Welcome to Striding Out!

Business Start Up Checklist

2012-03-24T12:30:46Z

Get Set Go!

Use the following checklists to help you prepare for starting your business...

Preparation Check List

Have you done your market research?
Have you defined the products and services you are offering?
Are you clear on the price to charge for your products and services?
Do you have a business brand name that is available to use?
Have you clarified your unique selling points?
Have you defined your brand values?
Have you written your business plan?
Do the financials of the business make sense?
Are you confident that your business model realistic and sustainable?
Do you have the business start up capital that you need?
Do you feel over 90% confident in your business model and proposition?

Consumer Trends in 2012

2012-01-03T13:53:15Z

Consumer Trends in 2012

Trendwatching.com delivers an overview of 12 must-know consumer trends for you to run with in the next 12 months.

1. Red Carpet

In 2012, department stores, airlines, hotels, theme parks, museums, if not entire cities and nations around the world will roll out the red carpet for the new emperors, showering Chinese visitors and customers with tailored services and perks, and in general, lavish attention and respect.

2. DIY Health

Expect to see consumers take advantage of new technologies and apps to discreetly and continuously track, manage and be alerted to, any changes in their personal health.

Managing Business Performance

2011-10-18T21:32:50Z

Steps to Managing your Business Performance

Are you and your team clear on what success looks like for your company?

To manage the performance of your business it is important to define success, by setting goals and targets for your team to achieve.

We've detailed some steps below which you can take to manage the performance of your business.

Identify Market Opportunities

2011-10-03T19:15:35Z

Undertake Market Research to Identify New Market Opportunities

In today's marketplace it is essential to keep tabs on your competitors and the needs of your clients to gain your competitive advantage, identify new market opportunities and carve your niche.
Undertaking market research on a daily basis is essential to innovate and develop your business strategy to maintain success.

Consider the following 10 steps to identify new market opportunities...

Undertake market research with your current and target client groups
Undertake market research with your partners and suppliers
Undertake market research on your industry and future trends by reading industry related media and attending conferences.

14 Steps to Achieve Business Growth

2011-09-25T16:39:09Z

14 Steps to Achieve Business Growth

by Heather Wilkinson, Business Coach, Striding Out

Are you successfully managing and leading the growth of your business?

To find out, walk though our 14 steps below, and tick off those that you do well, and highlight those that you need to focus on.

Communicate your business well - Be clear on your cause, aims and your objectives as an organisation and clearly communicate your message to stakeholders using a range of communication tools.
Understand your customers - Understand the profile, interests, needs and demands of your target market and customer groups, when planning and selling your range of products or services.

Executive Coaching

2011-06-06T11:28:19Z

Executive Coaching for Leaders of Social Enterprises

How are you planning for the future of your enterprise in 2011?

How important is your performance to the success of your enterprise?

How much investment do you make in yourself?

Social Entrepreneur or Business Entrepreneur? Which Way Are You Heading?

2011-05-03T09:06:45Z

The typical business entrepreneur is typified by their motivation for profit. The social entrepreneur’s focus is more concerned with people and society first. It’s because of this that many assume that social enterprises don’t have the desire to make money and are perceived as all having charitable status. This often suggests to some that such businesses do not experience the rigorous management and operation under the leadership of the business entrepreneur. This misconceived view of social enterprises is really a myth. This is now being realised by the increasing number of businesses taking the lead in areas where the two main sectors have dithered or not bothered.

In light of the current recession and government cutbacks in the public sector, the social entrepreneur has been recognised and has come to the fore The public sector with its image linked to a sleeping giant, diminishes gradually whilst the social enterprise rise as the David amongst the giants in business today.

Six ways to stimulate Growth Marketing Strategy in a Recession

2011-03-15T09:30:35Z

1. Avoid The tendency To Cut Prices To Attract Business

In times of recession the tendency is to reduce spending and limit risks. People with limited budgets are even more cautious, so how can you convey value and reduce risks to clients?

Get Your Business In Tip Top Shape

2011-01-24T00:00:00Z

Are You Business Fit?

This question is one that many business need to pose 'What are the key symptoms of a business requiring a health check?'

Working harder – getting no where
Investing more in marketing without the results
More customers but less than expected income generation
New technology but low output
Booming market but going bust
Adequate level of sales team but low business development

These are a few experiences of businesses in desperate need of a health check. Find out how to improve your business performance and be successful.

Ready to sprint into business?

2011-01-24T00:00:00Z

Ready to sprint into business?

'Have you ever thought about going into business?'

The answer could be yes, but have you considered the implications.

In other words are you emotionally ready to take the challenge.

These are some of the things you may not have thought of: