Archive for the 'Blog' category:

Only smarties have the answer…

January 19, 2012

Posted by admin in Blog with one comment

As 2012 gets underway and the difficult times of 2011 fade into the background (for some at least), our thoughts turn, inevitably, towards the new business year and to wondering what it might have in store for us?

With media sceptics predicting another financial dip and news reports reinforcing that message I started to ponder what it might take to ‘turn things around’? What could be done to set the economic wheels in motion once again? Who really could make a difference to the current situation?

Now, don’t get me wrong, I am no financial wizard with a magic wand and some fairy dust, nor have I been living in a bubble for the last 3 years, but I do spend a lot of time listening to the concerns and challenges experienced by small businessses and I have arrived at the following conclusion…

Only smarties have the answer.

In my view, if we are to drag ourselves out of the recession any time soon, we need to take it upon ourselves to oil the wheels of industry from the smallest cog upwards.

Whilst huge multinationals are feeling the pinch and cutting staff, micro businesses are on the increase with self employed numbers reaching the highest level since the 1930′s and equating to 14% of all employment in the UK.

So, as the number of micro businesses increases, so the power that small business can generate grows.

With this in mind, imagine what small businesses could achieve as a critical mass if we moved forward together. What type of wave might we generate if we all dipped a toe in the water at the same time? What difference could we make if we all pulled together?

What I am proposing for the smarties amongst us is really very simple.

We all know the phrase, ‘what goes around, comes around’ well why don’t we see if we can adopt that method for our businesses? How about, next time you need a product or service you look at placing the order with the smallest of businesses (based on recommendation, of course)?

What if, next time you need a product or service you inject your spend into the small business community and wait for it to ‘come around’ again?

What if, we all ‘shared the love’, and spread the wealth?

Those of you who know anything about me will know that I am an avid networker. Why do I believe so strongly in networking? Why do I spend so many early morning clearing frost off my car? Is it because I’m mad? No, quite simply it is because it allows me to do precisely this with relative ease, considerable confidence and great results.

Don’t take my word for it. Take control of your own destiny. Get out, meet small businesses, develop relationships, build trust and get those wheels oiled. Be a smartie!

If you would like to receive my top tips on how to get the most out of your business networking contact Heather on 07843 006984 or email info@salt-solutions.co.uk to request a copy.

Oswestry Speakers Corner 2012

January 9, 2012

Posted by admin in Blog with no comments

If you want to get the most out of your life and your interactions with other people, this local group provides support, instruction and coaching on how to improve your confidence and your public speaking skills.

Regular attendees say that they have developed their interpersonal skills and built their confidence, generally, as well as mastering their speaking skills.

Throughout the year we have occasional guest speakers who share their experiences and/or hints and tips with us and this coming year will have sessions on how to handle nerves, project your voice, ‘make ‘em laugh’ and how to use microphones.

Attendees will also have the chance to practice writing and delivering speeches as well as giving feedback to others on their performance which, in itself, helps to develop tact, diplomacy and the art of conveying opinion in a sensitive and constructive way.

Oswestry Speakers Corner meet every other Monday at The Walls in Oswestry http://www.the-walls.co.uk/.

We all have busy lives so you are not ‘committed’ to attending EVERY meeting although, obviously, the more you take part, the faster you learn.

Meetings run from 7.30pm to 9.30pm and visitors are welcome to attend two meetings without charge to find out more about what we do. Normal fees are £5 per meeting.

Meeting dates for 2012 are;

16th January
30th January
13th February
27th February
12th March
26th March
23rd April
21st May
18th June
2nd July
16th July
30th July
13th August
27th August
10th September
24th September
8th October
22nd October
5th November
19th November
3rd December
17th December

Contact Heather on 07843 006984 for an informal chat and to find out more.

Give us a try… we have lots of fun and we don’t bite!

What is the best type of advertising for your business?

December 5, 2011

Posted by admin in Blog with 3 comments

This question generated some interesting discussion recently when it was suggested that word of mouth is the best type of advertising a business can have.

So, how do you go about taking the idea of word of mouth recommendations to the next level? For instance, how do you get better at gathering testimonials from satisfied customers? Once you’ve done that, where should you use the data to best effect?

This is where you can get really creative in your approach to marketing.

The following steps provide a framework to capture, interpret and use your clients comments to attract more business.

Step 1 - Collect The Data

The first step is to devise an easy to use system where you ask every customer for feedback on the level of service or quality of products they have received from you. This can be a simple email questionnaire with a few open questions encouraging the customer to not only give their impression on the level of satisfaction but also to find out why they are happy (or otherwise).

The way you phrase these questions will extract some really useful information. Using a mix of closed questions (eg a straight yes or no) and a few where you ask for a score out of five to be awarded in a given area can generate interesting and powerful statistics with which to promote key elements of your business. In addition you want some open questions to extract what you customer really feels about the service you provided for them.

Step 2 - Understand The Data

Once you have gathered this information you need to understand what it is telling you.

Knowing how to ‘cut’ the data can have a massive impact on you use it. The options are almost endless. For example, it may be that you rate higher on a specific product or service with a particular type of customer. You might score particularly well for customer service. Some customers might be blown away by your excellent value for money and, hopefully, a significant proportion of your customers are prepared to recommend you to a friend.

Facts like this can be employed for targeted marketing and the more you understand the data, the better you can make it work for you and your business.

Step 3 - Use The Data

You know you should use client testimonials on your promotional materials, but do you?

Using quotes in your 60 second pitch will give fellow networkers the confidence to recommend you to others.

You know you should highlight what you do best to potential customers, but do you?

Using statistics on promotional material will give warm leads reassurance on the way in the qualirfind out more about the services and products you provide

You know you should provide examples of the benefits you can bring, but do you?

Highlighting the difference your products and services have made to a customer will enable others to imagine how they might feel if they adopt you as a supplier or service provider. People buy benefits, so make sure you highlight what they are.

These are just a few ideas that will help to reinforce your position in the market, highlight your services and strengthen your brand.

If your business needs help with any of the above please contact Heather on 07843 006984 for a no obligation discussion on how Salt Solutions can help.

NB Don’t forget to seek permission from your customer before you use any testimonial for promotional purposes.

It’s Not All Eyes and Teeth

October 17, 2011

Posted by heather in Blog with 2 comments

From time to time we all have to stand up in front of a group of people to speak. Whether at an informal thank you to family and friends or a more official speech for business, it is entirely natural to be nervous and apprehensive.

Believe it or not, nerves are good for us. They keep us ‘on our toes’ and prevent us from becoming complacent. Even the most experienced speaker feels some anxiety before performing in public. If they don’t they probably won’t be a terribly interesting speaker.

The following tips are based upon lessons I have learned (and mistakes I have made) during my public speaking experiences and from observing many different presentation styles.

Let’s assume you know your audience and what is expected of you, let’s assume you know (at least in part) what you want to say and let’s assume you are feeling just a tad nervous…

Try to adopt some of the following performance tips when you stand up in front of a room full of expectant faces. They might just help

1. Don’t Speak, Talk

Be yourself, don’t try to be as good as or as funny as another speaker. This will distract you. Simply focus on being true to yourself. Speak naturally, don’t try to lose your accent if you have one. Forget your ‘telephone voice’, save that for when you are speaking on the telephone…oh, and remember to breathe.

2. Dress Code

There is an unwritten rule, when invited to speak to a group, you should aim to be at least as smart as the smartest person in the room. Speaking to a room full of young students in jeans might not require you to wear a business suit but, speaking at business conference probably would. Feeling comfortable in this way will enhance your performance and enable you to ‘own the room’.

3. Don’t Tell Jokes

Jokes aren’t funny. Really, they aren’t. If you use them you run the risk of alienating certain members of your audience who may not share your sense of humour. That’s not to say that humour doesn’t play a part in any presentation, in fact, it is key. Use anecdotes or the occasional witty aside to punctuate and provide breaks in your delivery.

4. It’s Theatre Dahling…

No matter what the occasion, we can always use a little theatre. Believe it or not, even when reading at a funeral it is called for. Theatre does not mean to ‘razzmatazz’, far from it. Theatre, in public speaking relates to voice projection, eye contact and the pitch of your voice. Whatever the occasion, decide on a ‘character’ to keep in mind and use that persona to work the room. Eyes and teeth, eyes and teeth.

5. Listening Styles

And finally, remember that each member of your audience will have their own preferred listening style. Whether they are VISUAL (absorb information by what they see), AUDITORY (absorb information from what they hear) or KINESTHETIC (absorb information by what they do), they will all be absorbing what you are say in the following proportions; 7% of what you say (words). 38% of how you say it (pitch, pace, tone) and 55% through your body language (eye contact, gestures, stage presence). Bear that in mind and focus on performance. Cliched though it may sound, it is rarely what you say but more the way that you say it. That’s what gets results.

To find out more about public speaking coaching and presentation skills training, please contact Heather Noble on 07843 006984.

The time for ACTION!

October 1, 2011

Posted by heather in Blog with no comments

If you need more time and energy to focus on GROWING your business and taking it to the next level then this half day seminar is for you.

Following the simple methods and messages that Wally (don’t be put off by the name) implemented in his, once small, business, you too can transform the size, efficiency and profitability of your business without having to compromise on your personal values and standards.

In one morning you will learn 44 ways to turn great ideas into actions. You will leave the seminar with practical and relative ideas that transfer directly onto YOUR BUSINESS, not just some hypothetical tasks that you will never implement because they don’t apply to your business.

For just £49 (bring 2 other colleagues and pay just £99), you can consolidate your plans, unearth some great new ideas and build an ACTION plan that quite simply, will WORK. In addtion you will qualify for a FREE 1hr consultation with a business specialist so this really is excellent value for money.

Contact Heather for more details on how to reserve your space for either Telford (17th November) or Shrewsbury (24th November) session.

Oswestry Jelly – A Co Working Event For Local Businesses

September 12, 2011

Posted by admin in Blog with no comments

Shropshire Jelly - Oswestry Lion Quays - October Event 2011

What is Jelly?

Jelly is a casual monthly co-working event, where homeworkers, freelancers, small business owners and office based people, who want a change of environment once in a while can get together with their laptops once a month to have a change from their usual working environment. Jelly is a mixture of work, chat, sharing ideas, helping others with business issues, passing on tips and even collaborating on the birth of a new project.

Jelly is NOT networking.

The aim is not to meet clients, pitch your business or try to sell – anyone blatantly doing this will NOT be popular – there are plenty of excellent Shropshire networking groups where you can do this. Jelly was started in the USA and is now increasingly popular in the UK with over 20 active groups already operating.

IT’S GREAT TO THINK THAT OSWESTRY IS ONE OF SEVERAL SHROPSHIRE TOWNS LEADING THE WAY IN THIS INNOVATIVE IDEA.

So if you ever feel isolated in your home office/work office and want to meet some other like-minded people in a different work environment, then JELLY is for you. It’s free so jump on in and give it a try!

What is the cost to attend?

Whilst It is FREE to attend, there is a £10 working lunch available which we encourage all attendees to purchase to show our appreciation for the free venue space and wifi. Apart from this all you need do is bring money for tea and coffee. Do I have to stay all day? No, we don’t barricade doors. It’s up to you when you come and when you leave – obviously the more that stay for the duration, the more vibrant and interactive it will be.

Do I qualify to attend?

As long as you have a laptop or craft to keep you busy and you’re a business person, consider yourself eligible. The more variety of people we have attending, the better! Even if you’re still researching your business you are more than welcome to come along and get some inspiration.

Who is organising it?

Heather Noble of Salt Solutions – I provide marketing, pr, event and presentation solutions to help small to medium sized businesses connect with their target audiences and improve their ‘image’. My passion is to provide creative solutions to make you look good!

Any questions?

Follow @saltsolutionsuk or @shropshirejelly on Twitter or email heather@salt-solutions.co.uk with any questions you may have. Alternatively contact @janminihane (the Jelly Queen who first brought Jelly to Shropshire) on Twitter or visit http://workatjelly.com/shropshire

Still Interested?

Then click on this ticket link http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2173599294. You MUST sign up to secure your place as numbers are limited. If you do not get a place this time, your name will go onto a shortlist and you will be contacted to replace anyone who drops out due to other commitments.

If you get a ticket but are then unable to attend PLEASE, PLEASE do let us know so that we can reallocate your place.

Seven Wonders of The Oswestry Hills Walk

September 12, 2011

Posted by admin in Blog with no comments

If you are at a loss as to what to do this weekend, why not check out this charity ramble through the amazing Shropshire countryside?

All walks start from Trefonen Village Hall and there are a range of options available. So whether you fancy a 7 mile or 14 mile ramble with optional mini bus return after 7 miles, there’s something for all abilities. There are also guided walks available from 9am.

For just £10 on the day, including maps, drinks and cake en route, you can have a fantastic day in the great outdoors whilst raising money for the Shropshire Wildlife Trust.

Check out further details at www.shropshirewildlifetrust.org.uk.

Work that Network

August 18, 2011

Posted by admin in Blog with 2 comments

Those who know me will be aware of how massively passionate I am about Networking and of my one woman mission to encourage businesses (particularly new businesses) to learn to love this amazing opportunity that takes place all over the country, on all days of the week and at all times of day, so there’s really no excuse not to give it a chance. What have you got to lose?

Whether mornings are your thing, or you prefer a lunchtime or evening meeting there are groups and opportunities to suit your working day and work life balance.

My preferred group is www.4networking.biz and you can find out more about their 300+ groups via their website. This blog is not an advert for 4Networking although the temptation to rave about my journey at 4N is overwhelming.

Many people think that they can’t afford to join a regular networking group. I’d say you can’t afford not to. Of course, for a new business all costs have to be ‘weighed’ up and justified. I’m not just talking financial investment but also emotional investment but as any financial expert will advise, if you don’t invest, you’ll get no return.

No genuine networking group should profess to do it all for you. They can only facilitate, and of course some do a better job of that than others. The best way to find the type of networking that ‘works’ for you is to try several but remember, you should network in the style that suits you, not that suits the group. You MUST be yourself and speak out and speak clearly.

You need to make your investment work for you and the only way to do that is to make an effort, engage and as I like to say ‘put yourself about a bit’.

You may find the following key tips useful for your business networking journey. Please feel free to share your thoughts and experiences of networking in the comments field and get in touch if I can advise or help in any way.

1. Sample several groups in your local area (or the area that you want to promote your business to). Most groups offer the chance to visit several times as a visitor to ‘suss out’ whether they are right for you. DO NOT be pressurised into membership. A genuine group should sell itself. If it feels right, it probably is right but only you can decide.
2. Be prepared. Don’t miss a single opportunity. Remember your business cards and flyers. Prepare your ‘Elevator Pitch’ and be very clear about the message you want to convey. And remember using notes as a prompt IS OK!
3. Don’t try to be someone you aren’t. Dress in a way that reflects you and your business. In 2011 suits aren’t always the best dress code and your appearance should reflect your personality and business. It’s another form of non verbal communication.
4. Talk to people. Tough though it may be don’t wait for people to approach you, because they may not (sad but true). Don’t assume that everyone else knows everyone else in the room, they probably don’t.
5. Swot up on small talk. You’ll be amazed how easy it is to ‘dry up’ unless you have mastered the art of verbal diarrhoea in the way that I have! Talk about the venue, the coffee, the traffic whatever it takes.
6. Ask questions, questions, questions. Bizarre as it sounds, don’t try to sell your business. Listen, listen, listen. You’ll be amazed what information people will share with you when you make them feel relaxed and ask open questions.
7. Follow up on your promises. If you promise to forward some information, make to someone after the meeting, make sure that you do. If you planned to forward diary dates for a follow up meeting, make sure that you do.

Much of the above is common sense but you’d be amazed how many people don’t follow these few simple rules.

Most importantly, get out there, make some decisions and stick with it. There are no quick fixes in business. If you business is new or flagging, the one thing you are is ‘time rich’ and there lies your biggest opportunity.

If you would like help with perfecting your Elevator Pitch or your networking techniques, we can help. Call Heather for an informal chat about how we can help you get the most out of your networking journey.

Stand and Deliver

August 8, 2011

Posted by admin in Blog with no comments

Speaking in public doesn’t come naturally to many of us. In fact, it seems to be a skill that we develop as a child and then lose as we enter adulthood. Perhaps it’s something to do with our hormones…

The most common ‘issue’ when it comes to speaking in public or presenting to a group are nerves. Those butterflies and sweaty palms that trouble us all can be considerably reduced by following a few key steps.

Here are a few pointers that you can easily build on.

Who?
Take time to think about who your audience is and the most appropriate way to present to them. Are they work professionals or perhaps a social club or group? What age are they? You may need to adapt your presentation style to suit different age groups.

What?
What are you going to speak about? Presumably you have been invited, or are planning to present on a subject you are familiar with. Consider the audience and their familiarity with the subject matter. Try not to use ‘jargon’, assume your audience has no knowledge of the subject matter and paint a clear picture for them.

Where?
Be sure to check out the venue you will be speaking at. Is there a projector or flip chart available for you to use? What is the size of the venue? Will you be standing at a lectern, on a stage or amongst your audience?

Why?
What is the objective of your talk? Are you trying to persuade a client to buy your services? Are you educating a group on a given subject? Perhaps you are sharing an experience or specialist knowledge? Whatever the case, you should be very clear about what you remit and objective is.

Being very clear about what you are trying to achieve, really thinking about what might interest your audience and how best to deliver your message can all make the art of speaking in public less nerve wracking however, the most important message to take on board is to be yourself, be sincere and genuine and, even if you have to fake it a little, be enthusiastic, it’s catching.

If you would like to know more about how to improve your speaking performance or speech writing, contact Heather on 07843 006984 of via the contact form at www.salt-solutions.co.uk.

Archive for the 'Blog' category:

Only smarties have the answer…

Oswestry Speakers Corner 2012

What is the best type of advertising for your business?

It’s Not All Eyes and Teeth

The time for ACTION!

Oswestry Jelly – A Co Working Event For Local Businesses

Seven Wonders of The Oswestry Hills Walk

Work that Network

Stand and Deliver

Categories

Archive

Tags

Contact us

Work with us

Twitter

Connect