Business Connections Live - The UK's Leading Online Business TV Channel

BCL39 Customer Satisfaction
Watch our Live Show every Wednesday 6pm UK HERE on Business Connections
Business Connections Live Programme 39 Broadcast 11th June 2014

Good Customer Satisfaction and Service is the lifeblood of any business. You can offer promotions and slash prices to bring in as many new customers as you want, but unless you can get some of those customers to come back, your business won't be profitable for long.

Good customer satisfaction and service is all about bringing customers back. And about sending them away happy - happy enough to pass positive feedback about your business along to others, who may then try the product or service you offer for themselves and in their turn become repeat customers.

The intuitive link between customer satisfaction and loyalty is one that has been traditionally hard to quantify. Many market research companies agree that even “satisfied customers” will defect. Unfortunately this fact has done more to drive companies to inaction than it has to demonstrate the clear business gains that can be derived from maximising customer satisfaction. The problem is that customer satisfaction is seldom expressed in financial terms. Many organisations simply categorise customer satisfaction measurement as a form of “marketing intelligence”

instead of using it as a management tool to build the customer into their quality improvement processes and increase profit. As a result, companies often know the

cost of providing good service but they rarely know the cost of providing bad service.

Remember! Unhappy customers spread the word!!

Colin Bate is Sales Director of Unipart Automotive. Unipart Automotive supply the AA and other key national accounts with Automotive components

Colin focusses on business strategy, defining and implementing utilising the business strategic positioning. He builds on this and discusses how the single biggest differentiator in respect of customer satisfaction and on-going loyalty is if the highest possible levels of customer service and intimacy resulting in long term customer retention and growth

Colin re-enforces the following key points:

Getting these strategic points right results in:

http://www.unipartautomotive.com/

http://www.businessconnectionslive.com/ - Customer satisfaction, service & intimacy

‪http://www.businessconnectionslive.com/

Business Connections Live Programme 39 Customer Satisfaction
This is the Business Connections Live Business Channel On YouTube Business Connections Live Programme 39. Broadcast 11th June 2014

BCL38 Mentoring Entrepreneurs
Watch our Live Show every Wednesday 6pm UK HERE on Business Connections
Business Connections Live Programme 38 Broadcast 4th June 2014

On this edition we look at Mentoring Entrepreneurs. Are you an entrepreneur looking to take your business to the next level? Have you found the right partner to help you do so! The Rockstar Mentoring Group is the UK's Number 1 mentoring organisation for entrepreneurs looking to grow or raise finance. their mission since 2007 has been to achieve measurable goals for businesses at the SME level, Established and Start Up level. They fast track profit growth & investment by providing experienced and successful mentors who have sold their own companies for an average of £18 million on a one to one, face to face basis.

Invaluable information for those business that want to take it to the next level.

What is Rockstar Mentoring

“Why learn from your own mistakes in business, when you can learn from someone else’s!?”

See more at: http://rockstargroup.co.uk/what-is-rs-mentoring/#sthash.AGmKsjE7.dpuf

Founded by Jonathan Pfahl, an ex-Goldman Sachs Wealth Manager, Rockstar have built a phenomenal team of mentors, successful in their own right but capable of passing on that success to other businesses. They are very particular as to who joins them as a mentor as they want to make sure ALL of their customers are seeing REAL Results in their business. To do so, they believe a mentor must be speaking from REAL LIFE experience in starting, building up and in nearly all of their mentors’ cases, selling them on. The Ethos at Rockstar is to Mentoring Entrepreneurs and take their mentees businesses to levels they couldn't have imagined by partnering them with an individual who, from first hand experience, can show them how to do it, as they have already done it themselves! –

See more at: http://rockstargroup.co.uk/what-is-rs-mentoring/#sthash.GcQoC2iw.dpuf

As the owner of the UK's no.1 mentoring and funding organisation for entrepreneurs, Jonathan told us all about what he does to drive his clients’ sales through the roof and make solid returns on investment. He also talked about how he has provided funding now for over 1500 businesses in the last 18 months!

Jonathan Pfahl discussed:

http://www.businessconnectionslive.com/ - How to drive sales and obtain funding for your business

‪http://www.businessconnectionslive.com/ - Mentoring Entrepreneurs - Business Connections Live Programme 38 Broadcast 4th June 2014

This is the Business Connections Live Business Channel On YouTube Business Connections Live Programme 38. Broadcast 4th June 2014

BCL37 Auto Enrolment Pensions - Are You In
Watch our Live Show every Wednesday 6pm UK HERE on Business Connections Business Connections Live Programme 37 Broadcast 28th May 2014

Why having a pension is of merit and not a waste of money!.

Rule changes to make pension contributions compulsory for employers and employees are known as Auto Enrolment

What is automatic enrolment?

UK businesses who employ one or more workers have to put them into a pension scheme, if they meet certain criteria.  The law on workplace pensions has now changed and every employer must comply.

If you are an employer with staff working for you in the UK, automatic enrolment does apply to you and there are things you will need to do.

There are certain employer duties you must comply with. If you fail to comply with your duties, enforcement action may be taken and  a notice and / or a penalty issued.

Changes to pensions law gives employers new duties in relation to their workforce.

As an employer, you'll have new duties in relation to everyone working for you:

• who is aged between 16 and 74

• who works in the UK

• for whom you deduct income tax and National Insurance contributions from their wages.

Automatic enrolment is the main employer duty under the new laws on workplace pensions. It's called automatic enrolment because employers will need to enrol certain staff into a pension scheme 'automatically', without those staff having to do anything.

You must automatically enrol everyone working for you:

• who is aged between 22 and state pension age

• who works in the UK

• for whom you deduct income tax and National Insurance contributions from their wages

• who is likely to have gross earnings over £10,000 in a year

• You will have to make regular payments into the pension schemes of all staff who you automatically enrol and all those who choose to opt in.

• The law has set a minimum level for employer contributions.

Employers need to know their start date and how to find it and why everyone should consider taking out a pension for retirement  

Philip Skinner will:

Pensions are not taxing

Plan early to make you're your pension scheme qualifies under the new Auto enrolment rules 

If you have a pension already is it fit for purpose?

Undertaking a regular review of your pension is key

An honest assessment of your risk is an important consideration to having a satisfactory outcome. 

Diversify your Pension premiums to different assess classes

Pension is not the only investment in retirement to take control of your lifestyle 

PHILIP SKINNER of Shaw Walker Lees -Qualified Accountant and Financial Advisor. In Practice working with private and business clients in our London office.

BCL37 Auto Enrolment Pensions - Are You In
Watch our Live Show every Wednesday 6pm UK HERE on Business Connections Business Connections Live Programme 37 Broadcast 28th May 2014

BCL22 How PR can Build Your Reputation and Put You on the Map
Watch our Live Show every Wednesday 6pm UK HERE on Business Connections   Business Connections Live - Programme 22.

So you would like your business to grow, but how do you get your message out there? How do you tell the press what you do? And what is Public Relations PR anyway?

Vanessa Green and Fiona Butler of Wigwam PR -PR and communications consultancy in Guildford explai the in and outs of effective PR. What you can do as a business owner to increase your PR coverage, and why below the line marketing can be so effective.

Wigwam is an independent Guildford-based PR and communications consultancy, specialising in media relations. They are dedicated to managing and promoting the reputation of their clients, who include consumer lifestyle brands, award-winning global businesses, entrepreneurial organisations and some of the UK's most innovative cultural and not-for-profit organisations.

How PR can build your reputation and put you on the Map

On the programme we look at How PR can build your reputation and put you on the Map

What works when it comes to PR? -- sustained awareness, integrated  marketing, clear messaging, a focus on the target audience, a clear understanding of  client business objectives

What doesn't work when it comes to PR  - stop start approach, fabrication of stories, over promising, inexperienced teams

Impact of PR on a business -- traditional PR v social media (i.e. social media is just another channel). Businesses we work with are seeing more tangible results and ROI from traditional PR

How to measure PR results

The Key Benefits:

The Key Features:

Public relations is the art or science of managing the reputation of companies, organizations, individuals and groups of people. It is the proactive management of relationships with various relevant 'publics'.

Every business - from solo entrepreneur to international corporation - relies on its reputation for its continued survival, for the ongoing patronage of its customers and to win new customers away from its competitors. Hence every business really needs to manage its public relations.

BCL22 How PR can Build Your Reputation and Put You on the Map
Watch our Live Show every Wednesday 6pm UK HERE on Business Connections   Business Connections Live - Programme 22.

BCL36 The Right Funding for Your Business
Watch our Live Show every Wednesday 6pm UK HERE on Business Connections Business Connections Live Programme 36 Broadcast 21st May 2014

Are you finding it difficult to attract the right funding for your business?

Want to know more about meeting investor requirements?

Conflicting headlines of economic growth vs banks not lending, and the self-employed facing financial crisis - confused?

On this edition of Business Connections Live TV we discuss techniques for accessing funding for your business, and what has happened to the funding landscape over the past 18 months. We discuss the growth accelerator, how to access funds and how to identify the right sources of funds for your business at the right time and the right price

Helene Panzarino is a highly successful and experienced business adviser and consultant. She specialises in the creative and innovative sectors and is an experienced business owner, advisor and funding facilitator, who has helped over 150 businesses access over £50m in past 18 months

Nominated for ITV Woman of the Year, prowess award for inspiring women in business. She has worked with some of the country's most successful independent jewellers, fashion companies and 'green' investors.

A serial entrepreneur herself, she has been part of and has sold a number of businesses over the past 25 years, and has been advising, guiding and inspiring owners and managers of smaller businesses in central and Greater London since 1999.

Helene also delivers training in financial forecasting and business plan writing, and spends a good deal of her time raising funds for clients.

The right Questions:

Helene Panzarino has 30 years of experience as owner & adviser helping 1000s of businesses access funds & grow

Plugged into over 200 active sources of funds - debt, equity, platform, alternative, crowd, hnw

Understand your position and that of funders - able to help you get investment ready & ready to pitch

Understand how to grow a sustainable business - not short termism

Know when you need professional help & don't begrudge paying for it!

BCL36 The Right Funding for Your Business
Watch our Live Show every Wednesday 6pm UK HERE on Business Connections Business Connections Live Programme 36 Broadcast 21st May 2014

BCL35 How to Network Exhibit and Visit a Business Show
Watch our Live Show every Wednesday 6pm UK HERE on Business Connections Business Connections Live Programme 35 Broadcast 14th May 2014

Every year up and down the country there are a number of business show. On this edition of Business Connections Live we discuss the benefits and the techniques to have a successful and profitable business show.

We talk to Stefan Thomas - Author of Business Networking for Dummies and Director of 4Networking and Michelle Turner-Davidson Regional Leader and Business Show Stand/Networking Manager for 4Networking.

We discuss The Business Show which is being held at Excel on Thursday and Friday 15th&16th May 2014 and how shows like this can grow your customer base and engauge new prospects. 

Every business show is an oppertunity to network make new clients but what are the key things to remember when your at the show as a visitor or exhibitor.

Stefan exhibits at The Business Show and shares his experiences over 6 years as an attendee, exhibitor and speaker. What he's got out of it and how other people can maximise their opportunity over the two days.

He gives advice on 

Michelle explains that as an exhibitor The Business Show has such a massive audience that 4Networking have to be there, it is a huge marketing opportunity for us. We recognise that it isn't just the attendees we can meet and connect with but the other exhibitor's and speakers. 

In business, networking (in whatever form) is key to developing business leads, sales advice and growth. The Business Show offers a full range of connections. Within our network we have the full range of individuals and businesses to connect with and 4N members from all over the country come down to work on the stand and the 121 networking area. In fact many of the show exhibitors are already 4Networking members. 

All three of the 4N directors are speaking at the show. A successful business show provides a good mix, and plenty of opportunity for, information gathering, education and learning, networking and connecting. 

As with all big events it can sometimes be a little overwhelming so I will provide a few tips to make the most of the show.

1. The 4Networking stand has many people from all business backgrounds available to speak. Real people with real businesses with real life experience.

2. People do real business at the show. Our members and team members come from all over the country to work the 4N stand because they do business there.

3. Whether you are new to networking or a veteran we provide an environment to grow your business and yourself which is structured but without rules the stand and 121 networking gives an opportunity to experience this.

4. Our culture is 50% business and 50% social and it works and fits in very comfortably at the Business Show.

5. 121 networking -- 3x10 minute business meetings at the show per hour -- lots of opportunities to develop connections with people you've never met before

6. 4N Director's seminar's walking the walk - using networking and the business show to build their success.

Stefen says the key things to remember are:

1. Talking to people gives a much better opportunity to have your questions answered and understood. Rather than leaving the show with a handful of paper, you leave with ideas and solutions that fit your circumstances.

2. In order to be successful in business you need to be able to work in a way that you decide and that works for you in an environment that maximises the connections you make and facilitates relationship building and business. 

3. People buy people and being in an environment where you can be yourself will open up many doors -- meet like know trust and business is regularly done at the show. The stand is a great way to meet other 4N members from areas you don't go to and also the many attendees who come to the stand or join the 121's.

4. A 10 minute 2-way conversation is much more powerful than a sales pitch. It is the potential beginning a successful business relationship

5. Everyone has a story. Listening to people who have and are doing what it takes to be successful and have already made the mistakes so you don't have to can bring plenty of light bulb moments. 

http://www.thebusinessshow.co.uk/

http://www.noredbraces.co.uk/

http://www.4networking.biz/

BCL35 How to Network Exhibit and Visit a Business Show
Watch our Live Show every Wednesday 6pm UK HERE on Business Connections Business Connections Live Programme 35 Broadcast 14th May 2014

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BCL05 LinkedIn Marketing A Masterclass in Growing Your Business
Watch our Live Show every Wednesday 6pm UK HERE on Business Connections Business Connections Live Programme 34 Broadcast 7th May 2014

http://socialoutsourcing.co.uk/

On this edition of Business Connections Live we revisit social media we look at How to Successfully Outsource Social Media for Your Business. It's an important part of any business marketing strategy, but some businesses are not ready or able to commit the kind of time and personnel to managing a full-force social media campaign for their brand. This is where outsourcing comes into play. Businesses can instead find outside experts to help them run their social media.

How to Successfully Outsource Social Media for Your Business

Prem Gyani. is the Founder and Managing Director of Social Outsourcing. Many leaders of SMEs know that they should be engaging more in the digital economy but just don't have the time or energy left after a full day at work.  A logical option is to hire a young person under the government's apprenticeship scheme.

On average, companies that embrace the digital economy grow 40% faster, export more and employ 12% more people. However, managers of busy companies will tell you that this is a time suck.  It takes too long to select, hire, train, mentor and manage an apprentice in area where the manager may be unsure themselves.

Thus the obvious way to get our unemployed youth into work is passing us by.  So how we can all focus on our local communities and help our youth ourselves without any huge government intervention?

There are a million (however statisticians cut the numbers) of unemployed 18-24 year olds in the UK.  Each one of them is a PhD in the use of social media and digital marketing.  Sadly no such PhD exits.  At the same time most small and medium sized companies are too concerned about keeping their companies afloat and growing than to engage with the digital economy.  But they can't for long. It already contributes around 17% of the UK economy.

How to Successfully Outsource Social Media for Your Business

Young people from all walks of life are immensely skilled in digital technology. It's the obvious way for us to get our longer term unemployed youth into work.

Young people can use their digital skills very effectively if they are guided on how to use them.  They use the internet all the time and tend to pick up online business models very quickly.

Small and medium sized businesses are risking their future by not engaging successfully in the digital economy and building communities.

The digital economy is not just about digital services. Every business can enter the market in some way to the benefit of their company.

Digital marketing and social media is not a black art. It's about process and energy. It's like any other marketing channel and is measurable and attributable.

Digital marketing is not just for B2C companies. B2B use it very effectively to communicate with their suppliers, employees and clients.

Key Benefits

Social Media is not rocket science.

 For more information contact http://socialoutsourcing.co.uk/

BCL05 LinkedIn Marketing A Masterclass in Growing Your Business
Watch our Live Show every Wednesday 6pm UK HERE on Business Connections Business Connections Live Programme 34 Broadcast 7th May 2014

BCL33 Antonio Falco Grow Your Business & Sell
Watch our Live Show every Wednesday 6pm UK HERE on Business Connections Business Connections Live Programme 33 Broadcast 30th April 2014

For a business to be successful it has to focus on their sales process. Most business depend on social media or their websites to sell, however they should only be considered to be part of the marketing of a growing business. The key to growing your business  sales is actual get in front of your customer. Then identify the need and close the sale. We explain the process and techniques that you can use.

Also on Business Connections Live...

The Federation of Small Businesses is the UK's largest campaigning pressure group promoting and protecting the interests of the self-employed and owners of small firms. Formed in 1974, it now has 200,000 members across 33 regions and 194 branches.

Why should your company become a member of the FSB and what are the real benefits it can bring to your business.

Antonio Falco is a Sales & Business Consultant - Regional Chairman of Surrey & West Sussex and director of the Federation of Small Businesses ( FSB) and Non-Executive director of Surrey Connects Ltd

Antonio Falco is a Sales & Business Consultant

Find out why Small Businesses are critical to the economy and the fabric of the country. The FSB provides a platform for their voice and in turn representation at the highest political level. This culminates in the policies designed to help small business and in turn help the economy.

The Federaration of Small Bussinesses

The Key Features of FSB are:

1.What the FSB can do for your business.

2. Why you should join.

3 What to remember when running a business - Product, People, Numbers, Persistence and Consistence, Integrity

From a personal perspective, most of Antonio Falco's work has been and continues to be with small businesses, helping them to become more effective in the market place and helping them to improve on their ability to sell.

Having worked with small, medium and corporate businesses helping deliver the results they need.

The core disciplines are:

Products: To succeed you must first ensure your product or service is right. You need to deliver the very best -- no compromises!

People: It's nice to think that people are your most precious assets, but managing, directing and motivating them -- especially sales people -- isn't that straightforward. Until you understand the essence of the individual, you'll never get the best from them.

Sales: No matter how you cut it you must recognise that sales are the lifeblood of your business. Understanding how to create a robust and successful sales process takes skill, knowledge and know how. Too many companies leave this to chance. You can't -- anymore.

On this edition of Business Connections Live we will give you the inside track on:

1.Value of joining the FSB

2.Why work with Antonio

3.Why understanding selling is critical to the future of your business

Deliver the best.

4.Value people -- staring with yourself

5.Why you need to target your success

BCL33 Antonio Falco Grow Your Business & Sell
Watch our Live Show every Wednesday 6pm UK HERE on Business Connections Business Connections Live Programme 33 Broadcast 30th April 2014

BCL25 Your Business and The Chambers of Commerce
Watch our Live Show every Wednesday 6pm UK HERE on Business Connections Business Connections Live Programme 25. Broadcast 5th March 2014

On this edition of Business Connections Live we link up with a number of Chambers of Commerce from across the UK.

In the studio we are joined by Louise Punter and Thom Gibbons from the Surrey Chambesr of Commerce and joining us on location Phil Smith Business West, Yolanda Rugg Hertfordshire Chambers and Wendy Bell from Sussex Enterprise.

Chambers of Commerce and your Business

Louise explained that the Chambers of Commerce can be one of the most powerful means of support for your growing business with access to advice on networking, social media, exports, promo opportunities, marketing, business support, promotional opportunities, export support and advice, money saving services and many additional benefits of membership

Surrey Chambers  of Commerce

Surrey is one of the most successful and productive areas for business in the UK. It's a county that embraces innovation and is a fantastic location to run a business. Surrey Chambers of Commerce, with a membership representing every sector of the workforce, works hard to ensure that the continued growth of the area takes into account the needs of business, as well as providing a range of high quality services to help you grow your business and meet new potential customers.

Whether you are already in the area, or want to find out about how to access one of the UKs most successful markets, there is no better choice than your local Chamber of Commerce - bringing the power of a world-wide brand to support you locally. We hope you will find this website of use.

Business West

Business West are one of the most influential independent business leadership organisations in the UK, representing and working with over 16,000 businesses across the South West.

As the local access point for a whole host of business and export solutions, no other organisation is better placed to help support and grow your business in the UK and overseas.

We can help by:

Sussex Enterprise

Sussex Enterprise is the accredited Chamber of Commerce, and is the largest business organisation in the county. Supported nationally by the British Chambers of Commerce, we support and represent businesses at a local level.

We are a not for profit organisation funded by our members and our aim is to improve the economic environment within which our Sussex members operate. We have a range of commercial services to support you.

Membership of Sussex Enterprise will protect your business, save you and make you money, and be your voice to local, regional and national government.

Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce

Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce is the unified voice of business and the premier advocacy organisation in the county.  Accredited by the British Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber supports the prosperity and long term growth of businesses across Hertfordshire.  Our goal is to develop a shared, collaborative vision for the county through extensive interaction with local business communities and other business support organisations.

Promoting the positive impact of Hertfordshire businesses success through the 'Inspire Hertfordshire' Awards Programme, involvement in initiatives to generate an educated and highly-skilled, capable workforce to meet the future needs of  the county and launching county wide campaigns such as  'International Trade 2014' are just some of the ways that the Chamber is supporting the economic growth of Hertfordshire.

For more information:

Louise Punter and Thom Gibbons http://www.surrey-chambers.co.uk,

Phil Smith http://www.businesswest.co.uk,

Yolanda Rugg http://www.hertschamber.com

Wendy Bell http://www.sussexenterprise.co.uk

Business Connections Live TV Chambers of Commerce and your Business - Business Connections Live Programme 25.

BCL25 Your Business and The Chambers of Commerce
Watch our Live Show every Wednesday 6pm UK HERE on Business Connections Business Connections Live Programme 25. Broadcast 5th March 2014

BCL32 Business to Business Communication in Just a Minute
Watch our Live Show every Wednesday 6pm UK HERE on Business Connections Business Connections Live Programme 32 Broadcast 23rd April 2014

BCL32 Business to Business Communication in Just a Minute

Do your presentations lack gravitas? are you getting your message over. Do you waffle on or are you concise and to the point. Can you recognise the different personalities in your audience. 

On this edition of Business Connections Live TV, Steve Bridger author of " Fast Track your Business Writing Skills" and "Success Before Start-up" discusses: 

How to become a better communicator in business and improve your personal skills

How to be a more effective communicator -- that will result in being a more valuable asset for your business

Show Page Business to business communication and copyrighting techniques - Business Connections Live Programme 32 Broadcast 23rd April 2014

Understand the importance of your role as a 'go between' messenger to make sure you translate what management want to say into something people/audience -- either internal or external want to hear

We explain the 3 key elements

all 3 to produce the right response and get your people to take the action you want. 

And remember:

Know how to analyse your audience, there are 3 key groups 

1. Blue Sky thinkers 

2. Action Men/Women

3. Detail Lovers.

Your speaking or writing has to accommodate all 3 character types.

One last tip -- How long is 60 Seconds -- when you have to stand up and do an elevator pitch

The answer??? Well you will just have to wait and see!!

It's all about Communicating Business to business communication and copywriting techniques

BCL32 Business to Business Communication in Just a Minute
Watch our Live Show every Wednesday 6pm UK HERE on Business Connections Business Connections Live Programme 32 Broadcast 23rd April 2014