Readers Case Studies

These case studies examine actual cases our readers have written to us about, seeking our advice and guidance on the problem they describe.

This group covers issues that arise from the many aspects of launching and managing a business, raising capital, talking to and contracting with investors, the role that capital plays in the growth and development of a new business, promoting a new business, developing a sales plan, recruiting, paying and managing staff, finding first customers, and selecting business models.


A disparate group, I’m sure you will agree, but reflective of the very genuine issues our readers face. It’s likely you have encountered some of these problems yourself or may do so in the future. When offering advice and guidance, we frequently refer back to the section on the site where there is a lesson on the topic, because we have usually covered most problems you will encounter.

I think you will find that it is helpful to apply the theory we have discussed in lessons to real life problems and see how the theory can be applied to beneficial effect.

This group covers issues that arise from many aspects of running a business as well as advice on business issues such as preparing staff for business growth, promoting from within, retaining the best staff, handling debtors, winning clients trust, retaining customers, taking control of a struggling Sales Function, an educational consultant seeking advice, handling Buyer’s remorse, searching for an appropriate business model, and a new franchise.

A mixed bag but reflecting the very significant issues and dilemmas our readers face. Perhaps you have come across some of these problems in your business life or may do so soon. When offering advice and guidance we can usually refer to a relevant section on the site where we have written about exactly this topic, because the website is comprehensive, and we have usually addressed most situations you will encounter.

I believe that it helps to consolidate the theory we have discussed in lessons, by applying it to real life problems, and see how the theory can be applied effectively.


This set covers problems and difficulties that arise from a range of personal, interpersonal and personnel issues. We examine problems and situations that arise from conflicts at work, dealing with difficult managers, poor management, staff problems, interview advice, potential redundancy, staff not achieving targets or stealing customers, a new manager who will not take advice from his experienced team, a boss who expects staff to stay late, the dangers of gossip, negative attitudes, Organizational Politics, mismanagement by family members, staff overstepping their brief.

It seems that there are plenty of problems that our readers are faced with and we are honoured that they seek assistance from us.

It may be that you have faced some of these problems in your business life or may do so in the future. When offering advice and guidance we can usually refer to a relevant lesson on the site where this theme is addressed. The website is comprehensive, and we have usually covered most situations you will encounter. It makes a great reference for you if you need help at some point with a similar problem

I’m sure you will benefit from applying the theory we have discussed to a real-life situation and see how it can work in practice. This will help to consolidate your learning in management and business.