As usual the romford group was buzzing with enthusiasm as only a group from Romford really could, the humour was typical Essex humour and the team yet again pulled of another superb meeting.

Our 4sighter giving his very first 4Networking presentation was Mark Ball from Holgate court Accountants and during his 15 minutes he took us back to basics talking about cashflow, where our money actually goes and things to consider when the financial year ends and how to plan for that inevitable bill by the tax man. Marks experience shone through and he answered some very tricky questions confidently and efficiently proving he knows his accounting inside and out as a good accountant should.

It constantly amazes me that at each and every 4networking meeting I go to I learn something new which can and does have a positive effect on my courier business.

If you would like to come along to our next business networking meeting in Romford please feel free to contact me directly on 07816 528421 or book in via the website here

rgds

Kev

Back to our last meeting we had Larry Weller from Alarmscom giving our 4sight, his company provides solutions for the deaf and hard of hearing in relation to fire alarms, he talked about the legislation and fire safety, a topic that any business operating from an office, warehouse or shop should certainly be thinking about as the fines for not complying with fire regs are high.

The southend team again delivered a timely and efficient meeting and supported by Affinity which provided our venue and the food, all in all it was another inspiring meeting full of energy and business was done.

Look out for our next meeting at southend and if you would like to come along all you need to do is book on here or call me on 07816 528421 if you would like to find out more.

rgds

Kev

 On Thursday evening I received a call from a potential new client having recently incorporated her business, and now ready to employ a work experience candidate it was time to establish her commercial insurance needs.

 Aware of her requirement for professional indemnity cover and having previously worked for a household name insurance underwriter she contacted them for advice.

 Once contacted they enthusiastically researched a local broker who could be referred, and so out of the blue we received a phone call.

 After digging a little deeper and having fully assessed her businesses operation, there were clearly additional requirements besides the professional indemnity cover such as Employers Liability, Public Liability and Products Liability which had been overlooked.

Whilst the quotations for cover are sourced, the client is now very happy with the advice received and thankful – which is the nicest part.  

So many times the service we provide is not a priority with clients, primarily due to the focus on a lower premium. However, you really should make every effort to provide the most accurate information on your company and advise of any changes in how you operate i.e. new Health & Safety policies or hazardous works etc.

Details of expansion or contraction in terms of staff, stock, premises and turnover will all factor in ensuring you receive the right cover; commercial insurance is a very bespoke business especially as and when your business changes so be sure to advise your broker. 

It is important for clients to realise insurance brokers actually work for you, we do provide so much value; and the better informed we are then the more appropriate your insurance cover and advice will be. Remember that it is always better to be marginally over insured than under insured.

 With a little integrity I must admit the referral would likely have been due to the insurance company making a recommendation from the ‘Find a BIBA Broker’ portal.

 BIBA the British Insurance Brokers’ Association carries the motto ‘The best insurance is a BIBA Broker’.

 In this instance our client believes so too!

 Either way, it was a gratefully received referral where we were glad to be of service. 

Paul

Mags Little

AloeBee

Business Owner

1 Year Trading

Business based in Wickford

mags@aloebee.co.uk

www.aloebee.co.uk

07768 767606 

In a previous life I was employed and as part of that job I undertook business networking, and actually coming into contact with lots of business owners I realised that I was more than capable of running my own business. However the only problem was that I didn’t know doing what, until I was shown the Forever Living Products Opportunity. 

With Forever I could see that I could have my own business but never be on my own, because of all the support that the Forever Business Model provides. I could also see that I could build a big income by helping other people, which is what I had been doing all my working life, and that by building a royalty income I could build a massive income which I could use as a pension in the future. 

Forever Living Products are the World’s largest grower of Aloe Vera and also the World’s largest Bee Keeper – hence the name AloeBee. I am based at home in Wickford in Essex however this does not mean I am limited to the local area and I have so far grown my business in Essex, London, and Hertfordshire, and am looking to grow an international business too. 

My business is all about helping people. Firstly helping people with our fantastic Aloe Vera and Beehive Products, which can help people be healthier, and help people suffering with all sorts of ailments and conditions, including Arthritis, IBS, Crohns, Colitis, Ezcema, Fatigue and many more. Secondly I help people build an income, whether it is £200, £500, £1,000 or £10,000 + a month. 

Basically my ideal customer would be someone who is interested in improving their health or someone looking for extra cash to help with the bills, or someone who wants to build an income and build their own business. Most people who start a business with Forever start on a part time basis, fitting it around existing commitments whether it is an existing job or family commitments. This business is totally flexible and can fit into the nooks and crannies of their lives. A full time income can be achieved on part time hours, with effort, energy and commitment. 

Business Networking forms a large part of my business activity and I am an active member of 4Networking, and being a Passport Member am a regular attendee at five 4N Meetings, and am Group Leader at 4N Basildon. 4Networking is proving successful, however it is so important to be friendly, engaging and I try hard to pass referrals to other 4N members as frequently as I can, and will go out of my way to follow up a referral for someone. 

I love having my own business, and I love doing what I do, however if I had my time again I would have pushed out of my comfort zone a lot sooner than I did. Personal development is key in this business and in order for my business to grow I needed to grow as a person too, and I do this now by reading all sorts of personal development books. 

‘You were born to be a winner, but to be a winner you must plan to win and prepare to win’ Zig Zigla

A young high earning city gent, let’s call him Steve, books a meeting with an Independent Financial Adviser. He had a 2 year old daughter, his priorities had changed and he felt that private education was the route to go for her future and wanted to start saving now.

“I’ve got a problem” said Steve “I want to save for my daughters future, but I’ve got an issue….I’ve no spare money at the end of the month”. “That’s fine” said the financial planner “We’ll take a look at your income and outgoings as part of the work we do and we can see where you spend your salary.”

Steve and his adviser got to the stage where they discussed his budget, completed a budget planner and it left both of them scratching their heads.

“Based on what you’ve told me” says the adviser “You should have £800 per month spare!!”

“Well, I haven’t” Steve replies “Where does that money go??”

“Ok” says the adviser, “Tell me about your typical weekday?”

“Ok” says Steve, feeling confused about why the adviser asked

“I jump on the tube to work, before work I pop into Starbucks and buy myself a coffee and a Sandwich for breakfast. I then go to work, but, I love Starbucks!! So I pop out at about 10:30 and buy myself a coffee and a snack…..”

The story continued and the adviser, and eventually Steve realised that he visited Starbucks 4 – 5 times a day. Then Steve with the help of the adviser calculated that he spends £320 per month in Starbucks!!

“I think we’re getting closer to finding out where your spare money goes” says the adviser

“Yep” says Steve feeling slightly ashamed about his caffine and snack habits “I’ve never looked at it this way before.”

“I understand” said the adviser “and it’s not unusual if you’ve never had the chance to budget plan before. Also, I’m not suggesting you stop visiting starbucks…but what this information allows us to do is to prioritise realistically.”

Then the meeting continued…….

Moral of the story:-

If you’ve never budget planned before, do so now!!  Any professional adviser will be prepared to do this as part of the financial planning process, but you can also do this yourself by downloading This Free Template from the office of fair trading.  Also, if you’re not sure where your money goes, dig deeper, think about what and how much you spend on a regular day.

Once you understand where your money gets spent, you have the power to change your spending habits (if you want to)…..and the budget planning exercise will be time well spent

Chris

A closer look at your marketing plan?

On my travels I’m often surprised by typical answers to a simple question.

Q. “Do you have a marketing plan?”
A. “Umm. Yeah, but, no, but …. Got one somewhere, haven’t seen it for a while. ”

Have you experienced this?

It seems all too common for folks in business to devote time to doing things spontaneously and on an ad hoc basis, as opposed to carrying out planned activities. Someone has a “plan” in their head that’s not been committed to paper. They want to make things happen, but are they making the right things happen at the right time and in the right place?

A lot of time and resources are being wasted doing the wrong things at the wrong time in the wrong place. And it’s so easy to put right. Talk to someone who can help. Why try to cure yourself when there’s a doctor at the end of the phone?

Do you have a marketing plan? Do your clients have a marketing plan? Want a template? I’ve got one. Want a full plan? I’ll do it for you.

Please, UK plc, make the most of your potential. A simple marketing plan will keep your business on the right track towards success.

Charlie

1. Name: Paul Weedon
2. Business: Financial Services – Business Protection Planning & Commercial Insurance
3. Position: Financial Planner
4. years experience / trading 2 years
5. Location Leigh on Sea
6. Website www.newleafadvicecentre.co.uk
7. Contact details Office: 01702 470054 and email paul.weedon@newleaffs.com

Interview.

In all honesty I started my business with the then intention of owning a local business, which was close to home due to having just become a father. The requirement was for a respectable business, and one that would also encompass a relationship with investments and the financial markets. With the majority of my career within Merchant Banking and Proprietary Trading a wealth of experience is available to draw upon and afford clients.

Having established contact with New Leaf a couple of years previously in relation to becoming a financial adviser, I had already done my research – and so the decision was made to embark upon both a new career path and business venture. At time of writing I recently qualified in May, with the Diploma for Financial Advisers (DipFA) – this is a Level 4 qualification compliant with the requirements of the Retail Distribution Review (RDR). The level 4 qualification itself is the new benchmark for all financial advisers, this in addition to having achieved both CeFA and CeMAP qualifications assures clients that any advice received is of a higher standard.

So with the qualifications now under my belt the immediate future plans are to continue building the business and client base whilst remaining operative under the New Leaf brand. Our offices are in Leigh on Sea, Essex, an ideal location due to proximity of Southend, Basildon, Chelmsford etc and have an excellent train service into Fenchurch Street.

Having just expanded our commercial insurance offering, with fantastic access to approximately 200 insurance underwriters the plan is to win clients over. We are strongly competitive in many areas of general insurance for clients, although were are particulary so for professional indemnity insurance and especially within the I.T. Sector

The provision of commercial insurance allows us to get to know our clients immediate needs, however we build from here to establish business protection for the Key Persons, Directors, Shareholders and Partners ensuring the business can operate with pre-determined funds should an individual suffer a critical illness, die or require long term rehabilition from a medical condition. The business is more robust and financially capable, alluding to better management processes and ultimately investor value.

With the new regulations appertaining to auto-enrolment, pensions advice will become a necessity for every employer. We already have provision of independent financial advice within New Leaf for our clients, and along with investments these are the planned areas of growth moving forward.

Within the Essex area and in align with promoting financial services I have been networking for just over a year, and experienced events hosted by many organisations. Being a proponent of 4Networking and a Group Leader in Southend I still believe you have to make every effort whilst networking, every meeting is a further link to your next client so be sure you promote yourself well – my best tip is to ensure you arrive in a positive mindset.

Oh the thought of doing it all again and differently…..!!!!! If you’re doing it right, you should already be doing it differently – although you have a chief aim your business plan has to change constantly adapting to clients, trends, needs, knowledge, IT, finances, obstacles, lead generation, regulations etc you name it. Staying ahead means being bold.

As Goethe put it – ‘…boldness has genius, power and magic in it’.

I love networking. For me, it’s about meeting new people, building relationships and eventually working together. One of my new favourites is 4networking where the meetings are relaxed enough to be fun, but structured enough to be productive.

4networking works slightly differently to other groups like BNI and BRX. Where the more formal groups only allow one member from each discipline, 4networking allows as many members from one discipline as possible.

Now, you may be saying, “What a nightmare, 4 financial advisers sitting in a room”, but for me, It has been an interesting experience, but perhaps not in the way you expect.

As you may know, a “Financial Adviser” or “Financial Planner” can come in many guises…you have fully independent whole of market financial advisers, multi tied or single tied financial advisers. You also have individuals who can only provide protection and mortgage advice compared with individuals who can provide advice across a range of different advice areas ( including retirement planning and investment planning needs ).

Let me make this clear, I’m immensely proud to be a fully independent, diploma qualified financial planner who can provide a wide range of advice in a number of areas. I also appreciate and understand that it takes all sorts, and there are individuals out there who are multi tied, protection only, or commission only.

However, what I’ve found is, and how do I put this politely, there is a degree of, erm, misrepresentation some individuals display when talking about their business.

I’ve heard advisers who are linked to a limited product range call themselves “Independent”, as well as protection only advisers call themselves “Financial Planners”. For me, as a little meerkat would say, “It’s simples”…be open, honest and transparent about how you work, and provide your clients with the full picture before you engage with them.

Now, whilst the behaviour of these individuals is no threat to my business ( I’m happy to continue to build long term sustainable relationships with clients who trust me ), it does mean that the clients of these “Advisers” are not provided with all the information they need to make an informed choice and are therefore may be put in a position where they understand that their adviser is independent, when in actual fact they recommend the same providers day in and day out.

In my opinion, this can only lead to greater distrust in a profession where there are a number of great independent financial planners who can genuinely help you manage your money more effectively. For me, that’s a huge shame!!

What do you think?

People: Keys to successs

In any business the people are important – however the success of a business is often due to one or two ‘Key People’. Regularly the importance of those key people is overlooked, especially when you are busy with the running of a business.
Typically you will have protected your business with commercial insurance, covering various liabilities, and damage to premises and stock. If you employ people you will have employers’ liability, protecting you against the costs of compensation from a claim.

But have you protected yourself from the impact of losing a key person within your business?

The key person may be you, whose vision created the business or perhaps the sales manager, whose contacts and relationships ensure targets and profitability are met. It could be the chief engineer or designer with the responsibility of new products.
Whoever the person is, their loss could have a devastating effect on your business. It is easy to believe the nastiest of life’s events happen to the ‘other’ people, but what would happen to your business if you or someone key to your business were to die prematurely or endure a critical illness? Perhaps go off long term medically sick?
You may lose confidence from lenders, suppliers, customers and employees; your loans may be called in and suppliers may demand payment up front whilst customers go to your competitor and staff leave – just think of the loss of intellectual property.
Key Person Protection makes dealing with these consequences easier, by implementing a business plan in preparation of the loss, critical illness and or long term sickness of the key person(s) and making the necessary finances available to move forward.
Moving forward could mean the potential settlement of company loans (including Directors loans), the appropriate resources made available for recruiting that right replacement; a cash injection in place of lost sales revenues; the finance available for planned company expansion, and even maintaining a key persons income whilst they are medically unable to return to work.

Are you risking everything?
Do you remember your ‘Key People’ or ‘Key Person’ now?

Paul

How many of these can you answer yes to?

1. I haven’t a clear marketing plan.
2. I don’t have any marketing skills.
3. I think marketing is complicated.
4. I don’t really know what works and what doesn’t work for me.
5. I find it difficult to explain why anybody should buy from me.
6. I’m unhappy with my brand.
7. I rely solely on a couple of methods to generate business.
8. My messages are mixed, without coherent themes.
9. I don’t keep concise records of my customers and prospects.
10. I don’t have time to think about how to develop my business.

None? Great.

Quite a few? All of them? Making mistakes is part of learning. Recognising your mistakes is the first step in curing them.

We’ve all been there, myself included.

The next step is to do something to rectify them. Turn these negatives into positives.

Turn the lemons into lemonade.

Charlie