Small Business Matters

Making the most of the Christmas holidays

'Tis the season to be jolly but if you run a small business, you might find the drop in trade and the disruption that occurs over Christmas a little unsettling. Many small business owners simply can't bear to turn off from their business completely for over a week.

However, the slowdown can provide a chance to recharge your batteries as well as assess some areas of your business that may have gone unnoticed recently. 

If you’re one of those business owners who can’t close the door on business altogether, here are a few ideas that will help you to make the most of the holiday whilst still getting some rest and relaxation.

Think the worst, and other ways to manage stress when you’re running a small business

There are many great things about running your own business. In theory, you get up when you choose, work when you like and do things your way without anyone telling you to get back to your desk. Add in the probability that you’re doing something that you’re passionate about and it’s easy to see why the self-employed life is so alluring.

However, there is a downside to going it alone – it can be pretty stressful sometimes. In fact, the stress and anxiety are often caused by the very things that make the life so appealing. A certain amount of stress running your own business is inevitable but there are steps you can take to keep it from becoming overwhelming.

1) What's the worst that could happen?

31 January tax return deadline: Don’t forget to register!

HMRC is reminding anyone sending their tax return online for the first time to get registered now, in good time before the 31 January filing deadline.

The 31 October deadline for paper tax returns has passed, so any outstanding 2010/11 Self Assessment returns must now be sent online.

What you need to do

If you’re completing a return online for the first time, you’ll first need to register for online filing at www.hmrc.gov.uk/online. You’ll immediately get a User ID, and an Activation Code will be posted to you. Once you’ve activated your account, you can complete your tax return online.

It’s important you register as early as possible, because it can take up to 10 days to receive your Activation Code. HMRC is therefore urging people to register in December, to avoid a last-minute rush in January.

Those who have filed online before should check that they still have their User ID and password – it can also take up to 10 days to get a replacement, so don’t leave it to the last minute if you need one.

Fines

HMRC is also reminding people not to file on paper, or you will receive a £100 penalty – even if you have no tax to pay or pay your tax on time (ouch!). Fines will also be levied for the late submission of your online tax return. This follows the introduction of a new penalty regime this year.

Don’t forget: Your online tax return and payment must reach HMRC by 31 January 2012.

[Image: Grant Cochrane]

Making the most of craft events

At this time of year many businesses selling handmade goods or gift-related items are busy attending sales events. Emma Maudsley, the creative mind and hands behind SockMonkeyEmporium, gives her advice on preparing for and making the most of such events.

One of the most exciting parts of being a crafter is being able to get out and about at craft fairs. These could be as simple as a school fete or as complex as a major event at a historic house or football stadium. You can find information about events in your area through various internet sites - stick it in Google and see what comes up.
 
There is normally a fee involved in taking part; make sure you know what is being provided for you - the table is usually provided but not all events include chairs, especially if you need more than one. If you need access to electricity you should certainly ask the event organisers if you can be placed in a suitable space.

Also, be sure that the fee involved is a figure you feel you can afford. I have been offered tables at events ranging in price from £10 to £100 and I price it by monkeys - £10 is one monkey. If I don't feel I would sell more than 10 monkeys at an event then I certainly wouldn't be paying a £100 fee.

Preparation is everything

Prior to the event make sure you are organised. If you have Facebook and Twitter tell people where you are going to be.

Top tech tactics for productivity

This post is written by Francesca Geens. Francesca runs Digital Dragonfly a technology consultancy that specialises in one-person businesses. Francesca is especially interested in productivity and the use of technology to improve people’s day-to-day business lives. 

Technology is supposed to make our lives easier but from experience with my clients I think most people will agree that it doesn’t always feel this way! So what are the three easy steps you can take to increase your productivity - or better put, your tech sanity?

Instead of the usual long list of favourite productivity apps, I thought I would add some best practice into the mix as I find that this can often make the biggest difference.

Five ways to get more traffic to your website

By Joe  Carstairs

Unfortunately, many people don't realise that their website is sitting in cyberspace completely unnoticed. Unless you direct traffic towards it, it simply won't be seen.Therefore, just as you'd invite people to your office for a demo, you need to be directing people to your website. 

It might seem intimidating but there are simple steps you can take to make it easier than you think. Here are five easy ways to get more traffic to your website.

Social media mistakes to avoid

Getting the hang of social media can be a daunting task and some small businesses avoid using it because they don't want to become the next notorious catastrophe.

The key to mastering social media is researching the different channels and planning how to best utilise them. However, this process can take time, so we've outlined a few of the most common mistakes to help you make sure you avoid them.

Not tailoring your content for specific media

The horror movies every small business should learn from this Halloween

Sit back, grab your popcorn and prepare to be terrified. These Halloween horrors will chill you to the bone. 

Infected! The Email From Hell

John Robinson was an ordinary guy, a regular Joe who ran his own business without a hitch. But then one night he was bitten by an invisible being from another dimension, and a deadly infection took over his brain. Every night he would wake up, stumble into the spare room and then type out another pointless marketing email to his customers. They would soon learn to hate subject lines like “This is the best deal of all time!!!” and “Save a million dollars :)!!!!!”, and unsubscribe from his mailing list. 

Soon he was broke, his company was in ruins and his wife had left him for a zombie called Stuart. He was… Infected.

The advantages of guest blogging

You might not be familiar with the term ‘guest blogging’ but it's really a simple concept that can help to promote your business. It means writing a blog post (normally only 500-1000 words) for an existing blog that is not owned by you.

Freelance writers usually charge for this content, whilst businesses provide it because of the branding and reputation benefits it brings. Here are some of the advantages guest blogging can have for your business.

Working from home with children around: Tips from a real business mum

As half-term swings around once again, many parents who work for themselves will be trying to keep their business going whilst also spending time with their little ones – indeed, many parents balance these demands all the time. Helen Keightley, a real business mum, gives her tips on how to work from home with children around.

Working from home is hard enough in itself but even more demanding as a self-employed mother of young twin boys!

I’m sure many of you reading this will empathise with me.  I am the owner of Bambino Beads Limited, designing and making children’s bespoke jewellery.  I am a new company so I am therefore trying to spend as much time as possible getting up and running.  Not only do I make all the products, I design and maintain my website, do all my own PR and advertising and try not to spend all day tweeting!

The pressures of working from home can be tremendously demanding with split loyalties between your home and your work.