Newsletter #122 - The Sales Commandments, Starting an eBay business, Five steps to becoming a freelancer, Landlord Insurance, VAT Cash Accounting Scheme...

In this week's Business121 Newsletter:

1. The Sales Commandments
2. Starting an eBay business - 5 essentials
3. Five steps to becoming a freelancer
4. Landlord Insurance - Buy-to-let cover guide
5. VAT Cash Accounting Scheme guide

Small Business News

6. Company administrations rocket as the credit crunch bites
7. Apprentice gives advice to young entrepreneurs
8. Government's Train to Gain scheme 'brings no financial benefit'
9. Gordon Brown borrows £2.7 billion in attempt to end 10p tax crisis

The Sales Commandments

This month's issue of Better Business magazine has a very useful article on 'the Sales Commandments' that can help you to win more business and deliver unparalleled customer satisfaction.

The article outlines 12 Sales Commandments. Here's a summary of a selection of the Sales Commandments;

UNDER-PROMISE, OVER-DELIVER

Impressing a customer is often as easy as delivering ahead of the deadline. So set your customers' expectations later than the time that you are able to meet. By 'beating' the deadline you create a strong customer-service posture and portray a culture of exceeding expectations.

FOLLOW UP EVERY MEETING

Nuances in presentational styles sometimes means that two people taking part in the same discussion may hear different things. To ensure effective communication, send a follow-up note that highlights the key points of the meeting.

KNOW WHEN TO HOLD BACK

Too much time is spent chasing sales opportunities that never have a chance of becoming legitimate customers. Releasing bad opportunities in favour of finding new and better customers increases the chances of finding new customers with higher levels of customer retention.

ENTHUSIASM IS CONTAGIOUS

Enthusiasm and failure are both equally contagious. With that in mind, be sure you convey optimism and enthusiasm.

You can read about all of the Sales Commandments in the May issue of Better Business magazine. Find out more about the magazine and a discount for Business121 and Bytestart readers here;
http://snipurl.com/_Better_Business

************************** Advertisement ************************

WHY YOUR BUSINESS IS BETTER OFF INSURED WITH HISCOX

As a leading specialist insurer we provide the most comprehensive business insurance available online.

You can tailor your policy with industry specific professional indemnity cover (£25K up to £2M), 'all-risks' contents and computers cover, portable equipment, public liability, employers' liability, legal expenses, business interruption & buildings.

Why not get a quote now? Only Hiscox allows you to buy online in minutes and download your policy documents immediately. Click here to find out more - http://snipurl.com/_Hiscox_Insurance
*****************************************************************

Starting an eBay business - 5 essentials
Can you make a living selling things on eBay? Well, it is possible. If you want to make a living selling every day consumer goods, you will be competing against hundreds, maybe thousands of other sellers not just in the UK but across the world.

Really, the only way to make a proper business out of eBay is to find a niche with a limited supply and make the most of the sales platform. Here are Bytestart's five essentials you need to start your eBay business.

5 Steps to becoming a freelancer
Starting your own business doesn't necessarily have to be about building up a big company and putting yourself at the top as boss. If you just want to be your own boss and don't want to worry about employees, then you could have a happy future as a freelancer. This is where you effectively sell yourself - if you like, as a gun for hire – taking on work for more than one employer at a time. Here are the five steps we suggest you take to set yourself up as a freelancer.

Landlord Insurance - Buy-to-let cover guide
All property owners should be covered by adequate insurance, whether they be normal homeowners, business or residential landlords, or business property owners. However, you cannot cover a buy-to-let property under standard home insurance, as you are effectively running a business - you need to ensure you have landlord insurance - which is a type of business insurance. Here's what you should look for in a buy-to-let insurance policy.

VAT Cash Accounting Scheme Guide
As the credit crisis continues, many small businesses are finding that creditors are taking longer to pay their bills. If your business qualifies, and you are not already using the scheme, the VAT Cash Accounting scheme could be a lifesaver. Here's what you need to know.

************************** Advertisement ************************

TRY THE FRANKING MACHINE DESIGNED FOR THE SMALLER OFFICE FREE FOR 30 DAYS

If you're still using stamps to send out your mail, then you're familiar with post office queues and putting extra stamps on to 'ensure it gets there'.

Avoid the queues, promote your company and pay less for your postage with a the franking machine for the smaller office.

30 Day FREE No Obligation trial with £20 FREE Postage and a FREE Personalised Logo - Apply Now - http://snipurl.com/_Free_No_Ties_Trial
*****************************************************************

SMALL BUSINESS NEWS

Company administrations rocket as the credit crunch bites
The latest figures released by The Insolvency Service show that the number of businesses being forced into Administration or Receivership by their creditors has surged in the first three months of 2008.

Apprentice gives advice to young entrepreneurs
Tim Campbell of The Apprentice fame is going to give a live webchat on Tuesday, May 20. He'll be telling listeners how to make it in business as a young, online entrepreneur.

Government's Train to Gain scheme 'brings no financial benefit'
The majority of employers see no financial benefit from signing up to the Government's flagship programme. This is the stark finding of the first official evaluation of the high-profile scheme, reports the Telegraph.

Gordon Brown borrows £2.7 billion in attempt to end 10p tax crisis
After the biggest financial and political U-turn of modern times, analysts warned of higher taxes to pay for extra the £2.7 billion the Government will have to borrow to fund the increase in the tax free allowance.

** For the latest Small Business News, visit http://www.Bytestart.co.uk **

===========
CLASSIFIEDS
===========

THEY SAY VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE....
In just 1 day we will provide you with all the variety you will need - 7 key skills to help you get more out of your working day. We will improve your influencing and negotiation skills, time and meeting management and show you how to make confident presentations. Book yourself on the 'Variety Pack' training day by clicking here, 'first come first served', http://snipurl.com/_Variety

PRESTIGIOUS BUSINESS ADDRESS & A FULLTIME RECEPTIONIST FOR £59/MTH
Register your business and trade from a business centre address for only £19/Month. You can also have trained receptionists answering your phone calls in your company name for only £39/Month. Click here to find out more; http://snipurl.com/_Your_City_Office

2 YEARS FREE BANKING
The Alliance & Leicester Commercial Bank Business Builder Current Account gives you 2 years FREE business banking with absolutely no transaction charges. And unlike the big banks there's no minimum
balance requirement - http://snipurl.com/Free_Banking

SEE YOUR AD HERE
Business121 is read by over 11,000 small business owners every week. Advertise in our newsletter from just £60+vat per issue. Please email Classified@Business121.co.uk for details.

(c) Business121.co.uk 2008