At the MBC business group meeting this week we had an interesting update from Michael Reardon, Senior Transport Officer (Smarter Travel), Derbyshire County Council Sustainable Travel team
Michael gave us an update on capital funding for cycle facilities that available to local businesses. He has sent me further details so I am sharing them with you here.
Derbyshire County Council’s Sustainable Travel team currently have capital funds available to improve cycle facilities at tourism businesses across Derbyshire.
Eligible businesses include bed and breakfasts, hotels and self catering establishments, as well as visitor attractions and other tourism based facilities.
Examples of typical projects:
* Cycle storage, including sheffield stands and shelters.
* Associated amenities, including storage lockers.
* Improvements to gates and pathways where appropriate.
Other proposals with clear cycle related benefits – especially those which encourage longer distance cycle leisure trips and overnight stays – will also be considered.
The funding is strictly limited, and available on a 50/50 basis.
If you feel that your tourism business could benefit and would like to find out more, contact:
Sustainable.travel@derbyshire.gov.uk
Tel: 01629 538156
Notes.
* There is no specific closing date, nor any long application form.
* Funds are available on a first come first served basis, up to a maximum of 50% of total capital costs (ex VAT).
* There is no specific upper or lower limit of funding applications, although a typical cycle shelter costs between £1,500 - £2,500 + VAT.
* Facilities could benefit both visitors and staff.
* Interested parties should contact The Sustainable Travel team (as above) in the first instance.
Thursday, 20 November 2014
Thursday, 29 November 2012
Twitter Users Forum
What a great event. Brilliant input from everyone.
Catherine Doel
Henmore Marketing
+44 1335 289075
@IdeasStrategies
Henmore Marketing
+44 1335 289075
@IdeasStrategies
Thursday, 13 September 2012
Are you tempted to start a business?
This appeals to me a lot. If something seems impossible then you just need to try harder to find a way to make it work.
These great sentiments and graphics are from the Be Your Own Boss programme fronted by Innocent entrepreneur Richard Reed. http://www.innocentdrinks.co.uk/beyourownboss
Interestingly they have set up an investment company - so if you are struggling with funding from a bank, try these guys.
I tripped over all this on Twitter and need to share with you a first in my Twitter usage. It is the first time that I have ever paid any attention to a promoted tweet.
I don't follow many links on Twitter, unless I know the person/business that has posted the link. So there you have it - a perfect example of how powerful a brand can be. Will I watch the programme?
Well, I missed the first one .... but I am definitely following @jamjarinvest
Monday, 10 September 2012
Henmore Marketing is Social Media speaker at Business Peak District event
Henmore is very proud to be speaking at the upcoming Business Peak District event:
Please note, this event by Business Peak District is only available for businesses located or trading within the wider Peak District.
This seminar is designed for any small and medium-sized Peak District businesses wanting to develop online marketing who would benefit from an overview of social media to find out how it can help grow a business. No technical knowledge is required.
This seminar is presented in a jargon-free, easy-to-understand format and includes presentations from companies that are using social media in a successful way.
An Introduction to Social Media
Please note, this event by Business Peak District is only available for businesses located or trading within the wider Peak District.
This seminar is designed for any small and medium-sized Peak District businesses wanting to develop online marketing who would benefit from an overview of social media to find out how it can help grow a business. No technical knowledge is required.
This seminar is presented in a jargon-free, easy-to-understand format and includes presentations from companies that are using social media in a successful way.
Network Events organised by Business Peak District
Wednesday 19th September (10 am - 12 noon)
The Royal Hotel Hayfield
'Marketing - bringing your website alive and keeping your customers happy'
Wednesday 26th September (10 am - 12.30 pm)
Bakewell Business & Agricultural Centre
Bakewell, DE45 1AH
'Social Media - an introduction'
Wednesday 10th October (10 am - 12 noon)
Buxton TBA
'Celebrating local food and drink supply and distribution'
Tuesday 27th November (10 am - 1 pm)
Beechenhill Farm, Ilam
'Renewable Technologies - all you need to know and planning out business risks, a survival kit'
Monday, 18 June 2012
Positive comments - a lovely way to start the week!
I gave a talk on Social Media recently to a tourism group. It was very difficult to know how much detail I should go into because I am mindful that a proportion of the delegates were probably never going to engage with many of the tools of social media. Twitter was a 'marmite' subject to that audience. Half of the delegates were more likely to be consumers of social media than contributors, probably unwittingly at that. So with this in mind I added into my social media talk a small plea. Would everyone please make one small change to their browsing habits? After reading, leave a comment. It matters to small business owners, in particular, to receive feedback. So why do readers hold back? Does is matter so much to travel the web incognito?
Here is this morning's reminder of my plea to the tourism group. I am running a small workshop on Thursday about blogging. This morning I was very encouraged to receive a Facebook comment from Joy, one of the registrants on the course. She wrote: "Very much looking forward to Blogging on Thursday. Can really recommend Catherine's Workshops @dovefarm as they are informative and helpful but at the same time friendly and relaxed."
I am very grateful to Joy for her testimonial. How lovely to receive positive feedback and what a great way to start the week. I am prepping the workshop with extra enthusiasm as a result.
So how about it? When browsing the web today could you spare a second to leave a comment... even if you would never, ever describe yourself as a social media user?
Here is this morning's reminder of my plea to the tourism group. I am running a small workshop on Thursday about blogging. This morning I was very encouraged to receive a Facebook comment from Joy, one of the registrants on the course. She wrote: "Very much looking forward to Blogging on Thursday. Can really recommend Catherine's Workshops @dovefarm as they are informative and helpful but at the same time friendly and relaxed."
I am very grateful to Joy for her testimonial. How lovely to receive positive feedback and what a great way to start the week. I am prepping the workshop with extra enthusiasm as a result.
So how about it? When browsing the web today could you spare a second to leave a comment... even if you would never, ever describe yourself as a social media user?
Wednesday, 25 April 2012
Analytics and marketing maths
Clients know that I am a bit of a nag about testing and measuring, especially web stats. Checking your web site analytics tool in an effective way is a vital piece of marketing house-keeping. So why do so few SMBs actually do this?
I am reminded of this because I just took a call from an online directory saleswoman regarding a business whose online advertising we manage. With a sales script that centred on the amount of quality traffic her directory sends to the website in question she felt confident that she was on safe ground, not realising she was talking to a marketing agency. Armed by the stats that I manage for this business, I knew she was blagging. Checking referral traffic from paid sources is a no brainer. We've put in place a sales tracking system which is rigorously followed. It is our job to keep an eye on what is working and what is not. Poor telesales lady! She finished up trying to suggest the client should pay for the directory entry out of loyalty; such a desperate attempt to play on the emotions was wasted on my role. My job is to take this pressure away from the client. Looking at the stats I am certain the client would think re-booking this entry was not best use of a tight marketing budget so I politely thanked the caller and suggested she contact us again in 6 months.
Sales calls to clients are directed to us precisely because we can make informed decisions and not be bamboozled by telesales claims about Google rankings and quality traffic etc. But clearly those sales tactics work or they wouldn't be so prevalent. (By the way, I am not against paid directory entries - far from it, if they work it is great.)
So, please, check your stats. Check them and use the information! If you don't know what all those numbers mean and how to interpret them we can train you. If you can't bear doing this sort of work then for a small fee we'll do it for you. Either way, it is time or money well spent because the information should improve your marketing focus and maybe cut some unnecessary spend.
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| Do you need our help to understand and interpret your web stats? |
Sales calls to clients are directed to us precisely because we can make informed decisions and not be bamboozled by telesales claims about Google rankings and quality traffic etc. But clearly those sales tactics work or they wouldn't be so prevalent. (By the way, I am not against paid directory entries - far from it, if they work it is great.)
So, please, check your stats. Check them and use the information! If you don't know what all those numbers mean and how to interpret them we can train you. If you can't bear doing this sort of work then for a small fee we'll do it for you. Either way, it is time or money well spent because the information should improve your marketing focus and maybe cut some unnecessary spend.
Thursday, 12 April 2012
Small business web sites - bite sized pieces
Yesterday I gave a workshop to a few WiRE members who wanted to get to grips with their websites. The desired outcome was a list of changes they could brief their web designer on. During the session I was reminded again how important it is that a business owner considers a web site as a three part project.
Content - Look - Build
(navigation is a core consideration of each of these).
If you would like to join our next group 2 hour strategic review workshop or have your own private review session please email us.
Content - Look - Build
(navigation is a core consideration of each of these).
- content falls into the realms of 'marketing communications' . I would urge clients to bash some wording about in a word processing package before they even consider contacting a 'web designer'. Start to section it in a way that makes sense to your reader to help them navigate through your information.
- the look of the site requires design and branding skill. Your web site is a highly visible application of your brand. Select some images or take some photos that will resonate with your readers.
- Building the site is the techy bit, which is where most 'web designers' (in most cases web technician is a better description) are most comfortable. Web technicians are brilliant if they have a great brief they can comment on - hence the importance of business owners taking responsibility for the two points above.
If you would like to join our next group 2 hour strategic review workshop or have your own private review session please email us.
Monday, 16 January 2012
advertising with AIDA impact
We'll make your advertising work hard . . . here's how!
Have you heard of AIDA?
Your advertising needs to be eye-catching with something that grabs attention, like an image or a bold statement.
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| random image - made you look tho |
Once you've caught someone's attention, you need to stimulate their interest to delve deeper - key messages in bold text and in image captions often work well. These teasers need to mean something to the readers or they will quickly lose interest again.
The idea is that they quickly understand what it's all about and engage with what you are saying. This is the make or break moment for your copy. What you are saying has to resonate enough with the emotions of your potential buyers for them to take action. This means that you have to create a sense of desire that motivates them. You need to share the joys that the benefits of your product or service will bring. At the same time they have to have a clear understanding of all the facts. So think about exactly what they need to know.
By this stage they have breezed rapidly along an emotional journey, supported by fact, and have alighted at the point of decision. To take action now, or not to take action? Yikes - you don't want to mess up now! Keep them on track . . ..What will swing the reader to jump into gear and not leave it til later? Quick, can you think of a limited offer, a consequence, some way to motivate them to start loving the thing you are offering ...soonest? If you can't quite think of something, I know for certain that we can.
We have ideas aplenty, and lots of experience to back it up. So email us now at marketing@henmore.co.uk and let's put some refreshing sparkle into your advertising.
Wednesday, 4 January 2012
Olympic year has started
How did 2012 creep up on us so soon?
Can your business take advantage of the Olympic Games? Not all businesses will benefit and some are claiming the games will have a negative impact. Madness really that our capital city will be flooded with tourists, yet tourist businesses like London theatres will be closing during the games.
Do you have plans to capitalise on Olympic fever?
Can your business take advantage of the Olympic Games? Not all businesses will benefit and some are claiming the games will have a negative impact. Madness really that our capital city will be flooded with tourists, yet tourist businesses like London theatres will be closing during the games.
Do you have plans to capitalise on Olympic fever?
Tuesday, 29 November 2011
Thoughts on Google +
I am facilitating a training workshop this evening on Social Media Marketing, covering the basics and a bit beyond depending on the range of online marketing experience in the group. So as I put the finishing touches to the presentation, which generally means cutting back my expectations of the amount of information I can realistically share in 2 hours, I am pondering on whether to even include Google +. I suppose it would be wrong not to as it is now 'out there' like it or not. In my case, right now .... not. Obviously this will be subject to change as the market responds.
My issue is that the fine line between bartering my identity in exchange for some great free gizmos has been crossed when it comes to Google +. I am generally a fan of Google products, but with Google + they aren't even pretending to know only a reasonable amount about you, your friends, family, business, preferences, habits.... It is no secret that your information is being pillaged, on the contrary we are being persuaded to get over it. Probably I will in time. Just now I am imaging a future when one day when I can't decide what to wear, up will pop my Google + app telling me that it has selected my underwear ready for me to get dressed. How is that for a nightmare scenario?
My issue is that the fine line between bartering my identity in exchange for some great free gizmos has been crossed when it comes to Google +. I am generally a fan of Google products, but with Google + they aren't even pretending to know only a reasonable amount about you, your friends, family, business, preferences, habits.... It is no secret that your information is being pillaged, on the contrary we are being persuaded to get over it. Probably I will in time. Just now I am imaging a future when one day when I can't decide what to wear, up will pop my Google + app telling me that it has selected my underwear ready for me to get dressed. How is that for a nightmare scenario?
Friday, 21 October 2011
Small business branding issue - where is the line between you and your business? What are you really selling?
I have just received an
email from a client who is seeking clarity on an issue she has with
her marketing. Her query is as follows:
“I need to get
clearer about ''my name" or "my company name's" (footnote 1) USP, and I am still not sure whether I am my business or not”
First a little bit of
context. My client is a consultant/coach working on personal and
professional development with individuals and teams. Her specialist
subject is by definition personal to people and in order to be
effective she needs people's trust. The paying
customer/decision-maker may be the direct recipient of her service or
may be an HR person who sources and arranges on behalf of the
organisation.
I hear business
advisors tell business owners “you are your business”. They
insist “you must sell 'you'. And the poor business owner, who is
likely to be at home with the operational side of their business, but
less comfortable being its marketing manager, is left unclear on what
this means. Conclusions may be drawn that you have to be a nice person,
or a popular person, to run a successful small business. Then there is the current buzzword 'authenticity', which a
lot of people are translating as sharing everything about themselves
as individuals. And, then add to that the now obligatory adjective
'passionate'. Can't you just be good at what you offer any more?
I send out a challenge
to these business advisors. I am not satisfied that
you have to “sell yourself” and “you are your business”. I would like to offer some health warnings to small business owers
regarding this advice.
Back to the client query re the USP. Let's
differentiate between 'USP', ethos, brand, and 'personal selling!
USP – so hard
to offer something “unique”. USP has been downgraded to “wow
factors” with good reason. A wow factor of your business could be
that it uses the latest technology, has the most comfortable
premises, has some amazing quantifiable results etc etc (nothing
personal there). If you are struggling to think of some wow factors
trying asking your customers what they think.
Ethos and brand
are very linked in my mind, as a brand without an ethos is in danger
of becoming just a meaningless logo device. No matter the size of
the business, there are brand values wrapped up in it. The
difficulty for micro businesses is unravelling what they are because
the business owners are so close to it and simply do things 'their
way'. In Henmore's Marketing Club we have some fun working on this
area. Have a think, what standards and values do you have that are
appropriate to share with your customers? What values do your
customers seek?
Personal selling
is a marketing text book phrase for when there is a face-to-face
sales person as one of your marketing tactics (part of your
promotional mix - see 2 below). Sales reps are the essence of this
tactic. So if you are the
business owner and selling your expertise you are inevitably both the
sales rep and the delivery mechanism so possibly the concept
of having to sell yourself and be authentic and passionate looms
large (see 3 below).
Could someone else sell your product/service?
Try testing yourself with this question. Could someone else sell your product or service for you? There should only be one answer to that question – yes! Imagine what information and approach this ficticious sales person would need. Actually, don't just imagine it, write it down. What steps would you suggest the sales rep takes to convert a prospective customer into a paying customer? Give your ficticious salesman the job description of having to demonstrate credibility - would you equip her with some prepared information? How would she build conviction? This may involve a demo or trial – so that is possibly where the real you comes back in again. How would you make sure your sales person sets expectations about price and service levels? I bet your sales person wouldn't give away so much for free in the way that small business owners do!
Try testing yourself with this question. Could someone else sell your product or service for you? There should only be one answer to that question – yes! Imagine what information and approach this ficticious sales person would need. Actually, don't just imagine it, write it down. What steps would you suggest the sales rep takes to convert a prospective customer into a paying customer? Give your ficticious salesman the job description of having to demonstrate credibility - would you equip her with some prepared information? How would she build conviction? This may involve a demo or trial – so that is possibly where the real you comes back in again. How would you make sure your sales person sets expectations about price and service levels? I bet your sales person wouldn't give away so much for free in the way that small business owners do!
If you couldn't answer
yes to the salesperson question and you are more comfortable selling
'you' then let me leave you with this thought: You may be
over-identifying with your business. You may be viewing its success,
financial or otherwise, as validating you as a person. When
something goes awry - business owners do make errors, products do
fail, markets can collapse - the disasters or failures could have an
affect on your mental well-being. Some entrepreneurs evaluate and
start again with new information, others don't. What would you do?
----------------------------------------------------------
- You'll spot that names were deleted – there's a balance between transparency and appropriateness.
- Personal selling is part of the promotional mix, which for the sake of completeness also includes advertising, sales promotion, direct marketing, and publicity. The promotional mix part of your marketing plan specifies how much emphasis to apportion each of these techniques, and how much money to budget for each. (Reality check – not many micro businesses have a marketing plan beyond a 'to do' list unless their bank requires one).
- I will publish my blog on authenticity another time because I want to run it past a kindred spirt in the US first. In the mean time I'd advise people to start being wary of describing how passionate they are about their business or product because it is fast becoming a cliché.
Monday, 10 October 2011
Which is more important - the intuitive or rational mind?
"The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift." Albert Einstein
Marketing and running a business requires both, I reckon . . .
Thursday, 22 September 2011
Facebook for business
Setting up and managing Facebook FOR BUSINESS
With more than 750 million users, you are likely already using Facebook; you may even fall in the 50% that log on every day. The question is: How well are you using Facebook for business … if at all? If you would like to know how to create a winning Facebook page, increase the number of “likes” and generate business leads with Facebook, this session is for you. You will learn:
Venue: Dove Studio, Dove Farm, Mill Lane, off Dove Street, Ellastone, DE6 2GY
Price: £15 + VAT
2012 workshop schedule and booking form
Other details: Please bring a laptop computer if possible and a note of password information to any applications (e.g. Facebook) so that you can access and make changes to your accounts.
This workshop is for a small group of people so we will do our best to answer individual questions and resolve issues.
“Catherine talks common sense when it comes to marketing, which is wonderfully refreshing for a small business trying to achieve top results on a tight budget. Her practical, down-to-earth approach is both reassuring and motivating. I found her social media workshop and her general advice extremely helpful.”
With more than 750 million users, you are likely already using Facebook; you may even fall in the 50% that log on every day. The question is: How well are you using Facebook for business … if at all? If you would like to know how to create a winning Facebook page, increase the number of “likes” and generate business leads with Facebook, this session is for you. You will learn:
- How to set up your Facebook page correctly
- How to manage events on Facebook
- Best practices and tips for creating engaging content
- Communications strategies for your fan base
Venue: Dove Studio, Dove Farm, Mill Lane, off Dove Street, Ellastone, DE6 2GY
Price: £15 + VAT
2012 workshop schedule and booking form
Other details: Please bring a laptop computer if possible and a note of password information to any applications (e.g. Facebook) so that you can access and make changes to your accounts.
This workshop is for a small group of people so we will do our best to answer individual questions and resolve issues.
“Catherine talks common sense when it comes to marketing, which is wonderfully refreshing for a small business trying to achieve top results on a tight budget. Her practical, down-to-earth approach is both reassuring and motivating. I found her social media workshop and her general advice extremely helpful.”
Monday, 1 August 2011
Netwalking in Churnet Valley
More opportunities to improve your work life balance!
- work bit is making/strengthening your connections with local business people
- the life bit is enjoying some fabulous scenery and getting some exercise by walking for an hour or so
- the balance bit is the consumption of refreshments afterwards!
So this is what to expect from netwalking! Plus the easy, stress-free nature of this form of networking resulting from the format that Paul arranges.
Next netwalking: 23rd August - Churnet Valley, Staffordshire
meeting in Alton at the Parish Church to set off at 12.30pm.
Walking for about an hour with a quasi-formal facilitated networking structure. Booking via netwalking booking form
Sort of small print:
Paul, the netwalking leader that we have partnered with (www.skylarkactivities.com), has a netwalker code:
You are your own best medical expert.
Accept the need for the group to make the journey together – being outdoors there is a shared responsibility. Alert fellow netwalkers to any hazards along the way.
Share your expertise - if you spot something interesting.
Help people over difficult patches or obstacles – like up inclines or over stiles.
Set your own pace and re-group every now and then.
Choose what information you want to share, who with and how.
- work bit is making/strengthening your connections with local business people
- the life bit is enjoying some fabulous scenery and getting some exercise by walking for an hour or so
- the balance bit is the consumption of refreshments afterwards!
So this is what to expect from netwalking! Plus the easy, stress-free nature of this form of networking resulting from the format that Paul arranges.
Next netwalking: 23rd August - Churnet Valley, Staffordshire
meeting in Alton at the Parish Church to set off at 12.30pm.
Walking for about an hour with a quasi-formal facilitated networking structure. Booking via netwalking booking form
| Comments about the network following the Carsington Water netwalk |
Sort of small print:
Paul, the netwalking leader that we have partnered with (www.skylarkactivities.com), has a netwalker code:
You are your own best medical expert.
Accept the need for the group to make the journey together – being outdoors there is a shared responsibility. Alert fellow netwalkers to any hazards along the way.
Share your expertise - if you spot something interesting.
Help people over difficult patches or obstacles – like up inclines or over stiles.
Set your own pace and re-group every now and then.
Choose what information you want to share, who with and how.
Sunday, 17 July 2011
Networking - the merits of connecting locally
Networking locally has been a useful activity for us at Henmore, even though are clients are UK wide, in Europe and USA. As a result of local networking we have:
- formed associations with marketing specialists to offer a wider marketing service
- worked collaboratively on new projects with the people we’ve met
- been invited as a guest speaker at UK events and conferences
- strengthened relationships with existing clients
- gained many new business referrals that have generated new customers (thank you to those that have supported us)
- built a network of ‘champions’ who help us spread the word about our local marketing training events and programmes
- gained insight and feedback on our ideas
- kept abreast of issues and events taking place in our local area
- made some new friends
After trying various groups and organisations I have settled on a select few groups in my local region of Derbyshire and Staffordshire that suit my style. I regularly visit these groups: WiRE, Matlock Business Club, The Business Cub, at Chatsworth, Moorlands Networking, SPDTA.
I am the facilitator of Matlock Business Club, which has enabled me to observe many people’s approach and consider my own.
Here are few thoughts about networking:
Attend with an open mind, go with the flow. Some people seem to judge an event by the number of business cards they collected. After assessing the benefits to Henmore of our networking activities, I am not convinced of that as an evaluation criterion.
Be friendly – you would think this would be obvious! Be friendly even to your competitors. I’ve heard some horror stories of people slinging some mud at their competitors (worse still dissing them in the one minute slot). Don’t go there . . .
Be open and welcoming. Approach those on the edge of the room; invite them into your conversations. As an extravert, I have to remind myself that some powerful business people are not necessarily natural networkers, so don’t overlook those looking on from the sidelines.
Stay calm. If you spot an influential business person please don’t go all gaga around them. I’ve seen this happen and it is just weird.
Allow yourself to move on. Some people will monopolise you so be kind to yourself, and to them, and move them on to someone else or request permission to continue networking in the room.
Keep your business card in reserve. I am not a fan of ‘card slinging’ networking events. Some people look for quantity rather than quality, but that doesn’t suit our business model. Unless it suits yours, save yourself the hassle of unsubscribing from a million mailing lists and hold back your details until you are asked for them.
Introduce people within and across your networks – be the real-life face-to- face version of LinkedIn and Facebook.
Source and share in your networks. If you need something then ask from within your network of contacts. It sounds obvious, but if it is so obvious why do so few people do it?
In conclusion, I offer a gentle reminder that your network of contacts is not just a place to push your own wares.
Friday, 15 July 2011
Marketing & Technology - Ideas into Action
Really enjoyed the discussions with everyone at the event today. Thanks for listening to Chris Woodhouse and me doing our best to share some ideas and strategies to use technology for marketing improvement. Great to listen to fellow presenters Mathew (www.peakdistrictcreations.co.uk) and Paul (www.spinlessplates.com).
I promised a link to the thoughts I shared on how to make marketing work for small businesses. This takes you to a tool I use for sharing documents - box.net. Can be handy for sharing. It also allows collaborators or those you share documents with to leave comments. And it is free so hey, nothing lost.
Insights, ideas, strategies, ----> actions.
Next steps:
Here are a few ideas to encourage you to take further action - some are free, some are low cost and some are regular price but attract grant funding if you get your skates on and talk to our event hosts at Live & Work Rural.
1. Free, anytime, LinkedIn Form: Join our private delegate forum on LinkedIn and post questions and discussions. We'll answer as appropriate, and maybe others will add the benefit of their experiences as well. Click for the Marketing and Technology Series forum on LinkedIn.
2. £30 + VAT: Workshop facilitated by Catherine and Chris
Date: 20th July from 9.30am at Riber Rooms in Cromford
Half day workshop delving into the detail of online marketing and social media. Further info: Marketing and Technology Workshop
3. £3 approx: Teleconference Q&A.
Date: Thursday 21st July from 2pm for approx an hour.
All delegates of the Live & Work Rural Event are invited to phone in and join some of the panellists from the event today. All you need to pay is the cost of the call which the provider states is 4.3p/minute (so an hour session is approx £3). Ask your own questions or be inspired by those of others. We are using PowWow for this event: Telephone number is 0844 4 737373 and then you'll need to enter a PIN code. If you would like to join us on that call please contact us for the PIN (email: web@henmore.co.uk).
If you would like to submit your question in advance it may help get a more precise reply in the time available.
4. One-to-one consultancy
£400 + VAT for 2 x half days (eligible for grant funding). Training and Advice
Help to get your business properly set up for effective marketing and enabling appropriate use of technology. Making sure you are on track with everything. Either/both Chris and Catherine will come over and help get your business set up right for what you need to be doing. This consultancy and training package is eligible for grant funding if you're quick :-) >
5. Marketing Club
£500+VAT pa (eligible for grant funding): With 6 x group sessions combined with 2 x one-to-one consultancy sessions and a supportive peer group of fellow members makes this programme excellent value for money. We have members of this year-long marketing programme who are grant funded; again, be quick applying. > Marketing Club
And here is that thought-provoking YouTube clip, complete with cheesy music.
I promised a link to the thoughts I shared on how to make marketing work for small businesses. This takes you to a tool I use for sharing documents - box.net. Can be handy for sharing. It also allows collaborators or those you share documents with to leave comments. And it is free so hey, nothing lost.
Insights, ideas, strategies, ----> actions.
Next steps:
Here are a few ideas to encourage you to take further action - some are free, some are low cost and some are regular price but attract grant funding if you get your skates on and talk to our event hosts at Live & Work Rural.
1. Free, anytime, LinkedIn Form: Join our private delegate forum on LinkedIn and post questions and discussions. We'll answer as appropriate, and maybe others will add the benefit of their experiences as well. Click for the Marketing and Technology Series forum on LinkedIn.
2. £30 + VAT: Workshop facilitated by Catherine and Chris
Date: 20th July from 9.30am at Riber Rooms in Cromford
Half day workshop delving into the detail of online marketing and social media. Further info: Marketing and Technology Workshop
3. £3 approx: Teleconference Q&A.
Date: Thursday 21st July from 2pm for approx an hour.
All delegates of the Live & Work Rural Event are invited to phone in and join some of the panellists from the event today. All you need to pay is the cost of the call which the provider states is 4.3p/minute (so an hour session is approx £3). Ask your own questions or be inspired by those of others. We are using PowWow for this event: Telephone number is 0844 4 737373 and then you'll need to enter a PIN code. If you would like to join us on that call please contact us for the PIN (email: web@henmore.co.uk).
If you would like to submit your question in advance it may help get a more precise reply in the time available.
4. One-to-one consultancy
£400 + VAT for 2 x half days (eligible for grant funding). Training and Advice
Help to get your business properly set up for effective marketing and enabling appropriate use of technology. Making sure you are on track with everything. Either/both Chris and Catherine will come over and help get your business set up right for what you need to be doing. This consultancy and training package is eligible for grant funding if you're quick :-) >
5. Marketing Club
£500+VAT pa (eligible for grant funding): With 6 x group sessions combined with 2 x one-to-one consultancy sessions and a supportive peer group of fellow members makes this programme excellent value for money. We have members of this year-long marketing programme who are grant funded; again, be quick applying. > Marketing Club
And here is that thought-provoking YouTube clip, complete with cheesy music.
Monday, 20 June 2011
Brand management - moment of amusement
This morning I received a jolly note from a client pointing out a typo in the LinkedIn event information for my business development workshop this Wednesday. I gave myself a telling off, but then I tripped over this message from Google and now I feel a whole lot better. This has to be a fundamental brand management error for a leading search engine specialist. Quite fun though.
Wednesday, 1 June 2011
Take a netwalk
How about this for work life balance?
work bit is chatting about business and making/strengthening your connections with local business people
the life bit is enjoying some fabulous scenery and getting some exercise by walking 2.5 miles.
the balance bit is eating cake afterwards!
So this is netwalking. Try it with Matlock Business Club on Thursday June 30 and explore an unusual part of Derbyshire. Refreshments (that's the cake bit) are included.
Rendezvous at the secluded Cliff Farm (Peak Serenity) with walking shoes laced up for 4.30 pm. Take in the fantastic views and explore the surrounding area with its woods, stone circles and mock beggars hall. We'll return to Cliffe Farm around 5.45 pm for refreshments and to carry on networking.
After a welcome briefing by netwalking leader Paul Hunt from Skylark Activities (www.skylarkactivities.com)we'll walk 2.5 miles along well defined paths and country lanes over typical Derbyshire hill farm country and through woods. A few stiles will be encountered but these shouldn't pose a barrier as you'll be in a group that helps each other and that's determined to see the points of interest in this part of Derbyshire.
Location and Directions : Cliff Farm is on the lane between Elton and Alport.
Directions : Post Code for Google Maps and satnavs : DE45 1LL
There is a small charge of £5 ,which includes refreshments, and is payable on the day to Matlock Business Club . Book you place by email to info@colemanbradshaw.co.uk
Distance : 2.5 miles / 4 Kilometres
Terrain : Hill farm countryside of grassed fields and woodland.
Well defined paths and country lane; some wooden styles and some squeeze styles.
Points of Interest : Cratcliffe Rocks, Hermits Cave, Robin Hood Stride, Nine Stone Close Standing Stones , Harthill moor and woods
Join Matlock Business Club online > http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Matlock-Business-Club-2344019
Thursday, 26 May 2011
Ideas and strategies into action - Like!
A few months ago I ran a day's training on improving your online presence and using social media tools for business and one of the attendees was Lucy Cufflin, foodie and Cookery Writer. In the group there were experienced social media users and total sceptics. I hope that Lucy won't mind me saying that she came to the event yet to be convinced or the merits of any of it; persuaded to come by a business associate. And look at Lucy today, my goodness. She has three Facebook business pages. And check out the comment below if you can read it. . .
Lucy posts"bring your friends, spread the word" and the reply posts says . . . . (I love this bit) "I already am! facebook definitely works, every Friday I get reminded its cake day and almost every week I'm trying a new cake from you . . ."
Lucy has found her online voice and things are going well. I am off to check up on how the other course attendees are doing now.
Next course June 15th - Cromford Mill.
Lucy posts"bring your friends, spread the word" and the reply posts says . . . . (I love this bit) "I already am! facebook definitely works, every Friday I get reminded its cake day and almost every week I'm trying a new cake from you . . ."
Lucy has found her online voice and things are going well. I am off to check up on how the other course attendees are doing now.
Next course June 15th - Cromford Mill.
Friday, 20 May 2011
Training and thinking, marketing forum 15th June, Derbyshire
Ideas + Strategies -----> Making Connections
We are planning a new style event on 15th June at Cromford Mill. We'll facilitate IT and Marketing-based subject discussions and provide the environment for you to join other forward-thinking business owners to take a little time out to concentrate on your business, generating ideas and workable strategies.
9.30am – 12.15pm Facilitated interactive sessions (as above)
12.45pm – 2pm Freeflow and break out sessions - Marketing and IT questions answered and debated.
£15 + VAT (book in advance cw@cwoodhouse.com)
Lunch and refreshments available at the on-site cafes
Why not arrive early and include some breakfast networking taking place in the same room.
7.30am - 9am Matlock Business Club – networking and business support group meets
£5 including breakfast payable at the door (book in advance web@henmore.co.uk)
Call or email us to reserve your places at these events.
We are planning a new style event on 15th June at Cromford Mill. We'll facilitate IT and Marketing-based subject discussions and provide the environment for you to join other forward-thinking business owners to take a little time out to concentrate on your business, generating ideas and workable strategies.
Broadly, the morning session will cover strategic marketing and IT subjects, delving into some how-to and top tips for success with the tools and techniques we showcase:
- Ways to keep in touch with your customers and create champions and referrers.
- Seamless ways to collaborate with associates and present work to customers.
- The mindset and toolset to create a more marketing-led organisation.
. . . and it will be lively and interactive with presentations, case studies, thought-provoking exercises, peer group discussion. More than that we have built into the agenda an extended 'let's take that off-line' break-out session designed to be free flowing. Choose between the opportunity to pose detailed questions to the experts or engage in discussions and networking with other attendees.
Ideas & Strategies – Marketing and Technology 9.30am – 12.15pm Facilitated interactive sessions (as above)
12.45pm – 2pm Freeflow and break out sessions - Marketing and IT questions answered and debated.
£15 + VAT (book in advance cw@cwoodhouse.com)
Lunch and refreshments available at the on-site cafes
Why not arrive early and include some breakfast networking taking place in the same room.
7.30am - 9am Matlock Business Club – networking and business support group meets
£5 including breakfast payable at the door (book in advance web@henmore.co.uk)
Call or email us to reserve your places at these events.
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