Ask the experts

Do you have a burning question that you would like the answer to? Or maybe you’re looking for some advice to help your business? In each edition some questions will be shared and answered by some of The Business Bulletin experts.

Q. Are profiling tools (like DISC) really worth it?

A. I’ve found personality profiling tools useful when dealing with colleagues & clients. Many years ago we used ‘Insights’ for the senior management team, and that was very useful in understanding yourself, as well as the people you work with. By gauging someone’s main personality traits means you can communicate with them the way they want to be treated (the ‘platinum rule’) and also understand their drivers. Once you understand a personality type, you can better empathise with them as a fellow human being, rather than- as sometimes happen- you dislike them if they are the opposite of the type you represent.

James Tarry Scottsdale Moneywise

A. Making a mistake in hiring the wrong person can be very expensive and can also be destructive to a culture you are trying to build across the company. Conversely hiring the right candidate can be a terrific boost to your company. The key to any psychometric test is the interpretation of the results. In the wrong hands it’s like trying to judge the quality of a bottle of wine in a supermarket by its label. In the right hands with a trained professional to interpret the results they can be extremely useful but not on their own. One should still use the age old, tried and tested process of a good old chat with a potential employee just to get the ‘gut feel’ as well as a more in depth understanding of the skills they bring to the table and the first impressions. In summary – yes they are useful…….to a point.

Simon Evans WPA Healthcare

A. We do use DISC in our recruitment. It does make the candidate go through a detailed questionnaire so at least it sifts out the candidates that just want to send a CV. It is useful to see the profiles and compare to other team members.

Paul Simpson TaxAssist Market Harborough

Q. Cyber criminals are only interested in big businesses right?

A. This couldn’t be further from the truth. While big businesses are certainly key targets as the payoff is going to be much higher. They are also the ones investing millions into cyber security and training.

From experience most small businesses only invest in cyber security after they have had an issue. Very few factor in that they are far more likely to be the victims of attack for this very reason.

There are plenty of small things that SMB’s can do to help reduce their risk of being attacked that aren’t going to cost an arm and a leg.

1. Change the default passwords on routers and WiFi.

2. Pay for Internet Security software, free software is rarely licensed for commercial use and only offers the most basic protection.

3. Invest in VPN software if you work away from from the office.

4. If you have staff make sure they are trained. There are plenty of free training around and I would highly recommend looking at Cyber Griffin run by the City of London Police Cyber unit. These free sessions touch on lots of areas and can be the difference between a staff member making a mistake or note.

5. Make sure you are trained.

If you’ve exhausted the free training or need something extra then look at local companies that offer training sessions.

6. If you’re not sure on something then seek advice from a professional. Within

Northamptonshire we have a monthly event put on by Northants Police that is dedicated to talking about cyber security.

Many businesses don’t survive a major cyber security issue and following the simple things above could mean the difference in your business either surviving or falling by the wayside.

Chris Lambert Datasense

Q. Why should I have a lasting power of attorney for my business?

A. You should have one for yourself as well as the business. Having had to deal in the past with baffled and angry family members when the office of the public guardian has stepped in due to lack of capacity, it’s much better to have in place how and who runs your affairs if this were to happen. Without anyone appointed to run a business if the owner is incapacitated, the business will likely fail with the attendant financial and further emotional consequences of this failure. They are relatively easy to set up, although it’s a lot easier to get a regulated legal professional to do the work and thereby take all the hassle out of the process.

James Tarry Scottsdale Moneywise

A. This is essential especially if you are a sole trader. Who else will run your business if you are ill or incapacitated in some way?

Paul Simpson TaxAssist Market Harborough

Got a question?

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