Barefoot Business News from Robert Ashton
| September 2011
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Taking the biscuit
I don't do politics. But some of the comments emerging from the party conferences make politics hard to ignore. Miliband's speech about 'predators' and 'producers' suggested that he too now accepts that corporate sustainability is not just about making money, but making a difference too. He could almost have been describing some of the big businesses I work with, that choose to differentiate themselves by their social impact. To me there's no doubt that the way to win customers and make a profit these days is to do good, as well as be good.
Digby Jones of course disagreed, describing Miliband's comments as a 'kick in the teeth for recession battered firms'. I've met Jones and know that deep down he cares, but it's also obvious that he's as stuck in the past as a charioteer at a Grand Prix. Why flog your horse to death in your attempt to win the race when there's a better way to succeed staring you in the face?
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| All at sea | |
Did you enjoy reading adventure stories as a child? I particularly like the seafaring ones, where the becalmed crews, with no land anywhere on the horizon became increasingly uncomfortable with their situation. Inevitably the ships biscuits would be riddled with weevils and rationed out to last as long as possible. Once they were gone, everyone knew that the only alternative then to starvation or rescue was cannibalism.
I recently suggested (on my New Start blog) that if you took many Trustee Boards and left them on a desert island, they'd focus on counting and rationing supplies, rather than lighting a fire to attract others. The metaphor tries to illustrate that when the grants dry up, you can either eke out your reserves and hope for rescue, or try to attract new sources of funding.
If the fear of pirates is holding your Board back from trying to attract new sources of funding, follow this link. The pdf shows you how I can help in a very practical and affordable way.
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| Tea break |
My popularity as an author is growing. Well, people are buying my books and quite a few then sign up for this newsletter. Consistent book sales make me popular with publishers and so right now I'm researching a couple of new books - as well as working on new editions of old favourites.
So here's your opportunity to stop for a tea break, have a think and perhaps get a mention in one of my books next year. I'm interested in any really unusual business experiences, good or bad. Specifically I'd love to hear:
- Your best time management tips and also examples of poor time management;
- How you started your own business and overcame prejudice, disability, lack of cash or just ignored those who said you'd fail to succeed;
- Examples of how voluntary or community organisations have adapted to respond to Big Society (less cash/more demand for services!)
Please forward this to anyone else you think fits the bill and ask them to email me: robert@robertashton.co.uk
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| Need more space? | |
The talented team at Naked Marketing have been renting office space from me for years. Now they're buying their own place and moving out. It's exciting for them and I'm really pleased to see them taking the next big step as a business.
So now I have two rooms to rent out. If you've outgrown the spare bedroom and want somewhere nice to grow your business, there's an opportunity. Everything's included in the rent and we can even answer the phone for you and do your admin. All you need to bring is your own biscuits!
To find out more, click here
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| Bits and pieces | |
In October I'll be:
- Speaking about social entrepreneurship at a housing conference;
- Helping to launch a new support organisation at a special needs education conference;
- Seeing the UK's first 'Big Society' school get a lot closer to reality as the funding is now almost within our grasp;
- Helping people raise funds in some really new and interesting ways that engage people and work;
- Sending a book on 'Time Management' to the publisher for editing
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Quote of the month
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'Social change is like a loaf of bread - you'll choke if you take it on all at once, better tackled one slice at a time, with butter and jam.'
Robert Ashton
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I send out a monthly ezine to everyone who finds it useful. If you'd like to receive a copy, you need do nothing. If you'd rather not, please click on the link below to unsubscribe.
Sincerely,
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Book now!
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The Towards a Positive Future two day SEN conference for parents and professionals still has a few delegate tickets and sponsorship options available. The first event of its kind, the conference will look to provide support and information to parents and professionals alike presented by a great variety of speakers who are experience in their own respective fields. Alongside the presentations, delegates will be able to join in discussions which will shape the structure, mission, and execution of The Clarity Foundation - a new organisation that will be launched at the conference.
Delegates will also receive a copy 'Towards a Positive Future' by Janet O'Keefe, which launches at the conference. There will be a special three course dinner held to celebrate the launch.
Date: 14th & 15th October
Venue: Arlington Arts Centre, Newbury
For more information: www.towardsapositivefuture.wordpress.com
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