Tips

Leading online Market Research company Marketest outline the basics of Market Research for startups. Here's the lowdown:Why should small business or start-ups conduct market research?The risk of starting a small business is exceedingly high, as a result a small business owner needs to reduce this risk to survive and increase the likelihood of an investment. This can easily be done through market r...
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In case you’ve forgotten crowdfunding is a process by which money can be raised in support of your business through a growing number of social networks which facilitate contributions from the internet. You 'pitch' your business idea on one of these platforms for a designated period of time with a pre-agreed target to be raised - in most cases if you don't raise all of the money, you don&rsqu...
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We feature quite a few of these productive little programmes for budding businesses here at Startacus and we always try to make sure that we point out all the facts so you can make an informed decision before applying for one. Now we think it’s about time that we delved a little deeper into the world of startup accelerators and highlight some of the benefits and indeed the potential stumblin...
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If you’ve created a product that you’d like to be sold in retail channels, knowing how to pitch is essential. It doesn’t matter if you are pitching to an independent store owner or if you’re pitching to a large multiple - getting your pitch right is a must. Here are some basic Tips on How to Pitch to Retailers that we reckon should help... Do your research Doing research...
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We've talked about the advantages of getting a co-founder, we've talked about the advantages of a career working for a startup - in fact, we’ve talked about lots of stuff about startups full stop. But let’s not forget that lots of self starters, lots of Startacus members, work alone - for themselves and never intend to do anything but work for themselves alone. Call yourself a self s...
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At printed.com, we spend our days working with small businesses and start-ups, anyone from freelance designers, local printers and kitchen industries, to help them get on their feet through the majestic medium of print. Make no bones about it; taking the time to make sure your business cards, flyers or signage are just right can really make the difference between getting that partnership or luring...
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If craft is your thing, you’re more than likely at some point bound to be considering exhibiting at a craft fair or show. Whether you’re doing it as a way of earning a few extra pounds or you’re hoping that it could be the start of a retail empire, there can be no denying that selling at a craft fair can be one of the best ways of making an impact - both to showcase your wares an...
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Here at Startacus we know all too well that setting up a business for yourself can be a daunting, stressful and at times downright frustrating process, that’s just the way it is! For many it's the anticipation of all these factors along with the financial risk involved that keeps them from taking that mighty step and making their dream of self employment a reality. But a crafty few choose to...
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Why a career in a startup can be a good idea... Firstly lets get down to the basics - the terminology and association around what is a ‘startup’ company can vary slightly depending on where you live and the type of industry you work in. In its purest form - a Startup is an early stage .com type business in the process of formalising its business and its business model. In more general...
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Many people harbour an unfulfilled dream of starting their own business, a secret yearning for self-sufficiency and independence that they keep quietly tucked away each day as they head off for work. It is an ambition that for most will remain unrealised as they allow practicalities, financial responsibilities and other life circumstances to snuff out any hope of ever achieving it. That’s w...
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How to set up a part time boot-camp business? Are you someone who is fanatical about their fitness ? Do you fancy earning a few extra pounds by helping people lose theirs? Follow our simple guide to help you turn that idea into a lean, mean part-time boot camp! Our growing obsession with physical fitness simply isn't going away, the fitness industry has held steady throughout the recession w...
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"Hamsters are just rats with positive PR” or so says President Putin Spin, PR, hype or just the old concept of the emperor’s new clothes, business positioning is and always has been massively important to a successful enterprise. From the start of any venture and throughout its existence, maintaining a positive image is all important but it's also essential to recognise the fragilit...
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