I’ve just returned from my annual holiday in France – so thanks to Shelley for explaining the pros and cons of sole trading and partnerships while I’ve been away.
Holidays, in my view, are quite necessary. They help you to gain a perspective on your business or work-life which can be difficult to see when you’re involved day to day. They give you time to relax, get to know your family again, help un-clutter your mind and take a broader view on life.
So now I’m back – refreshed, bursting with ideas and impatient to get on.
Keeping an Eye Out for Business Opportunities
Even on holiday I don’t totally switch off. I’m always looking for new business opportunities – new markets, new courses and new services.
For example, my children went to a morning activity club – which they loved. I noticed that the club was using a lot of materials that our nursery and school supply business – Artful Dodgers – sells. I also noticed they were buying from one of our competitors. You’ve guessed it – we’ll be contacting them, and other companies offering the same services, to see if we can supply them with art and craft materials for next year.
Quality and Value for Money
Also, going to a different country means you can see how another culture does business. I try to examine whether they do things better or worse, give value for money and so on. Analysing how others do their business can help when looking at your own to see where things can be improved. And, it can often give you new ideas to work on in the future.
While on holiday my husband and I were delighted to find that our favourite restaurants were still as good as ever and that they were still in business! So, they are doing something right and that something is giving value for money and maintaining their standards. So should you ever visit Carnac in Brittany I can highly recommend:
Le Petit Bedon – fun with an African theme and very child friendly.
La Cote for those who like gourmet food and getting child friendly – though we use this one as a treat for ourselves and leave the children with their grandparents.
Should we ever go into the restaurant trade (which I doubt but it’s fun to play with the idea) we’d certainly look to see what they are doing right and incorporate it into the new venture.
New Course in Project Management
And finally, I’d like to introduce our new course – Effective Project Management. This fantastic course will give you an extra skill and strengthen your CV. Check it out!
