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Marketing consultant for small business; 5 reasons to use one
Introduction to marketing consultant for small business A marketing consultant can bring many benefits. Many small business owners decide to work for themselves because they have expertise which they want to share and can see that they can get paid. However, although...
book
Distinctive Voice - essential aspect of authenticity Owning your distinctive voice is one of the most enjoyable and authentic ways to market yourself. Whether it is for business, fiction or non fiction books, or an enthusiasm you want to share. But your distinctive...
Experiences from the improv competition are relevant elsewhere!
The improvisation competition presented challenges and opportunities. These are the aspects that stood out for me. I think they are relevant for people doing something new. Becoming comfortable in a new environment Wearing a microphone for the first time in a theatre...
What are the barriers to being authentically you?
Authenticity is often presented as an easy option. Just being yourself is the answer. But being authentic is harder than turning on a switch. The biggest barrier is simply that a change will have to be made if you are not being authentically you. Sometimes it is just...
Is business all about money?
Whether business is all about money is a question that occurred to me this week. On Dragons Den for the first time, all 5 dragons went “to the wall” to discuss whether they should all invest in a project. The money was not the central issue. They were being asked...
Doing something you enjoy and value has great benefits.
I bought some of the Seville oranges yesterday in our local Farmers Market, and made marmalade yesterday. I usually feel nicely “Mother Earthy” when I do this, and it brings back reminders of my mother making marmalade. This year because the world has been more...
Being liked – the powerful secret success ingredient
Know like and trust is a idea that we are told helps to make a difference when attracting clients. We have all heard it. I have been watching the tennis players at Wimbledon this week. The winner is interviewed on court soon after the match while the...
Growing your business brings out your fear
Growing your business involves doing something different. Taking a new path, even if that is not absolutely clear. Any new activity can naturally lead to fear and maybe reluctance. Even if you are just using a new approach or taking an action with deeper understanding...
How to stand out from the crowd.
Standing out from the crowd is the aim of every business – big, small or solopreneur. It means you are more likely to be noticed and then remembered. Operating differently from the way your industry normally works can be hard. Recently I saw an...
The Power of the Pen on International Women’s Day
Women are advocates of the maxim “The pen is mightier than the sword.” On International Women’s Day in 2022 nearly 2 million mothers and children are fleeing their homeland in Ukraine. As an observer in another country there is a strong wish to do...
World Cancer Day – reminder of personal experience
World Cancer Day has prompted me to think about my experience of cancer. Not something I would normally bring up in business conversations but all our experiences contribute to our voice and how we understand others. Awareness days and months are dedicated to a...
How an old fashioned paper diary helps boost creativity
A paper diary can seem irrelevant nowadays. But in this blog post I explain that there are benefits to having an old fashioned paper diary. You will be more able to access your own creativity by writing by hand rather than using a keyboard or screen. This...
12 days of Christmas marketing planning with a song!
12 Days of Christmas enjoy your plan with a song! The "12 Days of Christmas" is a well known song. I am sure you know it! It features on many Christmas cards with pictures of partridges, pear trees, rings and drummers drumming, maids a milking and so on. If you are...
Persuasive communication nearly caught me in a scam
Persuasive communication is the hallmark of an effective scam. The villain of cartoon or children’s books was easy to spot, the scammer however may be pleasant and professional., and even the kind of person you would like to talk to. The burglar of today is more...
The names you choose matter in your business
The names you choose in your business to describe products, services or simply the modules in a course or membership site are a vital part of your brand and make a great difference. It is important to choose names that resonate with your target audience. Some research...
Your marketing spark – what does it mean?
Your marketing spark sounds like a crazy phrase. Surely you either do marketing or you don’t? It is either effective or it isn’t. In my experience it is not as simple as that. When you do marketing without any “spark” or life in it it rarely achieves the...
10 end-of-the-month small business activities
End of the month - the words conjure up a sense of completion. We usually think of the end of the month in terms of sales which is basically money in. But of course the end of the month is a regular chance to look at what has happened, and to confirm the...
How to remove clutter to move forward more easily
Removing clutter can have a double benefit. Your work or home space is easier to use and more inviting. Additionally the time spent clearing out the clutter can be a release for more imagination and intuition. So problems get solved and you move forward more easily'...
What does it mean to have the B Corp Certification?
B. Corp is a certification that tells the world you are a company with integrity. It is a measure of the impact of the business on the people who work in it, your customers, your community and the environment. Internal quality standards are measured effectively...
Strong values make a business more appealing
Values are what create the difference between two businesses who broadly do the same as each other. The end goal may be the same but they will get there in different ways depending on what they value. The size of the business affects things too: a team of three people...
Does the word “grab” suit your marketing?
The word “Grab” dominates Walkers' marketing of their crisps. It jumped out at me when I looked at the display. "Grab" is a powerful word because it conveys a sense of urgency. Grab is a verb – a “doing” word. The kind of word to encourage the reader to...
23rd March 2021 A Day of Reflection on a year of Covid 19
On 23rd March a year after lockdown started we are encouraged to reflect on the year. To be silent for a minute at 12 pm midday, and to put a candle on the doorstep at 8 pm. Matthew Reed of Marie Curie charity which initiated the idea said it is"important that we all...
Should I use a landing page from my email provider?
Email providers are now offering more web-based pages. This week I was asked whether it was a good idea to use them. The real answer is "It depends" which is not very satisfying. However it is worth having a look at any new developments offered by your email...
Blog Challenge for International Women’s Day
Blog posts written by women for the Attract Readers blog challenge look at the year of the pandemic. Schools went back in England on March 8th, almost a year since the country went into lockdown. Blog Challenge Theme The theme for International Women's Day 2021 was...
Packaging is important – so is context
Packaging makes us think of glossy layers round a product. A way to draw more attention to what is being sold and make it seem more valuable. Traditional perfume brands were associated with spending far more on their packaging than on the product. Using...
True Story Festival – authenticity inspires listeners
I am taking part in a True Story Festival. True Stories from real people who have been through the ups and downs of life are often more powerful than the dramatic events experienced by celebrities. Especially this year where there is so much uncertainty it is...
Marketing assets create a firm foundation
Marketing assets work for you even while you are not present. Marketing for a solopreneur can feel overwhelming as you are already carrying out so many roles in your business. It can feel as though there isn’t time to do everything. Once you have decided...
How do you view work? Life? Art? Holiday creator?
I went to a craft fair at the weekend, and my partner bought a beautifully made leather wallet. I asked the stall holder whether he had a shop. He said he likes to work for half the year and then travel for half the year. And he has been doing...
Why the italic font is called “italic”
Any font that is sloping forward - like this - is called Italic. It is easy to find on your smartphone or computer as all you to do is highlight the word and press the italic symbol. It is called "Italic" on all fonts. But I had no idea where this name...
Defended against a sales call
I don't get many nuisance calls these days but this one reminded me how we are instinctively defended against a sales call. Our prospects may be willing to buy but dislike being sold to. This caller did all kinds of things wrong. See what you think. Phone rings: ...
Catherine the Great – an inspiring woman
The woman I admire did not have many natural advantages. Despite being short and plain looking, she ruled Russia for 36 years- Russia’s longest female ruler. The reign was so successful that she was named Catherine the Great. She tried hard – and I do respect people...
Ada Lovelace – “computer” genius and daughter of the poet Byron
Ada Lovelace was born in 1815. She is credited with developing the first computer code and liaised with Charles Babbage over his "analytical engine". Until fairly recently Babbage won all the plaudits for developing the idea of a computer and Ada Lovelace had been...
Features and Benefits – as explained by Theresa May Prime Minister
Features and Benefits are part of the copy-writing treasury chest for all small business owners. Very often when you are new to talking about your business it can be quite difficult to see the difference. I never thought I would heard the difference described by a...
An asset can be gold in your business.
A business asset is often referred to as the "gold" in your business. But if the gold is sitting in a vault and costing you a lot of money in insurance it could actually be a liability. We usually think about assets when selling a business. The better the assets...
The joy of a good conversation
Have you had conversations about all the upheavals in the political situation? Conversations about the current political situation can be fraught. You can sometimes have a really satisfying conversation with a stranger for a few minutes, but the conversation with the...
What’s in a name: Brexit?
Who thought of the name Brexit? Not the idea to leave Europe. The name for doing it. Does the name matter? Romeo famously asked “What’s in a name? “ He went on to say that a rose would smell as sweet even if not called a rose. He was really talking about surnames –...
Bright shiny object syndrome? Don’t fight it
Bright shiny object syndrome is often experienced by entrepreneurs and business owners. I know I have it! It is not about acquiring cars, yachts, jewellery, or extra houses. No it is about the things that could genuinely turn our business life around. A new piece of...
Sue Townsend a woman I admire
I once had a wonderful conversation with Sue Townsend the author on a ferry. It was at the end of a course on writing which she had taught and I attended. You don't have to know somebody for a long time to know if you admire them. We were travelling from the Greek...
Mother’s Day – for a Day or a Lifetime?
Mother’s Day doesn’t mean mothers aren’t loved or noticed on other days. Nor does it mean they are not loved and acknowledged if there is no card, or present, visit or phone call. Does it matter if birthdays or wedding anniversaries are forgotten? If there are no...
Customer Service … the best marketing?
Good customer service is often the most reliable way for a customer to know if they have a good service. Before you work with someone they don't really know how good you are. If they do not have a direct comparison with a similar service they still may not know even...
To blog or not to blog that is the question…
Blog and your path to success is clear. Look at all the people who started blogs and now have 6 figure book deals and fame and fortune… and of course, happiness. This is the kind of advice you may have heard, and the kind of results you may have seen. And it is...
Watching popular reality TV – good for your business?
Reality TV shows might be considered a waste of time. Programmes like Strictly Come Dancing, X Factor, The Apprentice, Masterchef, I am a Celebrity get me out of here, Big Brother, and the newcomers which are all about Sewing, or Pottery or Art. .. there is a big...
The inspiration I need in winter – a snowy landscape.
At Christmas time we give and receive inspirational cards which often show images of a snowy landscape. We open Advent Calendars which have images of snow but very rarely does it snow in England at Christmas. In fact I can only remember one occasion years ago when I...
People trust content from people they trust
Recent research shows that consumers tend to trust content from people they trust. People they already know well. People they already trust. As a small business you will probably be making the most of all the low cost marketing methods. You probably have a newsletter...
“Off” days – do you have them?
"Off" days are not Days Off. They are those strange times when you don't feel excited about your work, and also don't feel excited about anything much. Going to a sporting event or meeting up with friends and family is a proper Day Off. It is a planned day off for a...
Winner of the BBC Big Painting Challenge – Paul Bell
Are you an artist? Would you like to become one? Winning a television competition is an excellent way to kickstart your career. It sounds like an improbable dream but it happened for Paul Bell. Paul was an amateur artist when he entered the competition and - since...
Profit from success and failure
Whenever we want to move forward it is vital to look back as well. At the start of a new phase - a new year, a new quarter, a new month a new day- time spent reflecting helps to create bigger changes for the future. Success The first thing to do is to look at your...
Looking back on the year ask yourself this question
Looking back on the year is the first important step in creating what happens in the New Year. This was recorded by Jean Wolfe for the Biz Buzz show on Marlow FM 97.5 . Reproduced by kind permission of MarlowFM.
Reality TV shows conclude
The weeks leading up to the end of the year are always full of TV shows coming to an end. In addition to a drama series of, say, 12 parts we have the added excitement of reality television. Strictly Come Dancing and The X Factor are approaching their finale, I am a...
Eating an elephant – an expression I would like to ban
When I first started face to face networking I heard many expressions which were intended to help understanding of the way to network. One of these which I heard frequently was the question " How do you eat an elephant?" The supposedly correct answer was " One bite at...
How to find the Big Idea for a small business.
If you are a small business – or a solo entrepreneur – you may think your big idea is your product or your service. You have spent a long time getting the design right, getting it manufactured, or creating a one off face to face experience that your clients love, or...
Your blog is a gateway to your readers
Your blog is a gateway to your readers. They don’t want to get to the gate they want to go through it and have a fantastic journey. In fact they don’t really want the journey at all they just want what they want at the end of it. What is that? The solution to...
National Stationery Week.
National Stationery Week is the perfect time to give yourself permission to buy some beautiful stationery! I have lost track of the number of " We love notebooks" conversations I have had with small business owners. It seems although we also love technology and...
International Women’s Day – which writers do you admire?
International Womens Day is a great opportunity to think about women we admire. We can learn from their success but also from their setbacks. In fact, failure or difficulties overcome can often be more powerful motivators than success. This International Women’s Day...
Ever felt unromantic in a romantic situation on Valentine’s Day?
You’ve even been given roses, chocolate, champagne but somehow you don’t feel “right.” If you are out for a meal you sneak a look at the other couples around and notice some look happy and some are distinctly miserable. Your expectations were high, but they were not...
What is the point of blogging for your business?
Blogging is no longer the latest internet must-have. Does this mean there is no point in blogging? Does a small business get a return for their investment of time? As blogging is (mostly) low cost or free, money is not the issue, but time. As a small business your...
Writing for your business … 7 things that can stop you
What stops business owners writing more for their business? Most business owners know they have a fantastic opportunity to write and publish. The barriers have gone: you don’t need a book deal to publish a book, you don’t need lots of money to start your own...
Your Signature Article .. and beyond
Your signature article opens doors to new clients and opportunities. But it can be difficult to find the time – or the motivation - to write. Join Jean Wolfe for a face to face workshop series where you write your signature article easily and naturally and feel proud...
Amazon – warm tone in customer service
Amazon have just emailed me to tell me that a book has arrived earlier than anticipated, What struck me about this was: 1. They were letting me know that their previous estimate of arrival time of the...
Warm cuddly branding continues for Google as it becomes 15.
Happy 15th birthday Google! I am enjoying the interactive doodle. Thanks. Like any 15 year old teenager Google is continually reinventing itself. The latest evolution is – like most teenagers - in search of more meaning. The latest update is called Hummingbird and...
Grand Theft Auto 5 launch – lessons for your business
I had bought the previous version of Grand Theft Auto for my son for his birthday. Only to discover he already had it and would appreciate the new game when it came out in September. Today I went down to the real live shop to get my copy. That would give me a more...
Federer match commentary applies to business
As Roger Federer was on the threshold of defeat at Wimbledon yesterday this comment was made on the TV commentary: " It is no longer about serves, forehands and backhands but about what is going on in the head." All the tools and techniques can only get you so far....
International Women’s Day – inspirational woman George Eliot
International Women’s Day on 8th March is an opportunity to celebrate women who are an inspiration. One of the women who inspired me many years ago was author George Eliot whose real name was Marianne Evans. Why does she inspire me? Top of my list is the sentence she...
World Book Night Giver – Casino Royale
I have just heard that I have been chosen as a World Book Night giver for 2013. Great News. World Book Night is a fantastic initiative to encourage a love of reading. The aim is to get books to people who are not already readers by the brilliantly simple strategy of...
Words for your business – passwords
Passwords are the unsung word heroes of your business. We don't notice them, unless they don't let us pass. Who would have thought that the word "password" is used as a password? It brings to mind some fiendish plot on behalf of the unscrupulous organisation which is...
Bright shiny technology object : new printer
My new printer operates in ways I didn’t even know could be useful. It will print on one side or two, and can format pages into a booklet. So now I am wondering how I can use a booklet in my business, where no booklet thoughts had existed before. I am even wondering...
World Book Night UK and Ireland – apply now
Applications will close tomorrow 23rd January for World Book Night 2013. You can apply to be a giver simply by going to the site looking at the books, making your choice and then applying to give them away on 23rd April. You get three choices, as obviously some...
Young Apprentice winner chosen by Lord Sugar
The winner of the Young Apprentice was revealed on the BBC last night. Lord Sugar really impressed me with his courtesy to the finalists who are all 16 - 17. He mentioned more than once that he was privileged to have worked with them. What a fantastic example of...
World Book Night UK list released – includes “Girl with a Pearl Earring”
The books for World Book Night 2013 have been chosen and include "Girl with a Pearl Earring" the novel based on the painting by Vermeer, which was made into a successful film. Also included is "Casino Royale" by Ian Fleming, the foundation for the film which started...
Why your clients choose your small business not the competition
Competition is often feared by smaller independent businesses. If a competitor is growing rapidly it can be easy to lose heart and assume we can't compete. As a smaller business you won't have the heavyweight punches of a bigger player but you do have many other...
What the Olympics and Paralympics have given business owners.
The Olympics and Paralympics gave given us a well-earned break from the negative impression of business and finance in the media. In fact it has been a summer of Olympic Love which was desperately needed. To see good news reported on television for a change has been...
Wild flowers at the Olympics – attention to detail
My visit to London 2012 and the Olympic Park was thoroughly enjoyable but the unexpected highlight were the wild flowers. Acres of land were given over to wild flowers which were almost knee high and had been planted from seed. The wild flowers helped to break up the...
When you offer what your customers want ..
When your product or service really matches what your customers want they will fight inertia. I was reminded of this just last night. A BBC natural history programme called "Springwatch" features video of baby chicks in the nest. Now my cat normally lies on the...
World Book Night 1 book and 1 author in UK and US lists
I hadn't realised that the books chosen for the US World Book Night were different from those in the UK. No reason to assume they would be the same but the similarity of the language might have been a clue. There is one book that features on both lists: The Book...
Which women inspire you?
I have asked numerous women around the time of International Women's Day which women inspire them. In most cases there was quite a silence while the answer was searched for. I felt it could be inspirational to record the results. The only people who responded...
World Book Night – I am giving away “Touching the Void”
World Book Night is on April 23rd 2012 . I applied to be a giver and chose a book " The Time Treveller's Wife" as my first choice as I thought it would be a great book to give. Easy to read, heart-warming story, and a very interesting take on the classic...
Why you will fail to have a great career – TED talk
There are many reasons for not following our spark - dreams and passion - and making a successful business. This is a college professor's view on "Why you will fail to have a great career". Only 15 minutes and worth it to unearth any excuses buried deep. One of a...
Women who inspire me – Dolly Parton on International Women’s Day
Dolly Parton has sung some fantastic songs. How do I know? Because I enjoy singing along with her in the car or at home. There’s no better test. (Hey I am ENFP in Myers Briggs). I defy anyone to not join in with “9 to 5” - loudly. It is music that is made for...
International Women’s Day – Women who inspire
"I W D 2012 Theme: Connecting girls, inspiring futures. Each year around the world, International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8. Thousands of events occur not just on this day but throughout March to mark the economic, political and social achievements of...
Happy Birthday Charles Dickens – Anniversary Reading
Charles Dickens is 200! He is being acknowledged as one of Britain's greatest writers... and I am ashamed to say that although I have enjoyed the stories of his books I have not particularly enjoyed his writing. Now is the time to read his work again. Hey, it is his...
World Book Night – be a giver
Sign up to be a giver of books on World Book Night 2012. All you have to do is choose a book from the short list that you have read and enjoyed - and apply to be a giver on 23 April. See the World Book Night shortlist for 2012 Friends I have talked to have found it...
Business 2012 – free conference with Sir Richard Branson
How is your business going to develop in 2012? Learning from experts like Sir Richard Branson who have created great success is one of the best ways to get inspired about taking your business forward. Business 2012 is a free conference with over 500 events where you...
Give away books on World Book Night 2012 – more givers needed by 1st Feb
Give away a book you love on World Book Night. Choose your favourite from the books selected, and apply to be one of the people giving away books in your area. You can give them away where you choose. It sounds so incredible it can hardly be true. It is thanks to...
Kindle sales boost biggest online sale day in UK
96 million UK Internet visits to online retailers totalled 13 million hours shopping online on Boxing Day 2011. This was a sales record for online retail in the UK, according to Experian Hitwise. Sales of Kindles and iPads were the most searched-for items: According...
Lessons from X factor, Strictly Come Dancing, and Masterchef on the beyond-technical wow factor could help your business.
Watching tv programmes like X Factor, Strictly Come Dancing, and Masterchef which all concluded recently can be good for your business. Working out who keeps the audience interested, and who learns and develops the most is fascinating. Of course technical skill is...
Vintage and retro clothing expert Rebecca McWattie – on Biz Buzz radio show
Vintage and retro clothing is extremely popular, and my guest on the radio this week Rebecca McWattie is an expert. She sells vintage and retro-inspired clothing at her website StopTrafficClothing. Rebecca certainly stopped the traffic on the airwaves at 2 o’clock on...
View of death by Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs gave an outline of his view of death in the speech to Stanford graduates
Change your name? Change your brand?
When is it right to change the name of your brand? It is a big decision. Social media has meant that we can all be better known by our own name which consequently becomes a more valued business asset. A flurry of name changes have been recently taken place in...
Advertising standards on websites – Trip Advisor
The ASA (Advertising Standards Authority) is investigating Trip Advisor. This is a well-known UK website which features comments on the quality of hotels and places to stay. Comments in question are both negative and almost malicious, while others are too fulsome in...
Business lessons from The Apprentice 2011
The Apprentice this year provided lots of business lessons. 1. In previous years Lord Sugar was simply looking for an employee. This year the programme demonstrated that being a business owner is different from being an employee - no matter how famous the boss. ...
Biz Buzz show Jean Wolfe interviews artists after Bucks Art Week
Bucks Art Week allows artists working in their studios to meet the public, and for the public to have access to working artists. Two artists who took part in Bucks Art Week came into the studio to talk about their experience of the week. Marlow FM Artist They...
Jean Wolfe’s Biz Buzz radio show – inspiration of doing what you love
Doing what you love so much that it doesn't feel like work is the ultimate dream for any business owner or employee. It is what provides the inspiration to keep on going. This week's Biz Buzz programme featured guests who are both making a transition into doing what...
Biz Buzz Radio show marlow fm – the business of health
Biz Buzz is a programme dedicated to issues surrounding business on Marlow fm - the UK's newest community radio station. Hosted by me, Jean Wolfe, usually on a Friday we interview interesting local business people in Marlow Bucks and the surrounding area. Carol Hill...
Biz Buzz radio show on marlow fm – using video
Biz Buzz is a radio show featuring business which goes out on the air every week day from 2:00 pm to 3:30. It is usually presented by me Jean Wolfe on a Friday. We have an excellent team of presenters who know and love business and who interview interesting guests....
Biz Buzz Radio Show on marlow fm – learning more easily
Biz Buzz is a radio show featuring business which goes out on the air every week day from 2:00 pm to 3:30. It is usually presented by me Jean Wolfe on a Friday. We have an excellent team of presenters who know and love business and who interview interesting guests....
From the Royal Wedding to your business
Did you think in advance that the wedding of Kate and Wills was going to make you feel good? No - me neither. After all how many royal weddings have turned into good marriages? The track record is fairly dire. But I love celebrations so planned to watch it with a...
A personal note on the Japan disaster
A crisis on the other side of the world often proves to have personal impact. In addition to the horror of the situation you may know people who live there, or who have relatives there. Or you may have been there yourself. In the case of the Japanese earthquake and...
Traditional Japanese way of business
My brother has been working in a traditional Japanese business. He came back to the UK after the recent tsunami, and has now returned. I have just heard that his apartment is still standing and he has electricity. This is particularly good as he is in the Fukushima...
Women in business – less confidence than men?
50% of women in business admitted feelings of self-doubt in a recent survey compared to only 31% of men. The survey by the Institute of Leadership and Management was asking about ambition and gender at work. Some of the findings indicated that women are holding...
Do spelling mistakes matter in emails, websites and online reports?
I have often been told that spelling mistakes don’t matter on the internet because it means that the email, website, or report is written by a real human being. Real human beings have flaws and therefore the occasional flaw helps to build credibility. There is no...