Tips & Advice

Electronic billing is constantly evolving. In Europe, the European Commission requires Member countries of the EU to implement electronic invoicing. The purpose of the Commission is to get in Europe a predominance of electronic invoicing in the very near future, so it is very important to all SMEs, freelancers and entrepreneurs at the forefront in the opportunities and advantages offered by this technology. Here, we will analyse three of the most critical trends for your business and how to answer them.

1. Crucial Benefits

The benefits of online billing software align with the improvements in the speed of processes and resource efficiency. According to a global study conducted in 2012, 67% of companies believe that e-invoicing could improve operational efficiency, compared with 50% in 2011. Faster billing cycles and cost savings on billing paper are the two main benefits experienced by issuers.

Save time, money and space

Savings in administrative costs and manual labour are clear. It is easier to reduce the annual costs of messaging, mailing and faxing; printer paper and even volume of printing. No more printing costs of bills and handling of paper invoices. Speed and efficiency is the aim and now you can instantly send invoices via the Web. Up to 8 invoices can be processed every second on average.You manage all the information and only you have access to it, meaning security is tighter. No more typos, you can be sure that all your bills are generated with the appropriate data.A safe investment for any business is to have a flexible electronic invoicing system, even if there are changes in your system. Adaptable to any operating systems and platforms, there are major companies requesting electronic invoicing that are mandatory for its suppliers.

2. The Electronic Invoicing

At this time, customers have high expectations of those who bill, so excellent customer service over the Internet can be a key factor to converting into real customers loyal followers of the company, which is an aspect that should not be neglected. In this respect it is necessary to adopt the concepts of Web 2.0 and social marketing, which can be done by using cloud-based Software as a Service (Saas).

3. Comprehensive Customer

Knowing the customer is vital in business. This information can be extracted by digitising billing processes and provides a strategic basis for decision-making at the level of business. SMEs, freelancers and entrepreneurs that issue electronic invoices recognise the power of intelligence they can get about their client to boost ties with them and make them more profitable and beneficial through behaviour-based experiences. This improves loyalty and sales.For SMEs, freelancers and entrepreneurs, it is important to adapt to the digital environment and adopt solutions that help the company to be in a position of advantage. Today, there is great interest in the billing software online, as they are now available to companies who could not afford to adopt a proper solution beforehand.Electronic billing software in the cloud must maintain assurances that it is issuing and filing invoices in accordance with regulations. With billing software in the cloud, organisations experience a lower percentage of discrepancies in receipt of your payments, save on printing, time, space and may have access to an automated and integrated system that helps improve the efficiency of processes. It also allows access to the control of the company from any computer without installing any application on your PC, Mac, Linux, tablet or Smartphone.Today, SMEs, freelancers, companies like Your Virtual Office London and entrepreneurs can deepen relationships with their customers, improve your cash flow, reduce costs and accelerate sales through the use of programs for billing in the cloud. If you enjoyed our business article you can read more articles in our blog.

In business you will come across many potential clients, suppliers and partners. It is very important to build a picture of that person before agreeing to work with them. Spotting someone who is trustworthy is a very important skill in the business world. The old adage of not judging a book by its cover can often be a wise and effective saying to call upon. However a new report is explaining that most people actually form a judgement of a person in a very quick time.Many people may think they are non-judgmental, however a report is now suggesting that we actually form a decision if we can trust them within a split second of first laying eyes on themResearch carried out by the New York University has suggested that human brains automatically compute the features of another person`s face upon first viewing. This then relays to us a judgment based on the appearance before we have had time to properly assess the persons face.

Need to improve the face of your business?

Your Virtual Office London has always helped smaller companies improve the face of their business. We provide professional business services to help improve the image you portray on your potential business clients and suppliers. It is a well-known fact people will form a judgment on a person and of a business, having a professional image is key to really succeeding in the market you are competing in.Your Virtual Office London provides prestigious business address and virtual office services to help sharpen up the small fledgling business. In competitive sectors having a professional image is a vital tool to help you build a thriving business. We provide key services to help with the progression of your company`s success. Services such as a London registered office address and business mail forwarding services in a prominent central London location will help to portray a professional image which will help your business increase is success and growth rate.Customers are very savvy when it comes to researching your business and doing their homework. Research has shown that a client would prefer to deal with a larger company as opposed to a home-based one man band, our services are aimed to give your small business then professional face it needs to develop itself.

Wondering about top employer questions to ask at an interview? Having your questions prepared in advances is a good idea, this helps to add structure to the interview and helps the meeting progress its natural course.

Some timeless questions that must be asked in an interview:

• What are you main strengths?
• What are your main weaknesses
• What makes you different?
• What would your past employers suggest are you best qualities?

These questions will help you assess how honest the candidate is and well as if they are confident and bring the correct skills to the role. A good candidate will highlight one weakness but turn this into a positive.

Some good questions to ask the candidate about the company:

• What makes you want to work for our company?
• What do you know about our business?
• What skills do you think will make you suitable for this position?

These questions will help you find out if they candidate has done their research, any well prepared candidate will do their homework on your company, they will find out exactly what you do and how they can fit in using their skill set. You want to find out if they have applied for your position knowing they can bring their experiences and knowledge and apply them to the available position for the greater good of the organisation.

Progressive questions

Again these questions will help to find out vital information about your candidates. Many employers will be looking for a long term fill for their position, assessing your candidates future plans is important for planning. Some questions which can help assess their plans are as follows:What are your main goals in your working life?Where do you plan to be in five years?These questions will help to see how important the position is to them. If they are keen and see their future with you, the replies will be about progressing in your company. Of course some positions are short term or a stop gap, and thus the answers will be different. These questions can help the employer understand the candidate and plan appropriately.

What drives the candidate?

Finding out what motivates the candidate is important, this will give you a great insight into the mind of the potential new staff member. Understanding what drives them can help you integrate them into the surrounding team and lead to better performance and higher output.

Simple questions to ask:

• What part of work do you enjoy most?
• What motivates you?
• What tasks give you great satisfaction?
• What tasks do you dislike the most?

Conclusion

When interviewing staff always make sure to ask the same questions to all the candidates, this may sound simple but having an organised structure to the interview is not always easy, especially when you are in full flow conversation with the candidates. Make sure to make notes of all answers, as this will prove invaluable when it comes to reviewing the candidates after the interviews have finished. If you find it difficult to choose between candidates we would strongly recommend inviting them back for second or even third interviews if the caliber of candidates is that high.If you found this blog insightful you can read more tips and tricks in our business blog.

When you first register a Limited company with Companies House, Companies house will send you an authentication code to your registered office address. Normally this can be from 4 days to 4 weeks from our personal experience, if you are using our registered office address this will be sent out same day 1st class.

What to do when you have lost your companies authentication code

If you are unable to locate the letter that contains the authentication code you will be able to log on via the Companies House website. If we have formed the company for you, we will be happy to do this on your behalf, otherwise if you have formed this yourself you just log onto the WebFiling factily provided by Companies House. If its your first time of using the online WebFiling facility you will need to register your details. Using this method is quick and efficient and can save you valuable time.

Can I change my authentication code?

Yes you can change your authentication code by writing to Companies House and request that you would like to change this. You will need to write the request on official headed paper and it will need to include the following details:

• The name of the company
• The registered office address
• The company number
• The current authentication code
• The new authentication code you would like to use
• The full name of the director and shareholder

Why do I need the company authentication code?

The code is very important, it is used for on-line filing via the Companies House website. The authentication code will allow you to file annual returns online, file annual accounts, change and update the companies details such as directors, shareholders and secretary`s. You will need to keep the code safe as anyone who has access to this code will be able to logon and edit the information easily.

Additional insight: Companies House Company Authentication Code for Webfiling

Your Virtual Office London are the original company formation agents

We have been helping business owners form companies for over over 40 years. Our team is one of the most experienced in the country, from historic company searches to simple partnership formation we are able to help your business. Whatever your question please don't hesitate to get in touch with the team, we look forward to hearing from you.

Here are the top 5 tips for conducting a good interview:

1. Plan the interview

Having a plan is vital, create a structure to the interview, having an opening, middle and end is important for yourself and the candidate. This will help the conversation flow and for the candidate to best respond to questions in a natural fashion. If there is more than one person conducting the interview make sure you both understand the structure and who is asking what questions.

2. Know your candidate

Make sure you prepare and read the candidates CV and cover letter. Get to know their name and location along with key information such as past roles, skills and any other points that may stick out from the CV. Knowing the candidate may then give rise to other questions which you can prepare before the interview takes place.

3. Appearances are important

Make sure you look your best when you conduct your interviews, no late nights before the day and having your best outfit ready will give your candidate a very good impression of your company. Remember the candidate may have other options and you are not just choosing the candidate, they are choosing you, which many people overlook until the job offer is overlooked. Marinating eye contact, smiling at appropriate places during the interview, being polite and most importantly listening to what they have to say. It sounds so simple, but one or more of these are often overlooked by interviewees.

4. Take notes

This is one of the most overlooked parts, taking a notepad in the interview can really help you remember key parts of the conversation when reviewing the day`s candidates. If you have lots of candidates make sure your notes are clear and well structured. Taking notes on the conversation and answers the candidates give to your structured questions are vital.

5. Be quick offering the role

Many employers again overlook this, however good candidates do not stay on the market long. A candidate may often have a block of interviews lined up and the very best may get multiple offers. If you find the candidate that is the right one for the position it is best to offer them the role with a few days as every day that passes increases the chance that they will not accept the offer due to external factors.If you found this blog helpful, you can find more helpful hints and tips in our advice section of our blog. Please favourite our business blog.This was brought to by Your Virtual Office London, leaders in company formation, virtual office services and professional services.

If you have been selected for a job interview you will need to prepare. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail. Our hints are for your benefit and come out of experience. You want to give a good impression and our hints will really help you impress.

Research your employer

Find out who your employer is, what they do, and key facts such as locations, services provided, prices they charge, and even who the competition are. Prepare to be asked questions about the company, look up fact`s such as last year`s profits and any news in social media or the company blog. Researching the industry they are in and any developments can really impress your clients and make you look professional.

Prepare and practice

There is no right or wrong format for the interview, however there are some questions that should always be prepared for. Questions such as what you are weaknesses will always crop up, being prepared for this question will put you in good stead, addressing weaknesses in the interview will give your prospective employer trust in your honesty. You should also practice explaining why you are the best person for the job, go into past experience in work and personal life.

Dress Smart

No matter what people say appearances are important, your prospective employer will judge you and how you look, the smarter you look the better. Simple things such as well fitted clothes and clean shoes sounds obvious but many people can overlook this.

Ask Questions

Be proactive, ask the prospective employer questions, this will show your interest in the company and the position that you are applying for. We recommend preparing at least 4 questions, questions about the company`s future, culture and what goals they are expecting from you and the company as a whole.

Stay Calm

Staying calm is very important, being in control of yourself and your answers will really boost your chances of becoming the person they choose for the position. Prepare for the interview, write down your questions and answers, get your outfit out ready the night before. Smiling is important, a firm handshake can also work well, stay calm, the interviewers are also just normal people like yourself.If you found this blog helpful, you can read more on our business and economy blog here. Your Virtual Office London providing professional business services for small companies.

With 95% of all self-employed people inthe UK being sole traders, or single entrepreneurs heading up theirown limitedcompany, there is a lot of pressure on a small business owner tobe present and responsive for their business 24/7.

While you must get some downtime awayfrom your work for the sake of your mental health, you can makethings a lot easier for yourself by effectively connecting both youronline and offline presence to reassure your existing and potentialnew customers that there are real people behind your business, andyou are happy to engage with them.

Theimportance of maintaining you online and offline presence

We live in a very interconnected worldthese days, so solo entrepreneurs need to keep up both their onlineand offline presence to help generate new business and maintainexisting business.

What you need to do here is to ensurethat both your digital and real-life persona match up and that youpresent a consistent image to your customers and followers. Havingthis consistency really helps to build trust with potential newcustomers and loyalty with your existing customer base.

Presenting a fragmented image ofyourself or your company which differs greatly between your onlineand offline persona can confuse prospective new customers causingthem to pause and hesitate over whether or not to trust you withtheir money.

When you present a united andconsistent front you will be reassuring potential new customers thatyou run a genuine business and that you can be trusted.

So, what can you do to join-up youronline and offline persona to build and strengthen your overallpresence? Let's take a look at a few solid ways to market yourselfand your brand to connect them together and present a united frontfor your business.

1:Maintain consistent branding and marketing messages

Take a look at your analytics to findwhat marketing message is performing the best for you. Use thismessage to lead your brand and repurpose it to fit across all of yourmarketing and awareness campaigns.

Finding your best customer touchpointsand being consistent with your delivery is the key for reaching outand connecting with both existing customers as well as engaging withnew ones.

As your target audience continues tosee your online marketing messages and come to recognise your brand,there will be an increased likelihood that they will choose to buyyour product or service due to their consistent recognition andfamiliarity with your brand.

You must take the same marketingmessage and brand to use in your offline marketing efforts to helpbuild your online and offline connection. Those potential customersmeeting you in real-life will be much more comfortable to go onlineand buy from you when the information you provide them in person isthe same as they see online.

2:Join your local chamber of trade and commerce

Most towns and cities will have a localchamber of trade and commerce in some form or another. Check onlineor with your local council to find their contact details.

Joining your local chamber of commercecan be very useful as this is a group of local business people thatwant to help local businesses of all sizes, from large commercialbusinesses to small businesses and sole traders.

Most are run by volunteers, but othersmay charge a small membership fee. Do your research and join one thatsuits your needs the best. This may mean that your nearest large citythat covers your area may run a group that is bigger and morepro-active than a much smaller group in your town.

The meetings they run allow localentrepreneurs to gather together to learn from each other and makevaluable networking contacts. You can take advantage here bypromoting your own online or offline business to fellow businessowners who may be interested in using your services or buying yourproducts.

You can also set up a reciprocationoffer where you share your business details on their websites inexchange for you doing the same for them on your website. You couldalso set up a discount scheme for your fellow chamber members to useand they could offer the same for other group members.

3:Collect email subscribers manually

As most of you will already know,having an email list can be one of the most valuable tools yourbusiness owns. You can use your email list to send out directmessages to your existing customer base that you encourage to sign upwith you when they make an online purchase.

You can keep your email list informedof new product launches, special appearances, seasonal discounts orother special offers or news that you want to share.

While you should be using leadgenerating software on your website to encourage more emailsubscribers, you should also try to collect new email subscribers inperson. This can be done quickly, easily and in a friendly way whileyou are mingling at a local networking meeting or you are presentingat an event. You could offer them a special discount voucher or freegift that they can claim on the day and take home with them when theygive you their email address. This is a great way to connect youronline and offline marketing.

4:Hold a live online Q&A or demonstration

When you offer a product or servicethat you can demonstrate in person, then running a live online showand tell session will help to connect your online and offlinemarketing in a great way!

You can build up a lot of anticipationand excitement around your product or service by promoting an up andcoming demonstration event and live Q&A session where yourcustomers get to learn more about what you do and can get instantanswers to their questions.

Live Q&A or demonstrations work inthe real world too, so if you have booked a booth at an event, takethis opportunity to do a demonstration or a show and tell session toengage with a live audience. This can be more effective than simplystanding by your stall and handing out flyers.

5:Continue the conversation

A great salesperson never leaves aconversation open-ended! Where there is a conversation there is theopportunity to make a great close. You should be using the majorsocial media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter for yourbusiness, so make sure that you recognise any customer pain pointsthat are raised during conversation, and make sure that you close outthat conversation with a solution (usually your product or service)explaining how it can help solve their problems.

Always remember to continue yourconversation and your engagement beyond making a sale. Ideally, youwant to build up a rapport with your customers to help build theirconfidence in your business and encourage them to stay loyal to youwith their repeat business.

Email a thank you message further downthe line and encourage them to feedback to you how your product orservice has helped them. If they are local to any events that you areattending, invite them along so you can meet them in person.

Meeting your customers face-to-face inthe real world can be incredibly powerful. They, in turn, will goaway as happy customers willing to talk about, spread the word andshare the benefits that your product or service brought them to theirpeers, family, friends and larger network.

6:Connect with influencers

No matter what business you areinvolved in, there will usually be some online or offline influencerthat is an expert in the field. Connecting with and building arelationship with an influencer can be a powerful move for yourbusiness.

When someone new discovers yourbusiness, they will be curious about what you can offer, but theywill be more inclined to listen to you or to trust your business ifyou are connected with a well-known and highly respected influencer.

It is important to take the time toslowly build your connection with any major influencers and not toblatantly go out to promote your product or service to them. You needto join in with the conversation or topic being discussed withoutmentioning your business.

Offer useful (free) advice or tellpeople about your own experiences and what helped you overcome anyshared issues you had. As you get drawn into the conversation andpeople get used to you and recognise your name, their naturalcuriosity will lead them to do a bit of research on you and yourbusiness.

This, in turn, can lead them to strikeup a conversation with you where they ask you about your products orservices, which then gives you a stage to start leading theconversation from and to draw in potential new customers.

7:Always be there for your customers

While all of these tips can help you toconnect both your online and offline business presence and promoteyour business, it is fair to say that no matter whether you areworking online to engage with your customers, or you are connectingin person at a live event, you simply cannot be in two places atonce!

By far the most simple, convenient,professional and effective way of always being there for yourcustomers is to have a good communication back up system.

You don't want to miss an importantphone call from a potential new customer because you are busy doing alive demonstration at a business event. You also don't want toencourage the people you meet in real life to call you only for themto be met with an ever-ringing phone that goes unanswered.

You need to capture every singlevaluable phone call that people make to your business. You can onlydo this by using a reliable and high-quality telephone call answeringservice, such as the one offered by CapitalOffices, so that you don't miss any salesopportunities.

The great thing about using aprofessionalcall answering service such as this is thatyour potential new customers, as well as your existing customers,will know their call is important to you and that their query orrequest has been noted and that you will be guaranteed to get back tothem or put directly through when you know their call is urgent.