A Quest for the Surviviors

Welcome to the New Year of 2009, but what can we expect from this New Year and new beginning?. We could sit back and continue to listen to the media sharks, hacking huge lumps of meat out of the credit crunch and turning it into a fatal Crisis. We could start counting our pennies, withdrawing our cash, and start to build air raid shelters to protect us from the falling financial blocks of the world. This is exactly what the media want to see, it gives them more news. When people become desperate, they do crazy things, crazy things make front page headlines for the largest newspapers of the world. Why shouldn't they fuel the worst financial disaster since the wall street crash of the late 1920's. Before long we should be reading about great depressions, and prohibition shouldn't we?
The future is what we determine it to be, suddenly everyone understands stocks and shares, they are all concerned by the price of oil, yet they have never bought a barrel, so why do we care?. We care about the price of petrol at the pump, we care about the price of food in the supermarket, we care for today, and we care for tomorrow, and if we have enough money to get us through the next two days, then we can deal with the next two thereafter.
We have all become financial extremists over the last 12mths, and we all have become wild gypsy's reading crystal balls.
The truth is, nobody knows what the recession will hold, but if you are ready for a challenge, then there is one right in front of you for 2009. We can all turn and look for easy options, but nothing has changed, we still need to work, whatever country we are in. We still seek finical freedom, and we still have bills to pay.
I suggest we stop worrying about what might happen, and we make a resolution to worry about whats happening right now, and deal with it.
Let's take the Spanish bull by the horns, and somersault it to the ground, then lets hold it there until it runs out of air.
If 2009 wants a fight then I am ready for it, and I'm taking no prisoners,
Recession, bring it on, I love a good challenge!

Christmas is coming but wheres the goose?

As Christmas begins to touch the Tenerife doormat, what can we expect for it to hold businesses in Tenerife. Such dramatic events continue to unfold around the globe, with financial affairs making top news headlines everyday. Even our favorite high street store Woolworths, we all know so well seems to be closing its doors. Retail in the UK on the high street is at its lowest ever at a time where people always spend freely and worry about the future and debt, after the new year. But that at present is not an option, and we can only brace ourselves further for what the financial affairs of the world keep throwing in our faces.
Continuing in business at such a difficult time can be very hard. But there is one industry that will thrive through this global recession, and you are starring right into it at this very moment in time.
The internet sees no fall in retail only boom. With many more people smelling the coffee and understanding how many overheads can be lost, and sales gained reverting to online strategies. It doesn't have to be expensive to start your online business. Simple store packages can be set up and have your products online with in a few hours. Connecting them directly with the giants of the web like Ebay, and Google. Your target audience is already defined and your marketing directed to the people who are looking for your products. Never has there been an easier way to place the right advertising in the right places. But competition is fierce, and finding the right product to sell, is more the mammoth task than actually selling it.
You can work from home, your garage or spare room becomes your office, and stock room. If you are cute enough you can even buy your stock as it sells, being paid in advance via internet banking systems such as pay pal, and escrow.
If all this is so easy, why isn't everybody doing it, a question you may ask. But when sitting down to the PC for the first time all becomes apparent.
Operating the sales side of your business, online, doesn't need a competent computer operative, but it dose need the correct set up, and software to start you off.
Business Pages Tenerife offer complete set up and consultations for your new business idea. Don't sit back and hope it will be OK, the future is about survival, and relying on the sole trade in Tenerife, will only crush your business, and prevent your growth. There is a whole world out there, staring into the same screen as you are now. Be part of that audience, get your products and services marketed to the world, and survive through the difficult times.
There is a goose this Christmas, it may not be edible, but its out there in cyberspace , and the survivors are all carving it up.

Network Meeting Stronger Than Ever!

The BPBA Network meeting took place on the 17th October, and was the most interesting meet of the year. With over 50 attendees, representing around 40 companies, there were plenty of people to meet and introduce your company too.
This meeting welcomed its first "Guest Speaker", who gave a very interesting speech. Rainer Kirchner is a professional economist, and offered us his views for the future. It made for interesting thought, and I think many businesses will have gone away with the idea of a reform to their current business plan. Although the gap in Tenerife seems to always be filled with a new community of tourists and residents, our eyes were opened to the future economy and how best to prepare for its changes. Simply sitting tight and hoping for the best will not benefit your business, and as Rainer informed us, we must prepare for a rough time, and changing market.
We also opened the floor and gave everyone the chance to speak and introduce their business to the room. This helped the networking tremendously, and saved valuable time when approaching potential clients.
The Business presentation was conducted by Mike from Direct Telecom, he also had some great business incentives for fellow attendees. His presentation offered some great ways to save money within our own companies offering us some excellent products they now have on offer.
This was by far the best and most informative meeting of the year, and Business Pages Tenerife would like to thank all of the attendees. The next meeting will be planned for January 2009, to coincide with the release of our new directory. This will be the second edition for the island, and will offer us all an upto date easy to use reference for the island.
Our advertising deadline will be commencing soon, if you would like to market your products and services to the largest audience in Tenerife, then please contact us on 902 881 061.
Your directory is in the same place as all of your customers, next to the phone!

Knowing Your Online Customer

If you have an online business, you may want to consider these recently collected figures, about your customers.

A poll recently released by the Consumer Reports National Research Center shows that 82% of consumers are concerned about their credit card numbers being stolen online, while 72% are concerned that their online behaviors were being tracked and profiled by companies.

Although 68% of consumers have provided personal information in order to access a website, 53% are uncomfortable with internet companies using their email content or browsing history to send relevant ads, and 54% are uncomfortable with third parties collecting information about their online behavior.

The poll revealed that 93% of Americans think internet companies should always ask for permission before using personal information, and 72% want the right to opt out when companies track their online behavior.

Joel Kelsey, policy analyst with Consumers Union, said "Americans are clearly concerned... the vast majority of consumers want more control over their personal information online... "

The poll shows that consumers are trying to take steps to limit the information that is being collected and shared about them online. For example:

* 35% use alternate email addresses to avoid providing real information
* 26% have used software that hides their identity
* 25% have provided fake information to access a website

Consumers are aware that information about their surfing habits is being collected online, but many are not aware of what companies are able to do with their information. Among the other findings of the poll:

* 61% are confident that what they do online is private and not shared without their permission
* 57% incorrectly believe that companies must identify themselves and indicate why they are collecting data and whether they intend to share it with other organizations
* 48% incorrectly believe their consent is required for companies to use the personal information they collect from online activities
* 43% incorrectly believe a court order is required to monitor activities online

Kelsey concludes that "Many consumers have misconceptions about the information available about them and how commonly it is sold by companies without their knowledge..."

Your Business is Invited!

The third BPBA Network Meeting is to be held on the 17th October, at The Bier Keller - now officially called Sound of Music, situated at the Adeje Island off the TF1.
The meeting will start at 2pm and continue through until 4pm (be sure to arrive early if you need parking).
This meeting will offer business incentives, and new opportunities to everyone who attends. We will also throw open the floor, allowing all business representatives to stand, and introduce themselves to the whole room. If you have your own business incentive that you can offer, this will be prime time to take advantage of.
We also have a guest speaker, who will be informing us of the economic future for Tenerife, and ways we can avoid business hurdles, this company speaks with vast business experience.
The network meetings have so far been a great success, with many, if not all attendees gaining new leads and sales.
Come and meet new people, ready to listen to your business message.
They cost nothing to attend but your time, and will market your business message tremendously, to a listening audience, who will help your business succeed.
The key to your businesses success, could be waiting at the next BPBA Network Meeting

BPBA Network Meeting to be held on the 17th October

As our economy like the rest of the western world struggles through the credit crunch, we all need to learn the power of local business meetings and networking. A very productive way in which we can all spread our business messages through the local community. Used powerfully all over the modern business world, networking plays a key role in any professional business plan. Meeting likeminded individuals and building a network of personal business colleagues is crucial to anyone wishing to succeed. Whether your business is large or small, everyone will at sometime need it, being part of a business network increases this dramatically.
For example, I have had many business owners come to me and insecurely say "Well, I don´t really think I will be able to sell my services at the meeting so I will give it a miss". The Business Network meetings are not the place to sell anything, and if you come with your order book, you may as well leave it in the car. The meetings are about Networking, and building your potential client list for the future. Selling yourself to a new audience who may not be in need of your product or service today, but may well be in the future. If you put a good face to your products and services, by selling yourself around the room, those people will go on and sell your ideas to others, promoting you and your products to their friends. You may not make a sale on the afternoon you arrive, but the right attitude and enthusiasm, will go on and generate sales in the close future. A general rule up for me, is to start by always passing my business cards, I always pass two to everyone I meet. This allows them to pass one on again and not lose my details. I always ensure I take a card from them, and write down a little note about the conversation I have had with the person who gave it to me. This way, when I return to my office, I can send some personal emails thanking them for their time, and talking with me, adding the personal touch with the use of my notes.
Selling yourself in this way creates a fantastic business aura about you, people like to do business with people they like, so the more people you get to like you in the network meetings, there more people who will do business with you in the future.
There is only one letter that is different between Networking and Not-working and that is the letter E, I believe this letter should stand for Enthusiasm, which is the first thing you should bring with you to a business Network meeting. This along with a pen and plenty of business cards could see you on your way to new sales and new business colleagues generating sales for you.
Business Pages Tenerife are now focusing on the local business community and building a Business Chamber. They hold the only Network meeting in the south, and every quarter the local business communities can meet and enjoy the benefits of Business Networking. The past meeting have been a great success, and 90% of the businesses who attended generated new sales. I personally know of one company who gained 4 new sales from the first meeting. These sales have turned into returning clients and now are valued customers to this company. This all began from a simple conversation and introduction at the meeting.
There are also business presentations held by local business owners, who are confident enough to stand before the room and give a brief talk about their products. These prove to be interesting with offers of incentives to the room. If you would like to present your company at the meetings then don´t hesitate to contact the team on 902 881 061.
The next meeting is set for the 17th October, and will be held at the Showtime Beirkeller, situated at the Adeje turn off, from the TF1 next to Karting Las Americas. They always start at 2pm and run until 4pm. You do not have to be a member of the directory to attend; it is open to all business owners and representatives. For any further details about the Business Chamber and the Networking opportunities it offers, you can contact Business Pages Tenerife on 902 881 061.
Business Pages Tenerife - helping to build a better future

Cost effective for a whole year!

One of the most cost effective advertising techniques is direct mail. Printing thousands of flyers and getting them delivered directly into targeted areas. This forces your business message into the homes of many potential customers. Even if they don’t purchase there and then, they are probably going to keep your flyer and put it somewhere safe for the future. A well structured sales message should create an action of some sort from your target audience.

This all sounds relatively easy, and if we were in the UK would be a simple task. We could find a design and print company, tell them our ideas and work out a design and marketing message. They would have it printed and probably recommend some great distribution services. Or we could get on our heels and deliver them ourselves. There are also paper boys, and local newsagents that could help with the distribution of our marketing messages.

The first problem we have in Tenerife is where do we start? Who can help me with the design and print? The Business Pages Directory would be a good place to begin, as it lists all the printers available. They will also work out the design for you, and build your flyers, printing them to high standards and delivering them to your door, but not your target. This is where the big problem begins. It’s so hard to target an audience in Tenerife because they are so spread out. What we think is a great message in English, can mean nothing to many nationalities. And if our distribution is poor, most of our flyers will land on deaf ears and actually become a nuisance, blackening your business idea, before you have even started. The delivery of leaflets and publicity is a daunting task, we only have to see who difficult the postman finds it, and that’s even got our names on.

If we even get as far as the doormat, most of the flyers will either get thrown away, or put in that safe place where we can never find. How many times have you searched in vain for that business number you had on a flyer? “I put it in that draw, I’m sure of it” I hear you say, and it ends in nothing more than a shout around the house.

What if I said to you I have the perfect solution, I have a design team, a print team and even a distribution team. And I can go one better I even will, place your flyer next to everyone’s telephone in every English speaking persons household. That’s exactly what Business Pages Tenerife is, a handy book of flyers and business numbers next to everyone’s phone, and when people pick it up, they are about to spend.

We distribute 25’000 copies of our directory, carefully to the expat communities. The paper directory and the online website is now the first source on the island for finding business services and products. You won’t have to worry about design, print or distribution to get your business message into the home of thousands of potential clients. You can do it with just one call 902 881 061, our sales team will take care of everything for you, and your marketing message will sit next to all of your customers telephones for the whole year.

If you would like to discuss how Business Pages Tenerife can help you and your company save money and find more customers, call us today on 902 881 061.

Together we will succeed.