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This week I went to see Dream Girls in London with my friend Rachel. As we were going to be travelling back quite late, so we decided to stay over instead. I booked a cheap and cheerful hotel for us. When we arrived, there was much discussion about how we would get to the hotel in Covent Garden. I wanted to grab a cab (it’s convenience every time for me, not price). Rachel wanted to get the tube – 2 tubes, as a change was required. (Rachel doesn’t believe in spending over the odds unnecessarily). Rachel won – on the basis that it wouldn’t be THAT far to walk from the tube station at the other end (with our heavy overnight bags… my heels… and Rachel’s recovering broken ankle). First of all, we spent about 5 minutes at the Oyster card machine whilst …

I was on my way up to Winchester yesterday in the car, and I started listening to a new book on Audible called, “How To Have a Good Day”, by Caroline Webb. Three Chapters in… and she starts to explain what a good day is – and according to her research, it is this: 1. A buzz from being productive 2. Knowing that efforts counted towards something worthwhile 3. Confidence that a good job is being done 4. Knowing that the support is there from others 5. Days that leave you feeling more energised than depleted, from the joy and motivation What makes a good day for you? Of course, we won’t always have a good day… there are often factors that can get in our way; however what we can do is make CHOICES. We can make choices on: …

You may be aware that over recent years Facebook have encountered a variety of negative press, ranging from accusations of failing to uphold its responsibility to reduce and eradicate, the distribution of fake news stories across the platform. Through to the ongoing 2016 US election scandal. All this accompanied by criticisms that most users News Feeds were littered with content from news media, brands and businesses, rather than those they wish to socially engage with. I’m sure if you asked Mark Zuckerberg back in 2004 when he launched Facebook, where he saw it headed, never would he have anticipated coming under such scrutiny. But as Peter Parker’s (aka Spiderman’s) wise old Uncle Ben once said, “With great power, comes great responsibility.” So, in 2018 Mr Z and the social guru’s over in sunny California, set about re-inventing the ‘face’ of …

As many of you know, we moved into our new office at the beginning of the year, and we’ve had the same broken printer sat here since that time. Broken. Kaput. No use. We’ve been using the Printivity services for now, as those are some of the best ones you can find online! I’ve promised over and over again to Claire and Jade that I am going to sort out a new one – but as I get sucked up into daily life, the broken printer remains! However, couple of weeks ago, I came into the office with a surprise… A NEW PRINTER. Our IT Department (who also heads up Marketing – Claire!) installed it and hey presto….. we can finally print…. A4… A3…. scan… photocopy. It’s brilliant! Every time we print something, we “whoop whoop!” Sometimes, the most simple tasks can feel …

Earlier this month Instagram launched its new Name Tag feature, which is much like a QR code and also similar to Snapchat’s Snapcodes (although without the same extensive list of features as Snapchat). Whilst it’s not extremely innovative, it brings with it some really good online, and also offline promotional opportunities to add new Instagram followers quickly. So, what is its purpose?The specific purpose of the Instagram Name Tag Feature is for finding and following new accounts. This feature makes it simple for people to follow you without having to type in a username and because you are able to save it as an image and share it, you can promote your Name Tag in a variety of ways, so that more potential followers will see it. Creating, Customising, Scanning and Sharing Your Instagram Name Tag Open your Instagram profile …

Not sure if this is normal, but this is reality in our house….. if I give my 6 year old boys access to the TV remote control, I can guarantee that when I walk back into the room, they will have found an episode of Eggheads, Pointless or The Chase. So a couple of nights ago, when I popped them to bed, I was called back by Henry to ask me, “Mummy, who do you think is cleverer…. Eggheads or The Chasers?” This was a really important conversation that he just needed to have right then. Right there. It was a big deal to him at that point! This got me thinking about the weird and wonderful things that people want to know the answers to….. and in particular made me think this… DO YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHAT WHAT MATTERS TO YOUR CUSTOMERS, AND WHAT …

On Thursday morning, as I was about to leave the house, I thought I had better quickly pop the dishwasher on. I’m not going to explain the detail of what happened next, because if you read the WhatsApp Conversation between myself and my cleaner, Amanda, all will become clear (although a bit embarrassing)! She’s the white speech bubbles. I’m green! So that was that, and just in case you don’t know already…. WASHING UP LIQUID IN THE DISHWASHER DOESN’T WORK! So that got me thinking about growing a business, of course…. All to often… We make do. Try and find shortcuts. Dismiss the ideal. All because: That’s how it’s always been done It’s easier for us We haven’t had time to fix of change something It seems too difficult to do anything else We don’t have the systems…. time…. money. …

Specialist Marketing Training and Coaching experts, All Star Marketing Club expands, bringing growth opportunities to New Forest businesses. After successfully establishing their bespoke and highly effective, professional marketing training services in Southampton, Rownhams, Fareham, Portsmouth, and Winchester, Hampshire based ‘Marketing Coaching’ business ‘All Star Marketing Club’ have opened their doors to the growing businesses of the New Forest. Experts in their field, All Star Marketing Club offer businesses who are serious about their growth, an opportunity to learn cutting-edge marketing strategies, formulas and techniques, to ensure they become self-sufficient in promoting their brands, products and services; thus, supporting their stand out amongst competitors and their ability to progressively and confidently extend their customer base. Founder and Managing Director, Victoria Vickery explains further, “Our services are for those businesses who are serious about their future growth and are ready to take control and …

A few weeks ago, Mr V was away, and I had a VERY early morning visitor…. one of my sons coming in to wake me up at around 5.30am. He was sent back to bed, and was back in again at 6am. At this point, he said, “mummy, can I play on your phone”. Great solution, I thought. I can catch a few more zzzzzzs. Henry played on my phone and I was happy snoozing at his side… until I felt my hand being lifted, and as I opened my eyes, the little [BLEEEEEEP] had placed my thumb on my iphone, enabling him to purchase a £6.99 per week upgrade to a game! This was three weeks ago, so my phone bill is going to be much larger this month – and the problem is…. I don’t know how to remove it. …

Online reviews from customers about your business are extremely important and should feature significantly when it comes to your marketing strategy. Positive reviews help to build relationships with new customers, giving them confidence in your brand, products and services. Today they play an enormous role in the customer decision-making process and allow businesses to encourage active, positive and influential participation from consumers. In fact recent stats suggest that: 88% of consumers will consult reviews before making a purchase. 67% of consumers are directly influenced by online reviews when it comes to purchasing. 63% of consumers are more likely to make a purchase from a site that has reviews. 80% of consumers now EXPECT a business to reply to what they say online. Aside from this, online reviews allow you to: Monitor how your customers feel about your business so you …