The Small Business Toolkit
The Small Business Toolkit is a published book that normally resells for £16.95 but you can access it for free above and read online or download as a PDF. It is a collection of articles for the small business owner – to help improve and enhance the success of any small business looking to grow.
This book intends to provide a reference across all pillars of business:
Strategy ~ Finance ~ Sales ~ Marketing ~ Operations ~ Resources ~ Personal
....to help small businesses be better at what they do and not make the same mistakes that a lot of other businesses make. It’s aimed at any small business owner who doesn’t have all the answers to be successful. So that’s you and every other business owner - right?
With over 230 pages, this book has the following content with each chapter being written by a local business owner; recognised as an expert in their field:
Section 1 - Strategy
- Creating a strategy for your business
- Setting up your business for exit
Section 2 - Finance
- Managing cash flow in your business
- Essential tips for credit control
- Raising finance - different sources of funding
- Reducing costs in your business
- Tax Planning in its simplest form
- Money matters for business and life
Section 3 - Sales
- Understanding the basics of sales
- Closing the deal
Section 4 - Marketing
- How to put together a marketing strategy
- Harness the power of your network
- The importance of a CRM system and how to choose one
- Designing the perfect marketing material
- Is branding important for your business?
- Is social media worth it?
- Getting the most out of your website
- Writing winning words for your website
- Choosing the right print partner - what to consider
Section 5 - Operations & Resources
- Managing your data effectively
- The basics of IT security
- Outsourcing - yes or no?
- How can software improve your efficiency and performance?
- Protecting you and your business
Section 6 - Personal
- Managing your stress and anxiety
- Goal setting (and achieving) – the key to success in business
Since starting my business 18 months or so ago, I have gone from a networking novice to being a solid contributor through meeting and getting to know the wealth of business skills, knowledge and experience of Paul Green and the members of The Business Community. I mainly attend the Wellingborough session, but have plans to spread myself further afield in Northamptonshire during the rest of this year as membership allows this, unlike others.
The format of the meetings is fun, but has meaning ... and you can always be assured a friendly welcome (as I got recently when attending the Daventry session for the first time). I have made loads of good business contacts that I would have only made through The Business Community ... if you are starting or have recently started a business, book yourself on a session and find out for yourself ... breakfast is good too!
Andy Sarson - APS Marketing Consulting Services
I'm a long-term member of a national networking group. I've now also joined BusComm and I'm finding it a breath of fresh air. A very welcoming and supportive atmosphere where the focus seems to be about helping each other instead of sell, sell, sell. BusComm meetings don't take themselves too seriously but are still professional and informative.
Paul Drake - WhiteStar
Business Community networking meetings are great fun - and good for business too! The members are all genuinely lovely people, the banter is enjoyable, and everyone is out to help each other. I really like the format of the meetings, and Paul is constantly working to provide ways for the network to benefit each other. It's great to be a part of it.
Tim Freed - Book That In
I have been a member of The Business Community for several years. I love Paul’s groups, they have the right balance of social and business focus as well as providing opportunities to develop your skills. In addition, they play a major role in revenue generation for my business and I will remain a member for many years to come!
Julie Futcher - The Sales Ace
