In a highly competitive, global economy, small businesses need to use every possible resource to compete with the big guys. But many of us fail to recognize and develop one of our most valuable assets—our internal talent.

The job interview. I’ve been on both sides of the interview desk a number of times in my business career. But I’m sure we all remember that very first job interview, fresh out of college or school, feeling a little green, nervous and picking at our unusually smart clothes.

As a small business owner, I know it can sometimes be daunting to try and go up against the big boys, especially when it comes to hiring the right people.

I am constantly looking to other businesses for inspiration. Who better to learn from than companies which have faced the same challenges as you and overcome them to become real success stories?

Just like most other small business owners I know, I’m a fan of anything that can save me time or money – or even better, a bit of both. In my quest to cut down on hours and dollars I must have downloaded hundreds of apps which promised to revolutionize the way I run my company. And while some were swiftly deleted, others have proved invaluable.

Much has changed in business over the last thirty years; most noticeably the rise in technology and the new job roles this has created. Not only has technology now become an important, if not essential, part of businesses both big and small, but it has also become a massive sector in its own right and as such, it has given rise to a multitude of jobs.

Finding the right staff is a big challenge for any business, but especially so for smaller companies. And once you've found the perfect employee, getting them to stay is another issue altogether.