S4E1 - Implementing a plan with PIMMS

We touched upon planning in our previous podcast, but we consider it so important, we're devoting an entire series on the subject. Planning is a very important part of the business management & development process, and we want to look at the concept of not only creating a practical plan, but its implementation and ensuring it materialises. It's incredibly easy to form a plan but there are dangers of focusing so much on its creation, that considering how it will be made into a reality, and therefore worthwhile, is oft-forgotten. This is why we created the acronym PIMMS (Plan, Implement, Monitor, Manage, Sustain).

S3E8 - Taking the time to plan

In the final episode of our 'Bridging the Gap' series, we emphasise the importance of planning. As the old saying goes, "to fail to plan is to plan to fail", and without a focus or sense of direction, success often comes down to luck. And, despite plans being considered so crucial, people commonly sidetrack and forget about theirs. Why?

Many might complain about being too busy, but sometimes time needs to be taken to work not just in the business but on it. To sustain your plan and monitor its progress, information needs to be readily available to the entire company - this is where technology can assist.

S3E7 - Taking advantage of analytics

As the essence of business, analytics allow you to connect your marketing objectives with reality. But, critical as they may be, not everyone uses them as effectively as they might. While businesses may be well-versed in the analysing accounts to monitor the performance of the business as a whole, Fewer take advantage of how marketing analytics give better control and management of your marketing process.

In this weeks podcast we explore this issue and look at how best to use Marketing analytics.

S3E6 - The new age of email marketing

In the age of social media, email has taken a backseat, with many considering it old-fashioned. When it first arrived on the scene email marketing was horribly spammed and has had a stigma attached to it ever since, however, like with any communication, when used thoughtfully and respectfully it can actually be one of the most powerful marketing tools.

S3E5 - Social media as a marketing platform

Social media can be a fantastic marketing tool and needs to be taken seriously, but it is not a magic marketing wand. In this episode, we talk about how can you make the most of social media, and you make it work for you? Some think it's all about "go viral" and becoming an internet sensation. But for most, that will never happen. In reality any successful social media strategy is  about consistent, relevant content.

S3E4 - Communicating via content

Since marketing began, the idea behind it hasn't changed: communicating and advertising what you do to your market. To achieve that, a steady flow of content reflecting your business proposition should be a significant priority. While websites and hosting can be considered the tools that allow for you to communicate, you also need the skills and resources to achieve an effective marketing solution.

S3E3 - Choosing the right host for your website

Continuing our series on bridging the technology gap, we go behind the scenes and take a look at web hosting. Good hosting can make or break how effective your site is in the ultimate goal of driving your business. The wrong type of hosting can either give poor performance or, at the other end of the scale, you pay over the odds for something you don't need. While a website is important for your business, the hosting is just as important for your website.

S3E2 - Own your website as a marketing tool

A website is a very important marketing tool and can be your single most important piece of marketing collateral, yet many people don't take advantage. The building of a website is considered a project and, once completed, sits there rarely to be touched again. Typically this is because of the "technology gap" between the experts hired to build the site, and the SME businesses left wanting to use it but not knowing how. A website needs to be used proactively, something only achievable if you feel full ownership of it.

S3E1 - Technology & expertise in the real world of business

Over the next several episodes we will be exploring the way technology and the real world of business should fit together,

Over the series, we will be considering a wide range off business issues including websites, promotion and content. Our aim is to help you to think differently as to how to approach technological challenges. 

S2E25 - “You have two ears & one mouth, use them in that proportion”

This is something I was told when I did some Sales Training at the start of my career back hen Adam was a lad, and its stuck with me. This week we discuss the importance of listening to and understanding your customers.

If you want to add value to your offering, then understanding your expertise and applying it to make your customers lives easier or more fruitful is a sound strategy.