Blog
Dubai’s growth: What these five stats mean for your business
The pace of growth and expansion in Dubai is unrivalled anywhere in the world. Spend a year outside the emirate and you will return to see new buildings, new infrastructure and even entire areas of the city that weren’t there before. You only need to look back as far...
The five rules of long-term business success
Note this article also appeared in Entrepreneur Middle East and can be viewed here. Running your own business takes sacrifice. For some, it is the loss of a social life as long hours, late nights and working weekends become the norm. For others it is a financial...
Seven killer questions to use when conducting interviews
Employing the right people in your organisation is key to its success. But finding the ideal candidate to fill an important role in your company is fraught with difficulties. A survey by ERE Recruiting Intelligence estimated that each corporate job can attract around...
What makes a venture capitalist decide to invest in your startup?
Note this article also appeared in Entrepreneur Middle East and can be viewed here. The business pages seem to be full of startups finding fortune through venture capital. In fact, just a couple of days ago the airfare deal-finding app Hopper announced it had secured...
Mumpreneur advice from the pros: Tackling the biggest challenges
According to a recent poll by Manta, 62% of mumpreneurs believe being a mum and running a business are equally difficult. I have to say, no surprise there. I’ve heard from many people over the years that running a business is just about the hardest thing one can do in...
The seven worst things you can do during negotiations
Negotiation is essential. It’s a skill that every professional needs, and to some extent it’s used in almost every workplace interaction. But it’s not easy. Successful negotiation requires the right attitude and approach – a delicate blend of art and science,...
Are food trucks Dubai’s next big startup business opportunity?
Time for a lunch break? Or maybe it’s not even about lunch, but an entrepreneurial opportunity in the making. Because you may have noticed a change in Dubai recently: An abundance of food trucks. It’s a trend spreading throughout the UAE and the world – according to...
Why business advice that ‘feels right’ could damage your startup
Note this article also appeared in Entrepreneur Middle East and can be viewed here. There’s a lot of ‘wisdom’ going around. Especially when we’re talking about entrepreneurs. For all the startling statements we see, is there in fact business advice that may ‘feel...
Five signs you are heading for startup failure
Note this article also appeared in Entrepreneur Middle East and can be viewed here. Is startup failure looming on the horizon? Sometimes it’s hard to know if what’s up ahead is just an obstacle to get past or something that could truly threaten your new organisation....
The six worst sales excuses you’ll ever hear
Note this article also appeared in Entrepreneur Middle East and can be viewed here. Excuses. I’ve heard them all and you probably have as well. Often they are simply devices used to justify why someone can’t or won’t (or didn’t) do something. Sometimes they are just...
Why the UAE is ready for your green business idea
When many people think of Dubai, the word ‘green’ doesn’t come to mind. Yet in both public and private sectors, a huge amount of work is going on to turn the city into a more environmentally-friendly place. And given Dubai’s success at most things it sets out to...
The first four things to do after incorporating your Dubai business
Note this article also appeared in Entrepreneur Middle East and can be viewed here. Your Dubai business is off the ground. So what next? Because there can be mixed feelings after receiving a UAE company trade license. There is of course excitement because you are...