Information overload....

There is too much information..really. Websites, e-books, videos, books, CD's, podcasts, forums, blogs (!)...good grief you could spend months reading, before you actually pluck up the courage to get to the doing. If you are running a business, or thinking of starting one, you can find all the 'technical' information you need, without moving from behind your PC.

This blog aims to feature different sorts of businesses, and their challenges - and invite readers to fill in the 'but in real life' gaps...

If you can share some wisdom, please comment appropriately. The idea is not to say 'this is my business, this is where you can find me' - but more to offer helpful insight and encouragement. (However feel free to add your web address and email at the end of your contribution.)

We will look at a different type of business, how to start up, and current issues. We would love to feature women in the sector and their insight, and resources relevant to that particular business. If you have something to add to a section, let me know, I can add on.

Retail - Running a shop is still a top choice for women, and now there are fantastic opportunities online.

Safe to say that, despite the gathering economic clouds, there will always be an optimistic band of women planning and dreaming of their own retail empire. Not to mention those already in the thick of it, some doing brilliantly, some struggling to understand their customers - and suffering the financial consequences.

What is the secret? Mary Queen of Shops, a BBC programme, has been great. Delving into the shops she visits, Mary has highlighted some fundamental flaws in planning, and buying, but the programme has also shown us the passion and drive to improve by the featured retailers. Catch it on the BBC iPlayer if you missed it, or You Tube has some good clips also.

One of the great resources I have used over the past couple of years is Scavenger. This marvellous website features over 800 reports and guides to help you research a business idea, start up and run a new business.



Read more here....

The reports contain information it would take you hours and possibly weeks to research and gather yourself. Take a look:

Some of the top 100 selling reports include:

A Business Plan - A Guide to Writing Business Information Factsheet April 2007 Price: £3.99
Coffee Shop Business Opportunity Profile January 2006 Price: £5.99
Children's Day Nursery Business Opportunity Profile August 2006 Price: £5.99
Recruitment Agency Business Opportunity Profile May 2008 Price: £5.99
Children's Indoor Play Area Business Opportunity Profile December 2006 Price: £5.99
Smoothie and Juice Bar Business Opportunity Profile February 2008 Price: £5.99
Researching a Market for Business Start Ups - An Introduction to Business Information Factsheet June 2008 Price: £3.99
Business from Home - A Guide to Running a Business Information Factsheet March 2007 Price: £3.99
Delicatessen Business Opportunity Profile July 2007 Price: £5.99
Marketing Plan - A Guide to Developing a Business Information Factsheet May 2006 Price: £3.99

What are your tips for a profitable retail operation? Have you made your online shop successful? Let us know, comment below.

Diana

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I should be social networking...where to start??

My task this week is to try and negotiate the maze of social networking sites, and try and work out how they can help me.
Being co-director of a web design company, you might think I was already fully briefed with all the relevant info I need....but no.

Since we started (1999), we have seen many phases of online development - and experience has taught me that it pays to watch and learn first, and then jump in after the initial hype. Once upon a time, everyone wanted Flash websites with gyrating pop ups..

So, a certain amount of caution, and to be frank, lack of time to research, has meant now I need to catch up fast. Our clients are keen to make the most of Facebook, Myspace, You Tube and whatever other websites their kids are telling them about, so I will dive in and see how we can interact with exisiting clients, and attract new ones.

While I am at it, I will be looking for ways I can generate new income, and maybe develop a whole new business at the same time! Watch this space.

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