Paul Donno & Co Ltd March 2010 Newsletter
March News from Paul Donno & Co Ltd Accountants and Business Advisors
Social Networking - Fad or Fantastic Business Tool?
Paul Donno recently attended a free Menta course on Social Networking. The course took place at Menta's training facility in Bury St Edmunds and was run by Sean Proctor from Phoenix Internet Consultancy. Many business people believe that social networking is just another fad; Paul disagrees and has already experienced some benefits from his investment in this latest trend.
What is social networking?
It'ss all about creating and building relationships, expanding your number of business and social contacts. Today there are various platforms available on the Internet - including Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn - which make it very easy to get connected with people.
The benefits
Quick and easy way to expand contacts - and engage with them
Ability to create more personal relationships with your contacts
Great way to build trust and credibility - position yourself as an expert
Capability to connect with your peers and benefit from their knowledge
Promotes word of mouth marketing
Cost effective method of providing information about your business/services
Another source of business referrals
Can drive traffic to your website
Paul recently asked a question on Twitter regarding PI insurance, received an immediate response (Tweet) and was able to save 900 GBP off his annual premium. A real business benefit!
Some facts and figures
Twitter
Founded in 2007 there were estimated to be over 75 million Twitter accounts by the end of 2009.
Over 1 billion tweets per month estimated usage in January 2010.
LinkedIn
Founded in 2003, largest and fastest growing professional network with over 60 million users
Facebook
Started in 2004 now has over 400 million active users
More than 1.5 million businesses have active Pages on Facebook.
Based on the facts and figures above it would seem that Social Networking is something that will be around for a while yet! Why not get involved and engage in a different way with your contacts and clients?
You can follow Paul on Twitter - www.twitter.com/pauldonno; link to him on the professional networking site Linkedin or check out our Facebook Page - Paul Donno & Co Ltd.
To find out more about the excellent range of free courses run by Menta in Haverhill and Bury St Edmunds, including the Social Networking course please visit: http://www.menta.org.uk/business-skills-training/
St Nicholas Hospice - Fundraising Update
Thank you to several clients who have made donations via our Just Giving site during February, our grand total is now 210 GBP - only another 9790 GBP to go!
Michael is now in serious training for the Sudbury Fun Run which takes place on Good Friday, 2nd April. Despite the Arctic weather conditions Michael has been out running on a regular basis and has managed to crack the 5 kilometre mark. Please support Michael in his efforts - running 5k isn't something that comes easily to him!!
Remember that we are also hoping to raise money through offering free credit checks for clients and passport application signing for existing clients, who have been with the company for three years or more, in return for a donation to the fund.
If you would like to find out more about the events that are being organised, take part in an event or have ideas for an event please contact Sandra Imrie on 01787 281688, visit the website: www.pauldonno.co.uk or visit justgiving.co.uk/paul-donno to make a donation.
First call for 2009/2010 Tax Returns
After a hectic January processing tax returns, then catching our breath in February we are now ready to start chasing those tax returns for 2009/2010!
Again we reiterate the real benefits of submitting your tax return early: -
* You will know how much your tax and payments on account are in plenty of time to make provision to pay them at the end of January 2011.
* You can avoid an unnecessary burden on your cash flow - if you know how much you owe and start to make provision for it now.
* You will have the time to check your Tax Return thoroughly before submission and ensure nothing is overlooked because you have had to rush in order to avoid penalties.
* You will enjoy a stress free Christmas and New Year!
* You will make Jackie very happy!
If you require any help with the completion of your tax return please contact our tax specialist Jackie Thompson on 01787 261688.
New Haverhill Office
We have recently taken on new premises in Haverhill. Paul Donno & Co Ltd will be sharing office space with Indigo Hypnotherapy and Counselling at The Gallery, 1 Lower Downs Slade, Haverhill, CB9 9ED.
With a number of clients already based in Haverhill it is our intention to increase the level of business we do in the town. The office provides a useful base for prospective clients to meet up for an initial consultation and for existing clients to come for meetings if they want to escape the distractions of their own business premises.
If your business is located in Haverhill and you would like to meet us locally please contact Paul Donno on 01440 707184.
Indigo Hypnotherapy and Counselling Open Evening
Indigo has opened their new clinic at The Gallery in Haverhill and will be holding an open evening on Wednesday 3rd March from 6pm until 8pm. Therapists Jenni Donno and Debbie Allard will be on hand to explain the wide range of hypnotherapy and counselling techniques that they offer to help clients achieve personal goals and improve their health and well being.
If you would like to attend the opening evening please RSVP Jenni@indigohypnotherapy.com.
More fame and fortune....
Paul Donno & Co Ltd has been invited by Accounting Technician to be the subject of a case study for the magazine. Paul met Editor Sarah Notton at the Accountancy Age Awards in November and impressed her with the way he uses iPhone apps to run the business.
The case study will be featured in the May/June issue of Accounting Technician and will generate more national coverage for Paul Donno & Co Ltd - and of course will involve Paul having his photograph taken again!
Farewell...
At the end of March we will say farewell to Sandra Imrie, our Practice Manager. Sandra will be leaving us to support husband David in his business - Fir Tree Technology Ltd. We will all miss Sandra and her great organisational skills. We wish Sandra well in her new role and know that she will be of great benefit to Fir Tree Technology Ltd.
