http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/ Daily updates from the BT Blog en http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/BT-Business-Direct-Expo-coming-to-London-and-Manchester/ <P><A href="https://www.businessdirect.bt.com/formviewer.aspx?formid=expos2010" orgurl="https://www.businessdirect.bt.com/formviewer.aspx?formid=expos2010">BT Business Direct Expo 2010</A> takes place on Friday 12 March in London at Wembley Stadium, and Friday 19 March at Old Trafford. There are over 50 IT vendors exhibiting, including HP, Samsung, Microsoft, and Cisco so you can experience first hand all the latest cutting edge technologies from all areas of IT hardware, software and services. </P> <P>Attendees will be able to see and evaluate the latest computing, networking and infrastructure products and solutions first hand, whilst discussing potential fits with your business’ IT strategy directly with industry experts.</P> <P>The event includes a number of seminars throughout the day in which key note speakers from world-class manufacturers will share their product roadmaps and tackle some of the IT challenges facing today’s businesses head on. There’ll also be the chance to take part in product demonstrations and opportunities for professional networking – including meeting your BT Business Direct account manager face-to-face.</P> <P>Plus, there will be the chance to take a guided tour of the stadium and improve your skills with exclusive football lessons from high profile legends. To top off the day, have your photo taken with the original World Cup trophy, the Jules Rimet, at Wembley or the Premiership trophy at Old Trafford.</P> <P>Tickets are free, and available from the <A href="https://www.businessdirect.bt.com/formviewer.aspx?formid=expos2010" orgurl="https://www.businessdirect.bt.com/formviewer.aspx?formid=expos2010">BT Business Direct website</A>.</P> <P></P><p>Topics: <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Planning-your-business/>Planning your business</a>, <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Technology/>Technology</a></p><p><a href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/BT-Business-Direct-Expo-coming-to-London-and-Manchester/">Comments</a> (0)</p> BT Business Direct Expo coming to London and Manchester BT Editorial 2010-02-09 http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Calling-time-on-the-Time-to-Pay-scheme/ <P><A href="http://www.bytestart.co.uk/content/taxlegal/9_20/bpss-60000-businesses.shtml" orgurl="http://www.bytestart.co.uk/content/taxlegal/9_20/bpss-60000-businesses.shtml">The £4.8 billion scheme</A> has helped 160,000 businesses employing 1.2 million people throughout the recession. But with the predicted general election in May, many are worrying that the scheme will be axed forcing companies to repay money immediately. </P> <P>Currently the programme allows struggling businesses to delay their VAT, national insurance and other tax payments. Yet, is this initiative just prolonging the inevitable?&nbsp; </P> <P>Britain officially returned to economic growth in the final quarter of last year, and while the numbers of failing companies has levelled off, this latest news could see greater levels of financial distress in the second half of 2010. Malcolm Shierson, a partner at <A href="http://www.grant-thornton.co.uk/" orgurl="http://www.grant-thornton.co.uk/">Grant Thornton's recovery and reorganisation practice</A>, agrees. </P> <P>‘We expect the number of liquidations to shoot up even further when the future government stops extending the 'time to pay' tax scheme,’ he said. </P> <P>However, while scrapping the scheme seems likely, the Government has insisted that they will ensure as much flexibility as possible. </P> <P>A Treasury spokesman told <A href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/tidal-wave-of-business-failure-feared--as-tax-help-scheme-ends-1892249.html" orgurl="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/tidal-wave-of-business-failure-feared--as-tax-help-scheme-ends-1892249.html">the Independent</A>: ‘The 'time to pay' scheme has been hugely beneficial for businesses facing difficulties and will continue to run as long as necessary. Any suggestion that it will end suddenly and businesses forced to repay is incorrect and runs counter to what the scheme was set up to achieve.’</P><p>Topics: <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Dealing-with-finance/>Dealing with finance</a></p><p><a href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Calling-time-on-the-Time-to-Pay-scheme/">Comments</a> (0)</p> Calling time on the ‘Time to Pay’ scheme Hannah Gilchrist 2010-02-08 http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Business-travellers-want-high-speed-rail/ <P>According to a report the group issued this week, <A href="http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/business/article7009212.ece">70 per cent of business travellers believe high-speed rail should be a government priority</A> over airport expansion.</P> <P>I think that few people who have used high-speed rail services would disagree. When everything goes according to plan (and with new lines, it mostly does) the experience of turning up to a station ten minutes before your train leaves and being right in the centre of the city you need to get to quickly is much less stressful than its airport equivalent.</P> <P>Over the weekend, for example, I journeyed from London to Derby – a distance of 112 miles – in one hour and thirty minutes. This is less than the time that many people take to get into work, and that’s without the benefit of the kind of dedicated high-speed line that, for example, is now reducing Kentish commute times.</P> <P>Using rail travel also means that a larger proportion of your journey time is spent sat down, rather than checking in and out, collecting tickets and bags, and hanging around at terminals. This means you have more opportunity to do productive work on your journey.</P> <P>But if you’re going to do work, it’s important to ensure that you have the right tools for the job with you. Make sure you have <A href="http://business.bt.com/mobile/mobile-internet/">mobile internet</A>: although reception in rural areas isn’t going to be as good as in a city, you should still have a few windows of opportunity for sending and receiving email.</P> <P>A good <A href="http://www.businessdirect.bt.com/category/computers,laptops-and-pdas,laptops/11105">laptop</A> is, of course, an essential. But make sure you also have the ability to synchronise files with your office network, via services like <A href="http://www.dropbox.com">Dropbox</A> or <A href="http://www.sugarsync.com">Sugarsync</A>, so you can be sure you have the latest versions of documents your need. </P> <P>But the one essential that I would never travel without is my <A href="http://business.bt.com/mobile/mobile-email/">smartphone</A>. Even on a short journey where work isn’t a priority, it allows me to ensure that there’s no big backlog of email waiting for me when I go back into the office. That, alone, is a benefit to my peace of mind. <BR></P><p>Topics: <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Where-you-work/>Where you work</a>, <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Technology/>Technology</a></p><p><a href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Business-travellers-want-high-speed-rail/">Comments</a> (0)</p> Business travellers want high-speed rail Ian Betteridge 2010-02-08 http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Business-events-not-to-miss/ <P>The latest list of events from the <A href="http://www.iabuk.net/en/1/home.html?mobile=false" orgurl="http://www.iabuk.net/en/1/home.html?mobile=false">Internet Advertising Bureau</A> could help you discover the easiest way to pull your business into the new decade. </P> <P><A href="http://www.searchenginestrategies.com/london/?code=iabuk20&amp;utm_source=iabuk" orgurl="http://www.searchenginestrategies.com/london/?code=iabuk20&amp;utm_source=iabuk">Search Engine Strategies London Conference and Expo</A><BR>15 – 19 February: London</P> <P>The leading search marketing conference in Europe is even bigger and better this year. Learn how to optimise your web site for the most efficient crawling and indexing. Use keyword analysis to discover the top converting words and phrases for optimum conversion and quiz the experts on how to make your site better. </P> <P><A href="http://www.socialmedia-forum.com/" orgurl="http://www.socialmedia-forum.com/">Social Media World Forum</A><BR>15 – 16 March: London</P> <P>With over 300 speakers, free to attend workshops and exhibitions, what these experts don’t know about social media isn’t worth knowing. The future of social media isn’t just about Twitter and Facebook, learn how your business needs to engage with the future of social networking and the opportunities this can present. But don’t just take our word for it. </P> <P><A href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/changingmediasummit" orgurl="http://www.guardian.co.uk/changingmediasummit">Changing Media Summit 2010</A> <BR>18 March: London</P> <P>The Guardian brings you all things digital in this one-day fix for creative and commercial success in the digital age. Speakers include founder of Wikipedia, Jimmy Wales, director of BBC FutureMedia and Technology, Erik Huggers, and head of consumer marketing, Google EMEA, Obi Felten.</P><p>Topics: <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Sales-and-marketing/>Sales and marketing</a>, <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Planning-your-business/>Planning your business</a>, <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Technology/>Technology</a></p><p><a href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Business-events-not-to-miss/">Comments</a> (0)</p> Business events not to miss Hannah Gilchrist 2010-02-04 http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/More-financial-help-for-SMEs-thanks-to-the-EIB/ <P>In the <A href="http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/prebud_pbr08_index.htm" orgurl="http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/prebud_pbr08_index.htm">2008 Pre-Budget Report</A> the Government outlined £4 billion of EIB finance to be made available for small businesses between 2008 and 2011. So far nearly 3,000 small businesses have already secured <A href="http://www.britishchambers.org.uk/business-news/700m-lending-boost-for-small-firms.html" orgurl="http://www.britishchambers.org.uk/business-news/700m-lending-boost-for-small-firms.html">loans worth up to £700 million</A>, funds that are generally cheaper than other forms of credit.</P> <P>Economic secretary to the Treasury, Ian Pearson MP believes that businesses need to <A href="http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/press_10_10.htm" orgurl="http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/press_10_10.htm">be made aware of the types of funding on offer</A>. </P> <P>‘I want to encourage all businesses to get in touch with their local banks to find out if they can get access to this funding; it’s an easy process and certainly worth pursuing, he said. </P> <P>Banks that are involved in the scheme include Barclays, Close Brothers, HBOS, Lloyds TSB, NatWest, RBS, Santander and Ulster Bank.</P> <P>John Wright, national chairman of the <A href="http://www.fsb.org.uk/" orgurl="http://www.fsb.org.uk/">Federation of Small Businesses</A> agrees that more needs to be done to get this funding out to the small businesses that need it.&nbsp; </P> <P>‘We continue to urge non-participating banks to enter the scheme to make the loans available to more SME clients,’ he told <A href="http://www.realbusiness.co.uk/news/finance-and-banking/5756443/eib-opens-doors-to-cheaper-funding.thtml" orgurl="http://www.realbusiness.co.uk/news/finance-and-banking/5756443/eib-opens-doors-to-cheaper-funding.thtml">Real Business</A>. ‘Further promotion of EIB loans will continue to help the smallest companies through the recovery.’</P><p>Topics: <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Dealing-with-finance/>Dealing with finance</a>, <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Planning-your-business/>Planning your business</a></p><p><a href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/More-financial-help-for-SMEs-thanks-to-the-EIB/">Comments</a> (0)</p> More financial help for SMEs thanks to the EIB Hannah Gilchrist 2010-02-03 http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Sick-of-it-Why-today-will-be-a-quiet-day-in-the-office/ <P>In case you haven’t realised this already, today, 1 February is when statistics suggest employees are most likely to call in sick at <A href="http://www.hrmagazine.co.uk/news/rss/980832/Phoning-sick-replaced-explaining-absence-email-text-message/" orgurl="http://www.hrmagazine.co.uk/news/rss/980832/Phoning-sick-replaced-explaining-absence-email-text-message/">a cost of £30 billion to the UK economy.</A></P> <P>But judging by the <A href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8489763.stm" orgurl="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8489763.stm">likelihood that most of today’s illnesses will be faux</A> should employers be keeping checks on how workers report absent days? The actual notion of ‘phoning-in sick’ is becoming a thing of the past with many opting for texts or emails. </P> <P>Peter Mooney, head of consultancy at the <A href="http://www.employment-law.uk.com/" orgurl="http://www.employment-law.uk.com/">Employment Law Advisory Service</A> (ELAS), believes that many employees are using emails or texts to report illnesses and so requires more employer-employee trust. ‘The traditional phone call was always a way for bosses to decipher whether staff members were bluffing or genuinely ill,’ he said. </P> <P>When 350,000 people are predicted to call in sick today, and with statistics revealing that only 50 per cent of managers believe employees who complain when they are ill, it is clear that trusting your employees is becoming harder. </P><p>Topics: <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Employing-people/>Employing people</a></p><p><a href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Sick-of-it-Why-today-will-be-a-quiet-day-in-the-office/">Comments</a> (0)</p> Sick of it: Why today will be a quiet day in the office Hannah Gilchrist 2010-02-01 http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Is-the-iPad-good-for-business/ <P>Given the media-frenzy that surrounded it, you'll have done well if you avoided the fact that Apple has unveiled a new product. The <A href="http://www.apple.com/ipad" orgurl="http://www.apple.com/ipad">iPad</A>, as the machine is named, is a keyboardless "slate" computer, resembling a 10in iPhone, and running the same operating system. So is it something that could work for your business, or more of a consumer plaything?<BR goog_docs_charIndex="391"><BR goog_docs_charIndex="392">The first thing to note is that it doesn't run Mac OS X, and it's not a "keyboardless Mac laptop". That's disappointed some who wanted the power and capabilities of a portable computer in a slate format. But it makes sense: unlike the iPhone OS, OS X wasn't designed around a touch interface. And using Mac applications with a touchscreen can be a difficult experience, too.<BR goog_docs_charIndex="769"><BR goog_docs_charIndex="770">For business users, that might appear to make the iPad a poor option. But it's worth noting that the iPhone has started to accrue a strong library of business applications, all of which should run unaltered on the iPad. <A href="http://business.bt.com/broadband-and-internet/business-applications/salesforce-crm" orgurl="http://business.bt.com/broadband-and-internet/business-applications/salesforce-crm">Salesforce</A>, for example, has an iPhone application which lets you access all your <A href="http://business.bt.com/broadband-and-internet/business-applications" orgurl="http://business.bt.com/broadband-and-internet/business-applications">CRM</A> data from your phone. Using this on the bigger screen of an iPad would prove to be an excellent experience.<BR goog_docs_charIndex="1194"><BR goog_docs_charIndex="1195">And although Apple's prime focus is on the consumer market, it clearly believes that there is scope for the iPad to be used as a serious business tool. As part of the launch, it showed off versions of its excellent iWork suite of word processor, spreadsheet and presentation software that have been built from the ground up for the iPad. <BR goog_docs_charIndex="1540"><BR goog_docs_charIndex="1541">This means it will be easy to take office documents with you anywhere, and work on them on the iPad. Certainly, reading and editing a word processing document on the 9.7in screen of the iPad will be more pleasant than doing the same thing on a phone. <BR goog_docs_charIndex="1797"><BR goog_docs_charIndex="1798">The iPad isn't a machine to replace your laptop. However, for business users who want something that allows them to travel a little lighter and yet have more document-editing capabilities than a <A href="http://business.bt.com/mobile/mobile-email" orgurl="http://business.bt.com/mobile/mobile-email">smartphone</A>, it might prove to be a good option.</P><p>Topics: <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Technology/>Technology</a></p><p><a href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Is-the-iPad-good-for-business/">Comments</a> (0)</p> Is the iPad good for business? Ian Betteridge 2010-01-29 http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Apprenticeship-Week-2010-/ <P><A href="http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/Awards/Apprenticeship-Week-2010.aspx" orgurl="http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/Awards/Apprenticeship-Week-2010.aspx">The week</A> celebrates the talents and skills of apprentices and how they are playing a key role in today’s business world, despite difficult economic circumstances. The skills provided by apprentices are crucial in helping UK businesses, no matter what their size, to remain competitive. </P> <P>Next week, every day will have a <A href="http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/Awards/Apprenticeship-Week-2010/Daily-Themes.aspx" orgurl="http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/Awards/Apprenticeship-Week-2010/Daily-Themes.aspx">themed focus</A>, starting on Monday with competitive advantage. This will focus on the benefits that businesses receive by investing in skills during the recession. The rest of the week will look at how businesses and apprentices are benefiting directly, the power of ambition, apprenticeships driving business, and the community benefits of employing apprentices. </P> <P>Throughout the week there will also be a <A href="http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/Awards/Apprenticeship-Week-2010/Events-search-map.aspx" orgurl="http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/Awards/Apprenticeship-Week-2010/Events-search-map.aspx">range of events nationwide</A> to help businesses discover the talents and value of apprentices, from expert talks to career days.</P> <P>The National Apprenticeships Service has developed a <A href="http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/Awards/Apprenticeship-Week-2010/The-Hub.aspx" orgurl="http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/Awards/Apprenticeship-Week-2010/The-Hub.aspx">hub of tools and practical support</A> to help your business think differently about the potential of apprentices. Download the Toolkit for free at <A href="http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/Awards/Apprenticeship-Week-2010/~/media/Documents/ApprenticeshipWeek2010Toolkit.ashx" orgurl="http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/Awards/Apprenticeship-Week-2010/~/media/Documents/ApprenticeshipWeek2010Toolkit.ashx">Apprenticeships.org.uk</A></P> <P>And, if your business is already in-tune with the benefits of apprenticeships then why not enter the <A href="http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/Awards/Awards-2010.aspx" orgurl="http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/Awards/Awards-2010.aspx">2010 Apprenticeship Awards</A>. The closing date for entries is Friday 26 February 2010. </P> <P>Apprenticeship Week will take place from Monday 1 February to Friday 5 February 2010.</P><p>Topics: <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Employing-people/>Employing people</a></p><p><a href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Apprenticeship-Week-2010-/">Comments</a> (0)</p> Apprenticeship Week 2010 Hannah Gilchrist 2010-01-28 http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/How-to-target-your-PR-effectively/ <P>You probably know who they are already. The people in your industry who are constantly in the newspapers, always mentioned in blog posts, and even end up on TV or radio. They are the PR magnets - capable of attracting attention at the drop of a Twitter.<BR><BR>How do they do it? And, more importantly, how do they avoid the kind of PR mishaps that everyone else seems to wander into occasionally?<BR><BR>Mickie Kennedy, founder of <A id=ojm7 title=eReleases href="http://www.ereleases.com/" orgurl="http://www.ereleases.com/">eReleases</A>, has written an excellent post which gives his <A id=cbtc title="seven secrets of highly effective PR magnets" href="http://www.ereleases.com/prfuel/highly-effective-pr-magnets/" orgurl="http://www.ereleases.com/prfuel/highly-effective-pr-magnets/">seven secrets of highly effective PR magnets</A>, which is well worth reading if you want to do better PR for your company. One of his suggestions is to ensure that you "know the media" - "understand who the major media players are, what type of stories their target audience likes, and where the conversations are happening."<BR><BR>However, it can be hard to work out exactly what media you should be talking to, especially online. So how can you find the most popular sites which address your market?<BR><BR>Google's advertising search tools can be a very good first place to start. Build a list of the kinds of keywords that your existing or potential customers are likely to be searching for. You might be able to get a head start on this by looking at the keywords which people are already finding your site on, with a site analytics tools like Google Analytics.<BR><BR>Next, go to the <A id=t19h title="Google Adwords Keyword Tool" href="https://adwords.google.co.uk/select/KeywordToolExternal" orgurl="https://adwords.google.co.uk/select/KeywordToolExternal">Google Adwords Keyword Tool</A> and enter some of your list. Find the most popular associated keywords, until you have a list of around ten highly popular searches related to your business. <BR><BR>Now, on Google's main search page, start doing searches based on your list of keywords. Look at the sites which come on the first couple of pages, and if there are any media sites on there, write them down. These are popular, highly-ranked content sites related to your business - and they should be top of your list of targets for PR. </P><p>Topics: <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Sales-and-marketing/>Sales and marketing</a></p><p><a href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/How-to-target-your-PR-effectively/">Comments</a> (0)</p> How to target your PR effectively Ian Betteridge 2010-01-27 http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/What-will-fibre-do-for-you/ <P>Broadband is the lifeblood of many small businesses. It's their connection to suppliers, customers, and the rest of the world. For some it's a sales channel, for others a way of reaching out to the widest-possible potential market.</P> <P>That's why the <A href="http://www.btplc.com/News/Articles/Showarticle.cfm?ArticleID=402E2736-94FF-44DE-9233-EAC32D8EF01B" orgurl="http://www.btplc.com/News/Articles/Showarticle.cfm?ArticleID=402E2736-94FF-44DE-9233-EAC32D8EF01B">announcement</A> of <A href="http://business.bt.com/broadband-and-internet/internet-access/fibre-broadband" orgurl="http://business.bt.com/broadband-and-internet/internet-access/fibre-broadband">BT Business Total Broadband Fibre</A> could make a big difference to small businesses across the country. It's not just about being able to download at speeds of up to 40Mbits/sec, although of course that's more than welcome. The upstream speeds of up to 10Mbits/sec will allow you to get your message out faster than before.</P> <P>And the fact that it uses a dedicated broadband "fast lane" which puts business user traffic first at times of contention will help firms continue to work faster, do more, reduce operational costs and boost productivity.</P> <P>As fibre is rolled out around the country and more and more businesses make the move, we hope to meet up with a few of them and tell their stories, showing how it's made a real difference to their business. So stay tuned, and find out more about what fibre could be doing for you.</P><p>Topics: <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Technology/>Technology</a></p><p><a href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/What-will-fibre-do-for-you/">Comments</a> (0)</p> What will fibre do for you? BT Editorial 2010-01-26 http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Jelly/ <P>Is working from your home office giving you cabin fever? Fear not, the latest addition to the freelancing and working-from-home network looks set to revolutionise the way we work in the new decade.</P> <P>First dreamt-up four years ago by two IT freelancers from New York who were missing workplace interaction, <A href="http://workatjelly.com/">the Jelly event</A> is perfect for those who find a hired office space a financial commitment too far. </P> <P>With events cropping up every month in UK cities, the casual working day is big news for those who have come to the realisation that life within your own four walls can be lonely. </P> <P>Designed for freelancers, home workers and people running small businesses, each event is a place where workers can bounce ideas, spark conversation, seek help, or even discover a new business idea, all while getting on with their work. </P> <P><A href="http://www.wired.com/techbiz/people/news/2007/07/coworking">But do you actually get any work done?</A> As it exists for only one day every other week or month, the day shouldn’t be seen as the answer to your productivity prayers. More likely to give you inspiration, the beauty of each event is that it’s not necessarily the same members every time. One week you may be talking to a web designer, the next a writer or photographer. </P> <P>So take your laptop, a pile of work, a to-do list and an open mind and see where it gets you. As they say, sometimes a change is as good as a rest.</P> <P>For more information and to find your nearest Jelly event visit: <A href="http://wiki.workatjelly.com">wiki.workatjelly.com</A></P><p>Topics: <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Where-you-work/>Where you work</a></p><p><a href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Jelly/">Comments</a> (0)</p> Should you Jelly-fy your business? Hannah Gilchrist 2010-01-25 http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Are-you-ready-for-new-discrimination-laws/ <P>For small businesses the Equality Bill is potentially ‘<A href="http://www.bytestart.co.uk/content/legal/35_1/equality-bill-2010.shtml" orgurl="http://www.bytestart.co.uk/content/legal/35_1/equality-bill-2010.shtml">the biggest change in discrimination law in a generation’</A>. The new law will cover every area of discrimination to include race, gender, religion and belief, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, age and disability. </P> <P><A href="http://www.stammeringlaw.org.uk/changes/sea.htm" orgurl="http://www.stammeringlaw.org.uk/changes/sea.htm">The Bill</A> would replace more than nine existing laws with more than 100 new measures, so businesses will need to do their research to avoid discrimination in the workplace. Experts are urging businesses to seek expert legal advice to ensure they are fully prepared for the changes when they come into force, this should include an <A href="http://www.samtosha.co.uk/diversity_audit.htm" orgurl="http://www.samtosha.co.uk/diversity_audit.htm">equality audit.</A> </P> <P>Phil Allen, employment law adviser from law firm <A href="http://www.bytestart.co.uk/content/legal/35_1/equality-bill-2010.shtml" orgurl="http://www.bytestart.co.uk/content/legal/35_1/equality-bill-2010.shtml">Mace and Jones</A> said: ‘Employers must not underestimate the depth and scope of this new legislation, which makes several fundamental changes to the law. </P> <P>‘Businesses and organisations can then put the necessary procedures in place so they are seen as good employers and supportive of equality and opportunity for all,’ he added. ‘Moreover, being fully prepared helps prevent employers tripping up on the legal changes which could result in costly, time consuming and disruptive disputes with employees.’</P> <P>Businesses should be prepared for the changes to become law before the predicted <A href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/election-2010/" orgurl="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/election-2010/">May general election</A>.&nbsp; </P><p>Topics: <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Employing-people/>Employing people</a>, <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Business-law/>Business law</a></p><p><a href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Are-you-ready-for-new-discrimination-laws/">Comments</a> (0)</p> Are you ready for new discrimination laws? Hannah Gilchrist 2010-01-22 http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/2009-ends-on-record-high-for-online-retail/ <P>While most of the business world was sitting around bemoaning a bad year and looking forward to 2010, online retailers were celebrating one of their best years yet.</P> <P>Figures from the annual <A href="http://www.imrg.org/8025741F0065E9B8/%28httpNews%29/3A610E865F0C66F7802576B3004EA5F7?OpenDocument">IMRG (Interactive Media In Retail Group) Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index</A>, show that UK shoppers spent £5.46 billion online in December – an equivalent of £88.93 for every man, woman and child in the UK - with figures for December 2009 up 17 per cent up on December 2008. </P> <P>Year-on-year growth for 2009 was an average of 14 per cent with some retailers, like John Lewis, comfortably exceeding the average with 20 per cent growth and WaitroseDirect hitting 95 per cent growth.</P> <P>Jon Parry, Principal Retail Consultant at Capgemini, said: ‘Once again, consumers have <A href="http://www.insight.bt.com/news/Bumper-Christmas-for-e-tailers/">turned to the internet to do their Christmas shopping</A>, with 17 per cent growth year on year this December. </P> <P>An interesting shift <A href="http://www.insight.bt.com/news/Online-businesses-get-ready-for-Cyber-Monday/">during this festive period</A> is the strength of the month-on-month performance for multi-channel retailers (up 13 per cent) versus their pure-play competitors (down 8 per cent). This shows both the high value consumers place on a multi channel proposition, particularly when it comes to gift returns, and the trust advantage our high street brands have if they can get their online proposition right.’</P> <P>While the now “traditional” peak times, around the first week of December with <A href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Cyber-Monday--Failed-delivery-Wednesday/">Cyber Monday</A> were successful, the period between Christmas and New Year is starting to be just as profitable. Jonathon Brown, head of online selling, John Lewis Direct said: ‘It is worth noting that the launch of Clearance online (from Christmas Eve) saw <A href="http://www.JohnLewis.com">JohnLewis.com</A> take over one order a minute in the first hour and continued to see strong sales throughout the festive period – we recorded our highest ever traffic day on the Boxing Day.’</P> <P>One other change this year is the last posting date - where traffic drops off significantly just before Christmas Day - seems to be less of a worry, and online shoppers are buying almost right until the last moments. </P> <P>Christian Robinson, managing director of <A href="http://www.firebox.com/">Firebox</A>, said: ‘December was a record-breaking month at Firebox.com with sales up 31 per cent on 2008. We saw our most profitable Christmas in Firebox's 11-year history and order volumes were sustained from our peak on December 7th (when we made a record-breaking number of orders in one day) right up until December 23rd, which is unprecedented.’</P> <P>The main growth area for the index was in the clothing sector (up 18 per cent year on year) with accessories growing by 101 per cent and footwear hitting 37 per cent growth. </P> <P>James Roper, Chief Executive of IMRG comments: ‘The latest Index figures prove yet again that online shopping thrives on adversity. The sector managed to deliver strong double-digit growth in 2009 despite the economy being in recession, aggressive high street competition, extreme weather and even postal strikes in the run-up to Christmas.’&nbsp;&nbsp; </P> <P>It seems like we’ve all stopped spending on high-ticket flat-screen TVs to help us get over the recession with a cheap night in, and are now going out in our new clothes to celebrate the end of the recession. Here’s to a successful 2010.</P><p>Topics: <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Sales-and-marketing/>Sales and marketing</a>, <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Technology/>Technology</a></p><p><a href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/2009-ends-on-record-high-for-online-retail/">Comments</a> (0)</p> 2009 ends on record high for online retail Marcus Austin 2010-01-22 http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Better-on-the-web-in-Feb/ <P><A href="http://www.bl.uk/bipc/index.html" orgurl="http://www.bl.uk/bipc/index.html">The British Library Business and IP centre</A> in London is offering a host of courses in February designed to help you make your business better online.&nbsp; </P> <P>From the basics of <A href="http://www.bl.uk/bipc/workevents/onlinebranding.html" orgurl="http://www.bl.uk/bipc/workevents/onlinebranding.html">building an online brand</A>; to <A href="http://www.bl.uk/bipc/workevents/buildblog.html" orgurl="http://www.bl.uk/bipc/workevents/buildblog.html">starting a blog</A> with advice from <A href="http://www.women-unlimited.co.uk/" orgurl="http://www.women-unlimited.co.uk/">Women Unlimited</A> and Springmedia; to understanding your rights on <A href="http://www.bl.uk/bipc/workevents/understanding.html" orgurl="http://www.bl.uk/bipc/workevents/understanding.html">copyright and trademarks</A> thanks to law firm <A href="http://www.halebury.com/" orgurl="http://www.halebury.com/">Halebury</A>, the future of your online business has never looked so exciting. </P> <P>Find out how you can sign up for these and a whole host of other business courses&nbsp;visit the <A href="https://www.bl.uk/bipcreg/2.2/?app_cd=BIPCREG2&amp;page_cd=_HOME" orgurl="https://www.bl.uk/bipcreg/2.2/?app_cd=BIPCREG2&amp;page_cd=_HOME">British Library</A>. </P><p>Topics: <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Sales-and-marketing/>Sales and marketing</a>, <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Technology/>Technology</a></p><p><a href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Better-on-the-web-in-Feb/">Comments</a> (0)</p> Better on the web in Feb Hannah Gilchrist 2010-01-21 http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/I-want-out-Five-reasons-not-to-leave-the-country-if-youre-a-SME-/ <P><STRONG>1. Building a business</STRONG></P> <P>True, on first look, the UK regulatory and tax environment makes the UK seem an <A href="http://www.britishchambers.org.uk/business-news/one-in-10-entrepreneurs-thinking-of-quitting-uk.html" orgurl="http://www.britishchambers.org.uk/business-news/one-in-10-entrepreneurs-thinking-of-quitting-uk.html">unattractive arena to launch a new business</A>, but research shows it’s the easiest place to set up and run a business in Europe. </P> <P>According to <A href="http://www.doingbusiness.org/features/Highlights2010.aspx" orgurl="http://www.doingbusiness.org/features/Highlights2010.aspx">the World Bank</A>, it takes 13 days to set up a business in UK, compared to a European average of 15 days. It also ranks the UK first in Europe to operate a business. </P> <P><STRONG>2. Entrepreneurialism&nbsp; </STRONG></P> <P>With programmes such as Dragon’s Den and The Apprentice, it would appear that we’re crying out for more entrepreneurs. Not so. </P> <P>The UK has the least number of barriers to entrepreneurship in the world. The <A href="http://www.oecd.org/home/0,3305,en_2649_201185_1_1_1_1_1,00.html" orgurl="http://www.oecd.org/home/0,3305,en_2649_201185_1_1_1_1_1,00.html">Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development</A> (OECD) found that the UK is fifth in the world for Product Market Regulation, and has the fewest hurdles to entrepreneurship in the world. </P> <P><STRONG>3. Communication</STRONG></P> <P>It’s good to talk, and don’t we know it. Not only are we obsessed with talking and texting but our internet access allows the UK to be at the forefront of the technology world too. </P> <P>Thanks to our progressive communications network, the UK has <A href="http://www.oecd.org/document/54/0,3343,en_2649_34225_38690102_1_1_1_1,00.html" orgurl="http://www.oecd.org/document/54/0,3343,en_2649_34225_38690102_1_1_1_1,00.html">one of the strongest ICT infrastructures in the world</A>.</P> <P><STRONG>4. Finance</STRONG></P> <P>OK, so now is not&nbsp;the best&nbsp;time to talk about financial affairs, but when you’re a small business the UK is one of the best places to be right now. </P> <P>Our well-established financial systems enable businesses of all sizes to raise equity finance easily. Plus, with resources from the likes of <A href="http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/layer?r.s=tl&amp;r.lc=en&amp;topicId=1073858790" orgurl="http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/layer?r.s=tl&amp;r.lc=en&amp;topicId=1073858790">Business Link</A> and <A href="http://www.bbaa.org.uk/" orgurl="http://www.bbaa.org.uk/">Business Angels</A>, access to knowledge about financial support couldn’t be more readily available. </P> <P><STRONG>5. Transportation</STRONG></P> <P>As if it wasn’t good enough that our lines of communication are always open the world over, if you need to make that important meeting in Brussels, New York or even just at the other end of the country, <A href="http://www.ukinvest.gov.uk/Information-sheets/4016069/en-GB.html" orgurl="http://www.ukinvest.gov.uk/Information-sheets/4016069/en-GB.html">the UK’s transport links are world-class</A>. </P> <P>From Heathrow's new Terminal 5 to the additional expansion planned for international airports at Stansted and London City; to the ports at London Gateway and Felixstowe; and for the rail network, with investment in London Cross Rail and rail freight infrastructure. Mobility is on the agenda for the future of UK business. </P><p>Topics: <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Where-you-work/>Where you work</a></p><p><a href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/I-want-out-Five-reasons-not-to-leave-the-country-if-youre-a-SME-/">Comments</a> (2)</p> I want out! Five reasons not to leave the country if you’re a SME Hannah Gilchrist 2010-01-20 http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Why-2010-will-be-the-of-mobile-marketing/ <P><A href="http://www.internetretailing.net/2010/01/more-than-half-of-shoppers-used-their-mobile-in-store-this-christmas/" orgurl="http://www.internetretailing.net/2010/01/more-than-half-of-shoppers-used-their-mobile-in-store-this-christmas/">Research from Motorola</A> has revealed that in a broad selection of consumers across 11 countries, 51% of those surveyed had used their mobile phone in-store for comparison shopping, finding out product information, peer-reviews, and getting coupons. Amongst the young, this is even more obvious a trend: 64% of those between the ages of 18 and 34 had used their mobiles in-store. </P> <P>One of the best-selling applications for the iPhone recently was a product called RedLaser. This clever little applications used the phone’s camera to scan product bar codes, and then checked the Internet to find the cheapest online prices for the same product. </P> <P>The natural reaction of some retailers would be annoyance at this. One way to look at it is that it allows customers to use your shop as a showroom for goods, while checking out exactly what the likes of Amazon are charging – and buying directly from them without even leaving your store.</P> <P>But short of banning mobiles from being used in-store (something that’s not going to endear you to customers) there’s nothing you can do about it. The best option, in fact, is to try and take advantage of mobile use by people both outside and inside. Can you make it easy for them to find offer vouchers on their mobiles, for example? Or could you use location-aware advertising to draw people into your shop in the first place with a time-limited, one-off voucher when they’re nearby?</P> <P>One thing’s for certain: with over half of customers already using mobiles in stores, you need to ensure that you have a plan in place to take advantage of this in 2010.</P> <P></P><p>Topics: <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Sales-and-marketing/>Sales and marketing</a>, <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Technology/>Technology</a></p><p><a href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Why-2010-will-be-the-of-mobile-marketing/">Comments</a> (0)</p> Why 2010 will be the year of mobile marketing Ian Betteridge 2010-01-19 http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Email-me-an-offer-NOW-/ <P>The pile of junk mail that greets me every morning doesn’t seem to be diminishing - despite the downturn. However that’s more than can be said for the numbers of emails I get, and according to a survey by Marketing-GAP that’s very wrong.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </P> <P>For the last five years, the Marketing-GAP study has been tracking consumer attitudes towards direct marketing and the assumptions marketers make about consumer beliefs and behaviour. And this year’s results make very interesting reading, especially when you look at how optimistic consumers are, compared to how dour and pessimistic marketers are.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </P> <P>When the 1,367 consumers were asked if they would like to receive emails from a brand you know, 51 per cent said yes, compared to just 38 per cent who were happy to get direct mail shots. However, the panel of 300 marketers predicted that just 28 per cent would be happy to receive emails, and I thought marketers were supposed to be optimistic souls.</P> <P>However while I am surprised at the miserable marketers I’m not at all surprised that 51 per cent of consumers were happy to get information from brands they like. If you have a relationship with a business, and you like their products then, what can be so wrong with getting an email from them?</P> <P>I get tens of emails a week from brands I like, and although I don’t open all of them, the brand gets its name in my email inbox, and my brain carefully moves that brand a few places higher in my memories virtual list of online web sites. <BR>And just because I don’t open the email doesn’t mean I dislike the brand, it’s just that more often than not I’m not ready to buy from them at that moment, in fact I very rarely unsubscribe from an email. The upshot of this email phobia is that brands like Marks and Spencer, Maplin, HMV, and Amazon who are all completely unafraid of carrying on the customer-brand relationship via email get the majority of my online spend. </P> <P>What is noticeable from my inbox is the number of brands who just don’t care. These are the brands that have my email, either from past purchases, or from me filling in my details in store or online, but who just don’t go that final mile. I would shop with them more, and I would use them more if only they reminded me that they existed. I’ve lost count of the amount of times I’ve written down my email address on cards on the counter of shops, or on mail shots, from major high street brands. They always without fail promise that they’ll add me to their mailing list, and will email me with special offers, and discounts and then I just get nothing. </P> <P>Why do I get nothing from these companies? Was my writing really that bad? If it was, then there are ways around it. A US takeaway pizza company, Papa John’s has a successful scheme to encourage their shop staff to get valid email addresses from customers. While the customer waits for their pizza to be cooked, the staff offer them a discount on their next purchase if the user parts with their email details. And to make sure that everyone wins, the staff get a cash incentive for every valid email address collected, and the customer gets a discount on their next purchase (sent via email to verify the address).&nbsp; </P> <P>I know this is madness but my new years resolution for business is to get more emails. The survey proves that your users are happy to receive emails, all that needs to be done, is for you to collect the email addresses and then to use them. Remember discounts are always gratefully received, so get writing now!</P> <P>There is one caveat to this propensity to receive more email, while the survey found that over 73 per cent of consumers were happy to receive emails from businesses like supermarkets, high-street stores and restaurants, only 27 per cent were happy to hear from the financial services industry. So if you’re a high-street bank don’t bother.<BR></P><p>Topics: <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Sales-and-marketing/>Sales and marketing</a>, <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Technology/>Technology</a></p><p><a href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Email-me-an-offer-NOW-/">Comments</a> (0)</p> Email me an offer, NOW! Marcus Austin 2010-01-19 http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Why-now-could-be-the-best-time-to-pick-up-new-business/ <P>Although there are <A href="http://www.insight.bt.com/news/December-sales-stronger-than-expected/" orgurl="http://www.insight.bt.com/news/December-sales-stronger-than-expected/">signs that the UK economy is coming out of recession</A>, most businesses expect times to be tough in 2010. However, tough times can also be when new opportunities arise, something that’s backed up by <A href="http://www.marketingweek.co.uk/think-small-for-the-potential-of-big-rewards/3003580.article" orgurl="http://www.marketingweek.co.uk/think-small-for-the-potential-of-big-rewards/3003580.article">a new survey</A>.</P> <P>According to the British Culture Index research, conducted by CultureMap in collaboration with TGI, now could be a time of growth for companies which work in the business-to-business market. In particular, the recession means that many small companies are looking to switch suppliers, which opens up opportunities for other businesses.</P> <P>However, one interesting point is that price isn’t the only factor: 73% of respondents cited quality as an important factor when deciding to change from an incumbent supplier. Value for money and price come in at 58% and 57% respectively.</P> <P>Of course, you would expect that companies would cite quality as the most important factor. No one likes to admit that they only care about cost and will always go for the cheapest option. But the fact that quality of service outweighs price so heavily leads me to believe that it’s a more important part of the decision than you might expect.</P> <P>There are two lessons here. The first is that now is a good time to pick up business if you’re in the business-to-business market – and if you aren’t now might be a good time to diversify and seize the opportunity.</P> <P>The second lesson is that if you are already an incumbent supplier to other businesses, cutting the quality of your work in order to cut back the price might not be a viable long-term strategy. </P> <P>Of course, any supplier should always look to be as efficient as possible. But being completely straight with your customers if you believe this could affect the quality of your services is a wise move. Cutting your price while promising to retain the same level of quality when it just isn’t possible will put you on shaky ground if and when your customer is renewing your contract. <BR></P><p>Topics: <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Suppliers-and-partners/>Suppliers and partners</a>, <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Sales-and-marketing/>Sales and marketing</a>, <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Planning-your-business/>Planning your business</a></p><p><a href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Why-now-could-be-the-best-time-to-pick-up-new-business/">Comments</a> (0)</p> Why now could be the best time to pick up new business Ian Betteridge 2010-01-18 http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/January-Business-Events/ <P>From 19 – 20 January the <A href="http://www.hrevent.com/" orgurl="http://www.hrevent.com/">European HR Director’s Business Summit</A> at the ICC in Birmingham will inspire you to rethink the HR function within your business. </P> <P>Expert speakers, presentations, case studies, seminars, workshops and interactive discussions cover the entire human resource spectrum. </P> <P>Find out how you can get involved and book your place&nbsp;at <A href="http://www.hrevent.com/bookings.asp" orgurl="http://www.hrevent.com/bookings.asp"><A href="http://www.hrevent.com/bookings.asp" orgurl="http://www.hrevent.com/bookings.asp">HR Directors Business Summit 2010</A></P> <P>Or, if you need something to give your team a 2010 boost, why not visit the <A href="http://www.cipd.co.uk/cande/employee-engagement" orgurl="http://www.cipd.co.uk/cande/employee-engagement">CIPD Employee Engagement Conference</A> on 26 January.</P> <P>Hear how Standard Chartered Bank, Gala Coral and the Ministry of Defence have actively engaged their employees to drive business performance and how you too can engage and inspire your workforce. </P> <P>For more information and to book your place visit: <A href="http://www.cipd.co.uk/cande/employee-engagement/book-your-place.htm" orgurl="http://www.cipd.co.uk/cande/employee-engagement/book-your-place.htm">CIPD.co.uk</A></P><p>Topics: <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Suppliers-and-partners/>Suppliers and partners</a>, <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Employing-people/>Employing people</a></p><p><a href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/January-Business-Events/">Comments</a> (0)</p> January Business Events Hannah Gilchrist 2010-01-14 http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Tax-return-deadline-looms-/ <P>In case you’ve missed the TV, radio and billboard adverts, online tax returns must be filed by <A href="http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/sa/deadline-news.htm" orgurl="http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/sa/deadline-news.htm">midnight on Sunday 31 January 2010</A> or face a late&nbsp;fee of £100 – not a great start to the new decade. </P> <P>If you’re new to filing online ensure that you <A href="https://online.hmrc.gov.uk/login?GAREASONCODE=-1&amp;GARESOURCEID=SaAAll&amp;GAURI=https://online.hmrc.gov.uk/self-assessment/&amp;Reason=-1&amp;APPID=SaAAll&amp;URI=https://online.hmrc.gov.uk/self-assessment/" orgurl="https://online.hmrc.gov.uk/login?GAREASONCODE=-1&amp;GARESOURCEID=SaAAll&amp;GAURI=https://online.hmrc.gov.uk/self-assessment/&amp;Reason=-1&amp;APPID=SaAAll&amp;URI=https://online.hmrc.gov.uk/self-assessment/">register to use HMRC online services</A> by 21 January 2010, and await your activation code through the post - this can take around a week to arrive. </P> <P>If you’ve done it before, congratulations, but you might want to keep note of these handy tips:</P> <P>- Use the service during its quietest times. While the services are available 24 hours a day 365 days a year, considering logging on between 5.00 pm and 8.00 am Monday to Friday.</P> <P>- Check for service issues. Site maintenance is usually scheduled but don’t get caught out. Use <A href="http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.portal?_nfpb=true&amp;_pageLabel=pageOnlineServices_ShowContent&amp;propertyType=document&amp;id=HMCE_MIG_009921#P143_7769" orgurl="http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.portal?_nfpb=true&amp;_pageLabel=pageOnlineServices_ShowContent&amp;propertyType=document&amp;id=HMCE_MIG_009921#P143_7769">this link to the HMRC</A> to plan ahead. </P> <P>- Struggling to use the service? Fear not, help is on-hand, including a <A href="http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/sa/help-using-online.htm#4" orgurl="http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/sa/help-using-online.htm#4">step-by-step guide</A>, resources for the visually disabled and <A href="http://search2.hmrc.gov.uk/kbroker/hmrc/contactus/search.ladv?raction=view&amp;fl0=__dsid%3A&amp;sm=0&amp;ha=34&amp;as=1&amp;sf=&amp;sp_scope=hmrc&amp;sc=hmrc&amp;nh=10&amp;sr=0&amp;cs=ISO-8859-1&amp;tx1=&amp;tx0=49632" orgurl="http://search2.hmrc.gov.uk/kbroker/hmrc/contactus/search.ladv?raction=view&amp;fl0=__dsid%3A&amp;sm=0&amp;ha=34&amp;as=1&amp;sf=&amp;sp_scope=hmrc&amp;sc=hmrc&amp;nh=10&amp;sr=0&amp;cs=ISO-8859-1&amp;tx1=&amp;tx0=49632">telephone helplines</A>. </P><p>Topics: <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Dealing-with-finance/>Dealing with finance</a></p><p><a href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Tax-return-deadline-looms-/">Comments</a> (0)</p> Tax return deadline looms Hannah Gilchrist 2010-01-13 http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/How-to-find-the-best-time-to-send-an-email-to-customers/ <P>One of the most important decisions you can make about <A href="http://business.bt.com/broadband-and-internet/business-applications/genius-email-marketing">email marketing</A> to customers is the day you’re going to send. When you send an email can make the difference between a great response and no response.</P> <P>Which day and time will work best depends on your market. Some kinds of customers will be more responsive on a Monday, others at the weekend. And finding the optimal time can be tricky.</P> <P>However, <A href="http://www.toddle.com/">Toddle</A> has come up with a great method of <A href="http://www.toddle.com/stuff/use-twitter-to-tell-you-when-to-send-your-email-newsletter/">finding your optimal send day</A>: use <A href="http://www.twitter.com">Twitter</A>.</P> <P>First, go to Twitter’s search page and type in some keywords about your industry. The example that Toddle uses is “hotels in Dublin”. This will give you a feed of all the comments mentioning those keywords.</P> <P>Next, subscribe to the feed that Twitter gives you for this search in <A href="http://www.google.com/reader">Google Reader</A>. After a week or so, go back to Google Reader, select the feed, and click on “Show details”. This shows you a graph of the volume of comments mentioning your keywords on each day.</P> <P>Google Reader will even show you a graph of the most busy times – so if you have the ability to narrow your email send down to a specific time, you can send when your keywords are at the forefront of people’s minds.</P> <P>The longer you monitor your keywords, the more you’ll be able to see patterns emerging – and the more likely it is that you’ll be able to send your email just as people are talking about the things your business sells. <BR></P><p>Topics: <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Sales-and-marketing/>Sales and marketing</a>, <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Technology/>Technology</a></p><p><a href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/How-to-find-the-best-time-to-send-an-email-to-customers/">Comments</a> (0)</p> How to find the best time to send an email to customers Ian Betteridge 2010-01-12 http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Make-the-most-of-LinkedIn/ <P>With over 55 million members in over 200 countries around the world, a new member joins <A href="http://www.linkedin.com/" orgurl="http://www.linkedin.com/">LinkedIn</A> approximately every second. And with executives from all Fortune 500 companies as members, what are you waiting for? </P> <P><STRONG>Your Profile:</STRONG></P> <P>First thing’s first, <A href="http://blog.linkedin.com/2009/04/09/matthew-schwartz-msj-grab-recruiters-attention-with-these-8-simple-linkedin-tweaks/" orgurl="http://blog.linkedin.com/2009/04/09/matthew-schwartz-msj-grab-recruiters-attention-with-these-8-simple-linkedin-tweaks/">get your profile right</A>. This is the basis on which all your connections are formed, so take your time and get it right. Complete everything from which schools and university you attended plus all the places you’ve worked. By&nbsp;being completely thorough&nbsp;you will <A href="http://www.forbes.com/2009/03/26/linkedin-networking-jobs-leadership-careers-vermeiren.html" orgurl="http://www.forbes.com/2009/03/26/linkedin-networking-jobs-leadership-careers-vermeiren.html">increase your visibility</A>. </P> <P><STRONG>Connection Goals:</STRONG></P> <P>At this stage it’s crucial to clearly define what you’re hoping to get out of your connections. Are you looking for job opportunities, to connect with people in the industry, request expertise or <A href="http://blog.linkedin.com/2009/07/14/linda-ruck-helping-entrepreneurs-and-smb-owners-win-global-clients/" orgurl="http://blog.linkedin.com/2009/07/14/linda-ruck-helping-entrepreneurs-and-smb-owners-win-global-clients/">make business deals</A>? By flagging these up on your profile your connections will be able to help link you to people they think can help. </P> <P><STRONG>First Steps:</STRONG></P> <P>Build your basic network. Import contacts from your address book, it will then suggest a list of <A href="http://www.ehow.com/how_2030917_respond-linkedin-invitations.html" orgurl="http://www.ehow.com/how_2030917_respond-linkedin-invitations.html">people to connect with</A>. Re-connect with old colleagues and classmates and quickly you will build your basic first-degree network. </P> <P><STRONG>Expand your links:</STRONG></P> <P>Once you’ve organised your basic first-degree network do your research on people you already know on the site and then approach them for a LinkedIn recommendation. While you’re at it, why not leave a recommendation for someone who recently served you exceptionally well?</P> <P><STRONG>Hidden Gems:</STRONG></P> <P>One of the biggest mistakes people make on LinkedIn is to neglect it. After you’ve created your profile consider <A href="http://learn.linkedin.com/groups/" orgurl="http://learn.linkedin.com/groups/">joining some groups</A>. These are a great way to improve your visibility on the site and also allow you to send direct messages to people who aren’t in your first-degree network. </P> <P>Plus, if you’re looking for new job opportunities, make use of the <A href="http://talent.linkedin.com/blog/index.php/2009/12/save-a-search/" orgurl="http://talent.linkedin.com/blog/index.php/2009/12/save-a-search/">alerts feature</A>. Define your goal and set parameters to meet people and then save that search, you can save up to three searches at any one time and be alerted when new opportunities arise. <BR></P><p>Topics: <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Suppliers-and-partners/>Suppliers and partners</a>, <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Employing-people/>Employing people</a>, <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Sales-and-marketing/>Sales and marketing</a>, <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Planning-your-business/>Planning your business</a>, <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Technology/>Technology</a></p><p><a href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Make-the-most-of-LinkedIn/">Comments</a> (0)</p> How to make the most of LinkedIn Hannah Gilchrist 2010-01-12 http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Managing-your-brand-online/ <P>In 2007 <A href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page" orgurl="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page">Wikipedia</A> was the <A href="http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1649666,00.html" orgurl="http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1649666,00.html">second most visited site from Google searches</A> (the first was MySpace.com). Now, with three million articles in English alone, a simple search on most subjects will yield at least one match from Wikipedia. But just because it’s online, and a regularly quoted source, doesn’t mean it’s always reliable or factual – not great news for businesses.&nbsp; </P> <P>Customers love transparency, but from a business perspective, <A href="http://blog.ogilvypr.com/2010/01/wikipedia-101-for-brands/?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+360DI+%28Ogilvy+PR+360+Digital+Influence+Blog%29" orgurl="http://blog.ogilvypr.com/2010/01/wikipedia-101-for-brands/?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+360DI+%28Ogilvy+PR+360+Digital+Influence+Blog%29">your ‘page’ isn’t always easy on the eye</A>. The ‘free encyclopedia that anyone can edit’ means just that, if there is a piece of information about your company from a reputable source, either good or bad, it can be published. </P> <P>So what can you do about it? There is a fine line between what is considered an acceptable and unacceptable edit. Unfortunately there is little you can do if you find a <A href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiability" orgurl="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiability">verified fact</A> about your brand from a <A href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Reliable_sources" orgurl="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Reliable_sources">reliable source</A>. Likewise, it’s considered bad form to adapt the Wiki content to match your website. </P> <P>However, if you believe someone is <A href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Guide_to_administrator_intervention_against_vandalism" orgurl="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Guide_to_administrator_intervention_against_vandalism">vandalising</A> the page about your business, the rules are pretty stringent and administrators are there to ensure truly false or dangerous information is removed. </P> <P>So what if you want to add new information or <A href="http://www.ehow.com/how_2003480_new-topic-wikipedia.html" orgurl="http://www.ehow.com/how_2003480_new-topic-wikipedia.html">add a completely new page</A>? Don’t worry, this is allowed, just don’t get caught out. If you’re editing your page at work your IP address can be traced, so make sure you are happy with people knowing it’s from you. Also, don’t get carried away, it may be that the only information that can be verified is the name and date your company was founded. </P> <P>Still confused? Read up about the right way to write for Wikipedia using <A href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Five_pillars" orgurl="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Five_pillars">the five fundamental pillars.</A> </P><p>Topics: <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Technology/>Technology</a></p><p><a href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Managing-your-brand-online/">Comments</a> (0)</p> Managing your Wikipedia brand Hannah Gilchrist 2010-01-11 http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/London-2012-is-coming-to-you-Is-your-business-ready/ <P>There’s now less than 1,000 days to go till the Olympics, which will be one of the biggest national events this century. And despite the name, it’s not just a London event – there are 34 venues around the country, including ones in Glasgow, Manchester and Cardiff.</P> <P>Given this, it’s surprising to find that <A href="http://www.btplc.com/news/articles/showarticle.cfm?articleid=%7B8bfd9df3-9fea-4003-b99f-d741d2b8168d%7D" orgurl="http://www.btplc.com/news/articles/showarticle.cfm?articleid=%7B8bfd9df3-9fea-4003-b99f-d741d2b8168d%7D">less than half of surveyed board-level executives knew that the Olympics was coming to them</A>. Not only does this mean they are missing out on potential business from the event, but they are also failing to plan ahead for the potential disruption.</P> <P>With 300,000 foreign visitors and countless UK-based sports fans travelling to and from events, there is bound to be high demands placed on local infrastructure such as public transport and accommodation. The Olympic organisations will be carefully planning to ensure that everything goes well, of course, but the demands of hosting a huge event will inevitably mean that businesses must plan to fit their needs in around those of the Olympics.</P> <P>For example, potential transport issues can be avoided by planning and implementing a flexible working system which allows employees to work effectively from home, removing the need to travel during peak periods. </P> <P>As Mark Quartermaine of BT Global services put it, “the Games will have an impact on nearly every business in the UK and, by using technology to support remote or flexible working, those businesses will not only be prepared for the situation, but will also be able to really take advantage of it. There are long term benefits too - our own flexible workforce has saved BT £500m in building costs and 100,000 tonnes of CO2. We have also seen a 30 per cent rise in productivity, so the return on investment is there to see.”</P> <P>With less than 1,000 days, now is the time to start planning ahead, and ensuring that 2012 is as good for your business as it undoubtedly will be for sport and spectators in the UK.</P><p>Topics: <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Where-you-work/>Where you work</a>, <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Employing-people/>Employing people</a>, <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Planning-your-business/>Planning your business</a></p><p><a href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/London-2012-is-coming-to-you-Is-your-business-ready/">Comments</a> (0)</p> London 2012 is coming to you. Is your business ready? Ian Betteridge 2010-01-11 http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Dont-let-the-blizzards-bankrupt-your-business/ <P><A href="http://www.fsb.org.uk/default.aspx?loc=general&amp;id=0" orgurl="http://www.fsb.org.uk/default.aspx?loc=general&amp;id=0">The Federation of Small Businesses</A> has estimated that for every one in 10 workers who take a day off <A href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8446593.stm" orgurl="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8446593.stm">the UK economy suffers a £600m hit</A>. Yes, this cold weather cannot last forever, but as with floods, tube strikes or flu pandemics, businesses never suffer from being prepared for the worst. </P> <P>The good news is that it’s now easier than ever to set up a flexible working system designed for when you can’t make into the office. <A href="http://business.bt.com/broadband-and-internet/business-applications/cloud-computing?s_cid=btb_FURL_cloudcomputing" orgurl="http://business.bt.com/broadband-and-internet/business-applications/cloud-computing?s_cid=btb_FURL_cloudcomputing">BT’s cloud computing technology</A> means you can keep your business running no matter where you are in the world. And the big bonus is that it doesn’t cost the earth. </P> <P>But aside from its practicalities when the weather is frightful, the big bonus is that it doesn’t cost the earth to implement. Cloud computing gives you <A href="http://www.insight.bt.com/articles/What-is-Cloud-Computing/" orgurl="http://www.insight.bt.com/articles/What-is-Cloud-Computing/">all the benefits of your usual business applications</A> but lets you run them anywhere and anytime over the web. And because they don’t live on your server you can rule out the expensive IT infrastructure and maintenance costs. </P> <P>For more ways that Cloud Computing can help to starve off a finance freeze this winter visit <A href="http://www.bt.com/cloudcomputing" orgurl="http://www.bt.com/cloudcomputing">bt.com/cloudcomputing</A> or follow&nbsp;<A href="http://twitter.com/btcloudapps" orgurl="http://twitter.com/btcloudapps">@btcloudapps</A> on <A href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Twitter-takes-off-for-SMEs/" orgurl="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Twitter-takes-off-for-SMEs/">Twitter</A>. &nbsp; </P><p>Topics: <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Where-you-work/>Where you work</a>, <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Dealing-with-finance/>Dealing with finance</a>, <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Planning-your-business/>Planning your business</a>, <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Technology/>Technology</a></p><p><a href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Dont-let-the-blizzards-bankrupt-your-business/">Comments</a> (2)</p> Don’t let the blizzards bankrupt your business Hannah Gilchrist 2010-01-08