Better Business Issue #158

Highlights:

Is it time to get out of the house?

- There comes a time for every start-up when you need to start thinking about taking on an office. But why take on a long lease when a serviced office can meet all your needs, asks John Spencer.

Target the right customers

- It's not always easy to pinpoint the customers with the most potential. That's where a customer database comes in useful, says Marc Hornby.

Get your website noticed!

- It's all very well having a website - but how many visitors are you getting? If you want your site to be seen, you need to carry out some clever 'e-marketing', says Bruce Townsend.

Bunker shot is a winner for Darren

- Darren Fell knows a thing or two about business - he has just sold his latest venture for a cool $7.8m. Richard Reed finds out his secrets for success.

A record success for Concert Live

- An argument after a rock gig sparked a brilliant business idea for Adam Goodyer and James Perkins. Bonnie Yuill talks to them about Concert Live, now turning over more than £1m.

Recruit your own Apprentice!

- You don't have to be Sir Alan Sugar - anyone can take on an apprentice under the Government's new scheme and have their training subsidised, says Stephen Gardner of the Learning and Skills Council.

Blog your website onto the map

- Blogging can make a massive difference to the visibility of your website. Following last month's introduction to this key topic, Richie Jones looks at how to make blogging work for you.

Keeping staff on top of their game

- It's hard to find good staff, so it's vital you keep them motivated. One of the most effective ways of doing that is through a job appraisal - Ros Kindersley explains what is involved.

Dealing with disputes

- Dealing with staff isn't always easy. In out mini-series, Clive Van Der Velde looks at how to handle grievances.

Honesty is the best policy

- When you are trying to get through to a prospect, don't be tempted to employ devious techniques. Being honest and giving relevant information will get the best results, says Art Sobczak.