tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70249926352357168362024-02-20T12:58:10.861+00:00Business GrowthNigel Hemsillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06110646924270836819noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7024992635235716836.post-69879610189147461262016-08-19T14:16:00.000+01:002016-08-19T14:16:19.935+01:00Watch my 'Glitter' LipsWe were delighted that one of our business development clients was recently featured in the latest BBC series of Dragons Den.<br />
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Our Managing Director and experienced Business Coach, Paula Finch, has been providing business development coaching to Lincoln-based Beauty Boulevard since 2014, helping to launch and grow sales for an exciting new beauty product, Glitter Lips, which was launched in spring 2013. She describes the opportunity to appear on Dragons Den as ”a fantastic marketing experience, one that will give amazing exposure to the Glitter Lips get in front of five well-connected and successful business people.”<br />
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Beauty Boulevard founders, Paula Short and Rachel de Caux, were contacted by the BBC and invited to take part in the latest series. While they didn’t secure the Dragons’ investment, despite Dragon Peter Jones liking the product so much he couldn’t resist trying it on, the pair believe it could be “the best thing that could have happened to us”. Other products that weren’t successful on Dragons Den include Tangle Tweezer, which is now worth £200m.<br />
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The glittery lip product is claimed to stay on for 8 hours and is “kiss-proof, drink-proof and party-proof”, is now sold by 550 stockists, from the UK and Australia to the Czech Republic and Bosnia. It can be found on shelves and online at Superdrug, and inside in-flight magazines for airlines Thomas Cook and Thomson.<br />
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Dragons Den featuring the Glitter Lips Girls aired on BBC 2 at 9pm on Sunday 14th August and is available to <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07pn3ns" target="_blank">view on BBC iplayer.</a><br />
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For more information on how business coaching can lead to greater business success, contact NBM Business Growth visit www.business-growth.net/business-coaching.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15069381375888978689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7024992635235716836.post-88044503796102505642016-03-01T11:41:00.000+00:002016-03-01T11:41:27.061+00:00The Red Rose Turning Over a New Leaf<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi51Isx6fSFqgANI1X6vxTOU-wGq6y3qD47gyKHBTrERNumIsCNmbhVjs608pGAPfHBK0V8jAqkGJ3rTqmjxr8O7q2bcmA0eAT73YhNimRPizcdtx-kddSXzv2ybs7IbxHTVRqEob_KWM_N/s1600/Fotolia_57199308_700x400px.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="change management" border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi51Isx6fSFqgANI1X6vxTOU-wGq6y3qD47gyKHBTrERNumIsCNmbhVjs608pGAPfHBK0V8jAqkGJ3rTqmjxr8O7q2bcmA0eAT73YhNimRPizcdtx-kddSXzv2ybs7IbxHTVRqEob_KWM_N/s400/Fotolia_57199308_700x400px.jpg" title="Change management" width="400" /></a></div>
When choosing new team members, one of the leading considerations is, without a doubt, the alignment of the individual to the core beliefs and values of your organisation. Whether the role is for a junior or senior position, this is relevant and becomes increasingly so as the person progresses through the organisation, responding to new demands and taking on more responsibilities. <br /><br />Sometimes though, bringing in new blood creates an opportunity to consolidate and realign an organisation’s brand values, where simply singing from the same hymn sheet and following the accepted way in which the company must progress just won’t cut it. Take the example of a manager who is recruited to work under an MD who wishes to bring about a change or realignment in the organisation and therefore selects a second-in-command which many may view as controversial. A new manager with explicitly alternative methods can, in this case, provide a breath of fresh air, reinvigorating and reinventing what the company stands for. <br /><br />The case of England Rugby Union’s new captain is a perfect example of such rebranding. Dogged by poor performances which were preventing the team from achieving the success which their potential suggested they should, the coach and his staff made a controversial decision to elect Dylan Hartley – a man with a year’s worth of suspensions due to a raft of disciplinary offences – as the captain and the leader of the team in practice on the field. In so doing, the coaching team (SMT) has ‘screamed from the rooftops’ that England will now look to play through a specific style of rugby that the hard-nosed Hartley epitomises. Such decisions are never easy ones, embroiled in risk as many criticise the unorthodoxy of following a new course, yet for success to be achieved, Eddie Jones et al feel there is a necessity for a change to the perception of English Rugby, which Hartley represents. <br /><br />It is a shift in brand values that many will disagree with and find uncomfortable; a captain and therefore a team who are praised by the very fact that they have been selected, despite poor discipline. One consequence of such a change is that, whether it breeds success for the team or not, this new England Rugby brand could be perceived as advocating foul play and ill discipline and may lose many supporters in the process. Perhaps for Eddie Jones, this is a necessary evil in order to achieve his objectives, but nevertheless the change of brand values will have a profound effect on the reputation and popularity of the team. This begs the question what is the ultimate goal for English rugby? To win, or to establish role models for young people to aspire towards?<br /><br />The recruitment of an individual outside of the company’s core beliefs and values can change the brand perception drastically, particularly when that person occupies a significant role. It is the job of the employer to establish their priorities, and weigh up whether the company’s new path for success is worth the change in perception which may come with it.<br />
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Paula Finchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323210372297778039noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7024992635235716836.post-80048750283946221612015-12-17T10:34:00.000+00:002015-12-17T10:34:42.718+00:00Why Practice in Leadership makes Perfect<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNoUfFLJcociE2skpIBzCZQGIYyXaVr0H7N0VRLkQ3QXMos631n3jRfzgx-ti0Ab8jmjDg44LKP5FuMacNlcjXkDI0BE6d3ey0laffyLo419N46DU57Fh_brqvNJ-4v0uspPNSmhn7qsg/s1600/iStock_000048378926_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNoUfFLJcociE2skpIBzCZQGIYyXaVr0H7N0VRLkQ3QXMos631n3jRfzgx-ti0Ab8jmjDg44LKP5FuMacNlcjXkDI0BE6d3ey0laffyLo419N46DU57Fh_brqvNJ-4v0uspPNSmhn7qsg/s400/iStock_000048378926_small.jpg" width="400" /></a>If you watch any sports training session, you will see a lot of repetition. The players or athletes involved will be practising basic manoeuvres, over and over. Winning rests on absolute mastery of the basics, honing skills until they become second nature.<br />
Building expertise in anything takes thousands of hours and it is only by practising continuously and learning from the experience that we achieve the level of skill we want and need.<br />
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There are many reasons you might want to learn and develop a skill, but for those who have been in business for some years, you’ll know that the fast-pace of change means that the ability to learn new skills is key to continued growth and success. The challenge is that continuous improvement requires us to stretch ourselves, and as I know from personal and professional experience, that isn’t always comfortable.<br />
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So whether you are seeking to acquire a new skill yourself or looking to develop others within your team, here’s what you need to ask yourself:<br />
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<b>1. Are you ready?</b><br />
In two ways – firstly do you have the basic competency to attain the skill? Secondly, how much time and energy are you able and willing to give to learning and developing the skill? It is a common misconception to think that if you have to work hard at learning a new skill it means there is a lack of ability. This is a limiting belief – being ready and committed to working hard is a choice. As Apple founder, Steve Jobs said, “<i>I’m convinced about half of what separates the successful entrepreneurs from the non-successful ones is pure perseverance</i>.”<br />
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<b>2. Is it needed and what’s the return?</b><br />
Gaining a new skill is an investment and you need to know what the return for learning it will be. Simply improving an existing skill can make a big difference to an individual, team or organisation’s performance, provided it’s the right skill for the business.<br />
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<b>3. What help can you get?</b><br />
Help and support from other will keep you motivated to continue learning and practicing. Just like the football coach who maintains the discipline of practice drills to build competency as well and introduces new techniques to learn, a qualified business coach, trainer or mentor will encourage and support you. Recruit colleagues, friends and anyone who’ll let you practice your skills – people you trust to say the things you need to hear, to give you honest and constructive feedback in a way that keeps you accountable and helps you to cement the change.<br />
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<b>4. Do you need to pace yourself?</b><br />
Be realistic about how much you can take on. In the same way that so many people join a gym with the best intentions of going several times a week but gradually, over time, lose motivation, so learning a new skill can fall by the wayside unless you see specific results along the way. Be selective, choose the key skills that are going to make the biggest difference in the shortest space of time. Once you start seeing and experiencing the positive difference they make, you’ll be inspired to keep going.<br />
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<b>5. How do you know when you’re ready to put in practice what you’ve learned?</b><br />
The only way to know the answer to this question is to do it. The only way to become a great presenter is to present. The only way to become the runner who has just finished a marathon is to go running. You might dread the presenting or the running, but it’s the doing that takes you down the road to becoming.<br />
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If you need help to see where the leadership and management skills gaps are in your business, or want to hear more about how we can help you embed and use new skills with confidence, or would like to get a handle on how skills training could help your organisation, then get in touch. If perfection is the goal then practice is what you need and we’d love to help.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15069381375888978689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7024992635235716836.post-71190852017631948962015-10-20T10:35:00.000+01:002015-10-20T10:35:54.886+01:00England Rugby and the reality of failure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As most of you will probably already know, either from reading my posts or knowing me personally, I am a huge rugby fan. Therefore, it goes without saying that the last couple of weeks have been incredibly tough to digest. Feedback of this magnitude for any England team is embarrassing, but to lose at Twickenham twice as a team that many touted as potential winners of the competition, is a hard pill to swallow. (For those of you unaware, England bowed out of a home World Cup in the group rounds, the first host nation ever not to reach the quarter finals.)<br />
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Even when a long term plan is established, with intimate detail applied to the strategy of achieving the long term goal, no matter how much achieving that target means to you, your team or your company, sometimes your best just isn’t good enough. It’s the harsh reality of life, sport and business, which unfortunately we must all accept as part of what we do, and do our best to learn from the experience so that it does not rear its’ ugly head again. In this instance, the RFU will have time following the competition to absorb the consequences of this result, and make rational decisions about the best way to move forward.<br />
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With this being said, the reality is that there is a strong likelihood that members of the squad and the coaching staff will be dropped. When a result as drastic as this occurs, sometimes the only option is to overhaul the staff and start afresh, with a new long term plan in mind. My prediction is that Ian Ritchie (Chief Executive of the RFU) will not act so strongly. There will be changes and certainly some will lose their jobs as a consequence, but on the whole I am of the opinion that the team we see in four years time at the next World Cup will not be a million miles from what we have seen at this one. This is because despite a clear need for improvement, a team needs consistency and familiarity. Ritchie will be aware of this, and will make the necessary changes while causing minimum disruption.<br />
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If a company fails to achieve growth from one year to the next, perhaps they even regress in some way, tough decisions have to be made. But the time to make these decisions is not in the immediate aftermath. Don’t be tempted to pull the trigger and act irrationally, allow the dust to settle and assess with a clear mind the good and the bad, undisturbed by emotion, as Ian Ritchie should do. Paula Finchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323210372297778039noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7024992635235716836.post-36709829730219893042015-09-16T13:42:00.000+01:002015-09-16T13:42:50.050+01:00Escape the Bubble<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In a few days’ time the Rugby World Cup will be hosted for the first time in England, bringing with it the eyes of the world and a rare chance for those at the top of their game to achieve the ultimate success in their field. What better place to mount a challenge for the Webb Ellis trophy than on home soil. It is easy to assume that home crowds mean a guaranteed advantage for England – familiar surroundings, thousands of passionate supporters and the pride of hosting should make the likes of Chris Robshaw, Ben Youngs and George Ford stand that little bit taller. <br /><br />However, the relentless attention and high expectations that this also brings adds unparalleled pressure, to an already career-defining event. As Dan Cole said recently in an interview, it is crucial in terms of mental preparation, to escape the ‘World Cup bubble’. For the England rugby team, taking part in regular relaxation periods is as crucial to success as the physical delivery of performance. <br /><br />With the Rugby World Cup looming ever closer, perhaps there is a message here to apply in the workplace. The World Cup squad will find themselves swamped with attention, expectation and added responsibility from not only the management team, but from the millions of fans willing them to glory. They have to achieve an incredibly difficult objective, made all the more challenging by external pressure. This is no different to a scenario that most of us find ourselves in at some point in our working lives. We all have deadlines and objectives, which should always be there to push you (if they don’t then you need a tougher target) with the added pressure of expectation from your employer or Senior Management Team. <br /><br />If we allow ourselves to become entangled in the pursuit of these objectives, they will become overwhelming, stressful and all-consuming to your lifestyle; to the point where our performance levels and ability to achieve the outlined objective is compromised. It’s a negative spiral and an inevitable road to failure, so how can this be avoided? Your target and the process of achieving it is your own personal ‘world cup’, and the ability to walk away from it and mentally switch off is vital to success. <br /><br />Set yourself smaller targets and implement time constraints for each one, so that you feel justified in walking away from the desk and enjoying some recreational time with your family and friends. The next time you sit at that desk, your frame of mind will be positive and relaxed, two imperatives of working productively. <br /><br />Escape the bubble of pressure and expectation once in a while, and perhaps you too could be a world champion in your field. <br />Paula Finchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323210372297778039noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7024992635235716836.post-44770048758497477392015-07-20T15:22:00.000+01:002015-07-20T15:22:26.100+01:00Know When to Leave the Room
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Have you ever heard the
phrase coined by Michael Dell, ‘never be the smartest person in the room’? All
of us should aspire to be a better parent, role model, leader, employer on a
continual basis, no matter what success we achieve. But if you’re looking around
that room and thinking “how am I benefitting from being in this environment?”
Then you cannot hope to be a better person tomorrow. In short, get out. The
environments in which you choose to live your life must be filled with people
that challenge you, push you out of your comfort zone, that actually scare you
a little in a way that forces you to be better, whether that new challenge
requires patience, team work, communication skills, creativity, or any skill
that you improve as a result. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">The ‘room’ can refer to any
element of your life in which other people have an influence, whether it is in
the workplace or on a sports field, or within your friendship group. The whole
concept is to continue to improve by surrounding yourself with the right
people. One of the keys to self-improvement is knowing when you have outgrown a
role or become stifled by negative people, in your professional or private
life. (This does not mean that you should march into your boss’ office and
demand a promotion, nor does it mean you are therefore entitled to one.) But
gaining the realisation that you are ready for a new challenge is a positive
step that should not be ignored. It is not about competition with the people in
the room, it is about competition with your former self, so that day by day you
improve and continue to experience success thanks to your exposure to new
experiences. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Making that transition,
though, can be a daunting prospect to face. The thought of going from being a
big fish in a small pond to a small fish in an ocean of very smart fish, can be
enough to turn anyone against the idea. It is important to realise that instead
of feeling scared, intimidated and a little stupid, all you need to do is
change your attitude towards the task. When you instead focus on positives,
there are two key considerations to make; firstly the knowledge and experience
gap that there may be between you will diminish rapidly as you learn from those
who are better than you. Secondly, simply by standing in that room, you are
already passively associated with these people, you are part of the same brand
and therefore the perception is that you are on the same level as them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Putting yourself into rooms
full of people smarter than you, wiser than you, better than you in some form,
will force you to be smarter, wiser and better than you were yesterday. Know
when to leave one room, and walk into a scarier one. </span></div>
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Paula Finchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323210372297778039noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7024992635235716836.post-48772611154939554822015-07-13T12:54:00.000+01:002015-07-13T12:54:36.683+01:00Star Wars: the Decision to Reboot<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">A long time ago, in a galaxy
far far away… the movie franchise that has captured the love of men and boys
combined, will once again come to the big screen. Excitement and enthusiasm
will surely continue to increase from now until the premier in December this
year. Apparently, in the language of Hollywood, this is what is known as a
‘reboot’, and Star Wars is certainly not the first to be remade in this way.
Movies that achieved success the first time round are always likely candidates
to be reinvented, revived and revamped. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Personally, I couldn’t care
less about the lightsaber-wielding Jedi and the return of an ageing (yet still
rather pulchritudinous) Harrison Ford, nevertheless there is certainly a
message to be derived from the ‘Return of the Jedi’, ‘the force’, ‘the one ring
to rule them all?’ ‘The goblet of fire?’ etc. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">By ‘rebooting’ a franchise,
there is an injection of excitement and renewed enthusiasm that wouldn’t have
been felt otherwise. Perhaps this, then, could be a message to take forward in
business – a reboot or reinvention of what you offer, your processes and
people. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">There comes a time every once
in a while, when you may feel that your vision and direction of the company has
become wayward, or perhaps employees don’t feel as valued as they once did. In
such circumstances, it is important to come back to the reasons why you began
the journey of starting your own business in the first place, and what your
core beliefs and values established from the outset. This is, in a sense, a
reboot. If there are elements of your company that do not fit the model you
initially had in mind, this referral back to your former self may allow both
you and your business to understand how best to move forward again. This does
not always mean, however, that changes or adaptations that are made along the
way are always negative, nor does it mean your business should maintain rigid
systems that cannot be adapted to meet fresh challenges. What the ‘rebooting’
process allows is the opportunity to reflect on these changes, and assess
whether they have benefitted or hindered progress. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">This look back at your
default settings will aid you in refocusing your business in the holistic
sense, allowing clarity of thought and a renewed passion for the road ahead. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Sometimes it is best to look
back at where you came from, in order to progress forwards. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15069381375888978689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7024992635235716836.post-86079600308592316602015-07-06T14:56:00.002+01:002015-07-06T14:56:42.713+01:00Why Even the Best Leaders Need a Coach
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<span lang="EN-US">Even the world</span><span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">’s best can’</span><span lang="EN-US">t do it all on
their own. Athletes such as tennis No.1 Novak Djokovic, the world</span><span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">’</span><span lang="NL" style="mso-ansi-language: NL;">s best footballer Lionel Messi, </span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">and
</span><span lang="EN-US">Rugby World Cup winner Jonny Wilkinson all reached the </span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">pinnacle</span><span lang="EN-US"> of their
craft, yet each has coaches and advisors around them to guide them further down
the path of success. Likewise can be said of the sharpest minds in business;
Caan, Robbins, Branson etc and political leaders like Obama and Cameron have a </span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">back room</span> <span lang="EN-US">of staff
offering direction. </span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Just because
they have achieved success does not mean they presume to be the finished
article. </span><span lang="EN-US">They continue to employ leading thinkers and
experts in specific fields around them, regardless of the success they enjoy. </span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US">So the question is, if the best in the world in
every field recruits a bit of help – why don</span><span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">’</span><span lang="EN-US">t you? </span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US">With the help of our clients, we</span><span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">’</span><span lang="EN-US">ve come up
with…..</span><span lang="EN-US"></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US">5 </span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Ways
that a </span><span lang="EN-US">Coach</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">
can make a Difference</span><span lang="EN-US">: </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman Bold"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman Bold"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman Bold";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">Offers a different perspective </span></b><span lang="EN-US">- It is
always rewarding in some form to receive alternative ideas on the processes,
values, people, products etc that make up your business. Often when an owner or
MD spends a lengthy period involved with the intricacies of running a business,
they lose the ability to identify areas of weakness that may have gradually
increased over years, </span><span lang="EN-US">subtle enough to be overlooked by
the SMT. The fresh approach of a coach entering such an environment with a
clear head and no preconceptions benefits even the most affluent of
organisations, as there is always something to be improved upon. </span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman Bold"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman Bold";"></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt left 391.9pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman Bold"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman Bold"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman Bold";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">Can’t afford to have a coach? More like can’t afford NOT TO</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> – of course no coach would offer their services for free, so yes
unfortunately they come at a price. But it can’t be stressed enough that this
short-term expense would see a return on your investment swiftly, and in more
ways than one. Cost saving short cuts can be taken and increased productivity
means that from a financial perspective, the benefits will become apparent </span><span lang="EN-US">quite quickly. The removal of a negative or unproductive employee or
a slight change in processes and procedures can have a profound effect on the
overall cost effectiveness of your business. However what I would argue is the
most striking benefit to cost effectiveness is the time that is saved. Time is
the most valuable currency that any of us hold, so to spend that time listening
to someone who has been through the process of running a successful business
may end up saving you from time wasting initiatives and rash ventures further
down the road. </span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman Bold"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman Bold"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman Bold";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">Focuses concentration on the right areas</span></b><span lang="EN-US">
– as alluded to earlier, it is very easy for members of senior management to
get bogged down in the detail of the day to day running of the company,
particularly in SME’s when staff numbers are low. This can lead to a loss of
direction as the team has lost its’ captain at the helm. Growth and expansion
become difficult, as those required to facilitate this are focused elsewhere. A
business coach can, then, coach you and your team to focus ‘on’ rather than ‘in’
the business. </span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman Bold"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman Bold"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman Bold";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">Accountability </span></b><span lang="EN-US">– procrastination is the
barrier to growth. When you are a law unto yourself, as owners of business
usually are, things get stuck on the back burner. Jobs that may require
something that makes you uncomfortable or might be out of your comfort zone can
get forgotten about. When you only have yourself to answer to, simply put,
you’ll probably get lazy. The presence of a business coach positively alters
this dynamic, giving you someone who can scrutinise your decisions and force
you to question the judgements you make. In short, business owners become
accountable to the coach, therefore can no longer put off the jobs which
otherwise would be left undone. </span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman Bold"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman Bold";"></span></b></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman Bold"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman Bold"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman Bold";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b><span lang="EN-US">Life and Business experience</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> - we never
stop learning. However long you have run a business for, there’s always a
lesson to learn from every new experience, if you are open-minded enough to see
it. It is this open-mindedness that makes the acquisition of a coach especially
rewarding. Surely it makes sense to take the advice of someone who has been in
your position, and has seen it through to achieve success. The road to success
is never a straightforward one, indeed it is more likely a maze in which you
are presented with multiple options at every turn, making it incredibly difficult
to reach your targets. A business coach stands at your shoulder, helping you to
identify the right route to take, having walked the maze before and having made
mistakes that they can now help you to avoid. </span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US">The world</span><span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">’</span><span lang="EN-US">s best across all industries have coaches, so why
wouldn</span><span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">’</span><span lang="EN-US">t you? </span></div>
Paula Finchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323210372297778039noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7024992635235716836.post-16232844283856381422015-06-30T12:53:00.000+01:002015-06-30T12:53:11.820+01:00A Manager's Greatest ComplimentAs a leader in the boardroom or in sport, there will inevitably be times when someone just doesn’t quite fit the team. Such scenarios often become obvious quite quickly, in which case the decision to let the individual leave is a simple one. But what if it isn’t so clear cut? Such decision making becomes far more ambiguous once one or more of the following factors come into play: <br /><br />* Perhaps the company went out of their way to recruit this individual<br />* Their experience provided the perfect background for the role with you<br />* There may be a personal relationship that has been built up over time<br /><br />Such cases often lead to procrastination on the part of the leader, as no decision is perhaps seen as a better way to avert criticism than a wrong decision. The final choice, in such situations, should always include what is best for the employee themselves. For certain, as business managers and owners, our first priority will always be the success of the company, yet if a member of the team is unhappy in your environment, regardless of their ability, they are less likely to achieve their potential, and as managers, surely unlocking that potential is the fundamental goal. Using a sport analogy, a player at a smaller club may have the ability to achieve greater things, but to do this they must transfer to a larger club. Gareth Bale, the ‘Welsh Wizard’, epitomised this with a transfer from Tottenham Hotspur to Real Madrid, a club at which he now thrives. Those of you with any level of interest in sport could list dozens of similar examples. It is not necessarily the case that the employee is any better than anyone else within the company, just that a change of environment is required for them, and for the rest of your team. <br /><br />It goes without saying that letting an employee go should be seen only ever as a last resort. Before taking such a decision, all alternatives should be exhausted to see if you can reach an understanding of why there is an issue, and if it can be resolved. However if the issue is beyond repair, perhaps cutting across beliefs and values of the organisation or your management style, it is probably time to part company. <br /><br />Such decisions are hardly easy, but they allow the individual to excel personally even if that requires leaving your team, providing them with the platform to move onto better things. It also relieves the rest of your team of any tension or stress that having the individual on board may have caused, allowing them to deliver an improved performance. Fundamentally, when we look beyond our selfish interests, is this not a manager’s greatest accolade - the encouragement and facilitation of success for employees in whatever way possible, even if that means letting them go? <br /><br />Their failure to thrive in your environment may present the opportunity for them to succeed in someone else’s. Paula Finchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323210372297778039noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7024992635235716836.post-34158337620880719762015-06-26T17:23:00.000+01:002015-06-26T17:23:31.866+01:007 Reasons to Consider a Coach
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The world of sport is used to the
concept of a coach and trainer as someone who motivates, challenges and
inspires the athlete to better performance and greater achievements. Even those
who excel in a sport rely on a coach. Andy Murray’s tennis improved under Ivan
Lendl’s coaching expertise, finally achieving that Wimbledon win we all celebrated.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Similarly, business owners,
leaders and managers can benefit from having a mentor or coach. I work with
several who came looking for help and support because they were experiencing
one or more of the following seven symptoms.</span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 150%;">You believe that the business will suffer if you are not
there all the time; taking a holiday is out of the question</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 150%;">You feel you are married to your business and that it
demands working all hours</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Your business does not generate enough profit to justify
your efforts</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 150%;">You have fallen out of love with your business</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 150%;">You have a lot of business experience, however you haven’t
invested in yourself in years</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 150%;">You have lost sight of where the business is going and why</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Because you are already good and recognise that it’s going
to take that bit extra to become OUTSTANDING</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">So what makes a good coach and what
results can you expect from working with one? </span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 150%;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Faye, the Managing Director of
Running Imp in Lincoln who I coach said this,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">“From
the first time I heard Paula Finch speaking at a business seminar, I knew I
wanted to work with her, by chance or rather fate she became our business coach
at Running Imp on the Growth Accelerator.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> <span style="background: white;">Paula has transformed my thought process and
techniques allowing me to spend more time on high value areas in the business
by giving some control to the Senior Management Team. We now have a clear
direction of where we are going and have implanted the tools required to ensure
success. If you want impressive high end business mentoring I recommend Paula
to any serious business looking to get results and have a clear plan of the
future ahead."</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 399.75pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 150%;">So if you want results for you, your team and your business, with
funding options available, call Paula on 01778 424640 today – it could be the
one change that makes the biggest difference.</span></div>
Paula Finchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323210372297778039noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7024992635235716836.post-13379061647242196952015-06-23T11:16:00.000+01:002015-06-23T11:23:48.001+01:00Apple's Swift U-turnMany businesses, particularly the larger corporate giants, allow protests and calls for change to their systems and policies to fall on deaf ears, as it serves the company themselves a purpose to follow what might be otherwise viewed as an unpopular tact. When a minority complain, it is easy for these large companies to sweep the negative feedback under the rug, and continue to run their business gradually further down the path of decreasing popularity. <br />
<br />
In the news it has been reported that Taylor Swift took to social media and wrote an open letter to Apple, regarding Apple Music’s (which launches at the end of the month) intentions to offer subscribers a three-month free trial, with artists receiving no payment during this period. Within 24 hours, an executive of Apple Music announced the decision to change policy, and pay the artists during the trial period. Here is an example of a huge company choosing not to do the easy thing and continue with what benefitted themselves, but instead chose to listen to its’ audience and make a change to keep them happy.<br />
<br />
The point to this, is that Apple acted rapidly to address the complaints of Swift and other artists, in an effort to maintain the reputation of generosity and progressiveness that are strongly associated with their brand. Their speed of response impressively flipped a negative brand image into a positive one, restoring and enhancing the brand’s reputation effectively. <br />
<br />
It also highlights the power of social media, as an open letter raises the awareness of a wider audience to the issue. By making the public aware of her grievance, Swift capitalised on the reach of social media to encourage a response from Apple, who would otherwise be open to further criticism. <br />
<br />
So how is this related to smaller businesses? A few complaints here and there are easily ignored, but gradually stack up over time without much attention. It is also important to not only embrace the capacity of social media to address your audience, but also to hear their feedback. By burying our heads in the sand and not addressing customer concerns, contracts and clients could be lost once their patience has run out. <br />
<br />
Listen to your critics, embrace their feedback, and act upon it; for the good of your brand and your future. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15069381375888978689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7024992635235716836.post-92198783154444951492015-05-06T17:20:00.000+01:002015-05-06T17:20:36.163+01:00 "Invaluable insight and breadth of experience" - An Intern's perpective<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL01L3MN3HG_1hQxBXylenOqFXaiyXnYsqupwEs4rrkOg-GAtJBI88dQ280ajh5a23AK_vCNPT9l1KME54_vdxboy26EFdTXHnGVlLVfmQUGYfW6KFjMIX4ycFl1RsE22HkFWDoj5CsIQ/s1600/Josh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL01L3MN3HG_1hQxBXylenOqFXaiyXnYsqupwEs4rrkOg-GAtJBI88dQ280ajh5a23AK_vCNPT9l1KME54_vdxboy26EFdTXHnGVlLVfmQUGYfW6KFjMIX4ycFl1RsE22HkFWDoj5CsIQ/s1600/Josh.jpg" height="320" width="258" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">We recently welcomed Josh, an Undergraduate at Leicester University, on a 3 week internship programme. Here's his account of the experience.</span><br />
<br />
My internship with NBM Business Growth took place through April 2015, during which time I had the opportunity to explore a wide spectrum of responsibilities. I was given the chance to work closely with each member of the team on a variety of projects, both in direct connection with clients as well as working on promotion and development of the business itself.<br />
<br />
By working closely with all team members, I was able to experience and understand the combinations of skills and expertise that they each contribute to the business, in order for it to function so successfully. My IT skills were enhanced through extensive use of Microsoft Excel, website design and modification, and the processing and organisation of PR materials. Market research also played a significant part in almost every day spent with NBM, representing the importance of this concept, as I was required to use various online tools in order to uncover the information and data required. I also gained an increased familiarity and ability with Prezi, which I used to produce and develop a lecture presentation for marketing students. It was also my responsibility to write multiple blogs for the website, and several press releases for events organised by the business which were to be featured in local newspapers.<br />
<br />
In addition to these office-based tasks, I was fortunate to experience the interaction with clients first hand. I attended and observed business growth meetings with three different client businesses, noting the key outcomes from each meeting, which were fed back to the clients. These meetings gifted me an invaluable insight into the inner workings of a business, and what is required to achieve and maintain growth. Regular networking events allowed me an opportunity to build a list of contacts, both for the sake of NBM, but also on a personal level. Finally, in association with HSBC and the Business Growth Service, NBM participated in a ‘Gearing up for Growth’ conference, at which my role was front of house, meeting and greeting delegates.<br />
<br />
The ranging responsibilities granted to me during my time with NBM have benefited me hugely in my personal development, and are key experiences that I can take forward when seeking employment elsewhere in the future.<br />
<br />
My thanks go to Barbara, Nigel and Paula for their guidance and experience, and for giving me an invaluable opportunity to further my career prospects.<br />
<br />
Josh Finch,<br />
Undergraduate at the University of Leicester<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">NOTE from Barbara: No problem Josh - It was great to have someone like you, with enthusiasm and willingness to learn, to join us for a few weeks. </span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15069381375888978689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7024992635235716836.post-14194393883691116322015-05-05T15:23:00.000+01:002015-05-05T15:23:08.518+01:00Keep Calm and Build Rapport<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiurQt_FJZBSk4dJeP3zcEOLc4zTJv3K42cZ2CnuBc28gOd4ikfN2vuJGtz43KbgrfdRqMCFS37kOM-gnj5_afMRNm36KZznMtCPvLdbU9ukCt9pCe4WQa_j9geZzy4YyHYYzc9Zn6eXGiG/s1600/fingers_in-rapport.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiurQt_FJZBSk4dJeP3zcEOLc4zTJv3K42cZ2CnuBc28gOd4ikfN2vuJGtz43KbgrfdRqMCFS37kOM-gnj5_afMRNm36KZznMtCPvLdbU9ukCt9pCe4WQa_j9geZzy4YyHYYzc9Zn6eXGiG/s320/fingers_in-rapport.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I was asked recently to run a training session at a company that was going through a great deal of change. Many of the delegates had been told they would have to reapply for their jobs and most had been told they had to attend the training session. Morale was low and looking at the body language and facial expressions of those sitting in front of me, it was clear that learning was the last thing on their minds. What options were open to me to turn things around, to make the session I had planned into a positive and beneficial one for those attending?<br /><br />We all face difficult conversations at times, whether with our children, parents, or partners at home at work with colleagues, employees or customers at work. Conversations don’t always go as we’d like, or reach the best outcome and that’s because often the conversation happens before rapport is in place.<br /><br />Rapport is a close and harmonious relationship in which the people or groups concerned intuitively understand each other's feelings or ideas and communicate well. It’s that feeling of ‘getting on’ or ‘hitting it off’ with someone which sometimes comes naturally but more often than not has to be built. The good news is that it can be built quite quickly once you know how <br /><br /><b>1. Match the mood</b><br />Watch and consciously match the other person’s posture and movements; listen and match the speed, pace and volume of their speech to increase rapport. Back in my training room, I simply acknowledged that I was aware that there was a degree of uncertainty in the business and that some of the delegates might be feeling less than enthusiastic about the day.<br />
<br /><b>2. Ask questions</b> that are positive, non-specific and easy to agree with<br />An example I might have used would be, “I know some of you are wondering how much you’ll learn from this training, aren’t you?”<br /><br /><b>3. Use metaphors and stories</b><br />Anecdotes and metaphorical stories that have a similar structure as the message you want to convey, but a different content, are a great way to communicate a similar point in a way that allows the other person to make sense of it using their own images, experiences and ideas.<br /><br />Rapport means being able to relate to others in a way that creates a climate of trust and understanding, and that’s a great place to influence positive change in any context.Paula Finchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323210372297778039noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7024992635235716836.post-86007722466961012472015-04-07T13:19:00.000+01:002015-04-07T13:19:54.663+01:00How to build your reputationWhatever you do in life, your reputation – and by that I mean how you are perceived and thought of by others – influences how people perceive you. Anyone who runs a business will know the importance of building your brand and reputation; it’s often the reason your business, product or service is recommended and your details are passed on by word of mouth.<br /><br />The same is true for individuals. If you are applying for a job, or a place at school, college or University, it helps to have a clear identity and personal brand values that stand up to the test. Offering examples of past experiences, or ideas of how you’d approach something in the future, will help you to prove that you are and can do what you say you can do. <br /><br />So if you want to be the ‘go-to’ person for the things you want to be known for, now’s the time to take control and become your own public relations manager. Here’s how…<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQR4iVIVgMRcs0T_Ibm-u7Wy6wL_BWizu6Ml3STCNM1x0QMu3PZsuTP-0XpYtKs_vxvGmh5h5BMVQeJiXieE9VyPArIRir707hB3OcGngTDIoNMxmfbX8aC0qbnwdr5GoTTXhgK5YG7v-9/s1600/SuperwomanLarge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How to build your reputation" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQR4iVIVgMRcs0T_Ibm-u7Wy6wL_BWizu6Ml3STCNM1x0QMu3PZsuTP-0XpYtKs_vxvGmh5h5BMVQeJiXieE9VyPArIRir707hB3OcGngTDIoNMxmfbX8aC0qbnwdr5GoTTXhgK5YG7v-9/s1600/SuperwomanLarge.jpg" height="213" title="How to build your reputation" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><b>1. Decide what you want to be known for</b><br />Keep it simple. How do you want others to think of you? Are you an expert? Are you trustworthy? What do you represent? What do you stand for? Focus on the things that are going to bring you the biggest reward. <br />
<br /><b>2. Keep a record of proof</b><br />What achievements, events or actions do you have that reinforce your brand and build your reputation? Write them down. Share them judiciously – but do share them. <br />
<br /><b>3. Be consistent – live the brand</b><br />It’s hard to build a reputation but easy to lose it. The most successful brands are those that are trusted so be mindful and behave in a way that’s consistent with your brand values.<br />
<br /><b>4. Build a network of supporters</b><br />Find and nurture relationships with people who value and appreciate you enough to recommend you to others. Give something back and always say thank you to those who support you. <br />
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Is everyone in your business living the brand? If you're not sure, then the chances are you need to do some work on what your brand is and how to communicate it.Paula Finchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323210372297778039noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7024992635235716836.post-16587691144353118692014-12-12T10:01:00.000+00:002014-12-12T10:01:15.370+00:00Planning for Success<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZG3qaGTALyK7hdIDAgASokj1ji0Gr7d1VYgdpaCarDLrZPPOnxUCjCb6ojSrFwPWt-IFnGfO2WlHRXO3Ktr6JPFwhOM1lUZXNYIN7s19_TQTcrbe7qLXqFGhbS2NW1yLzrNPdouEWMis/s1600/iStock_000005773171_thumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Business Planning" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZG3qaGTALyK7hdIDAgASokj1ji0Gr7d1VYgdpaCarDLrZPPOnxUCjCb6ojSrFwPWt-IFnGfO2WlHRXO3Ktr6JPFwhOM1lUZXNYIN7s19_TQTcrbe7qLXqFGhbS2NW1yLzrNPdouEWMis/s1600/iStock_000005773171_thumbnail.jpg" height="240" title="Business Planning" width="320" /></a></div>
There’s something about standing on the cusp of a New Year that inspires us to reflect on the past year and evaluate what went well, what we achieved and what we’d like to do differently. The question is, are you really ready to make the change? <br /><br />Setting objectives can bring us a sense of achievement, well-being and success, however you choose to define it. It’s worth remembering that it’s not where you start from but where you aim your sights that determines your journey and the final destination. Planning can help you get there. Without a goal in mind it’s easy to become distracted, diverted or, worse still, stuck in a rut, doing the same old things that you’ve always done and getting the same old results.<br /><br />Sitting down to plan takes a certain mind-set but is worth it in the end. Here’s some tips to help you set your goals and stick to them:<br /><br /><b>1. Put your goals in writing</b><br />Be specific. Use action verbs. Include outcomes that you’ll recognise when they happen. Add dates when things need to be completed by and build in rewards when results are achieved.<br />
<br /><b>2. Visualise your goals</b><br />This works particularly well for personal goals. Simply go through magazines and find pictures and words that visualise your goals and create a goals board. Pin it up somewhere prominent so you can see it every day as a powerful reminder of where you’re heading.<br /><br /><b>3. Enlist the help of others</b><br />Finding someone to share a common goal will help you stay committed and motivated. A mentor– someone you respect and who has already achieved goals you want to reach – can provide insight and advice on your journey. <br />
<br /><b>4. Keep it simple</b><br />Break down your goals into manageable chunks, so you don’t feel overwhelmed by the long-term goal. The first step is always the hardest, so be specific about what you are going to do and when and make sure you check your progress along the way.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYmwA0Ag_1tV8kEM3m5iYTEJoFrnRinw8FW7ged0VkigMflOQqkKJVUkIum-benhgjKciuMmxRpDXk8hRMMb07EjQ9LjdzSMnV3co0HkFvy-sluVZxjm_E4-xPk9G_R3xX2K-VVkQhCG-l/s1600/paula-finch_IMG_0047_square_crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Paula Finch, Business Development Coach" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYmwA0Ag_1tV8kEM3m5iYTEJoFrnRinw8FW7ged0VkigMflOQqkKJVUkIum-benhgjKciuMmxRpDXk8hRMMb07EjQ9LjdzSMnV3co0HkFvy-sluVZxjm_E4-xPk9G_R3xX2K-VVkQhCG-l/s1600/paula-finch_IMG_0047_square_crop.jpg" height="200" title="Paula Finch, Business Development Coach" width="200" /></a></div>
<br /><b>5. Enjoy the journey</b><br />Having motivated yourself into taking that first initial step, let yourself feel good about the progress you make. Prepare yourself for any obstacles that might stand in your way, stay focused and celebrate as you accomplish each sub-goal. <br /><br />For advice and help with your planning, contact Paula Finch, a Business Development Coach and certified NLP Master Practitioner. Tel 01778 424640. Email: paula@business-growth.netPaula Finchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323210372297778039noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7024992635235716836.post-84965075949098743952014-07-04T15:01:00.000+01:002014-07-04T15:01:05.364+01:00What’s the score - Online Marketing Update <br />
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If you’re involved in online marketing you’ll know that the way things work changes on an almost continual basis. Google continues to dominate the search engine market, with Google Panda and Penguin both making a big impact on the way websites are ranked. Then there was Hummingbird that was slipped in last year, and that's not likely to be the end of it. So we thought it would be useful to look at the latest trends and expert thinking.<br />
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<b>Why Content continues to be King</b><br />
When all is said and done, there is no getting away from the fact Google has to generate the most relevant results in order to maintain its high ranking position in the search engine industry. For this reason Google rewards websites with high quality content. Generating high quality content continues to be a major challenge for any business or organisation looking to increase visitors to their website and when you <a href="http://googlewebmastercentral.blogspot.co.uk/2011/05/more-guidance-on-building-high-quality.html" target="_blank"><i>read what Google says counts as a high value site</i></a>, you’ll understand that content isn’t just about the occasional update to your website.<br />
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It’s been reported that Google has started to boost the rankings of web pages that provide the most accurate and thorough answers to people’s questions. The Hummingbird algorithm means that Google now looks at the context of search enquiries, rather than specific keywords, so you need to research and understand the search terms that are being used and address them in articles if you want to achieve higher page rankings.<br />
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So what’s our advice:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Research the questions being asked and select those that fall in line with your objectives</li>
<li>Produce targeted content on a regular basis</li>
<li>Broadcast content across a range of digital media: social media networks, blogs and video websites</li>
</ul>
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<b>Relevance on Social Media</b><br />
The link between your website content and social media platforms will continue to become stronger and even more relevant:<br />
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While Twitter and Facebook are likely to continue holding the top slot as the most popular social media platforms, the likes of Google+, LinkedIn and Pinterest are also growing.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XAzqr6cKlw4/U7auJw9KTkI/AAAAAAAABCg/uPKha9y9M7s/s1600/UK+Social+Media+Platforms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XAzqr6cKlw4/U7auJw9KTkI/AAAAAAAABCg/uPKha9y9M7s/s1600/UK+Social+Media+Platforms.jpg" height="320" title="Percentage of UK Marketers who use Social Media Platforms" width="316" /></a></div>
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Talking about what Google+ is all about, Google’s UK Head of Agency, Matt Bush, has said that Google+ is not about “connecting you with your friends” but is about “trying to offer people the information they want at the right time and searching for information or people that you care about or take information from, when you want it most. That's the overarching strategy.”<br />
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Our advice:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Research if your market (buyers and influencers) are using social media platforms and which ones are their preferred choice</li>
<li>To avoid disillusionment, make sure you set objectives and measurement values to monitor results on a regular basis</li>
<li>Use the social media platforms that your market is using</li>
</ul>
<b>Optimising for Mobile</b><br />
It’s no secret that the growth of smart phones, tablets and other mobile devices giving access to the internet is growing – and fast. Making sure your website is created for mobile use and visibility is now not only a given but essential, as search engines such as Google include this as part of its website ranking criteria.<br />
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<a href="http://trends.e-strategyblog.com/2014/05/27/top-mobile-marketing-metrics/19236" target="_blank"><img alt="Most Popular Mobile Marketing Metrics" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0GzEvIIILQ4/U7auiICRRJI/AAAAAAAABCs/rWGSB3T7WQU/s1600/Most+popular+Mobile+Marketing.jpg" height="220" title="Most Popular Mobile Marketing Metrics" width="400" /></a></div>
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Our advice:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Ensure your website is responsive to mobile technology. It may be more appropriate to design a separate site for mobile visitors</li>
<li>Research how mobile users are interacting with your site. Is it different to desktop visitors? Google Analytics can help you identify how visitors are arriving and using your website.</li>
<li>Mobile users are used to interacting, so make sure your website provides plenty of relevant opportunities to be engaged and interact</li>
<li>Don’t forget email and text messages, both of which high on the list of mobile users activities. Emails should also be optimised for viewing on mobile devices</li>
</ul>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15069381375888978689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7024992635235716836.post-83321478830223825932014-01-13T15:10:00.000+00:002014-01-13T15:10:18.019+00:00Our Top 5 Social Media ToolsIf you are actively using social media tools, you should also be monitoring how well they are working for you and whether there are things you should be doing to get better results.<br />
We are regular users of particular social media tools that help us to manage our social media <br />
activity, helping to save time, and to give us information that helps us to Tweet / Post / Update more <br />
effectively. <br />
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This is a list of the tools we use and have found to be especially easy and helpful. They are all <br />
currently free to use, although this could change in the future, and some also offer a paid-for version which provides a more extensive range of benefits.<br />
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<b>Hootsuite</b><br />
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Hootsuite is a management tool that allows you to manage multiple Social Media accounts in one <br />
place. It supports Facebook, Google+, Twitter and LinkedIn and provides a choice of what is <br />
displayed in each ‘stream’.<br />
The basic free version allows you to have up to 5 social networks streams and two RSS feeds per <br />
Hootsuite account, although if you have more than one email address you can create more than one Hootsuite account.<br />
HootSuite is great for scheduling posts, allowing you to include a photo and automatically shortening any links. You can choose to share the post in one or more networks and you can share the post immediately or at a scheduled date and time. <br />
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<b>TweetDeck</b><br />
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An alternative Twitter-only management tool that has the advantage of no limit to the number of <br />
Twitter accounts you can include. The facility to schedule Tweets is included, as is adding an image. <br />
TweetDeck does not automatically shorten link URLs; this would have to be done using a link <br />
shortener tool such as Bit.ly. <br />
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<b>Social Mention</b><br />
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Social Mention is a real time search engine tracking tool that allows you to monitor yourself, your <br />
company or other topics on social networks, blogs, bookmarks and comments. <br />
It also provides a snapshot overview of the Sentiment Score: how positive, neutral or negative your search term scores. You are given a list of Top Keywords associated with your search brand or term, who the Top Users are and also Top Hashtags. <br />
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<b>Tweriod</b><br />
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Timing is everything and Tweriod helps you make the most of Twitter by letting you know the best <br />
time to tweet, by tracking when your Followers are active on Twitter. The reports produced are easy <br />
to understand and can really help to make a difference to getting seen on Twitter.<br />
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<b>Simply Measured</b><br />
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Simply Measured does a great job of pulling data on owned channels for both your brand and its <br />
competitors. It is also one of the few tools able to report on multiple social channels, including <br />
Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram. Try a free report before signing up to the 14-day free <br />
trial or a paid account.<br />
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If you'd like to find out more, sign up to one of our bite-size seminars and workshops on social media topics. <a href="http://www.business-growth.net/seminars-workshops.html" target="_blank">Social Media workshops</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15069381375888978689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7024992635235716836.post-45525589293741946512014-01-13T15:08:00.000+00:002014-01-13T15:08:02.637+00:00Coaching to achieve High Business GrowthAre you thinking of starting a strategic review of your business and have ambitions for growth? Don’t miss out on government investment, match funding and business development coaching through the Growth Accelerator Programme.<br /><br />If you’re not familiar with Growth Accelerator, it is the premier support service that helps ambitious <br />business owners based in England achieve rapid sustainable growth, with the Government co-<br />investing and making a major contribution towards the overall cost of the support package offered <br />by the scheme. There are 4 areas of available support: Business Development, Access to Funding, Growth through Innovation and Leadership and Management.<br />
<br />What’s impressive is that the scheme is genuinely unlocking new high growth potential and, even <br />more encouragingly, it is literally coming from anywhere. In other words as long as the management team has the ambition and determination to develop skills to make it happen you don’t have to be a start-up business, based in London or other city centres to achieve success. <br />
<br />How do you know if it’s right for you? The initial consultation with a Growth Manager normally <br />results in a 3-part strategy and marketing review to highlight and resolve the blockages that are <br />preventing your business from breaking through into full-scale growth. At this point you will be <br />assigned a Growth Accelerator Coach, like me, who will meet with your leadership to identify what <br />needs to be done and set you on course to get things done.<br />
<br />What are the key issues that need addressing? In my experience the biggest needs are:<br />
<ol>
<li>Getting the leadership team, who are constantly pulled back into operational issues, to step <br />back from the business and think strategically. This doesn’t always come easy.</li>
<li>Getting individual members of the leadership team to understand each other’s thinking and <br />re-aligning them to the overall vision and strategy.</li>
<li>Identifying skills gaps and training needs to make sure the business delivers the anticipated <br />growth.</li>
</ol>
How quickly the scheme produces results depends on how well the business acts on what needs to be done to get there, but the feedback is good. A report published by Growth Accelerator in <br />September 2013 said that 3,400 businesses are increasing turnover more quickly and 3,100 are <br />increasing employment at a faster rate as a result of working with Growth Accelerator. 78% said the initial assessment provided clarity on how to drive growth, 77% said they got something from <br />Growth Accelerator that they couldn’t get elsewhere and 94% of businesses receiving Business <br />Development coaching said they have achieved an outcome they couldn’t have by themselves.<br />
<br />So whether you’ve been in business for many years or are a relative newcomer, if growth is your <br />goal and you have the determination and motivation to make it happen then now’s a great time to <br />act. <i><b>As an accredited Growth Accelerator coach I can refer you to a Growth Manager to get you started, so get in touch Tel: 01778 424640.</b></i><br /><br />Paula Finchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323210372297778039noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7024992635235716836.post-43445112779467194312013-09-26T14:26:00.001+01:002013-09-26T14:26:54.753+01:00Local Search – What it is and why it’s important for SEOGoogle Places is the tool that allows businesses to list and manage their business details that appear in Google’s search results and is linked to Google Maps. <br />
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Being listed with Google Places is a key SEO opportunity, particularly if your business has a local angle and your customers are likely to search using local terms e.g. city/county name, then the free listing can help. <br />
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Google is bringing in some changes to the way the Google Places Dashboard. At the time of writing this article, the new Dashboard is only available to new users of Google Places but current users are in the process of being migrated over. The new Dashboard will fall in line with the current Google style and design across it’s products and include improved features, such as easier editing, integration with your Google+ Page (if you have one) and insights to help track your performance on Google. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x0113CcZ5kU/UjCBR8-2JxI/AAAAAAAAATE/UGUJjm2iaU8/s1600/Insights.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x0113CcZ5kU/UjCBR8-2JxI/AAAAAAAAATE/UGUJjm2iaU8/s320/Insights.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It’s worth pointing out that if you use Google+ as a social media tool you can also access your Google Places account through the ‘Local’ tab within your Google+ account<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nJlFpBt2NU8/UjCBUmnkSrI/AAAAAAAAATM/7fBUJd-IAaw/s1600/Local.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nJlFpBt2NU8/UjCBUmnkSrI/AAAAAAAAATM/7fBUJd-IAaw/s320/Local.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">Setting
up Google Places is relatively easy to do.</span></span> </div>
<br />
<ol>
<li>If you don’t already have one, you need to set up a free
Google Account. The easiest one to set up is Gmail. You can then sign into
Google Places using your free Gmail account.</li>
<li>Complete your business details on the Places online form,
bearing in mind that you must have a physical address and be a business that
operates with face-to-face interactions with customers. Include keywords in
your company description so that Google will automatically allocate your
listing to appropriate search terms.</li>
<li>Once your listing is completed, you’ll need to verify that
you are the business manager, either by phone or waiting for a postcard to
arrive with a verification PIN; this normally takes two weeks.</li>
</ol>
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Once set up, you can add information that will help your SEO
results</div>
<br />
<ol>
<li>Make sure you listing is complete, accurate
and that you choose the most appropriate categories and key words to describe
your business</li>
<li>Get links and mentions in high ranking
local directories</li>
<li>Optimise the local information on your own
website</li>
<li>Ask customers and contacts for reviews on
your Google Place listing. Having reviews will help your Google Places listing.</li>
</ol>
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Google provides plenty of advice if you’re not already
listed in <a href="https://support.google.com/places/?hl=en#topic=1656875" target="_blank">Google Places.</a>
The sooner you set up your listing, the sooner your website will be found</div>
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<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15069381375888978689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7024992635235716836.post-90419895155698116302013-09-11T14:26:00.000+01:002013-09-11T14:30:18.405+01:00Managing the Customer Experience<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I recently embarked on a series of University open days with my son and, from a customer's point of view, found it to be a real eye opener. This
was not just a chance for each University to showcase the courses it offered,
but to create a customer experience that would make it stand apart from the
rest. I found it was often the ‘little things’ that made the biggest difference.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAez5a-_XJ_ZqdcW8oFOwW1d58OLHqMkOLTIAsp3URD0J1B2IP1lyV7iLveNvUxeFw6Ro3cHZ8QQbrLEFhkI0F0Gl3En9ZLNqGzFJVU8XNev2L-QWv23HvRi8qtqzrkSqsaGKnYbJ3UM8_/s1600/Fifth_Gear_Customer_Engagement.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Fifth Gear Infographic on Customer Experience" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAez5a-_XJ_ZqdcW8oFOwW1d58OLHqMkOLTIAsp3URD0J1B2IP1lyV7iLveNvUxeFw6Ro3cHZ8QQbrLEFhkI0F0Gl3En9ZLNqGzFJVU8XNev2L-QWv23HvRi8qtqzrkSqsaGKnYbJ3UM8_/s1600/Fifth_Gear_Customer_Engagement.JPG" height="187" title="Fifth Gear Infographic on Customer Experience" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18px; text-align: start;">We've found a great infographic that gives </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 18px; text-align: start;"><a href="http://www.infifthgear.com/15-tips-engagement/" target="_blank">15 Tips to create Customer Engagement</a>. You might want to take a look. </span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Find out
what your customers need to know</b><br /><br />Knowing
what matters to students and parents is essential to providing information
before a University visit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My son had
already done his research and narrowed down the choice of courses and which
Universities offered them, so the information we needed was practical stuff
relevant to the booked visit. Practical information such as directions, parking
facilities and recommended overnight accommodation was essential. A schedule of
presentations, which enabled me to plan a time-efficient itinerary with my son, was
useful. Other details, such as a welcome letter confirming attendance and
reservations at subject-specific presentations, was appreciated but not
essential. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Make it easy
for customers to find information</b><br />By and
large, we were encouraged to seek further information from each University’s
website. Great in theory, but I soon discovered that there was a huge disparity
in the ease of website navigation and access to information. What became clear
very quickly was that the focus of the websites was almost exclusively on
students already studying at the University. I expected to find a section on
University selection and open days for prospective students and parents, who are
significant influencers in the decision-making process, but was sadly
disappointed. Some information I sought was buried so deep that I failed to
find it. Even a customer who is a raving fan will give up if he or she has to
persistently browse through a website to no avail.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Give your
customer clear and concise instructions at the point of sign-up</b><br /><br />This may
sound an obvious one, but it’s very easy to miscommunicate what you want or
need your customers to do at the next stage. Using my University visits as an
example, we were asked at the point of online registration to bring a
particular document that listed details of our visit. This created an
expectation that there would be a specific registration area on arrival, which
turned out not to be the case. I was not the only parent to be confused as I
came across many frustrated parents hunting down a non-existent registration
desk. Not a good start to the visit!</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Manage
the consistency and accuracy of your marketing and brand message</b><br /><br />In
general people will normally believe what they are told, until proved otherwise.
Finding out the information you have been given is inaccurate, or discovering
someone else has been offered a better deal, can often ruin a customer/supplier
relationship. This applies to those who work in your organisation. The Student
Ambassadors at each University could not be faulted for their helpfulness but
it was frustrating to receive conflicting information, as each gave their own
interpretation of what they had been told as they attempted to answer our questions.</span></span></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Make sure your product, brand, service or event experience
lives up to your customers’ expectations</span></span>
</b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /><br />The first-time customer experience is crucial to gaining on-going
loyalty, trust and confidence and taking some simple precautions to give
customers reassurance in the initial stages can help to cement the on-going
relationship. Take parking at an inner city University campus. Having been
reassured that a park and ride facility would be the best option, we arrived to
find the car park site was full and no further signs or directions were available. Left
to our own devices we found ourselves queuing for what we thought was a car
park but turned out to be road works. Our stress levels could have been reduced
significantly simply by providing some strategically-placed signs <br /><br /><br />Some times we are just too close to something to see it from that 'first-time' point of view, but it's never too late to step into the shoes of your customers to find what will make the biggest difference to creating a great customer experience.</span></span></li>
</ol>
Paula Finchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323210372297778039noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7024992635235716836.post-67951061171706880392013-08-08T16:49:00.000+01:002013-08-08T16:55:31.031+01:00Growth Accelerator – Delivering results 1 Year OnThe Department of Business, Innovation and skills has published the first <a href="http://www.growthaccelerator.com/where-high-growth-happens/" target="_blank">annual report on the GrowthAccelerator </a>scheme. <br />
<br />
What’s impressive is that the scheme seems to be genuinely unlocking new high growth potential, with only 32% of the 6,000 or so businesses that have participated in the scheme so far having sought strategic business advice previously in the last 2 years. <br />
Reported feedback includes:<br />
<ul>
<li>Significant impact – 78% said their initial assessment provided clarity on how to drive growth</li>
<li>77% said they got something from GrowthAccelerator that they couldn’t get elsewhere</li>
<li>94% of businesses receiving Business Development coaching have achieved an outcome they couldn’t have by themselves</li>
</ul>
Key findings in the report include<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>3,400 businesses are increasing turnover more quickly and 3,100 are increasing employment at a faster rate as a result of working with GrowthAccelerator </li>
<li>Ambition, dedication and inspiration in management teams are the most vital factors in achieving high growth for businesses. </li>
<li>Businesses using the service are happy with the advice they have received – 97%say they’d recommend GrowthAccelerator </li>
<li>Based on this experience, high growth comes from businesses of any size, age or sector or in any geographical location. In other words you don’t have to be a start-up business, based in London or other city centres to achieve success on the programme. </li>
</ul>
<br />
The scheme now aims to generate 55,000 new jobs and £2.2bn of economic growth within three years. That’s great news for business.Paula Finchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16323210372297778039noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7024992635235716836.post-64233147145070575142013-06-28T13:04:00.000+01:002013-06-28T13:07:27.299+01:00The Business of School CommunicationsWe have been working with a Secondary Academy over the past year and it's been wonderful to see the tangible results that planned marketing and communications strategy has brought.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uQ0p76ihROE/Uc1tpwnREcI/AAAAAAAAANo/2Tr_5q8IxN8/s1600/BGS+Case+Study.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uQ0p76ihROE/Uc1tpwnREcI/AAAAAAAAANo/2Tr_5q8IxN8/s640/BGS+Case+Study.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<![endif]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><a href="http://www.bourne-grammar.lincs.sch.uk/page/?title=Home&pid=1" target="_blank">Bourne Grammar School</a> became an Academy in January 2012 with a clear aim of becoming the first choice destination for parents and students wanting access to a strong academic education in a mixed selective school.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">We were engaged by the School to co-ordinate its <a href="http://www.business-growth.net/pr-services.html" target="_blank">PR and press activity</a> with the m</span>ain
objective of raising the School's profile and reputation both in terms of quality and
quantity of the coverage and awareness in an extended catchment area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The underlying aim has been to increase the
number of applications at Year 7 and Sixth Form by widening the catchment area
and to attract high calibre teaching staff as the school expands.<br />
<br />
Specifically we have worked on <br />
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">A
coordinated approach to marketing and communications</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Weekly
coverage in local media</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Encouraging
and improving attendance at open evenings and other school events</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Regular
newsletter aimed at Year 11 students who had applied for Sixth Form places</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Designing new eye-catching recruitment adverts to attract new teaching staff </li>
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Highlights that have been achieved for the School include <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">:</span>
<br />
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Over 20
individual pieces of online and printed coverage in local and regional
media coverage throughout the year.<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Slots on <a href="http://www.bourne-grammar.lincs.sch.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=32" target="_blank">BBC Look North</a>, BBC
Radio Lincolnshire, Rutland Radio and Lincs FM reporting on HRH The Duke
of Edinburgh’s visit to open the School’s new Systems & Control with
Computing building </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Increase in student numbers
attending Open Evenings</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">High percentage of
engagement with Sixth Form newsletters, with an incremental increase in the number of students accessing further information each time. </span></li>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">We are working with the School to enhance its website and to advise the Leadership team on how a social media strategy could improve its reach and influence. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">There's no doubt that these days schools are having to embrace marketing and PR to communicate what they offer and how they are different to pupils and parents. Doing it in a way that enhances, rather than detracts, from their primary purpose - which is to delivery high quality education and personal development - is what we work hard to provide. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mVFLO0ZCVQs/Uc16ruyp1SI/AAAAAAAAAN4/peVIMMspews/s54/nb_50px.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mVFLO0ZCVQs/Uc16ruyp1SI/AAAAAAAAAN4/peVIMMspews/s54/nb_50px.png" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">We've noticed that a positive "side effect" of increased external PR is that staff and students have a greater awareness and appreciation of the numerous and varied range of activities, support and achievements that the School</span></span><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></span>.</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15069381375888978689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7024992635235716836.post-36719227599695950782013-06-26T16:04:00.000+01:002013-06-26T16:04:06.977+01:00Google Penguin updates – What do they mean for you?There has been a lot of talk about a new algorithm update from Google. So what is it and what does it mean for you and your website?<br />
<br />
Google did in fact roll out a Penguin 2 update last month. This was a major update and according to Google it has affected 2.3% of English & US queries. Does not sound a lot but that is an enormous amount of websites and many have seen their rankings plummet.<br />
<br />
Google’s main aim here is anti-spam! Their targets were those websites with unnatural and manipulated inbound links. Back links have long been a major element in SEO but as a result many black hat techniques have been used to manipulate ranking results. Some SEO agencies were therefore creating hundreds of low value, low quality back links that had absolutely no value to the reader. This included directory sites and link farms whose very reason for being was to provide a back links for optimisation purposes.<br />
<br />
Many companies have been caught out in this update simply because they employed an SEO agency promising great results for a very low price. The result was wholesale purchase of low quality links that will have flagged the Google spiders.<br />
<br />
So what of the future? SEO will continue to evolve but the current key is quality. Take care to publish impeccable content both on your site and others. This content must be unique and informative, the sort of content that will encourage natural back linking and sharing.<br />
<br />
When it comes to back links web masters should take the time to identify low value spammy links and have them removed. Be meticulous about this and then submit a re-consideration request to Google via your Google Webmaster Tools.<br />
<br />
Then go on to build nothing but high quality back links that do not overuse keyword anchor text. As a general rule only 50% of anchor text links coming back to your site should be keyword specific. Focus the remainder on building your brand. Guest blogging is by far the best vehicle for this.<br />
<br />
Maintaining social media activity is essential as keyword and brand mentions are monitored by Google. Aim to get your content discussed, liked and shared on the popular social media channels. This in itself will generate quality back links and hopefully will keep readers coming back for more.<br />
<br />
Google will never stand still, so learn, adapt and stay alert for the future.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15069381375888978689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7024992635235716836.post-50184978064460880502013-06-14T10:54:00.001+01:002013-06-14T16:40:05.069+01:00Congratulations and Good-bye to our Graduate! <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">n.b. marketing has provided work placements and experience for several students and graduates over the years. All have gone on to secure places in their chosen career or study path. Our most recent Marketing Graduate, Maninderjeet, wrote this blog at the end of her 4-week placement:</span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br></span></div>
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final week of work experience, and it has gone by so quickly!</span></div>
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<br></div>
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lot during my four weeks at n.b. marketing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Much of what I have learned has come from just
being around in the office and listening to the interaction with clients, the
professional manner and the management of the workload. Also, just talking to
Barbara, Paula and Nigel has made me so aware of how marketing and <a href="http://www.business-growth.net/pr-services.html" target="_blank">Public Relations</a> works in
companies, and I have a much better understanding now.<br>
</span><br>
</div><a href="http://blog.business-growth.net/2013/06/congratulations-and-good-bye-to-our.html#more">Read more »</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15069381375888978689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7024992635235716836.post-78282037118264490052013-06-14T10:49:00.000+01:002013-06-20T11:16:34.579+01:00LinkedIn Profile Top Tip<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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We’re big fans of LinkedIn for building business contacts with professionals we want to connect with. It’s a great research tool too. The search engine allows you to find contacts and be found, provided you complete your Profile with the right sort of information. Here’s what we recommend:<br>
<br>
<h2>
For your Professional Profile</h2>
<ul>
</ul>
Add a recent, professional picture of yourself. This is an absolute ‘must’ if you are on LinkedIn. No picture says you aren’t interested or open to connecting with new people or reconnecting with former contacts who you may have lost touch with. A professional photo makes it much easier for interested parties to see who you are and start developing a relationship<br>
<ul>
</ul>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wd1E_91M3-g/UbGzj6towWI/AAAAAAAAAJo/UD7CSg-jcX8/s1600/Profile_Image.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wd1E_91M3-g/UbGzj6towWI/AAAAAAAAAJo/UD7CSg-jcX8/s400/Profile_Image.PNG" width="400"></a></div>
<br>
<a href="http://blog.business-growth.net/2013/06/linkedin-profile-top-tip.html#more">Read more »</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15069381375888978689noreply@blogger.com