Issue 134 - 9th Dec 2011

The Business Bulletin - Issue No 134 - 9th Dec 2011

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The Business Bulletin

Issue No 134 - 9th Dec 2011

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Issue 134 - 9th Dec 2011

Collie Graham

Hi Everyone,

I am in Kuala Lumpur at the moment delivering a two day Master Class on Sales Leadership - now this wee boy started his sales training business back in 1996,

I thought I would be doing well if I could train a few Northern Ireland companies but here I am training in Asia for the fourth time plus I am delivering two training sessions in Dubai in February, one is a master class on Key Account Management and second session is in-house telephone sales training

Kindest Regards

Colly Graham
www.salesxcellence.co.uk
www.salesxcellence.com

Free Phone 0800 328 0702
Intn't +44 2825 638 052

From MIchael Maguire
QUINTUS MANAGEMENT

One thing that I have learnt about recessions and economic downturns is that they are not benign, nor do they impact all companies equally! Yet, despite the troubled climate there are significant growth opportunities open to local businesses (large and small) that are prepared to embrace new growth platforms that set them apart from competitors.

As you may know I am marketing analyst and business adviser with a respected track record, and I work with various companies, delivering business insight, growth and turnaround services on a discreet basis. My firm, Quintus Management, is also involved in the development and repositioning of client brands, and assisting in acquiring and selling brands.

If you are interested in discussing fresh ideas for growth on a confidential basis, I would be happy to help. I can be reached in the first instance through LinkedIn or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or by phone at (028) 9146 9901.

Thanks for taking the trouble to read my note and I look forward to talking to you,

Kindest regards

Michael

Our good friend Brian O’Kane has the following message for everyone doing business....

Shaking hands to seal a business deal could be a dying practice if scientists have their way.

A virus expert in California suggests we should touch elbows instead – or perhaps even take a bow – to help prevent the spread of germs.

He claims that diseases such as stomach bugs, cold and flu can spread readily by skin contact so touching elbows or bowing to colleagues instead, like they do in Japan, would prevent this.

As the cold and flu season gets under way it appears that many people are already avoiding the handshake, with three quarters of Britons claiming to have reduced the number of times they shake hands.

However he has also stated that if people wash their hands regularly it will not become necessary to stop this way of greeting.

Free Team Building Day out To Worthy Individuals

Do you work alone, or in a small team? Are the only other people you meet at work clients, or prospective clients? Everyone needs some down time, and even when your busy or think you can't afford it, especially then. Without time away from your business you can become jaded, make mistakes and lose your enthusiasm. So if you'd like a few hours away from the office team building with other self started individuals then let us know.

Relationships are the corber stone of all business. It is often said that people buy from people not businesses, but it can be harder to nurture possible startegic partnerships between potential colleagues when your working in isolation, meeting only at other networking events, said beside someone for Four hours during a conference or training day is not the same as enjoying something more fun and memorable.

This team building is hoped to provide an opportunity for people to really get to know you, and vice versa, we hope it will nurture new friendships, new working relationships, new joint ventures and partnerships, maybe even a whole new company. This Team Building day out is offered by Michael Haigney, www.webdesignomagh.com, it is a prize he won in a facebook competition earlier this year ran by the Derrynoid Centre. The event will be held at the Derrynoid center, derrynoid.co.uk, and the team building will be provided by The Adventure Team, theadventureteam.co.uk

The Team Building will take place on Friday the 16th of December, refreshments will be provided and car pooling will be organised to and from the venue, register here - christmasteambuilding.eventbrite.com

SNOW TYRES?

Call John for a deal now!

ggfg

Belfast Metropolitan College

The following job(s) are now recruiting on our web site www.belfastmet.ac.uk/jobs.

Job Reference: 2011/035A   Title: Public Affairs and Media Relations Advisor (Temp)

Job Reference: 2011/033A   Title: Commercial and Events Manager (Temporary)

Job Reference: 2011/034A   Title: Head of School - Creative and Service Industries

Job Reference: 2011/036A   Title: Curriculum Area Manager - Health & Social Care (Temp)

Job Reference: 2011/037A   Title: Employee Relations Advisor (Temp)

JS Contracts was established in 1983 and continues to provide customers with the traditional, high quality finish in both paintwork and paper hanging.

Only time served tradespeople are used on contracts and JS Contracts, while specialising in restoration work, can also provide decorating services in new build and properties undergoing renovation.

For further information, contact Joe Smyth on 028 90 601 601

First Edition Publications specialises in the management, publication and production of books, booklets, company reports, calendars, feasibility studies, manuals and specialist handbooks.

The company has particular expertise in the area of short runs of publications – this can range from as few as twenty to a few thousand. This means that, as far as authors are concerned, the financial risk can largely be taken out of publishing, especially for those authors active in areas of specialist interest.

If you are a professional speaker with an archive of resource material, then First Edition Publications can help you maximise your earning potential. By simply converting these resources into a published work, your audience will have access to a permanent record of your session and what’s more, you will be in a position to command a higher fee by virtue of the fact that you are a published author.

Published speakers, with a published track record, command a premium fee. In many cases, speakers can also offer a copy of the published work at a preferential rate for each participant in the session thereby increasing their yield from a speaking engagement. Published speakers also generate most of their business from referrals which means that their level of repeat business is also significantly higher than the nor.

In this way, the speaker gains in two ways – the first is a premium rate as a published speaker and the second is an additional margin on the publications supplied as a support resource to the session concerned.

And this is where First Edition Publications can help the professional speaker, business trainer and business coach maximise each speaking and training opportunity.

After all, isn’t your published work the ultimate calling card?

Contact Joe at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it - 0044 7970 430 155

In CUSTOMS HOUSE BELFAST
(all events with a 10.00am start and approximate finish of 12.15)

In MARLBOROUGH HOUSE CRAIGAVON (times the same as above)
12th January 2012 Becoming an employer
18th Jan 2012 Newly self-employed
Again both of the above 10 am starts

Customs House Belfast all 10 am starts
Business Self assessment online 30th November
12th January 2012 Newly self-employed
19th Jan 2012 Self assessment online
24th Jan 2012 Business Expenses and Capital Allowances

All events of course free of charge and bookings can be made by a call to our central booking number on 0845 603 2691

BC&S Business education & support team - 02890 334527

INVITATIONS TO TENDER NOTICE

CLOSING DATE EXTENDED TO

FRIDAY 23RD DEC 2011

Townsend Enterprise Park Ltd is one of Belfast’s original and most successful enterprise development organisations and since its foundation in 1987, it has earned the reputation of being a major enterprise development player in the Belfast area and has helped hundreds of businesses start up and develop their business.

The company offers competitively priced managed workspace and business services to meet a wide variety of business needs and it is located parallel to the Westlink in Belfast City Centre, the ideal place to do business with ample parking.

Townsend Enterprise Park Ltd now wishes to invite competitive tenders from suitably qualified and competent contractors for the supply of the following services for a fixed term period.

Legal services

Accountancy services

Waste management

Energy supply

Insurance

Security

IT maintenance services

Full details relating to the requirements of Townsend Enterprise Park Ltd including the terms and conditions governing the award of the contract are available from www.townsend.co.uk.

Christmas Final Countdown

It's officially just Four weeks until Christmas, no time for printing flyers or placing ads, but you can still do alot online. Promoting your business online is the fastest way to reach your customers. The right use of Email marketing, social media, adwords, online PR & marketing will get your message out there. Whatever you need help with please call me for advice 07900317253. www.webdesignomagh.com

December 14th 2011 – 14:00-17:00hrs

ICAGNI Christmas gathering – Seasons Restaurant

Mount Conference Centre Belfast BT6 8DD

Informal gathering with late lunch – a la carte – pay as you go.

Book here

ICAGNI’s informal Christmas celebrations will be on December 14^th from 2pm at the Mount Conference Centre. Orders will be taken up to 2.30pm and thereafter guests can have coffee/tea and a mince pie. Each guest can choose their own food from the delicious menu and will settle their own Bill. Early booking advised via this link only www.trainingpeople.biz/ICAGNIXMAS2011/default_form.htm

SEO Northern Ireland: How local online listings can help

improve your SEO ranking

I wonder how long the Phone Book and Yellow Pages will continue to be printed for? Think about it, is there any real need for a 5Kg printed directory in the era of internet search technology?

The last six years have witnessed fundamental changes in the way people seek and find business information. Search engines and internet business directories have rapidly replaced printed phone directories and the popularity of local internet search has sky-rocketed. Recent figures form comScore, show the use of internet search tools such as Google and Yahoo to find local business information grew 58% to 15.7 billion searches. This compares with a smaller, but still impressive, 21% rise in general internet searches. So what does this trend mean for a business relying on local custom?

Local search tools

There are two main types of internet tool used by consumers to find local information online: internet search engines and online business directories. The last few years have witnessed very significant innovation and financial investment by leading search engines especially Google and Yahoo and by companies such as BT and Yell to capture larger percentages of the local search market.

It’s interesting to know that the consumer choice for local business information seems to have shifted from business directories to search engines. Studies by Neilson and comScore show internet directories only have a small percentage of overall searches. In fact 85% of internet searches are through search engines rather than online directories.

How does local search work?

If you are trying to source local services or suppliers, whether it’s an accountant or a car mechanic, chances are you will perform a quick internet search. For most local searches, such as ‘Belfast restaurants or ‘Wedding photographers Northern Ireland’, the major search engines will display a number of local results linked to a map. What’s significant about the local search results is that they appear right at the top of the page.

Naturally there is a huge level of competition for these slots. Many businesses now rely on experienced internet marketers who can provide local search marketing services and produce professional local search profiles.

The value of local search

If you aren’t visible for local online searches you can guarantee some of your competitors will be. Business owners and marketing managers in competitive local business environments are starting to take notice of the importance of local search. In fact, you only need to look through a few local search results to view evidence of businesses that have created search optimised local business listings.

Creating a local search profile on Google Places or optimizing your existing profile, is, in my opinion, one of the most important and cost-effective ways to increase relevant leads to your website and most internet marketing professionals now offer this service to clients.

The future of local search

Local search is still growing and evolving. The one dominant factor that has increased its importance in recent years is the arrival of smart phones. Devices such as the iPhone can only increase the importance of local search as people crave more geo-targeted and location relevant information.

Paul McGarrity is Director of Octave Online Communications, an internet marketing consultancy based in Belfast.
The consultancy helps business and organisations to benefit from online marketing strategy and campaigns. www.OctaveOC.com

We are currently recruiting for the following sales positions:
Business Systems Sales Executive

Job Specification
We are seeking a skilled telecom’s systems sales professional with experience in selling PBX systems predominantly into the private sector in NI, but any public sector sales experience would be advantageous. You will generate your own appointments through new business development and via some existing accounts, be able to identify potential business opportunities, present solutions and close the sale face to face to meet and exceed targets.
Experience of selling a range of switches will be extremely beneficial. You will be strong at developing new business both directly and strategically through third parties (architects, developers etc) with a successful sales track record.
THE PACKAGE:
Basic Salary - Excellent Basic (£20-25,000) + uncapped commission (OTE up to £45K)
Company Car Allowance – Negotiable
Benefits - Mobile, Lap Top, 23 Days Holiday (plus statutory days).

Network Sales Representative

Job Specification
Rainbow Telecom seeks a highly driven and target focused sales professional preferably with a Telecoms background or alternatively a strong field sales background. The successful candidate will self generate appointments within the B2B sector and will report directly to the Sales Manager. Experience in B2B and Self Generating business is essential as your roll would involve developing new business. Duties will include sitting 2-3 appointments per day and performing in line with company's targeted KPI's.

THE PACKAGE:
Basic Salary – Excellent Basic (£15-20,000) + uncapped commission (OTE up to £40k)
Company Car Allowance – Negotiable
Benefits - Mobile, Lap Top, 23 days holiday (plus statutory days)

Statutory duty to conduct CRB Checks on Staff

Academies need Enhanced Disclosures

Guidance published by the Department of Education in April 2011 for schools applying for Academy status includes the following statement concerning Criminal Records Bureau Disclosures:

“The Independent School Standards place a statutory duty on Academies to ensure that all members of staff have received an enhanced CRB check prior to the confirmation of their appointment or as soon as practically possible thereafter, and that this check confirms their suitability to work with children. New disclosures should be sought unless the member of staff has worked in a relevant educational setting within the previous 3 months. “

First Standard, a specialist Umbrella Body with the Criminal Records Bureau, has experience of working with schools to fulfil this requirement. We work with you to establish appropriate protocols and procedures to ensure that the checks are completed on time.

For further information, visit our website: www.firststandardltd.co.uk

TENDERS

For Northern Ireland specific contracts, there are a number of sources of information specifically for contracts within Northern Ireland. The Central Procurement Directorate (CPD) handles contracts for a number of government departments. You can find a list of current tender opportunities on the CPD website. Again, there is no email alert facility that we can find which makes the content difficult to adapt to the Bulletin format.

Please see https://e-sourcingni.bravosolution.co.uk/esop/toolkit/notice/public/opportunities.do?reset=true for the current list of Northern Ireland opportunities.

Ref: DEC293997
Notice Type: Invitation to Tender
Title: Market Research for Irish Seafood Market
Published: 07/12/2011
Published by: Bord Iascaigh Mhara - Irish Sea Fisheries Board ( BIM )
Deadline: 06/01/2012
Full Text: http://www.etenders.gov.ie/search/show/Search_View.aspx?id=DEC293997

Ref: DEC293919
Notice Type: Invitation to Tender
Title: Provision of eFulfilment/CRM Services
Published: 07/12/2011
Published by: National Transport Authority
Deadline: 22/12/2011
Full Text: http://www.etenders.gov.ie/search/show/Search_View.aspx?id=DEC293919

Ref: DEC293735
Notice Type: Invitation to Tender
Title: Socio-economic Survey of Recreational Angling in Ireland
Published: 05/12/2011
Published by: Inland Fisheries Ireland
Deadline: 19/12/2011
Full Text: http://www.etenders.gov.ie/search/show/Search_View.aspx?id=DEC293735

Ref: DEC293715
Notice Type: Invitation to Tender
Title: eInteractive Animated Destination Maps
Published: 05/12/2011
Published by: Fáilte Ireland-National Tourism Development Authority
Deadline: 19/12/2011
Full Text: http://www.etenders.gov.ie/search/show/Search_View.aspx?id=DEC293715

Ref: DEC293315
Notice Type: Invitation to Tender
Title: Supply of eLearning Services to the FSAI
Published: 02/12/2011
Published by: Food Safety Authority of Ireland
Deadline: 09/12/2011
Full Text: http://www.etenders.gov.ie/search/show/Search_View.aspx?id=DEC293315

Ref: DEC292795
Notice Type: Invitation to Tender
Title: Expressions of Interest Dundalk Arts Centre, Dundalk, Co.Louth
Published: 01/12/2011
Published by: Dundalk Town Council
Deadline: 27/01/2012
Full Text: http://www.etenders.gov.ie/search/show/Search_View.aspx?id=DEC292795

Ref: DEC292755
Notice Type: Invitation to Tender
Title: Tender for Public Relations Consultancy services for An Taisce’s National Spring Clean Campaign
Published: 01/12/2011
Published by: An Taisce Environmental Education Unit
Deadline: 16/12/2011
Full Text: http://www.etenders.gov.ie/search/show/Search_View.aspx?id=DEC292755

Belfast City Council Tenders are available at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/tenders

First Edition Publications, The Technology Centre, Townsend Enterprise Park, Townsend St., BELFAST BT13 2ES

T 028 90435778 | M 07970430155 | This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it | www.firsteditionpublications.com | SKYPE id: gi4cso

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MCCAS · Townsend Enterprise Park · Townsend Street · Belfast, Northern Ireland BT13 2ES