Dale Howarth, Business Advisor and Awards Writer. Helping those in business achieve greater success.
When Experience Matters
Giving my clients a distinct advantage.
My whole approach is practical, proven and responsible for the growth and success of many leading and award-winning companies.
“For most businesses, what they need to be more successful is already there. I help you to identify, understand and unlock this potential .”
Alongside my work as a business advisor and business awards writer, I speak regularly at business conferences and leading universities.
My short, thought-provoking articles have been widely published and form the basis of my mini-book, Practical Lessons for Better Business.
I also serve as an Ambassador for The CPD Standards Office, alongside my business interests as a board member and charitable interests as a Trustee.
Published Work - Short Reads, Big Ideas
-
![Dale Howarth - article on the importance of building relationships in business.]()
So, you want to by a kayak
Despite the significant benefits, most businesses don’t invest enough time developing relationships. Instead, they focus on existing customers and those ready to buy now. The great thing is that by focusing on building relationships the whole approach can have an almost exponential effect as you start to gain opportunities from your contacts through their extended networks.
-
![Dale Howarth - article on Shiny Thing Syndrome]()
Shiny new thing
Shiny object syndrome is a phenomenon that affects many entrepreneurs and business professionals. Reflected in a tendency to get easily distracted and infatuated by new and exciting ideas, projects, or opportunities that aren’t part of the business plan. And in doing so, losing focus on current goals and priorities, to the detriment of the main business. The entrepreneurial equivalent of a small child chasing shiny objects which as soon as they get, losing interest in and starting to chase the next shiny new thing.
-
![Dale Howarth - article on loyalty programmes and customer retention.]()
It's only loyalty when you remove the bribes
Whilst incentives may help to acquire new customers in the short-term, you had better hope that you have a plan to engage with them to establish an on-going, positive relationship, as in the long-term there is no better incentive than a great product and amazing service.
-
![Dale Howarth -article on the small-world problem and six degrees of separation]()
What Harry Potter and the small-world problem teaches us
Hard to believe that with almost 8 billion people on the planet we are only 6 connections away from anyone. This has profound implications and creates amazing opportunities for those in business. No matter who you are, what you do or where you are from, you and your business are only six acquaintances away from knowing any other person in the world.
-
![Dale Howarth - article on The Pareto Principle and working on the business, not just in it.]()
Work On it, not just IN it!
Experts suggest that business owners should regularly spend 20% of their time working on their business rather than in it. The Pareto Principle supports this, suggesting that 20% of our activity generates 80% of our results. Research also confirms that not spending sufficient time working on the businesses is one of the underlying reasons for business failure.
-
![Dale Howarth - article on problem customers and how to spot them]()
Breaking up is hard to do
We all need customers and some businesses need all the customers they can get. But, there will occasionally be customers that are a drain on your time, emotions and resources. Customers that disrupt your business, annoy your team and are reluctant to pay their bills – customers that deep inside you know you will never satisfy. How do you spot them?
