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Greetings!
Welcome to our April news.
It comes in a slightly different format this month as Robert has not been here to write it but he has very bravely given us the go-ahead to talk freely in his absence.
While he has been enjoying a well earned 'rest' globe trotting with his family and speaking to emerging entrepreneurs in Ethiopia, Turnpike Farm has been buzzing with activity as always.
Kittens have arrived, flowers are blooming and Turpike Farm itself is putting growth plans into action with new staff arrivals and projects underway.
Now Mad About Business is about to broadcast we've given you all the timings below to make life a little easier.
Meanwhile if you didn't get much of a break over Easter because you're juggling too much at work, read on - we may have a solution for you!
Bella
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COUNTDOWN TO BROADCAST
It's time to line up a glass of something nice and your favourite snacks to settle down on the sofa for a dose of sound business advice.
Robert Ashton's Mad About Business will be back on our screens from Tuesday 12th May at 9.30pm on mychannel on Sky171. The weekly episodes will be repeated on Saturday afternoons and recordable on Sky Plus.
The first programme will introduce Robert to new viewers showing that his approach to business is anything but boring. This will really be one to watch as the producer puts him to the test in some very cold water and Robert bares all to viewers.
As we know, Robert is well placed to talk about enterprise as the author of Instant Entrepreneur and Entrepreneur's Book of Checklists. In programme two Robert explains what you need to do to be an entrepreneur. From a plan on the pan to some reflection on the beach this is starting a business made simple.
In programme three Robert shows how to avoid costly mistakes and grow your business despite the recession. He shows what networking is all about and how it can be a very effective way to market.
In four Robert takes an alternative look at business advice. Where can you go? Who can you ask? He explores the world of business coaching behind the wheel of a bus!
Programme 5 takes a look at why growing businesses can go bust. With money the life blood of businesses he shows how to stop the bleeding and makes finance simple.
Six is all about customers and how to get them. He meets entrepreneurs who are winning new customers despite the recession and reveals why. He also shows how you can sell more too.
The last of the series will be all about growth - why it's important and what is the alternative. Discover how to grow your business too.
So turn on, tune in but don't miss out on May 12th with Robert on Sky171.
We'll also be posting some hilarious Robert out-takes soon so keep an eye on the website home page where we'll let you know where to find them. |
INTRODUCING TURNPIKE FARM
A MAGIC MIX FOR ENTERPRISE GROWTH
It's clear to see that enterprises will be looking at ways to stand out from the crowd and re-evaluate what they do at the moment.
If you're at the helm you may be tempted to take on extra workloads yourself but its vital to look after your own well-being as one of your organisation's most valuable assets.
This means taking stock of who is doing what and making sure it makes sense both practically and financially.
It might also mean you will need to check all the ingredients and skills are at hand to make your enterprise successful enough to grow without adding more long term fixed costs to the equation in the current climate. That's not always easy.
This is where we come in.
TURNPIKE FARM GROWS ENTERPRISES
We've got the mix exactly right to be a really effective resource base for enterprises.
We have a team ready to help evaluate what you are doing and to make it easier for you develop and grow. We do this in several different ways:
- Start up help
- Hosting and accommodation
- Mentoring and support
- PR
- Marketing
- Event Management
- Research
The best news for you is that it doesn't cost a fortune.
For further information or to find out how we can help you click here or visit our new website which will go live this week at www.turnpikefarm.co.uk |
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ROBERT ONE OF LEAD SPEAKERS AT BUSINESS BUILDING EVENT
Robert will be leading a seminar on business building in Manchester with Ruth Badger on May 29th at the Hilton Manchester Deansgate hotel.
How To Build A Profitable Business In Today's Economy promises to be a thought provoking, recession busting and inspirational business seminar.
Delegates will learn how to survive in today's tough economy and hear the very latest ground breaking business building techniques to enable them to thrive too.
Other speakers include sales and internet marketing expert Sean McPheat and training performance speaker Brian Jones of Imago Associates.
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NOT EVERYTHING IS QUITE AS EASY AS IT SEEMS
The final proof for Robert's next book 'How To Start Your Business' has arrived and I have a confession to make. I find his books hard to proof read because they are too interesting!
Although I'm trained in proof reading, every time I pick his books up I get drawn into the content instead because it is always so absorbing. I don't like to complain though....it's a great job reading it over again!
We had a work experience student with us last month and whenever she had a spare moment I found her with her head in 'The Life Plan.'
She told me she doesn't read many books but that it had lots of 'stuff' in she liked and was relevant to her and as a result she thought Robert was totally in touch and cool.
Without wishing to sound sycophantic that's a sentiment I agree with entirely.
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STOP PRESS FROM ROBERT
Ethiopian experience
I'm back, but only just, from a fortnight in Ethiopia. As
well as hitting the tourist trail (think ancient monasteries, mountains, lakes
and more), I've been building my business network too.
I spoke to a group of college lecturers about enterprise, as
part of a German funded programme to help them encourage their students into
self employment. They were a lively group!
Afework Yohannes, whose company BCaD www.aworks.com.et delivered the programme,
took me to visit Berhanu Degala, a true entrepreneur who now employs 100 people
and makes corporate wear at his factory in Addis. What impressed me most was that
Berhanu was born in a rural village and spent his early days watching over the
family sheep. He went to the city, worked his way through college and now helps
others learn the skills they need to succeed in his industry. Check him out at www.edgetgarment.com.
I'm hoping Robert will tell us more about his trip to Ethiopia on his blog as soon as he is ready. Meanwhile his son Tom has kindly made a superb image available for us to enjoy entitled 'Spot the Baboon'.
Clue (from Tom): It's the one with the backpack
If you haven't yet read any of Robert's thought provoking blogs yet click here to catch up. It's the place where he really says what he thinks about business, life and the universe. Please feel free to leave a comment and if you enjoy the content don't forget to bookmark the page! |
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SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS AND ASPIRATIONS WITH US
- If you would like to start or grow a business to find out how Turnpike Farm can help you
- If you think your enterprise would be interesting to feature on Mad About Business
- If you would like to book Robert to speak at an event you are planning
- If you simply would like to tell us a little about yourselves and what you do
We're ready to listen.
Please call me (Bella) on
01953 605000 or email on bella@robertashton.co.uk.
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Sincerely,
Bella Brodie,
Business and PR Manager to
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