Q I have had a small business for a couple of years, but I haven't been able to make the next big step.

It is not that I lack ideas or business sense, but maybe I don't have enough of a "who dares wins" attitude. Is that the sort of attitude you need to make a greater success of yourself and is it possible to change your business style to succeed?

A Confidence is very important in business and some people mistake confidence in yourself and your business for a "devil may care" kind of attitude. Perhaps your apprehension in taking the next big step is that you are not totally confident in your product. I believe people can build confidence and of course you can change your attitude, but I also believe that people are born risk-takers - some succeed, but it should always be remembered that many don't.

Q In the past few months my business has been dealing with customers outside the North-East on a more regular basis, specifically in London and the South-East. The travelling is starting to become quite tiring. Do you think being based in the North can be an advantage or, for the sake of my business - and my health - would a move south be advisable?

A The North-East has many advantages over the South in that it is cheaper to operate up here. However, if the majority of your business and time is spent in the South, a move may well be the sensible option. You could perhaps consider starting with a small base in the South to see how the move works and how it actually affects your business while keeping your main base in the North.

Q I am a great dog lover and would really like to turn my hobby into a career by opening a kennels. I am prepared to quit my job and sell my home to fund my idea and I have researched other kennels to see if there is a gap in the market. What I would like to know is, in your experience, have you found that people with a passion can turn it into a successful business?

A I am a great believer in passion within business. It is important when starting a business that it is something you know about and that you believe in. I am sure that if you are willing to give up your job and risk losing your home that you are determined to make the kennels work. But be prepared for the long hours and the exhaustion that a new business can bring. However, if it works, the rewards and satisfaction more than make up for it.

Q I have been invited to join a networking organisation, but I am not sure whether their events will be a good use of my time. What do you think of these sorts of organisations and can they benefit a business?

A I have been invited to many networking events over the years and you will probably find that it is the same people that turn up every time. Perhaps in certain businesses they can be a useful tool but I have never found them particularly useful in my line of business.

Q I have set up an Internet business and I am looking for a distribution company that reflects the quality of my business and the products. How do you select a good supplier?

A I think the best way is to perhaps select three of four recognised distribution companies and give each of them a go. You could give each of them ten jobs to do and see who offers the best service. This should not only be value for money from your point of view, but from the customers' point of view, speed of delivery and security should also be considered.

Q I have been asked by a number of staff to provide the flu jab. In your opinion, is this a worthwhile expense considering I have no sick pay structure and use the statutory sick pay scheme?

A This depends on the size of your workforce. With a workforce as large as mine, it is not something that could be considered, but if you only have a couple of employees, then it is of course feasible.

Published: 21/10/2003