Blogs

Discussion points from 'How do you manage projects?'
Wednesday, March 21, 2018 - 16:33

I'm pleased to share some take-away thoughts from the March Threads discussion.

We got together for an pragmatic discussion around how a business delivers projects and how business leaders can maintain visibility across the operation.

On Wednesday 4th April, we will explore the topic 'Preparing for exit, what should you be thinking about now?'.

You can RSVP via the group MeetUp page.

"Give project leaders full authority over, and responsibility for, their project. Really trust and empower them so that they think of the project as their baby."

"Projects are a great way to get work done that comes to a definite conclusion which is much of the work that a business needs to do. So work that can be scoped, has a timeframe and results in a clear and obvious outcome. Don’t use projects for work that never ceases such as ongoing customer support where the support tickets just keep on coming. Ongoing activities like ... Read more

Discussion points from 'How do you bridge the gap between sales & marketing and your ops teams?'
Friday, September 15, 2017 - 13:34

I'm pleased to share some take-away thoughts from September's Threads discussion.

We got together for an open discussion around getting Sales and Marketing working well with Ops/Engineering.

On Wednesday 4th October, we will explore the topic 'GDPR: why tech businesses should be preparing now'. You can RSVP via the group MeetUp page.

"Sales and marketing is a science, just like Ops/Engineering. It should command equal rigour and status within your organisation."

"Marketing brings your prospect to a point at which they feel ready to engage by giving them the data they need as they need it. Sales are based on your prospect knowing, liking and trusting your people or brand. The sales process can only begin when both parties are ready to talk about buying."

"Both marketing and relationship development should continue thereafter. Marketing should ensure that the existing client base is taken with the ... Read more

Discussion points from 'How do you identify, protect and exploit value within your business?'
Monday, August 21, 2017 - 13:25

I'm pleased to share some take-away thoughts from the August Threads discussion.

We got together for an open discussion around value exploitation and below is a little of what came out of the conversation.

On Wednesday 6th September, you can join us in central Bristol to explore 'How do you bridge the gap between sales & marketing and your ops teams?'. You can RSVP via the group MeetUp page.

"Patents are of limited value in themselves, although they may be traded as a currency among larger companies. It would have to be a very special collection of patents that convert to real value without the supporting knowledge, application and delivery."

"Investors and accountants often like patents as they can be counted, but patents provide only a limited way of demonstrating that you have IP. The real value likely lies in your people, your product and your customers."

"If you've developed some IP which ... Read more

Discussion points from 'What is your leadership style? What works, and what doesn't?'
Tuesday, July 11, 2017 - 17:15

I'm pleased to share some take-away thoughts from July's Threads discussion.

We got together for an open discussion around leadership style, how this is borne out, and what one can do to lead and engage others..

On Wednesday 2nd August, we're at Bristol & Bath Science Park to explore the topic How do you identify, protect and exploit value within your business?'. You can rsvp via the group MeetUp page.

Here is a little of what came out of the conversation;

Be authentic. It's important that you match your management style to your own personality type.

Be ready to use different management styles, choosing the one that is most appropriate for the situation. Have a bunch of different styles ready in your kitbag and be ready to sometimes 'step up' and be tough.

Seek feedback about your management style from others, including your team. They will appreciate you asking and respect you for ... Read more

Discussion points from 'How do you identify blockers to growth within your organisation?'
Monday, June 12, 2017 - 11:31

I'm pleased to share some take-away thoughts from June's Threads discussion.

We got together for an open discussion around retaining and motivating your best people.

On Wednesday 5th July, we explore the topic 'What is your leadership style – what works and what doesn't?' You can rsvp via the group MeetUp page.

Here is a little of what came out of the conversation;

Don't simply push harder in what might be the wrong direction. There may be an easier way, a quicker route or more lucrative business to pursue.

Business is a mixture of inspiration and perspiration. If you are an in-the-detail person, have someone who complements your approach by bringing their higher-level view.

If your strategic thinking gets constantly interrupted by the day-to-day, then plan regular time away from the business to focus on the bigger picture. Set a key question to address then physically remove yourself ... Read more

Discussion points from 'Why do good people leave, how can a business motivate them to stay'
Thursday, May 25, 2017 - 16:59

I'm pleased to share some take-away thoughts from May's Threads discussion.

We got together for an open discussion around retaining and motivating your best people.

On Wednesday 7th June, we will explore the topic 'What are the pain points for growth within your organisation?' You can rsvp via the group MeetUp page.

Here is a little of what came out of the conversation;

The cost of a good engineer leaving the business is typically six months' salary. Double that for a management level colleague.

Stay mindful that your business contains really important people at all levels. Recognise their individual contributions and take steps to keep them onboard.

Don't blindly accept industry staff attrition rates. Some firms, with the right culture, will be seeing significantly fewer people leaving.

Acquisitions tend to focus on the numbers rather than on the culture, which can ... Read more

Discussion points from 'How to delegate and let go'
Thursday, April 13, 2017 - 17:21

I'm pleased to share some take-away thoughts from April's Threads discussion.

We got together for an open discussion around delegating effectively.

On Wednesday 3rd May, we will explore the topic 'Why do good people leave, how can a business motivate them to stay' You can RSVP via the group MeetUp page.

Here is a little of what came out of the conversation;

When something needs doing, the first question to ask yourself is "who can I get to do this?" as a way to make delegation your first port of call.

If you remain in charge of most things you become a bottleneck. You’ll start to make poor decisions as good decisions need good information, and you can’t keep track of everything. Letting go is the only way for a business to scale, so start today.

Beware of your own ego, aka technical 'pride'. It’s not all about you. It’s about the team and your ability to maximise the ability of the ... Read more

Discussion points from 'Growing your business - what you can expect when you raise funds'
Tuesday, March 14, 2017 - 12:30

Here are some take-away thoughts from March's Threads discussion.

We would be pleased to hear your views, challenges and experiences. Please feel free to comment, or to contact the organisers directly if you'd prefer.

On Wednesday 5th April, 'How to delegate and let go, and grow more management'.You may RSVP here.

Here is a little of what came out of the conversation;

The world of funding has modernised and diversified partly as a reaction to the financial crisis. New sources of funding are available such as instant loans, peer to peer lending and equity crowdfunding. Keep an open mind.

Experience of the group suggests banks are still cautious on lending, some declining relatively modest loans with long-standing customers with good credit scores. Alternative methods are increasingly commonplace and the decision making process for approval from debt providers can be more streamlined.  

Founders ... Read more

Discussion points from 'Remaining innovative in the face of day to day operations''
Wednesday, February 8, 2017 - 09:35

I'm pleased to share some take-away thoughts from February's Threads discussion.

We would be pleased to hear your views, challenges and experiences.

On Wednesday 1st March, we explore the topic 'Funding sources and what they expect from you'. You may RSVP here.

And, on Wednesday 5th April, we explore 'How to delegate and let go, and grow more management'. You may RSVP here.

Here is a little of what came out of the conversation;

"How you innovate will evolve and change as you grow. Think about what innovation your business needs to do during each phase of its growth, and choose appropriate strategies to make it happen."

"Build up a war chest of innovation. Just because customers or competitors don’t seem to innovate, it doesn't mean that they aren't. Businesses are more likely to struggle because they did too little innovation rather than too ... Read more

Discussion points from 'what and how to outsource'
Friday, December 9, 2016 - 12:12

I'm pleased to share some take-away thoughts from December's Threads discussion.

We got together for an open discussion of the considerations, merits and potential pitfalls of outsourcing drawing on the shared experiences of the attendees.

On Wednesday 1st February, we will explore the topic 'remaining innovative in the face of day to day operations'. You can rsvp via the group MeetUp page.

Here is a little of what came out of the conversation;

"With contract staff, you are benefiting from their transferable skills. However, once they've completed their contract and moved on, you can rarely get them back again. Mitigate for this and capture the subtle knowledge that can otherwise be lost."

"With outsourcing partners, you are more likely to be able to tap back into the individuals involved and access their knowledge later down the line."

"Start-ups must consider what they're really good at in ... Read more

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