Enterprise Nation

The 7 Commandments of Networking

06/09/2010 15:06:14

I believe that today's entrepreneurs can gain huge benefits from business networking. When I worked as MD for one of Richard Branson's Virgin companies, I attended countless lunches, launches, cocktail parties and conferences, all with a distinctly corporate feel to them. This is why I understand why many business people today throw up their hands in horror at the thought of networking. But I'm not referring to the stiff corporate handshakes and formal exchange of business cards, but a new, more enjoyable form of networking, which aims to help entrepreneurs and start-ups feel part of a supportive community and gives them a chance to learn from each other's experiences. If you're still dubious, here are some "rules" to help you get to grips with the new business networking:

Winning more business starts with the basics

03/09/2010 15:50:24

If you are reading this post then the chances are you are running a small business which you are looking to grow...

One olive makes quite a big difference!

03/09/2010 15:45:05

This morning I saw this tweet: "American Airlines saved $40,000 in 1987 by eliminating one olive from each salad served first class." It got me thinking. It is so often the little things that make big differences. Who would have thought that one little olive would make a difference?

Create a quick website mockup with the best wireframing tools

03/09/2010 15:40:38

From simple, free rapid drafting and prototyping tools to more complex and outright technical offerings we give you a quick overview of the options for freelancers needing to quickly create a mockup for a website or landing page.

Famous homeworkers: Sir Isaac Newton, inventor of the cat-flap!

02/09/2010 19:00:40

Famous throughout the world as a pre-eminent physicist, mathematician, astronomer, alchemist, natural philosopher and theologian, Sir Isaac Newton has exerted more influence on the development of modern physics than Einstein and made a greater contribution to the welfare of humanity than Jesus. So says Wikipedia, so it must be true. It is a lesser-known fact that he also deserves an honourable mention for his role in improving the lot of the humble homeworker.

Ideas 101 competition: Some ideas so far!

02/09/2010 18:56:41

After an overwhelming amount of Ideas 101 entries, this campaign is proving to be a real eye opener. There has been some top quality, creative, and innovative ideas coming through and to wet your appetite we thought we would share some ideas with the Enterprise Nation community.

From rubbish tip to stylish and hip: Recycling entrepreneur named Midlands' best

02/09/2010 18:52:36

A business owner who turns unwanted old garments into funky children's clothes has won the Birmingham heat of BusinessZone.co.uk's search for Britain's best new company.

6 Quick Tips for Writing a Business Plan

01/09/2010 17:58:38

Writing a business plan is one of the best ways to make sure you will be able to earn the money you need to receive with your small business. In order to make sure you will get the most out of your business plan, it is important you are up to date on everything those reading your plan are look for. Here are six quick tips which will get your business plan into shape so it gets the right kind of attention.

Be on our pub quiz team!

01/09/2010 17:54:00

Next Thursday, our friends at Hewlett Packard are hosting a pub quiz in London, where some of the finest (and not so finest) minds in the media will be pitting their wits against each other to win the crown of Quiz Champions. The event is a friendly, informal affair, and we want YOU to represent Enterprise Nation and show the media that entrepreneurs have the biggest brains around! (and who knows, talk to the right journalist and you might see your company in print...)

Social media event discount for Enterprise Nation readers

01/09/2010 17:50:25

Friend o' Enterprise Nation Luke Brynley-Jones is offering readers a whopping discount on tickets for a Social Media Advertising event in London. 20 'early bird' tickets are up for grabs for just £45, which includes lunch. That's a saving of £100. Find out more about the event and how you can get tickets...

Video: How to make a home business recovery kit

31/08/2010 16:47:07

In the latest video in our series for people who work from home, we're preparing for the worst! And making sure you're prepared too.

'Be Inspired' by Enterprise Nation founder Emma Jones

31/08/2010 16:42:28

Enterprise Nation founder and author of Working 5 to 9 Emma Jones is sharing her own entrepreneurial story and giving advice on how to start and grow a business from home at a special event in Doncaster on the evening of September 14th. Find out how you can book your free place.

Google - now too expensive for small businesses?

31/08/2010 16:37:34

Google AdWords is a growing service which allows you to advertise to people who are searching on Google for a product or service.

Branding tips for your business on and off-line

20/08/2010 17:29:06

Much of our marketing is online now and we're getting the hang of managing our brand across the Internet, or at least I'm sure we'd like to think so. The challenge is managing your brand on and offline, consistently.

Are We Sitting Comfortably?

20/08/2010 17:25:28

Do you suffer from backache or tiredness at the desk? Do you find yourself constantly adjusting your chair to get comfortable?

How to manage your blogging productivity better

20/08/2010 17:19:37

I've had a lot of enquiries as to how I manage to write so many blog posts, either in terms of finding the time or staying current.

Gone Fishin'

19/08/2010 22:08:15

If you see this sign, it means we're away from our computers, enjoying the Bank Holiday weekend. And we encourage you to do the same! We're back tomorrow with more home business, lifestyle and technology advice. Until then, dear homeworker, enjoy the rest of your break!

Interview with Muddy Boots: TV exposure 'phenomenal' for business

19/08/2010 22:04:37

Recently, I was lucky enough to meet the lovely Roland and Miranda, creators of Muddy Boots, made famous by the BBC's High Street Dreams. Over a cuppa, Miranda and I chatted about the journey they have been on and their hopes for the future...

The Power of Pay Per Click

19/08/2010 22:00:59

As business owners we live in interesting times! For many of us the internet has changed the way we do business.

How To Get Distracted While Working From Home

19/08/2010 21:56:20

That's right, how do you get distracted while working from home? It is hard for us that work from home to separate work from home life - because they are both based out of the same place. From time to time we need to remind ourselves that we are in fact not working or "off the clock".