Business121 Small Business Newsletter #24

In this week's Business121:

1. Do young entrepreneurs have the "X Factor"?
2. The top 10 tips for presenting with more IMPACT
3. Choosing a Broadband ISP - Look beyond the price
4. Budget 2006 - Summary of changes to tax rates and allowances
5. A range of Tax Tables for the 2006/07 tax year
6. Business Start Ups Down on 2005
7. PCG backs Arctic Systems against Revenue Lords Appeal
8. Apprentice star Syed perhaps not the high flier he claims!
9. The cost of bad debt to UK firms soars
10. WHAT ELSE... Small Business Sales Workshop Priority List

Do young entrepreneurs have the "X Factor"?
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With the media pumping out stories and pictures of the latest "celebrity successes" on a daily basis, it seems that many British teenagers would rather set their sights on becoming Big Brother stars, or pop idols devoid of any real talent, than knuckling down as previous generations have and working hard to earn an honest crust.

Sadly, I fear that shows such as "The Apprentice" may have the same effect on potential teenage entrepreneurs. Although only a very small number of candidates make it through to appear on the series, the impact of the show is significant - as is the behaviour of the contestants. This is a game show, of course, but nevertheless - the contestants with the real business skills rarely seem to come out on top.

The get rich quick mentality of current contestant Syed Ahmed, for one, makes great TV. However, Mr. Ahmed does give the impression that all you need is a lot of front, creative CV skills, and an aggressive persona to succeed in business. His quote - "£100,000 salary is not enough but it's a good place to start" - says it all! The other contestants aren't much better.

Perhaps those thinking of taking the fast route to entrepreneurial success, should look at how "Pop Idol" contestants have fared since their appearances on the show.

Following an initial hit single, trading off the back of the TV show, almost all the contestants have since faded back into obscurity. Their instant ascent to "fame" being mirrored by their subsequent free-fall.

As most business people in the real world know, the way to succeed as a start up is by having a good initial idea, sound funding, the ability to work very hard, and the odd bit of luck. However, it's debatable whether the contestants on the Apprentice would listen to this advice!

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The top 10 tips for presenting with more IMPACT
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Presenting with impact is a skill we can all learn and a skill that pays off many times over because it enables us to have influence through our presentations be they formal or informal. Here are ten presentation tips to help you;
http://snipurl.com/Present_with_impact

Choosing a Broadband ISP - Look beyond the price
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When choosing an ISP for your business, there are several factors aside from pricing which should be considered before purchasing
http://snipurl.com/_broadband_ISP

Budget 2006 - Summary of changes to tax rates and allowances
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An overview of changes to tax and allowances following the budget - income rates, NI contributions, CGT, Inheritance Tax, Corporation Tax, and other rates
http://snipurl.com/_Budget_tax_changes

A range of Tax Tables for the 2006/07 tax year
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We've added a range of Tax Tables to the Money & Tax section of Bytestart.co.uk. You'll find the 2006/07 rates for income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, corporation tax, national insurance and vehicle excise duty rates.
http://snipurl.com/_2006_07_Tax_Tables

Business Start Ups Down on 2005
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The slowing economy has caused the number of small business start ups to fall by 13 per cent in 2005, the largest fall in the last decade, according to new figures from Barclays.
http://snipurl.com/_Start_Ups_down

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SMALL BUSINESS NEWS
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PCG backs Arctic Systems against Revenue Lords Appeal
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The PCG has confirmed it will continue to support Arctic Systems in their Section 660 "married couples business tax" court battle. HMRC has been granted leave to appeal to the House of Lords following Arctic Systems' Court of Appeal victory in late 2005
http://snipurl.com/_PCG_back_Arctic

Apprentice star Syed perhaps not the high flier he claims!
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BBC "Apprentice" star Syed Ahmed claims to have been a high flyer in his past life - although some reports dispute this claim.
http://snipurl.com/_Apprentice_Syed

The cost of bad debt to UK firms soars
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British firms are writing-off tens of thousands of pounds every year in bad debt due to customers not paying their bills, according to new research.
http://snipurl.com/_bad_debts_soar

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WHAT ELSE...
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We're just putting the finishing touches to our first ever Sales Training Workshop. Those of you that have registered on our Priority List will receive the full details in the next 48 hours.

If you're not on the Priority List, but would like to be given first-option on our dedicated sales training day for small businesses, email emyr@Business121.co.uk

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