Business Networking Strategy

This was the question just asked at the end of a BBC London news report into a new marketing initiative in the Capital City. London taxi drivers, famed for their ability to chat throughout your journey on any subject under the sun, are now talking about the sun. Around 60 Black Cab drivers are being flown out on all-expense paid holidays and then asked to come back and wax lyrical about the destinations to their captive audience. Others are being briefed on the companies behind the adverts carried outside their cabs so that they can promote their products.

I'm always encouraging people to take every appropriate opportunity to ask for what they want. After all, if you don't share your needs with people who can help, how will they know how to?

With another series of the Apprentice coming to a close, on BBC2 last night Alan Sugar talked about the importance of ruthlessness in business. Referring to one contestant he said "she's not a nice person; but I don't always employ people I like". Meanwhile, another contestant was described as being fired because he was "too nice". In complete contrast to this approach, original Apprentice winner Tim Campbell talks to Monday9amTV about his outlook on business and the show. For Tim, the adage of 'if you win, I lose' doesn't sit comfortably. Is Alan Sugar right?