Geoffrey Moffett

Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council

  • Is it worth seeking business advice from advisors who have never run a business themselves?

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    Geoffrey Moffett

    woman in teal t-shirt sitting beside woman in suit jacket

    You can depend on various sources as a small business owner for advice and direction as you navigate the opportunities and pitfalls of entrepreneurship. A business adviser at your local council, who is there to support and assist small businesses in your community, maybe one such resource.

    However, it’s worth noting that not all business advisors have firsthand experience as entrepreneurs themselves. While they may have a wealth of knowledge about business processes and regulations, they may not have the same level of understanding and insight as someone who has actually started and run a business.

    This may be cause for concern because the advisor and direction offered can greatly impact your business success. Here are some things to think about if you’re thinking about speaking to a business advisor who has never run their own business:

    • Seek out advisors with a wide range of abilities and knowledge. While having actual business expertise is unquestionably beneficial, there are other aspects to consider when choosing a business advisor. Your business’s success may depend on your advisers having a wide range of talents and expertise, such as financial management, marketing, and legal understanding.
    • Look for advisors who have a successful track record. Even if an advisor hasn’t founded their own company, they might have previously assisted in the success of other organisations. Look for advisors who have experience helping small firms in achieving their objectives.
    • Think of collaborating with several advisors. Working with several advisors can help you gain a well-rounded perspective on your business, which is something you should strive towards. You can gain a deeper understanding of your business and its requirements by working with advisors specialising in various fields.
    • Never hesitate to ask questions. It’s critical to comprehend the boundaries of your business advisor’s knowledge and experience. Be bold about asking about their past or credentials if you have any. An excellent advisor will be forthcoming about their background and credentials and willing to explain how they go about giving guidance on business matters.

    In general, it’s wise to exercise caution when asking for business advice from those who have never owned their own business.

    Despite having a plethora of information about business procedures and laws, they might possess a different level of comprehension and insight than someone who has established and managed a business.

    You can ensure you’re getting the greatest advice for your business by looking for advisers with various abilities and expertise, prioritising those with a successful track record, and contemplating working with numerous advisors.

  • Why Acknowledging Emails and Following Up is Essential for Government Organisations and Public Funded Bodies

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    Geoffrey Moffett

    Throughout 2022, I experienced instances where local public organisations failed to acknowledge my emails, did not follow up on my requests, or did not provide a response to my enquiries.

    This was a frustrating and time-consuming issue, as I relied on these organisations to provide important information or assistance. Despite my efforts to ensure that my emails were clear and properly addressed, I frequently encountered obstacles in getting a timely or satisfactory response.

    As a government organisation or public funded body, it is important to acknowledge emails received and always follow up for a number of reasons.

    First and foremost, acknowledging emails and following up demonstrates professionalism and respect for the sender. When an individual takes the time to send an email, it is important to show that their communication has been received and will be addressed in a timely manner. This is especially important when dealing with sensitive or important issues that may affect the sender or the community at large.

    In addition, acknowledging emails and following up helps to build trust and transparency with the public. When the government or public funded bodies respond to emails in a timely and effective manner, it shows that they are accountable and responsive to the needs and concerns of their constituents. This can help to build confidence and trust in the organisation, which is essential for maintaining a positive reputation and relationships with the community.

    Another reason why government organisations and public funded bodies should acknowledge emails and follow up is to ensure that important issues are not overlooked or forgotten. By acknowledging emails and following up, these organisations can ensure that they are addressing all of the issues and concerns that are brought to their attention in a timely and effective manner.

    Finally, acknowledging emails and following up is simply good customer service. It helps to ensure that all individuals who reach out to the organisation receive the help and assistance they need, which can improve the overall customer experience and satisfaction.