Everyone is an expert in social media these days, or is looking for one. A recent survey of Twitter found that over one hundred thousand people have the phrase "social media consultant" or some variant in their Twitter profile. That's a lot of people looking for work.

Here’s a check-list of questions that may help you whittle down your thousands of potential advisors to the one you need.

• When did you start using social media?
• How many companies have you h… Continue

I think one of the reasons I've always found businesses easier to build and grow than most people, is that I have such simple objectives. I like spending money for stuff I want and on people I like. To do that I need income. Therefore, within broad parameters, I like businesses that make the numbers in my bank accounts go up more quickly rather than less quickly. I do not like to own businesses that make the numbers go down.

Those who know my preference for investing in startups und

… Continue

Here are five suggestions which can help increase your chances of getting paid on time:

1. Be clear at the start:

This is the time when goodwill is high and your negotiating position is strongest. Secure explicit agreement to your payment terms and conditions before you start work rather than assume the client has read and accepted them.

2. Strike while the iron’s hot:

Invoice as soon as possible after you’ve provided the goods or services… Continue

I believe in starting a business and then finding and focusing on your niche. But what happens when you feel the niche audience you’ve chosen could be restricting in view of its size? Then it’s time to expand your product range, as opposed to extending your niche.

Niche is good

When planning and starting a business, try to focus on a niche audience. Doing so will reduce your marketing costs and deepen your knowledge of customers’ desires. Take the

… Continue

Over the last few years Social Media has grown up; it has moved from a purely consumer space into the business realm and is increasingly becoming a vital part of a company’s communication strategy and marketing mix. The boundaries between business and consumer are beginning to blur as all consumers online must be seen as potential customers.

The future landscape will continue to allow the rise in power of the consumer as they have conversations with anyone that wants to listen and intera… Continue