trade. Food for thought!

Mailchimp You will see that is the method by which we send out our regular newsletter, it is easy to use and FREE (up to 1,000 recipients and 6,000 emails a month). www.mailchimp.com

To hear more about any of the above please visit the websites mentioned or for more information on how these resources have benefitted our company please call us on 01722 782288

Other top tips...