BT Business Insight - Blog

The everywoman awards are back

Hannah Gilchrist — 2009-07-03

The 2009 awards are open to women from all business sectors and who have achieved significant success - particularly those who've had to overcome adversities such as financial constraints, social disadvantages or skills gaps.

There are eight awards in total, with each representing the achievements of female entrepreneurs at different stages of their lives and careers. So if you feel that you could be a winner then why not sign up.

The closing date for entries is Friday, 31 July 2009 with the winners announced on Wednesday, 2 December 2009.

For more information about the awards and how to enter visit everywoman.com

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Speed dating for businesses

Hannah Gilchrist — 2009-07-03

Speedfunding is a bit like speed dating, just that instead of meeting a love match, it’s a business relationship that you’re after. Each budding entrepreneur pitches their business idea in three minutes followed by a one-minute Q & A, before moving on to the next investor.

And it works. From the original test event, out of 24 companies who attended, 16 struck lucky and are now in talks with angels they met on the night, with one business already striking a deal.

So if you’re looking for funding the next event takes place in Bristol on 16th June 2009, the first Speedfunding event outside of London.

For more information and how to register for the event visit AngelsDen.co.uk

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The mobile world as we now know it

2009-07-02

I recently reviewed the Blackberry Curve 8900 in Upload Innovate ezine but this is just one example of the power you can now put in your pocket, which would have been unheard of and impossible only a few years ago. The latest smartphones effectively allow you, as both a business person and an individual, to take one single device with you and have all your information at hand, both for your business and for your personal life. This can be very powerful when making appointments, managing contacts with people and sharing information.

Something else is also happening with personal devices. The mobile phone used to be restricted to communications services, and later incorporated other services such email and limited web access. Any additional services were controlled by the device manufacturer. Now we are seeing many device makers opening up their products as platforms for others to develop applications for. This is extremely powerful, as the billion downloads milestone from the application store for Apple's iPhone demonstrates. Making it so easy to add a new capability to the device in your pocket definitely appeals to people. Being able to mix applications for business and for personal use on the one device platform is very convenient.

The device that you can carry around in your pocket now not only lets you communicate with people in a multitude of ways, but it also knows where you are, who you need to network with, what your interests are and can bring information in front of you instantly. Some devices know which way you are facing, what way up you are holding the device and can take, edit and share video and still pictures. I already get significant amounts of work done on my mobile device which I used to have to carry a laptop computer around for. In the future my device will do even more for me and be an even more essential tool for me.

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BT Business Experience: After the show

Ian Betteridge — 2009-07-01

If you’ve been to BT Business Experience and want to find out more about something you saw, there’s a page on the show’s site which pulls together all the materials from it.

This includes in-depth guides on a wide range of business topics, as well as further information on all the products and services which were at the event, from both BT and its partners like Cisco, Salesforce.com, and Jabra.

So if there’s something you missed while rushing for your train, head over to the BT Business Experience site and download it.

Topics: Suppliers and partners, Where you work, Sales and marketing, Planning your business, Technology

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BT Business Experience: The Advice Clinic

Ian Betteridge — 2009-07-01

The BT Business Experience is not just a static series of stands and exhibitions. It’s also all about being able to talk to real, live people from BT and its partners - and the Help and Advice Clinic demonstrates that well.

In the clinic, you’ll find plenty of experts on hand to talk through any business issue, and there are small meeting rooms available if you want a more private chat.

Of course, there’s also plenty of opportunities to register for the kinds of BT services that can help you get more from your business, like BT Tradespace.

And while you’re there, don’t forget to register for the chance to win a £10,000 business grant - something that would help virtually every company during the recession!

Topics: Suppliers and partners, Where you work, Employing people, Sales and marketing, Business law, Dealing with finance, Planning your business, Technology

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BT Business Experience: Managing Costs

Ian Betteridge — 2009-07-01

One of the biggest issues facing business at the moment is managing costs, which is why there’s an entire zone dedicated to it at the BT Business Experience. And looking at the number of people gathered around the stands, it’s clear that it’s something that people are looking to technology to help with.

Perhaps the biggest crowd is around the area devoted to helping businesses understand flexible working, and how it can be used to improve business efficiency. Flexible working is a key area of expertise for BT, not only for its customers but also because it encourages its own employees to work from home when possible.

Not only is this good for their work/life balance - something which helps keep them more productive - but it reduces the need for expensive fixed office space, which directly affects the bottom line.

And it’s not only big companies that can benefit from flexible working - as all of the BT people and partners in the Managing Costs zone will testify, it can be used to keep costs down from startups and smaller established businesses alike.

Topics: Suppliers and partners, Where you work, Employing people, Sales and marketing, Dealing with finance, Planning your business, Technology

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Follow the BT Business Experience on Twitter

Ian Betteridge — 2009-07-01

Just a quick post while I put my feet up for five minutes and grab a coffee to remind you that if you want to follow what's happening at the BT Business Experience, the event has its own dedicated Twitter feed.

And if you want to see what people are saying about the event, you can find mentions of it through Twitter search. Some attendees are also using the hashtag "btbizexp" to tag their posts about it - you can find all mentions of if using this Twitter search.

Topics: Suppliers and partners, Where you work, Employing people, Sales and marketing, Business law, Dealing with finance, Planning your business, Technology

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BT Business Experience: Getting the Big Picture

Ian Betteridge — 2009-07-01

The first zone you’ll come to in the BT Business Experience is all about the big picture - the large-scale technology trends which are shaping the future of business. So what are the big picture trends? There’s three which seem to be drawing the most attention from the attendees.

The first is cloud computing - the marriage of powerful business applications with alway-on availability online. More and more business systems take advantage of cloud computing, and importantly services like Salesforce.com can be accessed from mobile smartphones too.

Then there’s unified communications (UC). This is something that companies often struggle to understand, perhaps because the technology can often sound complex. But it’s also something that can deliver real benefits to your company, by streamlining the way that your communications work and simplifying business processes. BT Business Experience is a great opportunity to talk to people who can help you understand what it can do for you.

And then, of course, there’s the next generation access services that BT is building on top of its 21st Century Network, such as faster broadband and Ethernet access. Bringing next generation services to as many people as possible is a major investment for BT, but one which is vital not just for the company, but for businesses and individuals around the UK.

Next generation access services offer the potential of keeping British businesses at the forefront of the world economy, and if you want to find out more about how it could change the way you do business, the BT Business Experience is a great opportunity to talk to the experts. As you’ll find, it’s something that BT’s people are genuinely passionate about.

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Hello from the BT Business Experience!

Ian Betteridge — 2009-07-01

Today is the second day of the BT Business Experience at The Farmiloe, St John Street in London and we’ll be at the show all day bringing you updates on the event.

We’re happy to say that the air conditioning is working on what’s an incredibly hot day in the capital, which makes the event something of a retreat from the blazing sun!

We’ll be talking to both BT people and attendees throughout the day, and bringing you a taste of what the event is actually like - and look out for some video footage in the next few days.

If you’re coming, there are tours to guide you through the various zones, or you can split off and go through at your own pace. There’s also plenty of help and advice at hand, both from BT and its partners.

Topics: Suppliers and partners, Where you work, Employing people, Sales and marketing, Business law, Dealing with finance, Planning your business, Technology

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It’s heating up but where’s your tie?

Hannah Gilchrist — 2009-06-26

Even the most casual of workplaces have rules regarding flip-flops and sleeveless tops, but when it gets hot what is deemed acceptable attire for the workplace and how far do you push the policy on dress codes?

I’ve heard that pulling on a shirt and tie when it’s blisteringly hot outside isn’t the nicest, but there’s no doubt that it’s adequate for a formal office or attending meetings. Likewise, you have little choice if you have a uniform which requires you to wear thick woollen trousers or tights.

But while you want your colleagues to be comfortable in the workplace, businesses still need to project a professional image. Many firmly believe that clothing which reveals too much cleavage, or your back, your chest, your feet, your stomach or your underwear is not appropriate for a place of business.

So where do you draw the line? Casual Fridays are always a popular choice in the summer, but does this constitute shorts and t-shirts or should that remain on the beach?

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Born again online, but can Woolies survive?

Hannah Gilchrist — 2009-06-25

Last December, the UK’s most eager bargain hunters were out in force, not for the start of the New Year sales but for a closing down sale that rivalled anything anyone had ever seen – even the fixtures and fittings were up for sale. But now that the dust has settled, Woolworths is moving forward to the next generation.

It’s a move which many thought could’ve saved it from the perils of the recession, but has the household favourite missed the boat? On its first day back in service, Woolworths.co.uk has seen 20,000 customers register for the likes of childrenswear, DVD players and the old pick n’ mix and the chance to voice what they think the store should sell.

It sounds like a perfect way to reduce costs while maintaining the original brand, but which stands more chance of survival Woolies or the remodelled Wellworths store in Dorchester? So far Wellies is in the lead with 100,000 customers after three months.

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Getting ready for the outbreak

Hannah Gilchrist — 2009-06-24

According to researchers, the real outbreak will start as soon as children and students go back to school and university and the days start to get colder.

As a business you’re not immune. The Federation of Small Businesses is already warning companies to prepare for a wider outbreak with fears that many aren’t aware of the consequences.

David Teed, who runs his own business continuity company, told the BBC that he felt the onus was on businesses to do all they could to prepare for the crisis.

To prepare for a potential outbreak, Mr Tweed outlined the priorities for business.

    * Prepare for up to half of all staff to be off sick
    * Plan for staff working from home and train them to be able to take on different work
    * Identify critical functions in the company that must carry on
    * Check suppliers have contingency plans in place
    * Establish good staff welfare policies

For more advice about how to prepare for swine flu visit the Department of Health or Business Link

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Water, water everywhere

Hannah Gilchrist — 2009-06-23

Claire Sweeney, from Envirowise explains, “With more than 9.8 billion cubic metres being used nationally each year, there is significant potential for businesses to save money and reduce their environmental impact by taking action on water efficiency.”

So how does your business measure up? Out of 420 UK business decision-makers 82% admitted they had no water reduction targets in place. But what can you do to make a difference and reduce wastage?

The Rippleffect Initiative can help businesses save around 30% on their water and effluent bills. The initiative provides your company with a simple structured approach to help you to understand how much water your company uses, identify simple ways to start saving water and money and measure the water and cost savings that you have made.

Sign up today and receive access to dedicated web pages which include step-by-step guidance, webcasts and water tools, exclusive web conferences for Rippleffect members with Q&A sessions with a water specialist, plus a 24 hour technical support advice line.

Registration closes 14 September 2009 so you better be quick to reap the rewards.

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How to choose your mobile applications

Ian Betteridge — 2009-06-19

My iPhone has, at last count, about fifty different applications on it. There’s an app for checking the train times, one for uploading photos to Flickr, and another to find out the latest football news. There are so many apps there that my favourite feature of the latest iPhone software update was the one which lets you search for applications by name!

And this isn’t something that’s solely confined to the iPhone. There are thousands of applications for Windows Mobile, BlackBerry, Android and Nokia smartphones too. In fact, having a decent choice of installable applications is one of the things that defines a smartphone.

But for business users, lots of applications don’t necessarily mean more productivity. More apps can mean more time spent on “idle moments” using your phone for something other than business.

So I was pleased to see a post from our colleagues over at Ribbit on how to choose mobile applications that will make a difference to your business. If you want to use mobile apps in your business, it’s well worth a read.

Topics: Technology

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Half of employers “ban staff from working at home” in tube strike

Ian Betteridge — 2009-06-18

You might think that a transport strike would be the ideal time to encourage employees to work at home. But according to a survey commissioned by Citrix Online, over half of employees reported that companies had banned them from working at home on the day of the strike.

Of course, some employees simply can’t work from home at all. But surely in that case, companies wouldn’t need to explicitly ban them?

Home working, like all flexible working, needs to be planned in advance and perhaps this illustrates how few companies have actually made proper plans. Working out ways to operate your office with a minimal staff and most employees working at home should be part of your emergency planning, as it will allow you to get through events like a transport strike or severe weather with minimal downtime.

If you don’t have a proper plan for emergencies, it might be worth reading through BT’s guides to Business Continuity and flexible working. They will help you prepare for the worst, so that your business can carry on regardless of transport strikes!

Topics: Where you work, Planning your business

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The costs of doing business are falling

BT Editorial — 2009-06-16

When times are tough, you’d think that it is going to be hard to start a business. Raising capital is difficult, and purchasers in virtually every sector are keeping belts tightened and being careful with money.

But there are definitely pluses to running your own company now. One of these was highlighted in a recent report from MORE TH>N Business, created in collaboration with Warwick business school.

They found that the costs of running a small company fell by 1.4% in the first quarter of 2009 due to deflation. In other words, running a company is actually cheaper than it was prior to this year.

And this isn’t just down to economic pressures. The cost of core business tools like broadband and mobiles has fallen significantly over the past couple of years, something that’s only been accelerated by the recession, and that will continue beyond it.

So now is the right time to look at your technology needs, and see whether there are ways to cut your costs. Talk to your BT Local Business or account manager to see if there’s a way that BT can help. And come along to the BT Business Experience from 29th June to find out more about how technology can help.

Topics: Suppliers and partners, Planning your business, Technology

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How Dell made $3 million from Twitter

Ian Betteridge — 2009-06-15

If you think that Twitter is just something to waste away the idle hours – if you have any – then think again. According to Dell, its Dell Outlet Twitter stream has earned it $3 million in revenue since it was established a few months ago.

Dell uses the account in three ways. First, it offers an opportunity to listen to feedback from customers and (hopefully) solve a few problems for them. Second, they announce any news, whether that’s new products or new deals.

But arguably the most effective thing that Dell does is distribute exclusive coupon codes to its subscribers, allowing them to get a discount on selected products for a short period of time. These are exclusive to its Twitter followers, and allow it to track how well Twitter is performing as a promotional tool.

With around 650,000 followers, this means that Dell has made an average of around $4.50 per follower. Given the low costs of using Twitter in this way, it will make it a very profitable business for Dell.

Topics: Sales and marketing, Technology

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Win the chance to question Peter Jones

BT Editorial — 2009-06-15

Dragons' Den star and entrepreneur Peter Jones will be hosting an intimate Q&A session for small businesses at the BT Business Experience on Tuesday 30th June in Farringdon, London.

It will be a rare and exciting opportunity for business owners to ask Peter direct questions and get tips on how to survive in the current economic climate.

Peter will also be joined by leading industry experts, including BusinessLink, ACCA, and experts from BT Business.

According to Peter, "getting the right advice is crucial for any business - especially in these difficult times. That's why I'm hosting this session at the BT Business Experience to offer advice and guidance, plus I'll be sharing some valuable tips I have gained over the years. It is great that I will also be joined by Business Link and The ACCA who will be able to offer additional insight."

To enter the competition to join Peter Jones you need to register to attend. Once you have completed your booking you will have the opportunity to enter the Peter Jones competition. Registration is free, but places are strictly limited – so register today.

Topics: Planning your business

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Three ways to use social networks for business

Ian Betteridge — 2009-06-11

As the recent report by Datamonitor showed, social networking is more than just a fad - it's set to be a vital business tool over the next few years. But what ways should you be using social networks?

The best ways to use social networks will vary according to your business. What works for a book seller won't necessarily work for a multinational. But we've picked out three simple business tasks that we think are applicable to everyone, no matter what their size or area.

Finding fresh talent

In a downturn, it's easier to find employees. But are you finding the right ones? Using social networks as a recruiting tool can be an effective method of focussing your efforts on the right people.

For example, a business social network like LinkedIn allows you to sort through your contacts and find people they have recommended. Would anyone that's been previously recommended fit the profile of the person you're looking for?

Supporting your customers

Social networks offer you a directly line to customers. But don't forget that they also offer a direct line from your customers right back to you.
Use a Twitter search to find out if people are talking about your brand (if they aren't yet, they probably will be soon, such is Twitter's explosive growth). If people are having problems, respond and ask how you can help them. If you're in the fortunate position of having positive comments, take the time to thank people for them - it all builds up customer loyalty.

Be part of a business community

Social networks aren't just for connecting individuals - they can also bring together businesses. BT Tradespace, for example, works as a social network that can help you learn from the experiences of other small companies, though features like Tradespace Communities.

Topics: Employing people, Sales and marketing, Technology

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Am I getting paid today?

Hannah Gilchrist — 2009-06-10

For some, simply the thought of a tube strike brings sheer joy and delight. A day working from home, catching up on emails and working hard without colleagues interrupting. However for the rest of the population, who can’t work from the dining room table and can’t get into work, do they have to take a day’s holiday or drop a day’s pay?

Logically you are paid for the work that you do and if you are unable to get into the workplace to do your job your pay will be docked. Yet, in many contracts employers set out that employees will be paid if they are unable to attend work for reasons beyond their control. Case in point, this week’s tube strike.

So what about your right to work from home under such circumstances? In this case it’s down to the employers discretion. Obviously if you do not have adequate facilities at home to equip you to do your job your employer has the right to refuse the request.

For more advice visit www.telegraph.co.uk

Or visit our Flexible Working section to see how BT can help you.

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Will today be a work from home day for you?

Ian Betteridge — 2009-06-10

With three million people using the London Underground system every day, the 48 hour tube strike will undoubtedly be a major problem for a lot of businesses.

And many employees will have left it to the last minute to make arrangements to get into work, hoping that - as with previous strikes - this one would be called off at the last minute.

Of course, for many employees working from home offers an alternative option. It allows them to remain in touch and productive even when they can't get into the office.

The key to making home working successful is to have the right tools available, so that if employees have to work at home at short notice, they can do so without disruption.

If you want more information about how to make flexible working work for your business, download BT's free flexible working guide.

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Get the IT big picture

Ian Betteridge — 2009-06-08

When you're focused on the details of the day-to-day running of your company, it's hard to take a step back and look at the big picture. That's especially true when you're talking about technology.

But knowing about the "bigger picture" of technology should be essential to a growing business. Without knowing about the trends, it's hard to make strategic decisions about what technology you should be investing in. And with IT changing so rapidly, a trend which looks like something only hardcore geeks get excited about today can turn into a business essential before you know it.

If you want some help with the upcoming trends, the "Big Picture" zone at BT Business Experience might be a good first port of call. The focus will be on putting new technologies like superfast broadband into context, so you can see how it might impact on your business' bottom line.

To reserve your spot at the BT Business Experience 2009, head over to the Business Experience website.

Topics: Planning your business, Technology

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Laid-off... and optimistic

Ian Betteridge — 2009-06-05

For many people, being made redundant is a horrible business. All of a sudden the certainties of work are pulled like a rug from underneath you.

But for others, a lay-off can turn into a positive experience, a chance to escape from corporate culture and do something that you've always dreamed of. Cards of Change is a site which gives a little window into some of that optimism.

The idea is simple: people who have been laid-off scribble what they're now up to on their old business cards, take a picture, and upload it. What's captivating, though, is how many positive stories are told by those cards, from the man who spent five months volunteering on the Galapagos Islands to the woman who lost 25lbs and is now "teaching cartooning to kids!"

Of course, not everyone is happy about losing their jobs. But the simple, quick stories that the cards tell show that if you're prepared to keep going it can prove to be the start of a new life. As the old saying goes, as one door closes, another one opens.

Topics: Employing people

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Get your questions answered at BT Business Experience

BT Editorial — 2009-06-04

Everyone knows that technology is an essential tool for almost every business. But how well do you know the options available to you - and where do you start when working out what IT will benefit your company most?

If you want to know the best ways that technology can help make your business more effective and more profitable, then come along to BT Business Experience 2009.

This year's event features the "Big Questions" zone - an advice clinic with experts from BT and some of our industry-leading partners, who can help you work out ways your company can improve its IT. Come along to the event and you'll have chance to talk through your needs and get some valuable expert advice.

Places at the BT Business Experience are strictly limited, and last year's event proved a big success, so booking early is advised. To find out more, go to the BT Business Experience web site, or call 0800 032 0469.

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The benefits of broadband speeds

Ian Betteridge — 2009-06-04

You'll probably have seen the news yesterday that BT is upgrading broadband speeds. Initially, 40% of the UK's population will be able to get speeds up to 20Mb/s, with BT planning to extend that coverage to 55% by March 2010 subject to customer demand.

What might have gone unnoticed, though, is that upload speeds are also being increased, to 1Mb/s. For business, this is something that's increasingly important as they become more and more "syncronous" - sending large files, uploading content to web servers, and so on.

And it doesn't stop at 20Mb/s. BT Retail will begin the first trials of up to 40Mb/s super-fast fibre-based broadband in Whitchurch, South Wales and Muswell Hill, London this summer. And BT Openreach is already delivering speeds of up to 100Mb/s to customers in the Ebbsfleet Valley in Kent, using fibre-to-the-premise (FTTP) technology.

I think Gavin Patterson, chief executive officer of BT Retail (which includes both consumer and business broadband services) put it best when he said "high-speed broadband provides a faster and more reliable service that will transform the way we live, work, learn and play." 20Mb/s - and the increased upload speeds - will let you do more things with broadband, something that can only help your business.

Topics: Technology

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