Many of us use the applications that can be downloaded onto an iphone, with new ones coming out on a daily basis. We were wondering which ones are the most useful to those who run their own small or medium sized business?
Martin Hood, our IFA, has suggested the following as his top three:
1. JotNot Scanner Pro – so that you can scan receipts, business cards or notes and save them as PDFs for emailing or storage for future reference.
2. Dropbox – which allows users to synchronise and share files across multiple computers and devices (this means he can access any documents saved to his desktop computer whilst out of the office)
3. HT recorder – transforms your phone into a Dictaphone, perfect for meetings, seminars and conferences for not only making notes but also converts everything into a file that can be emailed to colleagues.

If you’ve been watching the latest series of the BBC programme Dragon’s Den you will know how interesting the current batch of would-be entrepreneurs have been. Some have failed right at the beginning of their presentation whilst others have managed to find exactly the right hook in which to catch the attention of an interested investor. At the SMBA we’re watching it for a special reason – in the next few weeks we get to see someone we know!

Mike Hamilton, from Commando Joe’s Fun & Fitness, came to our group as a visitor last year when he first started his business. Many of the members were able to provide him with introductions to a number of organisations and companies which helped him achieve a phenomenal growth in the months ahead. He’s continued to achieve success and decided this year to do something that even the bravest ex-soldier would find scary – face the Dragons!

Our lips are sealed as to what happened on the programme…but it just goes to show that networking over breakfast isn’t the most frightening thing you can do for your business!

We came across this short clip recently. It’s a brilliant example of what happens when customers or clients don’t quite understand that your product or service – especially if you work within the creative field – has a different value to the cost you put on it. How many of your customers have tried to negotiate similar deals?

We’re always interested in taking our networking to new venues – this week we’re making the most of the summer sun with a barbeque evening for our members, together with visitors interested in joining the SMBA. If you would like to join us (Wednesday 14th July) then please give us a call and we’ll make sure there is a sausage with your name on!