November 2025 - CDP Support

Feeling Left Behind

The struggle to keep up with technology has caused some to feel they have been left behind.

The race to the top is always competitive, therefore, the breathing felt on the back of the neck should spur us on. However, there are many businesses that see the race passing them, inaccurately perceiving the market advantage is lost.

The media companies need us all to feel this is the only route to market. Thus the pricing of simple tools, core software programmes reaches a point that we are already feeling the pinch before anything is sold.

Smoke and Mirrors

Last week I had the opportunity to review a business that still used the person to person method of building business.

Focused on great service and a good reputation. No online reviews and a very small digital footprint.

Success was built on maximising the tools and resources and not getting sucked into the clouds. Simple systems well managed, good products and great sales with high quality after care.

The point made to me was the Media is just smoke and mirrors. The illusion of personal interest designed to strip the customer of every penny.

Solutions

First point made was have real people around, get to know the customer and understand their business.

Second point tailor the product or service, ensure it is unique and developed with the customer.

Third point, develop repeat business and referrals, this creates genuine leads.

Fourth point, value everyone in the supply chain by keeping things personal.

Action Point

Based on some of these points I looked at all the software and subscriptions we use. Our action was test the concept, therefore, shut down Microsoft and Google on a couple of new jobs.

Impact no subscription but the same high quality tools accessed like Libre Office – you can find loads.

Consequently, returning to home run servers and data storage that is turned off when not wanted proved advantageous.

The more we rely on Cloud and Global Corporations the more vulnerable our data and resources become.

Another key point, Software Giants want us to spend money when they watch the free ware and firm ware developers take the leaps forward and just copy them.

Is it time to explore the options? Could your business do everything differently by simplifying the dependency on Global Software companies?

Hence, we learn from our clients. As a result we share interesting outcomes with readers. So subscribe to the posts and in coming months explore what can be done to make simple tools work effectively.

Contact us for a ‘no obligation’ conversation about reducing core costs. Stop sacrificing your data security to a third party.

Sales an art or luck?

Sales forms a critical part of our life. Everyday we are required to convince another person that remaining close to us is sound thinking. We are selling ourselves.

The modern record of relationship building indicates many of the basic skills have been lost. For example: life partnerships, marriages, large numbers end in divorce, there is a breach of trust.

One of the most driven people in business, Wendy Wills focused our attention on a powerful quote:

People do business those they know like and trust!

This emphasised that the team understand develop relationships with potential clients and customers because the long term business gain ensured repeat sales.

Techniques Change

Professional selling changes with fashion and technology, the use of Social Media has gained prominence over Direct Marketing. However, the truth is clear, selling requires stimulus and accessibility.

How many times have we found ourselves watching an advert on TV then quickly searching for more information. Before the advert we had no idea we were interested or in need of the product.

The Basics

Understand the marketplace:

Consumers
Wholesale and Retail Suppliers
Manufacturers
Component suppliers

Each element requires the sales person and the buyer. The way to describe this:

Raw materials and components – in
Process and form – made
Suppliers and Sales – out

The consumer matches the Best Fit product is sold. Therefore, the sales person focuses on the need. Consequently, listen, ask questions because trust is established

However, too much talk, information and choice reduces the chance of a sale.

The Secret to Selling

One Word, LISTEN

Therefore, all the tricks and gimmicks miss the real art, connect with the person.

The Bid writing and Tender responses require the same discipline.

Want to know more about Trust based Sales and Bid Writing contact us

Remove the Luck and introduce the skills to create the art form, the outcome consequently, is more sustainable sales and client base.

Supporting Business

Those supporting business recognise that Government Statistics tracking insolvencies are distressing to read. When a company ceases to trade for any reason it affects the lives of many.

Business Support

During the 1990s as part of the social and economic development directory of a Local Authority the message was clear “got an idea, then start a business”. Business start up support provided the crucial support new business owners needed.

This support continues and expands the range of resources CDP Support provide.

Documents and Templates
Financial tables for Business Plans
Business Plans
Marketing Strategies
Quality Assurance
Health and Safety
Human Resources
Growth Planning
Bid and Tender Writing

Business is personal, an immersive investment that affects every part of life, public and private. Small issues unseen present the greatest risk to success.

Four quotes emphasise the need to know your business and stay ahead of the trends. Insolvency and Financial issues aren’t a product of poor bookkeeping or accounts, so put the ownership into business projects.

“Track your finances weekly”, simple advice but just how is that done?

Policy and procedures often conflict with action, causing issues with performance.

Use training to focus on development, not maintenance.

“Knowledge is far more important than information”

CDP Support – Tenders and Contracts

Freelance networking designed to keep business owners informed and knowledgeable.

Buy the support you need and get access to the specialist resources of experienced Freelance Business people. Contact us

Simplicity

The concept of trade is to exchange one product or service for financial reward. However, the modern complexity of global markets creates the need for comprehensive offers to customers.

This does not reflect the reality of life, we are good at some things, better at others, therefore, why the sales complexity and delusional promises. All product and services are limited or bound by finite terms.

Try this approach for a while; let the customer understand you are responding to their need. The extra’s required are just that, Extra! It is common to hear from freelancers (I know because I have been guilty of it), “we need this completed before I can move on, so I’ll do it myself”.

For service providers and freelancers understand the client is buying your skills and your time. Value them.

The business support marketplace

Define what you are selling and who is buying. Then make it easy for them to buy. Complexity creates confusion, simplicity establishes excellence, continuity and trust. All marketplaces are built on trust. Sadly, the regulatory system explains that we can’t trust everyone. So set checks, require information and ensure the integrity of the buyer.

An insolvent buyer is crippling and the impact of one or two in a financial year can be make or break. That is why CDP Support will help profile your marketplace and create a clear sales and tendering strategy.

This is a “No Frills” package.

So if you have a question or want to know more about the marketplace you are selling in Contact Us

CDP Support

Business Support providers recognise that Government Statistics tracking insolvencies are distressing to read. When a company ceases to trade for any reason it affects the lives of many.