The obvious skill of being able to communicate in a language that the age group you are targeting, is an evident one. Choosing a topic that the child relates to is all important. In many cases it is also deemed to be imperative to include graphics - again, depending on the child's age; BUT all children of all ages like to see illustrations.

You need to understand what the children want from reading and what their parent's want.

When we hear of others winning business awards, we tend to think that they are people who have really got 'their act together' and are very good or very lucky or both. We don't realise that because so many business operators feel this way, that in fact, very few actually will take the trouble to enter awards - they don't think they have a chance.

There is much more to advertising than simply taking out an ad. If you stop and think for a minute as to what the purpose of an advertisement is - you will see many more skills are required. The aim of an advertisement is to bring to existing or potential clients, information on your product/service, with the outcome being a sale.


It is therefore important that you think of advertisements in both of these scenarios.

All too often we think 'we know what is best for our business' when in fact we do not know if the customer agrees with us or not! The good news is that most business operators are keen to gather new information - but the bad news is that many will never put any of the ideas they read into action! It is not so much that they do not believe what they are reading or hearing - it is more the fact that it is more 'comfortable' to continue along the same path as before.

It is important that you are aware of who it is you want to sell your product/service to. Recognising your target market is an important step in running a successful business.

Many new businesses believe that their customers are anyone who buys their product. However, if you can define exactly who your market is and specifically target your customer, you are more likely to be successful.

Many things can contribute to creating the business image that you want and they should all be considered before you rush into having anything printed to promote your business.

Start with the very name you call your business. When deciding on the name consider just what the image is that you are trying to convey e.g. fun, serious, sensitive, caring, knowledgeable, etc.

Technology and marketing - just how do you get them to work well when you may have limited skills in either or both? When you are a small business and especially if you are a sole operator you are very conscious of your limitations. It is a real 'godsend' when something is made available that can help brand your product or services and does not cost a fortune.

When I was a young thing - you were considered to be a poor employee if you were not able to 'hang on' to your job for your working life. Now you are considered to be somewhat of a dinosaur if you do!

The fact that you are likely to change your job and even the type of business you are in, three to eight times in your working life, means that you should consider this when undertaking your initial training for a career.

The Micro and home based business (HBB) sell their product in a number of ways and each has advantages and disadvantages. To improve your sales you must understand what is best for your circumstances and type of product.

1) Many decide to go from retailer to retailer, trying to convince them to buy their wares. The advantage of this method is that you meet your potential client 'face to face' and can begin to build a relationship.

How do you cope with the 'millions' of tasks when running a Micro or Home based business (HBB), especially if you work on your own (or maybe have occasional assistance) and still have time for yourself and/or your family?


How do you know which tasks are important and which are urgent - or do you run your business by the seat of your pants, along the line of 'it is URGENT' all the time?


One way to overcome the problems you are facing is to draw on the experience of other successful Micro and HBB, then you will not have to go through the same pain and stress that they did.

This title means what it says...don't just brand your business, but brand yourself! 'You are your business' -especially in the Micro and HBB sector. It is very important for potential clients to trust you as well as your business. So put some energy into branding yourself, as well as your business.

Have a personal plan for branding yourself and keep it updated.