38port

Step Forward To Your Next Level

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 17:49:20 GMT

Are you at crossroads, your brain is buzzing with questions, what to do, where to go, who to try?

You may be a business owner, newcomer and beginning to realise what you have taken on, or a seasoned, feeling worn out coach, freelancer or entrepreneur - who has hit that wall and run out of ideas.

Whether you work at home, in an office, or a mix of the two, this will at some point in your business apply to you

Believe me, even the most successful people have been there.

Contents:

The importance of doing something
The difference is the timing
Be prepared to work with experts
Watch out for opportunities
Stepping Forward
When to move up another level
Pro Tips

The importance of doing something

There will be times when everything stops, ideas won't materialize, you hit a blank, OR, you have tried numerous ideas, started and possibly not completed projects, even visited many networking groups, and the results (if any) don't even cover your costs.

It happens to many of us.

Taking that one step forward kick starts the ball rolling

It's that one step that starts almost a conveyor belt, leading to new clients, people who will provide referrals, comment on your posts, follow you on whatever social media platform you are on, but more importantly, that step moves your mindset forward. Did I say mindset?

The difference is the timing

There are many types of business owners, often with priorities where their business cannot (for the time being) be top. However, with every person who will sit and wait for the right moment there are many who by taking even one step will open up the gates that lead to more opportunities.

Be prepared to work with experts AND then put it into practice

Many will connect with you, friend, follow, send you invites to every type of webinar going. You could, if you were so inclined, spend, weeks, months, no years, learning how to run a business. AND learning is earning. However, constant learning without putting what you have learned into action, stopping to reassess what results you gain, won't sustain your business growth or pay the bills.

MY FREE PDF GIFT TO YOU: 10 TOP TIPS TO ATTRACT NEW CLIENTS

Watch out for opportunities - they may be hiding

Opportunities arrive in droves, waves at a time, often they are not obvious. an invite to join a group - 100's of invites.

What to choose?

Building your business is all about communicating, how, where and who. Building a gathering, a tribe, people who value you as a person, as well as seeing you as the expert - someone they trust. Choose a group(s) who have a variety of like-minded people, with different skills. Perhaps you already know one or two members or the group owner?

I hate to quote that, Know, Like and Trust sentence, but think back to when you were growing up, more than likely your parents had people they could call up for help. the plumber, the local shop. In my childhood the local policeman. All people who had a good reputation and were trusted. It's exactly the same even in these digital times, where our trusted providers could be on the other side of the world.

We have to build trust, and the only way we can do that is by communicating, becoming that go to person, and at some point you won't be chasing every client, they will be knocking at your door.

Stepping Forward

Speak

Watch out for invites to speak, present, become a guest speaker, join a podcast, speak at a summit, online, offline event. Contact your local radio (connect with editors online) Work with the media.

Write

Watch out for invites to become a joint author, collaborator, guest blogger, write an article, submit an editorial to a magazine

Become an Admin

Strange as it may seem, becoming an admin to a well run group puts you in the spotlight. Especially as you can add your own comments and posts, helping you to become an authority in your field. Check out the group beforehand, not every group will have your eithics ,or be right for you.

Pro Tips:

Not every webinar is for you
Choose workshops run by people who suit your way of learning
Carefully select the right level - is it foundation or masterclass?
Be watchful about being lulled into the promise of 5 or 6 figure growth in 90 days, even a year - there is always a clause. If you are not at that level of commitment, you will fall foul of the small print that says 'only if you keep to the deadlines and follow us step by step'
Always, but always, work with people who know more than you - your family and friends won't understand market trends, where you want your business to be or may even by daunted by what you are taking on.
Be strong enough to step away from negative people, saying this isn't for me at this time in my business, is perfectly acceptable.

This blog gives you a selection of tips, on what you can do to move up another level, over and above the wonderful services and products you already provide.

There is so much more required, and marketing can be a nightmare when your dream is to do what you are excellent at. Increasing the number of potential clients seeing you and your business is what we are experts at, it's what we do AND we would love to help your business grow. I'd love to find out more, do you have 30 minutes to talk, we will take a look online and I guarantee I will find one or two areas that you can put into action almost immediately. Scroll to the bottom to book a call.

Don't forget to grab your FREE PDF 10 TOP TIPS TO ATTRACT NEW CLIENTS

Sellers, your buyers are looking for you - show them where and how they can buy

Sat, 21 Nov 2020 09:55:20 GMT

We are here, it is the time when Christmas buying if it hasn't already started, will.

Halloween and Guy Fawkes night are over. Customary, the shops would be ready with Christmas Carols, their halls decked out, and everyone primed to help each and every customer to buy.

Thanksgiving is almost upon our American Friends, this will actively start the ball rolling, followed by Black Friday and now Cyber Monday - will kick start a hike in our sales. It's not only the fact that there may be huge savings to be made, but there is also a cleverly designed twist that marketeers are well aware of, to help us spend and make out it was our idea.

Ladies, we all know or should do by the time we have reached our 20's how we have an idea and make it someones else's. How many times have you decided a job, a purchase, a day out will happen and twist it to allow him to think it was 'his idea' - is exactly how great marketing works.

We all know that shop windows are a great drawer, and having dressed a few toy shop windows, I can honestly say a lot of thought goes into how that window reflects the shop owner and the way they portray their business. It isn't by simply adding products to a window showcase. A Christmas window display will have been planned months in advance with the large stores reflecting any marketing, including brands used in Magazines and TV Christmas advertising. Can you imagine running a Christmas advert and not having that item on display or worse in stock!

Is it the Christmas decorations, carols or fun Christmas events, open evenings, Christmas wrapping, the clothes the staff wear? A Christmas grotto with visiting Santa to attract families - the lights - yes, this is all built-in, but there's more.

There's joined-up marketing that comes to play that you won't even recognise, its the speed people talk, the music on the radio, the good feel factor when there's a lead up to a big event. It even comes down to website banners, call to action buttons, the messages of urgency and the colours used. Once you understand how it all works, you can literally turn it on - or off.

Whether you are an independent or a massive retail store, In lock-down, and rely on passing trade, sales are not going to hit those targets if you do nothing. You have to make sure anyone wanting to buy, is going to spend their money with you. Ensuring your business, products, and services stand out. Your buyers are looking for you - show them where and how they can buy.

7, easy areas you can make a difference, boost your sales, and not eat into your takings

Even now, it's not too late to re-motivate your staff
Shout out to your loyal customers - send them a postcard, text, or email
Entice new trade - they will buy online - re-fresh your website to take on that Christmas feel
Add Click and Collect - more and more local shops are adding click and collect - buyers will order and arrange collection
Promote where your clients are - do you already have a following online - plug back into it and get those orders rolling
Talk to everyone - I mean everyone
Ask for help!

If you are still struggling, book a call with me.

If you want to learn more about how to increase the number of people seeing your business, here's how:

Black Friday

Black Friday is an informal name for the Friday following Thanksgiving Day in the United States , which is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. The day after Thanksgiving has been regarded as the beginning of the United States Christmas shopping season since 1952. The term "Black Friday" did not become widely used until more recent decades, during which time global retailers have adopted the term and date to market their own holiday sales. Taken from Wikipedia

For many, Black Friday was a term used because it was at that point the books turned - from red to black in the year.

I know from my retail, wholesale, International Distributor days that 80% of my sales, were completed in the last quarter of the year.

I wish every retailer the very best for Q4 2020.

I would love to talk to you. If you want more information or tips, simply, choose a day and time and let's talk.

How much of your online business is visible? 7 tips to help you get seen

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 00:17:29 GMT

You can be the best business, provide the perfect service and product top products but if people can find you they won't buy!

Have you ever searched for a business, a service or a product and you couldn't find it ANYWHERE, only to find the local company down the road sells the exact thing. You may have spent hours, days, months even repeatedly returning to Google - and nothing.

Now put yourself in the business owners shoes - he/she knows his business through and through, works all hours, reduced his prices, given away free this that and the next to try and get people to buy from him. He's watching his business slide away from him, why don't people buy from him? What is he doing wrong? How can he add more to attract the clients he sees even in his local town buying from further afield.

People are waiting to buy from you NOW; they want your products and services, have you given them enough information to find you, do you show up in the areas they are searching making it easy - or is your business still hiding.

It's not about getting the best deal, yes OK it is with a particular type of person, but people like service, they like to buy local or at least feel they can trust the company they are paying with their well-earned money. Yes, you have a website, that you may have built yourself and how they can contact you, you're even on social media - now and then, but it's not enough by a long score.

If any of this relates to you , help is at hand - come along and join one of my Visibility 5 Day Challenges, I hold them in the evening after closing time. There are 3 levels, be sure to start at Level 1, because this is where the foundation lies and together we then build, and build to grow your social proof, providing information with clarity so that people searching for your type of business will easily recognise you are the leader in your industry, their go to person. Now let's take it a step further and turn that illusive client from a transnational into a relationship client - whose family now becomes a generational client!

Ok let's do a 7 Tips day

7 TIPS TO HELP YOU BECOME MORE VISIBLE

In no particular order:

Have a good LinkedIn profile.
Claim your Google My Business - and verify it.
Engage and support others.
Give Testimonials, recommendations, and feedback.
Have a website that is fully optimised, a good start is installing your google analytics and a host of other stuff - and signpost people to it.
Be present on and offline, if you hide so does your business - people forget.
Be friendly, look after your brand, including your personal brand, let your character shine through, people buy from people we all know that.

If you want help to get your products and services well known, easily found and talked about why not book a call and let's talk

It started with a trailer full of firewood - three generations and counting

I find yourself saying more and more, no I won't be buying, we already have our family Optician, Physiotherapist, Funeral Director. People who have helped our family, for now, three generations I won't be changing. Add your own list, whatever it is, whoever it is, what a relief that you already have companies who know your background and yes they may not be the least expensive around however they always provide excellent service.

It cropped up again only last week; I took our car to our family garage. I went to school with the owner; his father knew my father. Many years ago, when my parents were first married, he turned up on their doorstep with a trailer full of wood. 'Leftovers Jim, I can't use them for my business, I thought of you and wondered if you and Peggy could use some firewood'.

The wood lasted three years; it meant the difference between a warm or cold house, when I was born the house was always warm, we rarely had colds, it left more money to pay the bills at a time when there were no credit cards and tick up the local shop meant you were down on your uppers. People had to pay their way, and no way would anyone ask family for a loan of money because there wasn't any.

So here we are six or more decades later, his son is the local mechanic, he bought his garage from his uncle. Three generations of our family only ever go to the same garage, yes we pay more, but we get seen at no notice, they keep our cars on the road, they will even give any new ones the once over before we buy - at no charge. They will also stop and take the time to talk to every one of their customers, especially the older ones like my father, who will tell them stories of days gone by.

That's generational clients - those are the ones who don't even look elsewhere - they are your secured future. These are what we are aiming for when we say work with us and let's increase the visibility of your business.

So You Think You Might Plan a Webinar?

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 00:12:11 GMT

Oh I know what we will do next month - let's hold a webinar/workshop/training

How do you promote an event?

Is it your workshop, a networking meeting, a webinar?

Is it online or offline?

There is a massive amount of work to be done that doesn't even take into consideration the content and soucing a venue.

Here's just 12 questions and of some of the areas to cover.

This is by no means a complete overview but its a start.

1. Where is your audience?

2. How do they like to be contacted?

3. How can you find them?

it takes time, popping an image on your facebook feed rarely gets the results you are looking for. There is a whole process to go through and this starts months before your event.

4. What system or platform already have people who engage with your posts.

5. Are you in other people's group, check out the rules can you post there?

6. Will people be joining you from other timezones?

7. How will you capture their details if they mention they are interested in commenting on a different post?

8. Have you got permission to email them?

9. Can you use your online AND offline networking contacts?

10.How will they remember?

11.Do you have software where you can plan your email campaign?

12. What social media platforms do you already use. Have you made your profile and bio clear enough for people to understand how you can help them?

Want to see a selection we have produced, go to 'Useful Webinars and take a look.

If you are interested in finding out more about promoting an event and want some advice and support, message me or even take that next step and book a 30-minute discovery call.

10 Reasons Why We Should Set Goals

gill@38partnership.co.uk — Thu, 12 Nov 2020 00:03:24 GMT

Building Tomorrow, Today with Goal Setting

As we move into quarter 3 of the year, we may feel disillusioned about what exactly we have, and can now achieve in what has been a extremely difficult year for some - and a bonus year for others.

Know this for sure.

Whatever we have achieved, however tiny the steps seem - each step has helped us in some way.

Think about the things we may have focused on.

Our Family
Our Friends
Our Business
Ourselves
Our Community
Our Helpers
People who inspire us
Stranger who are now friends
Our Neighbours
Our Lives
Our Gardens
Our Homes
People who have amused us
People who have invited us to join them online
Others who have answers questions

Out of all of the above did anyone, anything bring new opportunities or challenges where you can now learn a new skill, meet face to face with new friends or potential clients and set goals for the future?

Why would we, why should we?

It helps to keep us focused
It helps to feel we are in control
It may keep us in front of our more loyal clients - and also those who will start looking around for new suppliers.
It may be THE thing that keeps our businesses in business as we begin to come out on the other side.
It will help our well-being and mindset whilst keeping busy with new ideas to help our businesses.
We will learn more to be in a better place - looking towards a better future
It could very well give us optimism that for a short period of time went missing
We may be seen in a different light by our staff and colleagues
Our families will be proud we didn't give up
It will help our employees

Following on from my Blog - Goal Setting for Quarter 2, 2020 Why would we, why should we?

This is what I now hear:

I can't wait to get back to work
It's so great to think we can start seeing our family and friends again
I missed my mum and dad but they are well and happy
I've loved this time with my kids
I didn't realise how good it was to work from home
I'm not keen to get back to commuting
I want to get out and mix with people
I'm very happy that our management have put things in place to safeguard us and our families
I don't know what is going to happen or how we can carry on with our jobs as we return
The future is bleak for my business
Business is so slow I don't know how much longer we can manage
We changed our business and are already seeing results.

What does our dress code say about us?

Thu, 15 Oct 2020 07:20:17 GMT

How has lockdown had an impact on the way we dress for a meeting and does it affect our results?

Nothing sticks better than a story - if its yours, even better!

No Trousers Allowed

If I think back to when I started my career, it was at that point in time where trousers were not allowed at work, especially in an office environment. It was frowned upon females were expected to wear dresses, skirts, blouses - and high heels.

I remember going to our printer in the east end of London before digital printing started. It was not a clean environment. It meant using the train, underground, and then a 15-minute walk. In those days, well shall we say the Waterloo station you see today is very different to decades ago when there was a lot of black, and things were not as clean - and I wore trousers.

I was working for a major paper company. It was my job to collate the prices from our suppliers, work out our profit margins and then get the artwork ready for the price list, onto our massive computer system, see it through to the printing of the brochures and posted out to tens of thousands of clients.

My explanation that it was a messy, all-male environment didn't fly

During the week I popped into work and was summoned into the manager's office - they had received a phone call, why was I working in trousers? My explanation that it was a messy, all-male environment didn't fly . I was representing the company our brand mattered, and although I might think I was a small piece, I was part of a much larger picture.

It took me back to the time at school when pulled into the headmistresses office, a group of us were in strict terms told how to behave if we ventured into town during the lunchtime. We had reached the age where we were to be trusted and reminded we represented the brand of the school.

If I go back even further, we were the children who ran home to tell mum what we had got up to before the village could report to her. Thankfully this was before every house had a phone, and when they arrived, we had to run faster. I remember well the saying, " do not bring our good name into question."

My career led from Paper and Print into the Toy and outdoor play industry and now Brand & Marketing, all known for casual dress, although still I rarely attend meetings in anything other than dresses & heels.

Of course, there are hundreds of ways we represent our business, even more ways to increase our visibility, shine a spotlight, and stand out to attract potential clients. How many understand that e very touch is a representation of our business, our brand?

I started to watch what others were doing to see if it made a difference

Nowadays , our dress code is very much more relaxed, and in lockdown, have we become too casual? I went through a few weeks where dressing up for a zoom meeting was a chore. I soon realised the change in my mood and how I felt so much better reverting to dressing the way I was used to (even if I did have my slippers on). I started to watch what others were doing to see if it made a difference to the outcome of a meeting or presentation. Were the results different?

What does the way we dress and present ourselves say about us these days? Is it now more about how we feel with so many people becoming more accustomed to working from home and attending virtual meetings and presenting on a far wider global stage? But does it have an impact?

Yes, there it appears it does, people understand that we were or are still working from home and that children and pets would appear, however turning up too casual is still frowned upon.

I thought this article: The Science behind WFH dressing for zoom, might interest you, as it also dives into our confidence and wellbeing.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-science-behind-wfh-dressing-for-zoom-11600626704

"The rise of video calls has added complexity to an area of research known as enclothed cognition, or what signals clothes send to the brain. In some ways, the clothes that you wear might have an even bigger impact because we can often see ourselves and what we are wearing, and that sort of draws that symbolic value to it even closer to our consciousness.”

I present weekly inside several groups on Facebook and at Business Networking meetings, some of the videos I have added to my YouTube Channel. If you want to listen and hear more about my ramblings going back through the decades and how we used to work, take a look:

There's also a whole load of marketing and visibility tips in them.

Sign up to receive news from Gill at 38 Partnership

Goal Setting for Quarter 2, 2020 Why would we, why should we?

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 10:37:08 GMT

Are you still setting goals for 2020?

At the end of December 2019, the beginning of January 2020 social media posts was positively streaming with information about goal setting. Goal setting in the business world appeared to replace the more traditional New Years Resolutions.

There were challenges, tick boxes, targets with some business owners setting their own goals and others taking part as a group encouraging each other to complete 'the list'.

Has this changed for quarter 2?

With all that has happened since March 2020, I wondered if.

a. We achieved the goals set.

b. Have we set goals for quarter 2?

Why would we want to take on another challenge when we have so much more happening in our lives, so many changes to take on board with most of our 'normality' appears to have vanished.

Watch the top bar

Why would we, why should we?

It helps to keep us focused
It helps to feel we are in control
It may keep us in front of our more loyal clients - and also those who will start looking around for new suppliers.
It may be THE thing that keeps our businesses in business as we begin to come out on the other side.
It will help our well-being and mindset whilst keeping busy with new ideas to help our businesses.
We will learn more to be in a better place - looking towards a better future
It could very well give us optimism that for a short period of time went missing
We may be seen in a different light by our staff and colleagues
Our families will be proud we didn't give up
It will help our employees

At this moment in time, it's important to review our goals. They will have changed and not what we had visualised at the start of the year, however, our new goals could give hope that keeps us, our families and our employees motivated and willing to push forward - They might even keep us in business.

This is what I have heard in the last few weeks - could any of these be said of you?

Our boss doesn't appear to have any direction
As soon as it looked like we were going into lock-down, we were told we were no longer required
I have no idea what is happening
I don't know if I have a job to go back to
Our management said don't worry, we are in this together
I had an interview by phone and was immediately offered a job when we come out of lock-down
Our boss told us if we get really short of money they will give us an advance that we can work off on overtime when we are allowed to work.
We've been told as soon as they are allowed our company will be back and open to all of us
We don't know if the company will survive but the owners are working their best to prepare for the future.
We get some feedback each week - even if it's we've got to wait it out - at least its something.

If you want to take a step, however small to help you and your business to get back on track, talk through where you are now and where you want to be. We can help with some ideas together with solutions.

If the idea of long term learning is too much or you have a team who now needs different skills - we may have the answer.

If unknown finances are now causing a major block - we are holding weekly online sessions where you have access to 30 years of marketing skills - that are FREE!

So that - When you're ready - your business will be ready

In fact, your business will have been working for you whilst there is this time a re-adjust.

To get started is easy, the first step is: Message me saying you have read this article.

About the Author

Gill has marketed brands, products, and services for over 30 years with a strong Toy Industry background successfully getting products to market.

These days her aim with 38 Partnership, brand and marketing is to help keep businesses in business by increasing their visibility online let me know

A Little CPR with Myrtha Dubois and Gill Fountain

Mon, 02 Mar 2020 14:53:45 GMT

Start living your life with definition, purpose, clarity and more ..... BE Undeniable!

Join International Best-Selling Author, Certified Personal Coach and Life Strategist - Myrtha Dubois and myself on Wednesday 4th March 2020 at Noon UTC, 7am EST and listen to how I started my business from my dining room table 30 years ago with very small children. How suddenly my life path altered and the changes we made over the years.

Wednesday 4th March, 2020 Noon UTC WorldInfluencersNetwork.com

I am consistently amazed at how social media works and the opportunities that open up to us when working closely inside a group supporting each other. Different Time Zones have no limits, we all work together to enhance each others lives, increase our awareness of different cultures and share our experiences.

A post here, a supportive comment adding value there and before we know it our lives have changed, our spirits uplifted and our confidence built. This is exactly how I met Myrtha Dubois an amazing women helping people to start living their lives with definition, purpose, clarity and more ....

New to business, owners take courage - it will be wonderfully exciting

Want to know more? Listen to the pair of us discussing how our lives have changed, how times and communications have improved and tips that may help and new to business, owners take courage - it will be wonderfully exciting.

My Dining Room Journey - 30 Years On and What Works

How not to burn your boats on social media

Thu, 27 Feb 2020 06:17:14 GMT

What not to do on social media

Love or hate social media, it can make or swiftly break a business or a person's reputation. In this article read about social proof, buying habits, what our clients see and suggested do's and don'ts on social media

Social Proof

People will search for you online sometimes before requesting any contact. Having a good online presence is envied by many and can be seen as a waste of time by others. It really does depend on whether we understand how it can work, how to make it work - or being brave enough to say 'this isn't for me - I need help'. Marketing your business is a must - you can be the best in your field, if people could only find you.

How our buying habits have changed

There are some business owners who will never go online and feel contended to rely on their local customer base to support them through the years, in the hope that the next generation of clients will follow. Unfortunately the next generation is already savvy enough to shop around and have connections sometimes in different towns or even time zones. How many of us who were buying from our local shops a decade ago, started to buy online via the likes of Amazon or Ebay and are now buying individual products from the factories in China - the world of buying has changed.

Marketing your business is a must - you can be the best in your field, if people could only find you!

Are you missing out on clients because they are reading through the lines?

Our clients make assumptions and get 'the feel' of us as people by what they read, whether we are students with potential employees looking at our Facebook profiles and pages or possible clients searching for our business on line - they see what and how we write.

Why not take the time and check out what others read about you - search for your own name - you may be surprised what they find.

A slip up here and there with a 'it will all be forgotten' - doesn't quite workout online. Social media errors can cost you business and friends.

With this in mind I have put together a quick tips sheet of the do's and don'ts of posting on social media. It's not THE list however if you follow these pointers you won't go far wrong and you will soon start attracting clients - and most of them are common sense.

21 things to avoid posting on social media

Write a complete post in upper case - it's seen as shouting
Upload images of you and your friends after a night out on the town - drunk
Talk about taking drugs
Add any pictures harming others, human or animals
Tag people to get a reaction
Add your bank or credit card details
Add images of other peoples children
Be careful of adding lots of pictures of your own children
Anything racist - I mean anything!
Anything that will harm others
No inciting riots
Ranting - and continuing to rant
Name or shaming - keep it private
Nudity - we don't want to see it
Extreme political posts - you can loose an account by having public opposite views
Tell people you are away from home - Come and take my stuff
Moan about your neighbours
Fall out with someone even in another town - people drive - no really they can turn up at your door.
Keep scrolling - if you think you shouldn't comment post - think - by joining in on this post will it damage me or my business?
Avoid always selling AT people
Openingly invite everyone to your party - tell your children!

On a more positive note there are simple guidelines to keep to that will enhance the way people see you, provide you with opportunities, increasing your credibility and authority. We are not talking rocket science and this is not a guide telling you how to increase your numbers or fulfill more orders, however the two go hand in hand, if you are seen as a nice friendly person to work with potential clients start to feel that know, like and trust that nine times out of ten has to be built before people decide to buy from you.

7 things you can do on social media that says a lot about your character

Be Kind
Add value
Comment on others posts
Share others posts
Support your friends
Add posts that are interesting, funny and inspiring
Be seen

If you are struggling to know what to write - the idea of this blog came from seeing a post online where the postee had given away details that would put her at risk. I hope the above is interesting enough for you to take some of the information away with you and remember when writing, the important thing to remember is being social is fun, on and offline, it can be very funny, make your friends smile, help them through some difficult times and decrease loneliness. it even helps to increase the amount of clients asking you for help.

Are you struggling to understand your social media, how it can increase your business or struggling to understand how your marketing is or isn't working? Why not connect with us, book a free 30 mins discovery call and take the opportunity of asking us those annoying questions.

#socialmediaerrors #marketingyourbusiness #changingbuyinghabits #bekind #socialproof #attractingclients #gillfountain #38partnership

Bromsgrove Coffee & Natter - Free Business Networking Thursday 5th March 2020 Speaker Gill Fountain

Mon, 24 Feb 2020 18:17:48 GMT

A free networking event from Pathway2Grow. Network, Learn & Grow with other professionals from across the Midlands

About this Event

Join us on the first Thursday of every month at Bromsgrove Sporting FC for Coffee & Natter, free business networking from Pathway2Grow. Attendees are invited to network over complimentary drinks and snacks before a high-quality presentation from a monthly Guest Speaker presenting on a topic of interest to any business owner, freelancer or entrepreneur. Delegates are encouraged to introduce themselves to the group via a 60-second pitch (however there is absolutely no pressure to do so). 1:30pm to 3:00pm is the formal part of the event with open networking before and afterward to give those who need to leave for the school run or other meetings the opportunity to take part.

Agenda for Thursday 5th March 2020 will be:

13:00 – 13:30 Registration & Open Networking

13:30 – 14:00 Welcome & Delegate Introductions

14:00 – 14:40 Guest Speaker - Gill Fountain, “There’s Gold in Your Existing Client Base”

14:40 - 15:30 More open networking

Guest Speaker - Gill Fountain, “There’s Gold in Your Existing Client Base”

Gill started her first business in her early 30s with very young children. Gill lived inside her target audience, building her business at the school gate, visiting local playgroups, and placing adverts in yellow pages. She sold toys and outdoor play equipment and became known as The Toy Lady. Her business grew from retail to wholesale to being an international distributor working with some of the top buyers in the UK.

Nowadays she helps businesses and professionals promote their products and services with her brand & marketing agency - 38 Partnership.

Hosted by Ralph Watson - Regional Director for Coffee & Natter (@Coaching Wolves)

If you plan to be in or around Bromsgrove Thursday 5th March, we would love to see you.

#ThingstodoinBromsgrove #BromsgroveNetworking #BromsgroveBusinessNetworking #RalphWatson #CoachingWolves #GillFountain #38Partnership

Strategies for Success – a Master Class in building better business

Mon, 24 Feb 2020 17:20:56 GMT

How to attract more and better-paying clients & customers

About this Even t

How do I attract more and better clients?

It’s the most common question I get asked by coaches, trainers and business owners. There are “experts” out there who will charge you massive amounts of money on the pretext of helping you to “get rich” and the only people getting rich are those purveyors of the magic bullet.

So, what CAN you do to build your business? Join me and fellow speaker Gill Fountain for our one-day Master Class and we will share with you the no-nonsense guide to getting started on doing just that – building better business.

We will share with you the simple steps and hacks that you can use to build a stronger presence, increase your attraction and boost your income. No magic buttons, no unreal promises, just solid, tried and proven strategies for success.

Your Speakers for the da y

Ralph Watson - Ralph is a Master Coach and Master Trainer with a twenty-year track record of success that has seen him work in over thirty countries. Ralph coaches and mentors business owners, especially coaches, helping them to develop themselves AND their business.

Gill Fountain - Gill is a marketing specialist who has “been there and done that” in building a business and a brand from scratch. She has a wealth of experience in helping business owners build on their brand, sharpen their online presence and attract more customers/clients.

About the day

This will be a highly practical day so you’ll be looking at YOUR business, asking yourself some tough questions, getting help and advice from two specialists. You’ll take away with you:

Six things that you can work on to sharpen your branding
Key skills for “selling” your service
How to avoid that "too expensive" trap
Thirty things you can do to supercharge your online presence

And none of the above will require you to spend silly money. In fact, many of them are absolutely FREE!

You'll also have the opportunity to network with like-minded business owners, share experiences, swap advice and enjoy a day of business-focused energy. All this in a fantastic environment in Leamington Spa

Places are strictly limited so you are strongly advised to book your place right now. Do that and you're already on the way to building YOUR strategies for success.

What Does Google Know About Your Business AND Why You Should Care?

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 12:18:56 GMT

Google My Business, what does it do and why should I care about claiming my business via Google?

Oh No Not Again, I hear you say. Attention Business Owners, just do this!

Google My Business (GMB) is an important way to extend the reach to potential clients you may not already be reaching. It's part of the Google suite and if set up correctly - with regular activity more people will see it. It can knock your competitors out of the water.

Why?

Because so many businesses forget or do not realise this is a vital part of their marketing. An easy way to get in front of people searching for their type of business above their competitors.

We have clients whose monthly stats show that anything between 200 - 7,500 people have viewed their GMB page - Yes, MONTHLY and the best bit is if you set it up yourself - it's free.

There is a downside, it has to be verified and that does mean, a text, an email, excellent, fast, one click and it's set up, however often this is sent through the post. No postcard from Google means no verification code, no verification code entered onto the back-end of your account means no-one will see it. It is still invisible.

There's even more bad news: If you decide this is too much work then you are leaving your business wide open for someone else to claim it for themselves.

Some people love yet another system, others just want to get on with what is important to them in their business, however, it is the case of the quicker you add it and get it up and running the more Google will extend your visibility out to a larger number of people.

So here's my offer: Let me set it up or refresh, verify & create the content for a period of 3 months- and send the stats. If we started now you would be covered for 3 months.

What if I don't have the time or the energy?

Let us do it for you.

You provide us with photos, a logo and some words and let us do the rest.

If we work with you, show you how or do it for you it's a paid for service, often less than a family day out a month - for 3 months

Basically, you can leave it to us whilst you get on with the rest of your business.

Say yes and let us get you set up, verified and kick start this way of marketing your business.

Click through to our 'How To' page for more details.

What Do Your Clients Think When They See This On Your Website?

Fri, 20 Dec 2019 03:53:57 GMT

Website Error Codes - How do these have an impact on your business?

Have you checked all the links work on your website lately?

Here is a quick tip: Periodically check your website, check each page - and the links, as if you are THE potential client.

Whatever way you or your web designer has made a page that shows up as an 'Error' look 'pretty' it may still be the last thing your interested prospective client will look at.

What is a 404 error page?

It's when you have a link that no longer works. There are many reasons why it no longer works but the default is to send your visitor to a page that says Error 404. It stops your visitor in their tracks, it sends a question mark on your credibility and doubt sets in. Often this is the point they leave and you will have not only lost a possible client but also someone who will shout about your services.

It may be that the visitor is kind enough to privately tell you, many won't.

So my question is: Have you recently double-checked the links on your website and the pages as a visitor?

We can, if you would like us to, check your website and run a Website Health Check

We will run out tests that will provide your universal score and check your links. With the feedback we give you will have enough information to alter or add to your website and get it back up and running and working its way back up the search engines - moving towards page 1 on Google.

Check it out here

#growingyourbusiness #Error404 #websitemaintenance

#38Partnership #BrandandMarketing #GillFountain

Have You Got The 3 Major Assets That Help Ideal Clients Buy From You?

Thu, 19 Dec 2019 05:46:05 GMT

People Buy From People they like - Here's a thought, why should they buy from you?

People buy from people they like. Have you got the three major assets that help your ideal clients buy from you?

It's easy to understand why people should buy from you once they have decided they are in the market for the product or service you supply.

They look for someone they:

Already know and like
Trust
Respect
Can work with
Has a good reputation

They form an opinion based on what they see online and off. Often business is undertaken without the client ever meeting you face to face. With the help of Skype and Zoom meetings can and do take place across the globe. Offline a chance meeting can be out networking equally it can be stood waiting for the start of a film, on the train. A gesture, a kindness, even a simple smile can start a conversation that leads to building a relationship that works for both parties.

Often before they discuss working with you potential clients are searching online and weighing up if you are the person and business they want to work with. They are looking for Social Proof. They talk to their friends, listen to what is being said when your name is mentioned. They formulate an opinion on how visible you and your business is whilst building a business relationship.

Are you trustworthy?
Do they respect you for the service you provide?
Are you easy to work with?

You can be the best on the market but will you get the job if you have been deemed difficult to work with or known for not giving value.

Yes of course price comes into it however many good clients will wait until they are at a point where they can't afford not to hire you as in their eyes you are the only go to person to help them move their business forward.

Not everyone is your ideal client

When you are starting out there is a feeling that every order is vital to the success of your business. Along the way you begin to realise that some clients take up far more time then others. The strange fact is that its normally the ones that have beaten you down on price. I used to sell toys and learned along the way that giving a discount in any shape or form normally meant something would go wrong, a missing part, a difficult delivery, the client would go on holiday, yes it did happen. In the end we would politely tell the client if we gave discount it was bound to go wrong. Most would understand this wasn't a ploy, on the rare occasion we gave discount - we were proved right and by the time it was sorted out there was frustration on both sides and no profit.

It is your business and you are allowed to pick and choose who you want to work with. A good rule of thumb is don't work with people you don't like.

Has your potential client got what it takes to get the job completed?

Have you weighed up?

Are they ready to work with you?
Are they engaged enough to follow through and help complete the work?
Are they going to be easy to work with?

'You are vital to the success of my business' works both ways, as much as a client wants your service you also want to achieve as much as you can to help their them and their business move forward.

THEIR Success is YOUR Success

If you want to know about Key to Success and Gain Visibility connect with me for a general discovery discussion

Steps To Take When It's Time To Move Sectors

Thu, 19 Dec 2019 04:59:45 GMT

How Hard Is It To Move Industries?

I was asked the other day how hard it is to move from one industry to another. Believe me, it's hard, why? Because the people, your loyal clients, in your original industry no longer relate to you in the new one.

They have known you, for maybe years as being the go-to person for that product or service and they no longer understand where you fit in with their business.

They will question:

Will they still be able to work with you?
How does this help their business?
Why would they choose you above their existing supplier?
What impact have you made to their business by changing sectors?

There is a gap between building up your new contacts and still keeping in touch with your old ones. If you manage to keep hold of even 25% of them as regular clients, you have done a marvelous job.

The amazing thing is that the people who stay with you are the people where you grew your businesses together or helped grow their business, they will still be your supporters years later.

What are the most important things to do?

Keep in touch
Make sure your connections are in place on social media before you move
Let people know what you are doing now, without trying to sell your new business to them.
Arrange to meet
Continue to support them and their business by commenting on their posts, referring people to them and generally promoting their business.
Word of mouth works, what you say, someone will repeat. make sure it's good
Network, network, network

Of course, there are many more changes to make on and offline, changes you may not even think of until months later if you don’t have a process. I learned that even the most obscure areas or links do make a difference to the way you are seen, the way your brand old or new can be enhanced or headed for that large filing cabinet (the bin)

If you are thinking of changing sectors, I can show you how to make that transition easier

Is there a structure to my posts, a plan, a strategy? No, I have 30 years of being in business. During that time I have worked in the Toy Industry working in Retail, Wholesale and International Distributor. I have imported and exported, warehoused and worked at all the major exhibition halls in the UK always promoting brands and products.

Nowadays I help businesses become more visible, this can be with a bespoke fully optimised (no template) website but also showing them 100's of ways they can increase the number of times their business is seen - without it costing a fortune.

Ideas about what my next article will be about come out of no-where, a chance comment, something I've read or a memory of that tiny snippet of information I can pass on purely due to the fact I have worked my way through that particular part of my life and understand how painful or rewarding it can be.

Ask me to sit and write 5 articles at a time and I will sit with a blank bit of paper, if I wake up in the middle of the night, I can write for England. If ever you think I cannot write a blog, wait until inspiration comes to you and simply start writing.

Have you enjoyed reading this article and would like to know more?

#Growingmybusiness #socialmediaworks #keepingintouch #marketingmybusiness

Exposed Gill Fountain with Stevii Mills

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 11:13:41 GMT

Exposure Gill Fountain with Stevii Mills talk marketing

Mark your calendars for 12/3/19! Stevii Mills has a brand new podcast that is launching! Exposed! is the show that uncovers it all! We are launching with the #Exposure Secrets Interview Series!! So excited for you to hear this amazingness! It features Shantana Robinson Shana Robinson Aikyna Finch Lisa Farrington Gill Fountain Kim Trathen Kristen Joy Laidig Jasmine Monk Victoria Baylor and Melanie Harrington!

Airing 3rd December, 2019

bit.ly/exposedpodcast

#lifetimevalue #businessnetworking #growingmybusiness

Coffee & Natter Business Networking - Walsall

Tue, 19 Nov 2019 22:26:57 GMT

30 Ways to Attract and Keep New Clients Speaker Gill Fountain 38 Partnership

A free networking event from Pathway2Grow. Network, Learn & Grow with other professionals from across the Midlands

About this Event

Join us on the 3rd Thursday of every month for Coffee & Natter, free business networking from Pathway2Grow.

Attendees are invited to mingle over complimentary drinks and snacks, before a high-quality presentation from a monthly Guest Speaker presenting on a topic of interest to any business owner, freelancer or entrepreneur.

Delegates are encouraged to introduce themselves to the group via a 60 second pitch (however there is absolutely no pressure to do so).

Agenda for Thursday 21st November 2019:

13:00 – 13:30 Registration & Open Networking

13:30 – 14:00 Welcome & Delegate Introductions

14:00 – 14:30 Guest Speaker – Gill Fountain ‘30 Ways to Attract and Keep New Clients’

14:30 - 15:00 More Open Networking

Guest Speaker – Gill Fountain ‘30 Ways to Attract and Keep New Clients’

During this presentation Gill will be helping you to identify ways to promote your business & attract new clients without it costing a fortune.

Post meeting:

You never know if a networking meeting is going to be a success. For my part this meeting meant I could meet up with clients I had only had conversation with on zoom or face time. I also met people I had previously met in March at Coffee & Natter in Bromsgrove and of course new faces that led to brilliantly interesting conversations.

What else happened - the Channel Four film crew turned up and not only filmed my presentation but also spoke and interviewed many of the business owners in the room. This very much hits home that we really never know who is watching and how many opportunities come out of networking.

5 Easy Steps to Develop an A+ LinkedIn Profile | 14th November 2019 repeated 5 sessions

Tue, 29 Oct 2019 17:41:05 GMT

Join us for 1 session or book back in and watch again starting 14th November 8pm GMT Virtual Workshop

5 Steps to Develop an A+ LinkedIn Profile 14th November, 2019 choose from 5 dates

Yes, you could be only 5 steps away from making your LinkedIn profile look professional

You've set up an account and decided it's all too much to start posting.
You don't feel confident that your profile has the 'right' feel, or could ever attract potential clients.
You've been told you have to have a LinkedIn account and question how it can be of value to you.

This is exactly how I felt 8 years ago. I set my account up and walked away, I didn't feel confident in writing a post, and the thought of writing an article made me feel ill, like a brick wall that I couldn't climb. I asked myself why would anyone want to read what I had to say?

So why have I have put together a FREE , yes FREE virtual workshop? We help people to increase the number of people seeing their business, increasing their visibility, too many are saying they don't understand even the basics of LinkedIn - is this you?

Join me and learn. It's only one session and the best bit is, it's for beginners, helping to get you started - and build your confidence. Choose from a selection of sessions throughout one week.

Free Virtual Workshop
Beginners Session
One Session Learning
Choose a session from the list that is convenient for you.

Join and just prior to our start time you will be sent the link and learn in only 5 steps how you can develop an A+ LinkedIn Profile

DID I SAY? This is a one session learning BUT, if you want to join us for 2, 3, 4 or 5 repeated sessions of the same so that you can really fine tune your learning we would love to see you.

Linkedin Headshot

Tue, 29 Oct 2019 17:40:56 GMT

5 steps

Build YOUR Real-World Brand with Ralph Watson and Gill Fountain | 30th October 2019

Tue, 29 Oct 2019 15:20:42 GMT

Join us on this 'FREE to you' webinar and help to build YOUR real-world brand.

One of the first - and biggest - challenges facing any and every business is that of making its presence felt in order to attract the attention of prospective clients. There are many so-called experts out there who will offer you their "magic formula" for success. Few are genuine and even fewer actually deliver.

In this one-hour session, hosted by international coach Ralph Watson, you'll have an opportunity - a RARE opportunity - to hear from a genuine specialst with many years of experience in helping her clients build success. That person is Gill Fountain.

What will we be discussing during this session?

Why we should take more time researching our company/trading name before we launch

Why it is so important to build our own identity and brand, and not rely on major company branding

How we are seen online

Why and how we should concentrate on increasing our visibility on and offline and not rely on just one way of marketing

How important our profiles are

Introducing Gill Fountain

Gill Fountain started her business in her early 30s with very young children. Gill lived inside her target audience building her business at the school gate, visiting local playgroups, and placing adverts in yellow pages. she sold toys and outdoor play equipment and became known as The Toy Lady.

Her business grew from retail to wholesale to International Distributor working with some of the top buyers in the UK.

Nowadays she helps businesses and professionals promote their products and services with her Brand & Marketing Agency - 38 Partnership. GILL CAN HELP YOU TO ENSURE THAT YOUR CLIENTS HAVE THE BEST CHANCE TO FIND YOUR BUSINESS!

So, join Ralph and Gill for an hour and get ready to slingshot your business in the right direction.

How to join in this great session

Simply register for your place using this booking link: BEFORE 5 pm (GMT) on Tuesday 28th October

RESERVE MY PLACE PLEASE

BOOK NOW THEN RELAX IN THE KNOWLEDGE THAT YOUR PLACE IS RESERVED.

IMPORTANT NOTE: You must register to attend in order to receive your webinar log-in code.

Add 10 seconds thinking time when on social media

Mon, 30 Sep 2019 10:14:45 GMT

Add 10 more seconds, your next client could be watching you on social media

'Add 10 seconds more thinking time when commenting on social media?

Identify what type of social media user you are, whether it's LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter and find out how you can attract new connections - who may become your favourite client.

Do you support others when they post on social media?
Do you quickly click the 'Like' button and scroll past?
Read and scroll on?
Think that's a great article and save it to your favourites with good intentions to catch up later?
Or write a quick comment? - less than 4 words and it won't even register.

Think of it this way, how many people are reading what you write on social media and the comments you make on other people's posts? How many of those reading the comments - are people who will buy once they've found the right person, we all know people buy from people. How many know someone who is already looking for your products or services and will, if they like what they see, follow you, and eventually refer you?

So many questions but think?

By spending maybe 10 seconds more adding a carefully worded, positive reply you will have:

Told the reader a little about the type of person you are.
Shown that by supporting the postee, you may in future support them.
Identified yourself as a person they want to connect with and get to know better
Proved that you know what you're talking about, without selling to them

Not only are you proving your social worth - you've just increased - or in some cases decreased your brand's credibility

What made me stop in my tracks and realise just how big a deal this is, who was watching?

A national toy buyer on the high street I worked with 5 years ago said: "Gill, you've got some amazing contacts on social media". I was aware I had big names, they almost rarely part, but everyone uses social media to check people out before the first engagement. I wasn't aware she even saw my posts.

Who could be watching you now with a view of working with you?

Take those additional 10 seconds, your next client could be watching.

Struggling to be seen and make a difference online? We help businesses gain visibility by working with them in our monthly online group 'Marketing Diamonds Visibility training, in short, get in done, 2 hourly 1 to 1 sessions or with private clients, training themselves and their staff. Want to know more?

Group training is not for everyone and we understand that not everyone has the time or the enthusiasm to learn yet another new tool or skill set. We let you get on with what you do best and take on the tasks you hate to get your business out them being seen.

If this is you, book a (free) 30-minute call in via our calendar link below and let's talk about how we can work with you.

#socialmedia #Linkedin #Facebook #Twitter #Marketingdiamondsvisibilitytraining #visibilitytraining #1to1 #Grouptraining #Privateclients #38Partnership #GillFountain

How much do we really know that will be of value to our clients?

Mon, 16 Sep 2019 16:59:52 GMT

The fact is we all know far more then we think we do. We do influence people to take action.

How often do we feel that even though we have been in business 'a while', (as in 3 decades), we never fully understand how we can help others at the level of expertise - we put upon ourselves?

Do we get frustrated due to the fact we are not delivering innovative systems, strategies and processes? Do we need to talk high level so that our target audience gets confused and I use the word 'muddled' as this is how it felt to me a long time ago with suppliers talking about ROI's, ROL's and FCL's (Return on investment, Re-order levels and Full Container Loads) scary stuff.

This is what I have found in 30 years of promoting products and services.

Clients like to learn a bit at a time, in easy steps they can understand, using the rinse and repeat system.

Yes, a process of sorts, one that sits well with them, that they can use day in, day out ON TOP of running their business without:

Because they simply can't remember how to get started.
Meaning they get frustrated and here come the mental blocks with that little message that ticks away saying I don't understand.
Yes we can teach you to build a website, design a logo, understand how to configure, program, brand but is this really what you want to dedicate ypur time to?

Does this resonate with you?

If so I can show you how (without the need for Google Ads and paying stupid monthly amounts for SEO) in small steps, use areas that will enhance your visibility online and help others to find your business, teaching you tools to save time over and over again until its automatic.

If this is the way you like to learn hop over to Marketing Diamonds Visibility Training and we will see you at our next training meeting.

Business Networking that works FOR and not against you

Mon, 16 Sep 2019 15:38:05 GMT

Start the build of the know, like and trust relationships we use before buying

I started networking before it was even labeled Business Networking, at Rotary we met and dined with business owners weekly. I had been in business more than a decade before joining, however I learnt a lot from forming friendships with the larger business owners around the table and as 'Ladies' who had only just been allowed to become members - we were treated, and taught well.

How you can overcome the challenges of Business Networking and not spend a fortune. it's not what you think!

Indeed getting it right and attracting people in the room who want to work with you is an art. These days I rarely come away from a networking event without any new contacts, however, working on a wish and a prayer is not the answer. Yes personality for sure, comes into it, giving room to allow others to speak and encouraging new business owners to find their voice, inviting them to connect, also plays a large part.

With 26 networking groups and growing in and around Basingstoke, there is not enough time in the month to get to all of them. None are what I would call a waste of time, however, some give me better chances of gaining business, as long as I alter my approach for each one and don't go into a room intent on selling. It's a strange fact that the less you push for a sell, the more you sell.

Wait, there's more!

As you become more known you will receive invites, there are many events you can attend that cost you nothing except your time. Meetings to sample as a visitor, without signing up, requests to speak, guest blog, join in a workshop, a joint venture, an introduction, a referral. Not every idea or offer will be suitable however - some may.

All came with the chance of opening up opportunities, I had never dreamed of.

If you visit Basingstoke Business Club held at our local college and came along to sell, you would be massively disappointed and no-one would sell to you. Yes, a networking meeting where there is hardly any selling, simply friends, old and new having breakfast, talking briefly about their business, putting forward ideas and asking for advice.

You will often hear the phrases, has anyone got any ideas on how I do this. What do you think, shall I do that and I can put you in touch with ....

It is the same at #LinkedinlocalBasingstoke the majority of visitors haven't physically met before however, I noticed they have already connected and commented on each other's posts on LinkedIn, showing a willingness to help each other.

We receive wonderful feedback via social media, - these guys are not stupid they are aware that every touch they make even is its seen as supporting others is helping to raise their profile.

"It was a great evening and a very powerful form of networking- see you next month." Kate O'Neill VA, Basing PA Services

"Wonderful to see you all and have a really positive and meaningful chat with like minded business professionals ." Irene Rosenblatt Founder of Luxury Partners

"What a brilliant evening I love that we had time to get to know one another and discuss various topics including how to insure property abroad despite risks of land slips and hurricanes (who knew) and speaking failures, creating websites from scratch with excellent SEO, promoting authors (event next week) book keeping and strategic connections and running a VA (virtual assistant) business that works for you :) oh and then there was the guest speaker - ME! And I used these to explain my Empowerment Model" Kim Searle of Kim Searle - Supporting The Busy, Overwhelmed, Stressed or Anxious Professional, develop Mental & Emotional Balance

T hese guys are not stupid they are aware that every touch they make even is its seen as supporting others is helping to raise their profile.

This is one way to start to build that know, like and trust and suddenly the opportunities start to open up. The tips flow and if you are listening for the opportunities that are almost sneaked into a conversation, you and your business will flourish.

For me, everything starts with networking, and a follow up in any shape or form, gets the ball rolling.

There will be some who never return your calls or respond to you messages, maybe at this point they are not your clients, however, we never know where their business will lead to, who they will talk to. Keeping them on a slow back burner does no harm.

Below are figures taken from observations from networking, business owners feel they are successful, who dread their 60 seconds speech, even though they have it written down to aid them and the ones that feels they messed up their meeting because they stumbled over words.

Take a look, could you use something like this graph to give more value to your blog and appeal to those people who love facts and figures

Good luck in your own Business networking and if you want any help, why not book a free 30 mins discovery call and ask those annoying questions that stop you from promoting your business and getting seen.

We CAN help you to increase your visibility on and offline!

WomELLE June 2019 - My Dining room journey

Tue, 03 Sep 2019 07:58:01 GMT

In 3 weeks my life changed just as I started my business

It all started when I unexpectedly became a single mum 3 weeks after starting my business

It seems such a long time ago and never did I think, as I started out as a mum to 2 tiny children AND a fledgling of a new business would I end up in the type of business I run today being given opportunities from 'across the pond' and Co-Author of an Amazon International Bestseller.

These days there are many more women in business with young children with or without the support of husbands or partners. However 30 years ago it was even in my mind considered madness and looking back it was out of desperation that I kept going. Today although it is deemed to be so much easier, I do wonder with the amount of competition and also the expectations that mums will return to work or have very much a full on business are they infact more at a disadvantage then I was three decades ago.

Roll on three decades and I get so many opportunities that take my breath away. Why, I don't know I guess its because I get asked - and I often say YES with a big thank you. I was told about my first business opportunity, I was a Founder member of one of the first Rotary clubs in our area who had women, yes women Rotarians, A few years later I was asked to be President and on looking back it was Rotary that changed the way I looked at my business. I weekly mixed with people who were either high up in their profession or ran their own business and had such a positive attitude.

Through the years I have been lucky to meet and work with people who 'made a difference' and were happy to support the way I wanted my working life to go. There were a few disastrous twists and turns and some extremely low, lows, but no-one ever said running a business was always going to easy.

Social media wasn't around for the first part of my business, however as soon as I could I was networking online across different time zones and it here that I 'bumped' into a few women who were once again going to 'make a difference'

I was first introduced to Leslie Thomas Flowers by Haley Gray, both live in North Carolina.

This is truly about the power of networking and how when we support each other, opportunities arise, even though we live in different time zones. and it was a catalyst to what followed. FB posts led to phone calls, invites, Global Summits, an Inte rnational Bestseller co-written book and an invite to join Natural Born Teachers on One Women's Voice FB Live.

It didn't stop there. The encouragement I received each step of the way including talking about Professional Visibility - Getting It Right, led me to complete the scribbled, flimsy sketch of a short course, and turn it into what is now our up and running, subscription program 'Marketing Diamonds', helping Business Owners use everyday hacks to increase their online visibility - at little cost.

It doesn't even stop there, my article was accepted and printed in the June 2019 issue of WomELLE, have a look, there are so many wonderful women writing to support others in this magazine.

https://www.womelle.com/magazine/June-2019?fbclid=IwAR3syPvDfRQfIKmyprH7aGkz7B_b6kAELgvTAomm0QkCwYU5t3KN5ocn1r0

Middle of June, tune in to my Facebook group to hear Haley and me chatting our way through her Radio program. It was so much fun with lots of laughs.

Networking on social media really does work!

So what's next, yes there are still some in the background yet to be accepted. My advice to anyone is not to be scared about looking outside your comfort zone, If you say yes even once there is a feeling of a butterfly effect where opportunities arrive at our doorstep

Are you interested in finding out more, why not book yourself in for a (free) 30mins (no obligation) discovery call. Come armed with questions and we will do our best to answer as many as we can before the session runs out.

Here's the link:

Hope is a wonderful feeling

gill@38partnership.co.uk — Wed, 05 Jun 2019 10:20:26 GMT

The very best thing you can give someone is HOPE

The best feeling you can give someone is HOPE. I am not a Coach or Mentor in any shape or form. I work with business owners helping them to understand how to grow their business successfully with clever branding and marketing.

However, I see that each time a client arrives at our doorstep, some feeling low because their business is not doing well, others struggling to understand how to move their business forward, all aware that something has to be done, but not what or how. It is the hope they are given that begins the journey back up what seems like an unassailable mountain.

It is hope they are given that begins the journey back up what seems like an unassailable mountain

In whatever business you're in, whatever sector, if you have the ability to give hope - and apply it to whomever you meet, you will reap the benefits both personally and in business.

Whether you've been in business a short time as a start-up, or decades where the levels and different challenges in running a business as well as keeping up to date with all the changes in technology and people's changing buying habits are too much. There are times where you will think 'I can't do this any longer' when even the smallest task will seem a step too far. We have learned over the years that this is the time where, if you stick with it, your business moves forward.

It is normally at this point we have clients referred to us. They have talked to their family, friends and dog and at some point someone will say 'Go and speak to Gill & Chris'.

There are times where the business owners heart isn't in it, they have lost faith in their ability to see it through and be proud of it. The business that has been their dream, for sometimes years, is now a burden, they feel they are failing. They use words such as Sorry, Just, Trying, But, and any use of No or Not - I can't and don't want to do this, it's too hard.

We look at every part of their branding and marketing of their products and often we return saying YOU CAN and we can show you how. Changes are not made in a day and yes sometimes it takes a bit of time but as we work alongside them, we see a change in their demeanor. The way they sit and stand, they smile more, are more relaxed and yes, we laugh. - Because there is now HOPE.

YOU CAN and we can show you how

In whatever business you're in, whatever sector, if you have the ability to give hope - and apply it to whomever you meet, you will reap the benefits both personally and in business.

If you would like to know more about how we can help you, take a look further into our site at the services we provide https://www.38partnership.co.uk/services

OR
Book a 30mins NO obligation call onto our calendar. https://38partnership.simplybook.it/v2/

#business #hope #38partnership #businessnetworking

Gill Fountain
38 Partnership
www.38partnership.co.uk
Helping Business Owners Succeed

I know your name and your voice - 10 years later

Wed, 01 May 2019 04:48:18 GMT

Build your contacts over years, even decades and keep them.

I used to work in the Toy Sector, decades of working alongside Independent Toy Shops, tourist attractions, suppliers and manufacturers. The excitement of a new, much sought after toy for Christmas, the stress as the ships were moored outside in the Channel due to 'Weather Conditions'. The relief as the containers arrived at our warehouse, and the distress as that same warehouse was snowed in 2 weeks before Christmas. It didn't happen year after year, in fact, I seem to remember it only happened twice, however it taught us to man up and insist on that deadline for Christmas deliveries to stick at end of July latest. The last thing any of us wanted was toy departments and warehouse raking full of unsold stock until March when the country comes alive again.

You may think what on earth has this got to do with the children's magazine Primary Times. As with every business, marketing is such a massive priority and in those days pre-social media, when advertising in any shape or form took up a large portion of our budget, we were friends with many editors. We learned quickly to get on with our favourite editors. In fact a couple of them, I still see at Business Networking in and around Basingstoke. I did wonder when we extended our brand and marketing services further afield, over 5 years ago whether we would ever keep in touch with the excellent people we had worked side by side for so many years.

Primary Times magazine had been a favourite, distributed to schools throughout the UK and Ireland, my children loved the traditional magazine, quizzes, and games and I saw the value of advertising in a children's magazine that was taken home to parents. Leap forward at least 15 years and our Children's Author Tina Stubbs of Life's Little Bugs is one of our most motivated clients. Whom did I know in the media? Where would her stories using her little bugs help create healthy habits, be seen as fun? I raked through my contacts looking for THE person I always talked to, the chances of them still running Hampshire was remote, to say the least. I found that this UK magazine has grown to 18 million copies a year.

"I know your name and your voice, I just can't remember where you are"

It took me less than 5 minutes and a moment's hesitation on the phone as he said 'I know your name and your voice, I just can't remember where you are. As the years shed away, you would think we had never lost touch. The next phone call was to a toy buyer, and again it was 'hello Gill, what are you up to?'

The next phone call was to a toy buyer, and again it was 'hello Gill, what are you up to?'

I love the fact that decades later even though we are still now in different sectors we still have something of value to help each other. Contacts whom we have made more recently can now work with long-standing companies who have stood the test of time and they, in turn, welcome the contact of new business owners willing them to succeed.

There is a lot to say for the traditional companies and long-standing buyers, they encouraged us along the way, helping us to build and get to high street level. They now support our fresh new Business Owners helping to keep the toy sector alive and develop our children's - and now grandchildren's childhood memories.

If you would like to know about our journey 30 years on see www.38partnership.co.uk , during that time we have between us run a Printing Company, Graphic Design Studio, Toy Company and now 38Partnership Brand Management and Marketing Consultants - We've been busy.

#Childrenstoys #retail #wholesale #media #childrensmagazines #toybuyers #primarytimes #38partnership #branding #marketing #networking

How 'unexpectedly' our businesses become vulnerable

Fri, 22 Mar 2019 17:35:10 GMT

How vulnerable are we when running a small business?

I thought I was on a roll, I had spoken on ‘There's diamonds in tweaking your website and online presence’, at Coffee and Natter in Bromsgrove networking, with Ralph Watson. I was invited to speak at Peter Thompson’s 100+ Club, on ‘10 Mistakes when building your own website’, both leading to new connections, follow-ups, and work. I've been invited to take part in Haley Lynn Gray’s radio show and I was looking forward to exhibiting at Basingstoke Business Expo on the 28th at Oakley Hall. Stand 24 - (come and say hello)

I have even been out networking this week, noticeably not using my writing hand.

Little did I know that whilst ice skating with my grandchildren I would be sideswiped by one of those balancing penguins that knocked the feet from under me and I've ended up in our local Hospital's A&E department with a fractured wrist, now in plaster and a sling.

Consequences: No typing, no writing, no driving or lifting and basically slowing me down and putting a greater onus, very much on my partner.

It has made me realise how vulnerable we all are in small businesses. We have a duty of care to take care of ourselves both mentally and physically, and whilst I am very aware of the risk, I don’t ski and haven't taken up high-performance sports, I never thought for one moment that I would be so much at risk on an ice rink. I can skate.

We can't live our lives wrapped in cotton wool, I've been in business for 30 years and I certainly haven't reached a point where I stay indoors and not learn new skills, however it has brought home to me, there are hidden risks and how a simple thing like a fractured wrist can seriously slow the amount of work I can get through in a day.

Solution: an increase in zoom calls and actively use Google Docs transcription tools - and sorry boys, Nana will be a few weeks before she can take you skating again.

Is this a situation you recognise?

If this has made you think, we invite you to read more https://www.38partnership.co.uk/blog

#smallbusinessowner #reducedperformance #vulnerablesmallbusinessowners #smallbusinessownersatrisk

Dare I introduce this person?

Thu, 20 Dec 2018 07:48:03 GMT

Why we bring people together whose paths would never cross

I wrote this article over a year ago and realised how much of an opportunity came out of this introduction. I ended up taking part in two virtual summits that went global, co-author of a book that instantly became International Bestseller on Amazon and took part in A Networking Retreat where I learned what I needed to, turning my networking with relatively poor results into outcomes and friendships I could never have imagined.

This week I made an introduction, so what? This happens all the time just tag people on Facebook or LinkedIn. No, this was a complete introduction; I couldn’t do it face to face as both parties live in different parts of the world. I could see that both might benefit from knowing about each other and taking part in the various virtual summits they hold. However, was this an intrusion?

They are leaders in their own field, why would they feel I could give them anything that would benefit them.

It all started a couple of years ago when I met a gentleman while he was giving a talk at a networking event. His knowledge impressed me, his casual and relaxed in an non-selling manner impressed me more. I followed him on Facebook, hardly surfacing to comment and really taking a back seat, just listening to the tips and advice he gave. He continued to impress me.

Two years ago, I joined a Facebook Group mainly for women, based in America. What attracted me? It was for women and already had 49,000 members (now 61,000). Again I watched from the side-lines - however this time slowly joined in the conversations - it was a closed group at “stupid o’clock hours” in the morning. I felt more at ease commenting and found I could help others with my background of running a business.

It takes time and effort to get to know complete strangers on Facebook. I like to see whether they are a good fit. What does that mean? Do they write posts that are helpful, kind and caring? Do they support the group and add value; are they my sort of people? I have joined many groups and quickly left as the members were unkind and volatile, often rude, full of gossip - and I didn't want their posts coming up on my screen. This way I have managed to keep my social media feed to what the type of posts I want to read. The people I have met and have been introduced to in this group have exceeded any of my expectations and are a hard act to follow. I ended up joining the group owner’s “Marketing Boot-camp” workshops and found I learned far more than any book I could read. We were a good fit and slowly I found myself working on different projects with her.

"It takes a lot for me to fully introduce someone. This is not just a referral from a networking event, I can do that in my sleep, this was far more, and took more effort"

It takes a lot for me to fully introduce someone. This is not just a referral from a networking event, I can do that in my sleep, this is far more - I struggle as I look at my intentions:

Are they a good fit?
How can both benefit?
How much time will it take to achieve a good result?
Is the timing right?
One side may love the introduction, but what will it bring to the other party?
Am I intruding?

These are busy people. I talk to both parties, that may mean I travel to where they are talking and ask for a quick ‘1 to 1’, or arranging zoom meetings, they are amazingly good at getting to know people. Only when I am happy that all my boxes are ticked do I draft an introductory email. An hour or so later after a full introduction explaining who each one is, how we met, what they excel at, why I feel they may like the introduction and after researching and listing the articles, books, summits, and client types they work with. I send the email - my bit is done.

So you may ask what was the point. What did I get out of it? Opportunities that I wouldn’t normally dream of. Connecting with people completely outside my normal circle and lots more.

Read on - what unexpected result actually came out of this interaction?

This took a somewhat unexpected twist that transformed into an amazing result - for us! Let me tell you what happened next.
The introduction was made and nothing really came from it, a clash of dates, timing there could have been many areas where the ideas just didn't match and well you win some, you lose some. Not every idea we have is a good one for the next person.

However, as a result I was asked to take part in the summit - 'The Alchemy of Successful Online Marketing', alongside 51 other presenters, a long story cut short (I feel another blog coming along) the summit went global, 1000's joined to listen each day. Many ventured onto our website and signed up for our 'Little Effort, Big Return' download.

It snowballed into a further invite to speak at another summit, 'Excelerate Experience' this again went global that led to a publisher watching the recording and suddenly within a few months I had joined 21 other ladies as co-author of a book ' Own Your Purpose & Realize Your Potential' https://www.38partnership.co.uk/the-book - that when launched, instantly became an Amazon International Bestseller.

We never know what the next day will bring, what can seem like an insignificant chance comment can lead to a new client or massive opportunity. What started as a small gesture turned into a major change in our business.

Strangely and unexpectedly, later in the year, arrived an invite to join a networking retreat. I had begun networking before it was called networking. I can't begin to count the meetings during the many years of getting to know people via Rotary and the charities I worked with, I had many contacts; however, during the summer, I began to question the benefits or results.

Whom was the invite from?

The gentleman I had introduced at the beginning of the year. We had only loosely kept in touch. The Networking Retreat was fantastically successful; we quickly became a little team of 6 encouraging each other to succeed. The result - I rarely, if ever go to a networking event these days without coming away with not only new connections, meetings but also new clients.

So when the questions arises, dare I introduce this person? Or even, can I be bothered to spend some time and effort to make that connection, think about the opportunities you could yourself be missing out on. Now is it worth it?

Gill Fountain

30 years, living the up’s and downs of running my own business, as a woman starting out in a man’s world.

#Businessopportunities #nextlevelworking #Amazonbestseller #Author #Networking #Telesummit #wastenotime

Join our Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/easystepsbrandmanagementwith38partnership/

Want to read more, look : https://www.38partnership.co.uk/blog

When does affording to outsource become an issue?

Mon, 17 Dec 2018 14:39:57 GMT

There comes a point in every business that saying we can't afford to do that, has to turn to, we can't afford NOT to.

As your business moves up a notch, you know that something has to change. It's like a staircase where the steps get higher each time and you need a hand to get you onto that next step. It's scary and overwhelming you are taking on larger projects, lots more clients, working in circles others only dream of.

You reach the next step, everything levels out - and then it starts again

You want to give up, not go any further for fear of failing, see others push forward through the terror, excited about where they are heading.

You know you have to explore what possibilities there are to find time to move your business forward, make your job (and home life) easier, add processes that will help ease up the time grabbing tasks that have to be in place to make best use of each days allocated time – or work into the early hours of the morning.

See https://www.38partnership.co.uk/ask-yourself-are-your-goals-unachievable-with-the-processes-you-have-in-place

Whether you’re a sole trader of moving up into middle management on your corporate ladder, there comes a time for decision, a choice.

Bring in help, whether it’s at work or at home, helping you to achieve more and give you a better peace of mind
OR doing it all yourself, constantly feel overwhelmed both physically and emotionally. If the latter route doesn’t take its toll in 3 months, it will in the next twelve. Your business will suffer, your commitments and deadlines will begin to slide or you turn around and find your children are 3 years older, where did that time go? As for your home, where’s the paint tin and when did we even venture up the garden?

Yes it has happened to me as each level of our business grew. I had to stop and take note of what was happening, step outside – and look back in. Your closest friends will have already said, you’re doing too much, you’re very busy how do you cope? Your best friends will say you don’t look well, can we help?

In days gone by we were just told to work harder, longer, put in the overtime, work came first. It was unheard of to pay someone to do a job you could do yourself unless you were in upper management, but also woman didn’t have full time work, they possibly had a small part time job. Looking after the children, the home and having a dinner on the table was her major role. The part-time job gave her what was at that time called pin money. https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/pin_money

What are the options ? This is what I’ve learnt along the way, more often because I have gone past the point where I should have asked for help and stubbornly resisted the urge to say I can’t cope.

Inside help at home: How much will a cleaner cost against what your hourly rate is? To grab back those hours and bring in a cleaner who will have your house looking great for the weekend or coming in on a Monday to clean up after a busy weekend, will that give you peace of mind. Having someone come round and do your garden 2 times a month, mow the lawn, clear out the borders during the spring and autumn, would that help relieve that feeling of covering so many jobs on top of your workload?

Can you children swap ? arrange between your friends a rota on whose collecting from school, would that give you an extra hour. Could you set up an arrangement to take them home for that first hour to let your friends gain back an hour themselves?

Slow cooker dinners Simple things like investing in a slow cooker, preparing a slow cooker dinner in the morning take about 20mins and is ready for everyone in the evening. Think of the money you could save by reducing the amount of convenience or take-outs you buy each week, think of the healthy meals you can cook for a fraction of the price.

Subbing out at home : is a great way to get back your time but your gives you peace of mind and suddenly home life becomes the relaxing, enjoyable place it should be and not the never-ending chore that is constantly nagging at your mind and disrupting your thought patterns. Having a family that works (and plays) together means you all get more time to do the things you love, even if it is pulling on wellington boots and all taking the dog for a walk over the woods or down the river. It gives everyone more quality time.

Declutter: This is such a vast topic I cannot possibly do it justice , however it’s true the less you have to tidy, the less time it will take . Time is wasted just because you can’t find the things you need to use, want to wear.

Organise: So many to choose from, here are just 7 tips

Arrange your home so that everyone knows where things are kept.
The children’s sports bags will always be on that hook.
The scissors are always kept in that drawer.
Fold your duvet covers and additional pillow and store inside the matching pillowcase.
Train everyone in the house to take their dirty washing to the washing baskets and separate the whites and colours.
Teach them how to change their beds – and how often
Take it in turns to cook, include the children, later they will want to cook the whole meal.

Stagnate or succeed?

Make a plan , we have seen over the years that in difficult times, some business owners decide to 'sit it out' in fear of taking the wrong path, a decision that may impede their already stagnating business. The fear of failing turns into inactivity. Sometimes making a plan, however detailed your chose it to be - and taking the first small step reveals the next small step and the next and before you know it your plan is moving at a pace. Every area you were concerned about, overwhelmed at the thought of the grand pictures suddenly when turned into small pieces similar to a jigsaw puzzle - become whole.

Find a coach there are many to choose from, Life Coach, Personal Coach, Business Coach, Development Coach, Mind-set Coach? Finding a coach that suits you takes time, we recommend you speak to at least 3 before you make any decisions, each one will have a different skill, however, the type of personality will also depend on how well you are able to define your goals and whether you proceed to fulfil them. Many people make goals and never put them into action. A good coach will encourage, coerce and motivate you enough to make a real difference to not only your business but also yourself.

A collaboration, or business partnership , engaging other people to take on part of your workload makes perfect sense as you grow. First, look at the things you are spending your time on when you could be spending that same time on your business.

Find people who compliment your services, people you are already aware of, know they provide an excellent quality of service, understand your business and have great work ethics. You may already be recommending these people. Could you arrange a collaboration or even a 'white label' service where they do the work and invoice you, you invoice your client and still have full contact with your client. Treat them as another department of your business.

Is your networking really working , do you get the results you are looking for? Make a note of the networking events you or a member of your staff attend, who are you meeting and connecting with. Are your arranged 1 to 1's actually taking place, do you understand what the other person's business is about enough to refer them and have they given you enough time to talk about what services you provide. Basically are your 1 to 1's turning into a nice coffee out of the office. We learned the hard way, a 1 to 1 out of the office is easily 2 hours, a zoom meeting around 1 hour, no parking, no paying out of coffees and the meetings are kept on a friendly but business like basis. Before we book a meeting we ask for their networking calendar and send ours asking for either a zoom meeting or to meet before or after a networking meeting. Its a win, win. If they can visit as a guest to your networking event and meet afterwards, great. If you can visit theirs, at least you are mixing with a new group of people, who may turn into new prospects. Both parties have to be out of the office why not make the most of it.

Find and work with people who know more than you . Really this says it all, look for people who are several levels up in their business, skill base, socially and professionally. It truly is a numbers game but you do need to mix with people who can either buy from you or you can learn from.

Extending your services, this way may just mean the clients that don't fit perfectly are suddenly knocking at your door as you provide such a rounded product.

Engage people who are skilled at the tasks you are trying to learn. How long will it take you to learn how to do your accounts, your vat, your website, your social media?

Can you for example, design a branded image? One that says exactly what you want it to do, reflecting the exact colours and using the correct fonts. Do you understand how to add your logo, and upload in the correct size?

Have you tried before and found the edges are cut off and the image looks blurred? How much time do have to spend learning what others take years to do.

Your hours will be their minutes allowing you to concentrate on the work you enjoy, the stuff you started your business for in the first place.

Are these some of the actions that could help take you to the next step in your business?

Can you afford not to take them?

Is it now time you grabbed the opportunity, and pushed your business to the next level?

To explore some of the ways we help you flourish in your business take a look at https://www.38partnership.co.uk/how-to Can’t see what you want? Simply complete the form and we will be in touch.

Gill Fountain

30 years, living the up’s and downs of running my own business, as a woman starting out in a man’s world.

#Businessopportunities #nextlevelworking #businesscoach #socialmediahurts #overwhelmedbusinessowner #helpathome #insidehelp #wastenotime

Join our Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/easystepsbrandmanagementwith38partnership/

Want to read more, look : https://www.38partnership.co.uk/blog

Christmas Shopping, Heaven or Hell?

Fri, 14 Dec 2018 09:44:19 GMT

The Buyers most wished for gift - A Crystal Ball

How I love Branding and Marketing and the mechanics of moving people towards Christmas.

You may not have even noticed but there is a whole process that goes into the run-up to Christmas and yes, of course, we love it.

If the shops get it wrong whether its on or offline they are left with stock that may or may not sell in the sales.

Did you know that 80% of retail selling is from September to December, it really is, I lived it for, yes decades. It takes loads of planning and if you haven't ordered the Christmas 20 and 40ft containers by the previous June you are panicking, It should be already in the production plan set at the early part of the year.

"Did you know? 80% of retail selling is in the last quarter, September to December - for many retailers its a make or break time"

Yes as buyers, we would love to have crystal balls that would conjure up what will be THE favourite gift at Christmas. We have to know what the general public will buy way before summer is over. Then its the case of how much will sell, if the containers are late your chances are drastically reduced. The shops want the stock to be sat in your warehouse waiting for them to draw off. Get it wrong and both sides suffer. Create a demand that cannot be met and face the consequences.

Everyone does their bit to make Christmas as stress-free as possible but seriously the chances of talking to a buyer or shop owner for anything other than the day's problems on the run up to Christmas is nil. I used to sit all day every day, headphones on, 3 screens open, shifting stock, answering short, precise questions from a variety of 300 different types of retailers. It's an art, it's fun and you learn to work at speed.

Everyone plays their part from the decorations chosen to the type of music played on the radio - yes listen to it, it ramps up on the run up with upbeat, faster and fun music then they slowly bring it back down again after the holiday period has finished.

"Everyone plays their part from the decorations chosen to the type of music played on the radio"

Have fun and I wish you and your family, the buyers and shop assistants a very prosperous stress-free Quarter 4.

#christmasrunup #christmashopping #marketing #branding #christmas

Is Goodwill Dead?

Wed, 12 Dec 2018 14:34:01 GMT

Why, when it doesn't cost a penny, are we reluctant to give?

Have you noticed that the more you like, comment and share, start to get to know, what are complete strangers, the more that term ‘goodwill’ plays a part?

In my younger days, the term ‘goodwill was used over and over again. It was part and parcel of being in business and it sort of went out of fashion. The thought of doing someone a favour was also viewed as ‘what will it cost me?’

My very first job was as an Insurance clerk with the Co-op. My Grandfather used to take the mickey saying where were my Co-op stamps? Some of you may even remember them. Everyone knew everyone and it was not unusual for me to sent out to take a message to the local Bank Manager, it may be what we would call today, a referral for a new customer or an invite to lunch, a joint meeting, however, there was loads of goodwill in the town, everyone knew each other and worked together.

Then it just disappeared, why I really don’t know, but somehow to my surprise, it has re-appeared. Business owners are working together again, it may be a small favour that grows. It may be that they don’t even give it a thought, however I am watching it grow. We were out to dinner a little while ago, as it happened there were 6 marketing people around the table, we all knew each other, all from different companies. Was it difficult, stilted conversation, people on their guard? Completely the opposite, as we sat and laughed, took the mickey and updated each other on what services we are all now working on with the firm knowledge that there is enough business to go around and we each have skills that even though in the same industry - differ.

This further hit home as I was promoting our next #LinkedinLocalBasingstoke event. The #Linkedinlocal community behind the scenes is so supportive. To the point, we are visiting and promoting each other's events, helping each with tips and advice. With our event today I tagged people who had asked for more information, I tried to remember what each business owner was working on in their business, the next summit, workshop or download. I gave them a little free publicity promoting their business, in turn, they commented and shared and contacted us privately offering to help. We have had a day where every person we have come in contact with has added something special with most being complete strangers, a year, a month, or a week ago. See how quickly things can alter, people we have known less than a week can start to make a difference with a little goodwill.

I am not talking about giving away free products or services that will impact our income, just that a small gesture, a little effort that costs nothing that can makes such a difference to the next person, who in turn often will tell their friends.

When I watch what is happening with the people joining our meetings, the energy inside the room, the buzz and the willingness to help each other, I know that the effort is worthwhile. Last night two people who worked with each other in their 20's, now 20+ years later rekindled a long-forgotten friendship. How great is that!

Can you think of anything that you have given or received as a gesture of goodwill that made you stop and think, WOW how can something so small make such a large amount of difference?

To see more about #Linkedinlocal go to https://www.38partnership.co.uk/-linkedinlocal-basingstoke

To see more of my ramblings https://www.38partnership.co.uk/blog

30 years, living the up’s and downs of running my own business, as a woman starting out in a man’s world.

Gill Fountain @ 38 Partnership

#LinkedinlocalBasingstoke #Linkedinlocal #Basingstoke #Networking #Businessowners #Goodwill

Ask yourself, are your goals unachievable with the processes you have in place?

Wed, 12 Dec 2018 11:14:17 GMT

Consider this, before you get too busy, are your processes capable of taking your business forward or are they slowing you down. Do you need to look again and put into place better systems and tools that will save time, would they help you look more professional?

My business is growing - fast, I’ve been a business owner for 30 years promoting brands, products and services. I started in the toy sector, way before social media and the internet, I was known locally as ‘The Toy Lady’ and yes, I’ve been here before.

The business suddenly sees massive growth, and why wouldn’t it? This is what we have all been working for, fantastic results, however, your people do not always cope well and systems in place are eating up time, not saving it. You as the business owner feel overwhelmed and want to put the brakes on but know this may be your only chance, you work longer hours, ignore the daily tasks and forget about your work/life balance. Eventually,you start to suffer burn-out and mental health issues start to creep in. I don’t need books to know this, I have lived it.

Our memories are fickle they pick the good times, but for people who have been in business a while, we know there are trigger points. These are different for everyone, sometimes only a tiny thing to most people can trigger the panic as we remember how financially painful it can get - at speed.

I was sat on the early morning train to London and completing my promise to review Haley Lynn Gray ’ s book 'Fearless Marketing' - and yes multitasking, I was still working on my goals for next year. As I read her views on scaling your business, I was thinking, yes she’s got that right. Haley and I have worked together for a few years both in branding and marketing, we might be seen as competitors. In reality we work in different time zones, with different types of clients and during the early hours of our mornings - aim ideas off each other. ifferent source).
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I looked at my goals again, yes our systems worked fine last year, this year they were slowing me up. Next year wasn't worth starting if I didn't change my processes. The trigger points leapt at me.

This week I met 23 new firm contacts, yesterday four people contacted me asking for zoom meetings. I had been, over the last 4 weeks talking to so many people who had suddenly moved from cold prospects to warm and this was supposed to be my 'quiet time. If I couldn't work smarter I was going to hit capacity and my goals for next year would be a non-starter.

Don't think for one moment, thinking through and putting in new processes is easy, first I hit opposition to change, 'What you’re asking for, it’s a lot of work, I’m not even sure that exists’ - as ever I was asking for the moon.

Ok, that's fine - I started delegating my work, (I’m not one to be put off), - it worked. Ok, it took 6 hours and numerous failed attempts - here’s a tip that will save you time, always check up-front new systems will work with the ones you want to keep.

Finding tools that work for you is difficult, frustrating and needs careful consideration, will they work as you scale your business? Watch out for added costs, what you think are low monthly charges can easily add up.

It’s certainly worth the effort of researching and using the comparison sites that are available.

Have you ever bought a washing machine advertised as having 20 plus programmes and only used 3 of them?

The same applies. I find that taking on overly complicated systems too early on is non-productive, I just won't use them. I have to find systems that I’m comfortable with, that have good back up, tutorials and helplines, even an account handler, or I ask someone to teach me.

However, if you have set your goals for next year, consider this - are your processes and tools good enough to help you get the success you are working so hard towards? Look now before it impacts your business.

30 years, living the up’s and downs of running my own business, as a woman starting out in a man’s world.

#fearlessmarketing #businessowner #branding #marketing #triggerpoints #processes

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You’re never too old to start a business - or are you?

Tue, 20 Nov 2018 14:58:36 GMT

I was intrigued to find out what everyone felt about a post I saw on LinkedIn only recently. One of the points in it, made by Marleen van Lookeren Campagne was ‘you’re never to old’ Marleen was referring to a piece written about the very talented Boutiette, at 47yrs old and Olympic Ice Skater he is quoted as saying “It’s tough sometimes being the old dude. It’s kind of fun to get the respect.”

This was so encouraging as the majority of our clients are over 40 years old. Some a lot older and way past what in corporate terms is considered retirement age. Some are even just starting out after almost a lifetime in PAYE. Daunting to begin with, we constantly receive comments such as “I know my business but I don’t know how to run a business” These are highly skilled people who have all their lives held down recognised and often the most difficult jobs, feeling overwhelmed at how much knowledge is needed to run a business.

I believe the issue is they try to learn every angle, feeling they should suddenly become an expert in accounts, marketing and brand management, even to the point we hear of the owners cleaning the office after the staff have left. I completely understand that in the early days there is a need to save every penny however as their business grows it is important to trust others to cover the bit they are good at so they can concentrate on working on their business. Once this happens they start to see what fun it can be, reintroduce the passion they felt at the beginning, and yes even if they are the old dude, gain the respect for doing a great job and delivering a fantastic service.

When do you feel it is too old to start a business?

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Read on - what unexpected result actually came out of this interaction?