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<!--Generated by Squarespace Site Server v5.11.5 (http://www.squarespace.com/) on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 18:44:43 GMT--><rss xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" version="2.0"><channel><title>Business Oppotunities Blog (BOB)</title><link>http://blog.businessopportunities.com/bob-daily/</link><description>All the inspiration you need about getting into business and being a success</description><lastBuildDate>Thu, 26 Aug 2010 11:08:48 +0000</lastBuildDate><copyright>www.Dynamis.co.uk</copyright><language>en-GB</language><generator>Squarespace Site Server v5.11.5 (http://www.squarespace.com/)</generator><item><title>-</title><category>3.Starting a Business</category><category>8.Inspiration</category><category>Competition</category><category>Start a Business</category><dc:creator>Marcus Markou</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 26 Aug 2010 10:54:41 +0000</pubDate><link>http://blog.businessopportunities.com/bob-daily/2010/8/26/from-startups-100-the-startups-100-list-is-announced.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">60189:518437:8681630</guid><description><![CDATA[<span style="font-size: 120%;"><strong><span class="full-image-float-left ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://blog.businessopportunities.com/storage/Chris Wickson Rate My Placement.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1282820794367" alt="Founders of RateMyPlacement.co.uk" width="280" height="181" /></span></span>From <a href="http://www.startups.co.uk/100completelist" target="_blank">Startups 100</a>: The Startups 100 list is announced today, identifying the UK&rsquo;s most innovative, inspiring and ground-breaking new companies.&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong></span><br /><br />Startups 100, selected by the startups.co.uk team, celebrates the 100 most exciting, promising, disruptive new businesses and entrepreneurs shaping the start-up market right now. The list includes <a href="http://www.businesswings.co.uk/articles/Portfolio-careers-pros-and-cons" target="_blank">BookingBug</a>, <a href="http://www.businesswings.co.uk/articles/The-graduate-entrepreneur" target="_blank">RateMyPlacement.co.uk</a> and <a href="http://www.businesswings.co.uk/articles/Starting-an-online-travel-guide" target="_blank">MyDestinationInfo.com</a>; three enterprising business featured on <a href="http://www.businesswings.co.uk/" target="_blank">BusinessWings</a>.]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://blog.businessopportunities.com/bob-daily/rss-comments-entry-8681630.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>Overcoming Obstacles in Sales</title><category>4.Growing a Business</category><category>Sales Advice</category><category>Small Business Advice</category><dc:creator>Marcus Markou</dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 23 Aug 2010 11:34:22 +0000</pubDate><link>http://blog.businessopportunities.com/bob-daily/2010/8/23/overcoming-obstacles-in-sales.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">60189:518437:8650143</guid><description><![CDATA[<p><strong style="font-size: 120%;"><span class="full-image-float-left ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://blog.businessopportunities.com/storage/salesman.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1282563394718" alt="Salesman" width="232" height="413" /></span></span>From <a href="http://www.businesswings.co.uk/author-profiles/Nazir-Daud" target="_blank">Nazir Daud</a> of <a href="http://www.franchisesales.co.uk/franchises/citylocal-franchise" target="_blank">CityLocal</a>: Being a successful salesperson isn't a talent that you are born with. </strong></p>
<p>Some people may have the right instincts and personality traits to potentially be good salespeople, but success still depends on learning and putting into practice the right <a href="http://www.businesswings.co.uk/articles/The-art-of-sales-techniques" target="_blank">selling techniques</a>.</p>
<p>One of the biggest roadblocks to business sales success is customer objections. When you're not prepared to deal with them, your prospects for sales are bleak. If you take the time to learn positive ways of dealing with and overcoming objections, however, you will see obvious financial benefits.</p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://blog.businessopportunities.com/bob-daily/rss-comments-entry-8650143.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>Business Presentation Tips</title><dc:creator>Marcus Markou</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 20 Aug 2010 14:07:40 +0000</pubDate><link>http://blog.businessopportunities.com/bob-daily/2010/8/20/business-presentation-tips.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">60189:518437:8624198</guid><description><![CDATA[<p><strong><span style="font-size: 120%;"><span class="full-image-float-left ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://blog.businessopportunities.com/storage/Presentation.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1282315078268" alt="Businesswoman, business presentation" width="299" height="259" /></span></span>From <a href="http://www.businesswings.co.uk/author-profiles/Nazir-Daud" target="_blank">Nazir Daud</a> of <a href="http://www.franchisesales.co.uk/franchises/citylocal-franchise" target="_blank">CityLocal</a>: In business, like in life, presentation is important. </span></strong></p>
<p>Your <a href="http://www.businesswings.co.uk/articles/Measuring-customer-satisfaction" target="_blank">customers' perception</a> of your sales staff, your back-office staff and yourbrand help to mould how they perceive your business, and their likelihood of doing business with you.</p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://blog.businessopportunities.com/bob-daily/rss-comments-entry-8624198.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>How to Close a Sale</title><category>4.Growing a Business</category><category>Business Resources</category><category>Customer Service</category><category>Small Business Advice</category><dc:creator>Marcus Markou</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 18 Aug 2010 11:21:21 +0000</pubDate><link>http://blog.businessopportunities.com/bob-daily/2010/8/18/how-to-close-a-sale.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">60189:518437:8601128</guid><description><![CDATA[<p><strong style="font-size: 120%;"><span class="full-image-float-left ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://blog.businessopportunities.com/storage/handshake.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1282131165682" alt="Sale closure" width="294" height="107" /></span></span>From <a href="http://www.businesswings.co.uk/author-profiles/Nazir-Daud" target="_blank">Nazir Daud</a> from <a href="http://www.franchisesales.co.uk/franchises/citylocal-franchise">CityLocal</a>: How confident are you when the time comes to close the <a href="http://www.businesswings.co.uk/articles/The-art-of-sales-techniques" target="_blank">sale</a>? </strong></p>
<p>One of the most consequential factors at play that can contribute to a <a href="http://www.businesswings.co.uk/articles/Improve-sales-performance-during-the-downturn" target="_blank">successful closing</a>, and possibly understanding when you should move on, has to be the leverage and confidence you posses when going into a sale.</p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://blog.businessopportunities.com/bob-daily/rss-comments-entry-8601128.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>14 Year Old Entrepreneur Becomes Millionaire</title><category>3.Starting a Business</category><category>8.Inspiration</category><category>Business Ideas</category><category>Business Resources</category><category>Technology</category><dc:creator>Marcus Markou</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:15:11 +0000</pubDate><link>http://blog.businessopportunities.com/bob-daily/2010/8/17/14-year-old-entrepreneur-becomes-millionaire.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">60189:518437:8585873</guid><description><![CDATA[<p><strong style="font-size: 120%;"><span class="full-image-float-left ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://blog.businessopportunities.com/storage/Sterling notes.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1282058510134" alt="Money" width="312" height="186" /></span></span>From <a href="http://www.splashnology.com/" target="_blank">Splashnology</a>: A British teen from Corby, Northamptonshire made his first million pounds after starting his business at the age of 14. </strong></p>
<p>Christian Owens lives with his parents, company secretary Alison, 43 and factory worker dad Julian, 50. He got his first computer at the age of seven. Three years later he got a Mac and started to learn web design.</p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://blog.businessopportunities.com/bob-daily/rss-comments-entry-8585873.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>Duncan Bannatyne Works with Dragons’ Den Entrepreneur</title><category>4.Growing a Business</category><category>91.The Diary of an Entrepreneur</category><category>Business Ideas</category><category>Growing a Business</category><dc:creator>Marcus Markou</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 13 Aug 2010 13:12:45 +0000</pubDate><link>http://blog.businessopportunities.com/bob-daily/2010/8/13/duncan-bannatyne-works-with-dragons-den-entrepreneur.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">60189:518437:8546646</guid><description><![CDATA[<p><strong style="font-size: 120%;"><span class="full-image-float-left ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://blog.businessopportunities.com/storage/Bannatyne and Razz Kids.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1281705559626" alt="Duncan Bannatyne with Razzamataz children" width="274" height="191" /></span></span>Now in its fifth year, the business brains from <a href="http://www.businesswings.co.uk/articles/Dragons-Den--The-Apprentice-a-public-service" target="_blank">Dragons&rsquo; Den</a> have not forgotten past entrepreneurs as Duncan Bannatyne proved with his recent trip to Razzamataz Theatre School. </strong></p>
<p>Founder and director of Razzamataz in Carlisle, Denise Hutton-Gosney, first appeared on the show in 2007 and after her dynamic pitch, caught the attention of Bannatyne who went on to offer her the full investment.</p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://blog.businessopportunities.com/bob-daily/rss-comments-entry-8546646.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>Unique Businesses For Sale; Global Business Opportunities</title><category>5.Opportunity Profiles</category><category>Business Ideas</category><dc:creator>Marcus Markou</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 06 Aug 2010 15:52:10 +0000</pubDate><link>http://blog.businessopportunities.com/bob-daily/2010/8/6/unique-businesses-for-sale-global-business-opportunities.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">60189:518437:8480506</guid><description><![CDATA[<p><strong style="font-size: 120%;"><span class="full-image-float-left ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://blog.businessopportunities.com/storage/Dinner in the sky.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1281110349846" alt="Dinner in the sky business for sale" width="330" height="217" /></span></span>Fancy owning a Dracula theme park in Romania, or maybe a UK pub poker league?</strong></p>
<p>Check out these unique businesses for sale around the world.</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://uk.businessesforsale.com/uk/Funky-Festival-Catering-Business-For-Sale.aspx" target="_blank">Funky Festival Catering Business For Sale &gt;&gt;</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>Berkshire, UK</strong></p>
<p><strong>&pound;40,000<br /><a href="http://uk.businessesforsale.com/uk/Unique-Punk-Rock-Dogg-Apparel-Business-For-Sale.aspx" target="_blank"><br />Unique Punk Rock Dogg Apparel Business For Sale &gt;&gt;</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>Pennsylvania, USA</strong></p>
<p><strong>$50,000<br /><a href="http://uk.businessesforsale.com/uk/Exclusive-Dinner-in-the-Sky-Business-For-Sale.aspx" target="_blank"><br />Exclusive Dinner In The Sky Business For Sale &gt;&gt;</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>Gauteng, South Africa</strong></p>
<p><strong>R1,700,000<br /><br /><a href="http://uk.businessesforsale.com/uk/Wrinkle-Removing-Clinics-And-Franchise-Package-In-Poland-For-Sale.aspx" target="_blank">Wrinkle Removing Clinics And Franchise Package In Poland For Sale &gt;&gt;</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>Warszawa, Poland</strong></p>
<p><strong>$1,500,000</strong></p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://blog.businessopportunities.com/bob-daily/rss-comments-entry-8480506.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>10 Tips for Starting a Business That Will Succeed</title><category>3.Starting a Business</category><category>Business Resources</category><category>Small Business Advice</category><category>Start a Business</category><dc:creator>Marcus Markou</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 30 Jul 2010 15:42:07 +0000</pubDate><link>http://blog.businessopportunities.com/bob-daily/2010/7/30/10-tips-for-starting-a-business-that-will-succeed.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">60189:518437:8408642</guid><description><![CDATA[<p><strong style="font-size: 120%;"><span class="full-image-float-left ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://blog.businessopportunities.com/storage/Happy%20Business%20Woman.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1280505287952" alt="Happy business woman" width="260" height="239" /></span></span>By <a href="http://www.about.com/" target="_blank">About.com</a>: Small business expert, Susan Ward, offers some great advice on <a href="http://www.businesswings.co.uk/browse/Starting-a-Business" target="_blank">starting a business</a> and how to ensure it's a success.</strong></p>
<p>Following the advice below will make starting a  business a smoother, less stressful process and go a long way  towards ensuring the business you start lasts and thrives.</p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://blog.businessopportunities.com/bob-daily/rss-comments-entry-8408642.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>Apprenticeships; The Do’s and Don’ts</title><category>5.Opportunity Profiles</category><category>Business Resources</category><category>Small Business Advice</category><dc:creator>Marcus Markou</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 29 Jul 2010 08:59:09 +0000</pubDate><link>http://blog.businessopportunities.com/bob-daily/2010/7/29/apprenticeships-the-dos-and-donts.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">60189:518437:8395387</guid><description><![CDATA[<p><strong style="font-size: 120%;"><span class="full-image-float-left ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://blog.businessopportunities.com/storage/Apprentices.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1280400474651" alt="Apprentices" width="287" height="245" /></span></span>By the </strong><strong style="font-size: 120%;">National Apprenticeship Service </strong><span style="font-size: 120%;"><strong>(NAS)</strong></span><strong style="font-size: 120%;">: Summer holiday's may see some chilling on a beach, but for those who&rsquo;ve just left school and are stepping into the world of work as an apprentice, this time of year is anything but relaxing. </strong></p>
<p>In fact, while incredibly exciting it can also be very nerve racking. <br /><br />Getting something wrong in the classroom may result in a bad grade or detention. But for new apprentices getting it wrong at work could impact on your customers, your boss, and your organisation.</p>
<p>The transition is a big one. So to help all those <a href="http://www.businesswings.co.uk/articles/SMEs-benefit-from-apprenticeships" target="_blank">new apprentices</a> just about to start work, our young Apprenticeship ambassadors have teamed up to create some <a href="http://www.businesswings.co.uk/articles/Successful-graduates-offer-tips-to-aspiring-entrepreneurs" target="_blank">top tips</a> on how to get the very best start - and on wowing the boss.</p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://blog.businessopportunities.com/bob-daily/rss-comments-entry-8395387.xml</wfw:commentRss></item><item><title>Franchise Award Announces Finalists</title><category>8.Inspiration</category><category>Awards</category><dc:creator>Marcus Markou</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 23 Jul 2010 12:22:33 +0000</pubDate><link>http://blog.businessopportunities.com/bob-daily/2010/7/23/franchise-award-announces-finalists.html</link><guid isPermaLink="false">60189:518437:8341256</guid><description><![CDATA[<p><strong style="font-size: 120%;"><span class="full-image-float-left ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://blog.businessopportunities.com/storage/clapping.JPG?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1279888548927" alt="Clapping, franchisee awards" width="317" height="175" /></span></span>A shortlist of 16 franchisees from across the UK have been drawn up for the prestigious bfa HSBC Franchisee of the Year Awards 2010.</strong></p>
<p>Operating in sectors as diverse as <a href="http://www.franchisesales.co.uk/search/Automotive-Franchise" target="_blank">automotive</a>, <a href="http://www.franchisesales.co.uk/search/Fast-Food-Franchise" target="_blank">fast food</a>, <a href="http://www.franchisesales.co.uk/search/Home-Improvement-Franchise" target="_blank">home improvement</a> and <a href="http://www.franchisesales.co.uk/search/Letting-Agency-Franchise" target="_blank">lettings</a>, the finalists encapsulate the best qualities in franchising.</p>
<p>They will now pitch to the bfa judging panel of Sir Bernard Ingham, president of the bfa, Brian Smart, general director of the bfa, Cathryn Hayes, HSBC&rsquo;s head of franchising, Paul Monaghan, director of The Franchise Development Centre and Hannah Poulton, associate of the Franchise Team.</p>]]></description><wfw:commentRss>http://blog.businessopportunities.com/bob-daily/rss-comments-entry-8341256.xml</wfw:commentRss></item></channel></rss>