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Posted By Elaine Walsh-McGrath, Managing Director,
10 January 2024
In the ever-evolving world of online presence and professional networking, the need for a standout personal brand on platforms like LinkedIn has become paramount. Last year when I met talented photographer at an online WIBN meeting, Albane McGuinness, I knew I wanted to work with her. When I created my course the Real Me Wins Clients on LinkedIn, it was missing a little je ne sais quoi! Because I knew that if you wanted to create a stand out personal brand on LinkedIn you needed not just amazing branding, great copy but also fab photography!
Networking is amazing not just for meeting others, the support that you get, the business growth you can achieve but also for giving opportunities that you may not have considered. Like a fab collab! And so on the 17th January Albane and I alongside a wonderful Branding Expert, Namrata are holding a live paid workshop called "How to Shine on LinkedIn," coupled with a bonus course titled "The Real Me Wins Clients on LinkedIn."
The Workshop:
Scheduled for January 17th at 10 am on Zoom, the live workshop promises participants a transformative experience. Hosted by Elaine Walsh McGrath (that's me!), I'm an award winning Content Strategy and LinkedIn Coach, the event introduces two experts - Namrata Vijayakar, a Brand Design Specialist, and Albane McGuinness, a Brand Photographer.
What to Expect:
The 60-minute live workshop aims to empower participants with essential insights into utilizing branding to shine on LinkedIn. Namrata Vijayakar will share her expertise on leveraging branding to make a lasting impression. Meanwhile, Albane McGuinness will delve into the transformative power of personal brand photography, providing invaluable tips on creating personalized brand images.
Included Bonus Course:
To ensure a comprehensive learning experience, the workshop comes bundled with a bonus course - "The Real Me Wins Clients on LinkedIn." Elaine emphasizes the importance of authenticity, urging participants to embrace their unique qualities. The course includes:
1. Authentic Me Workbook with Supporting Tutorials
2. Content Workbook & Tutorial
3. Branding Cheatsheet
4. Storytelling Copy Prompts with Tutorial
5. 10 x Content Ideas to Reveal YOU!
6. Trello Board for Organisation
7. Q&A Support within the Course Portal
8. Lifetime Access to Course Material
I'm on a mission to help more service based businesses stand out on LinkedIn so that they can land more clients that they love to work with.
So coaches and service providers I'd love you to join us so that you have the tools you need to stand out on LinkedIn. By focusing on personal branding and authentic self-expression, you can expect not only to enhance your online presence but also to build a connection with their audience that goes beyond the superficial. If you've been contemplating building a personal brand on LinkedIn, this workshop and bonus course are tailored just for you. Don't miss the chance to discover the keys to shining on LinkedIn and unlocking your true potential in the world of online professional networking. Are you in?
I’ll admit – I love heading into London, and while most of the time I am there at my studio helping clients, I sometimes get the opportunity to have some time for inspiration.
One of the more recent examples of these is visiting the V&A Museum and their Gabrielle Chanel exhibition. It focused on the influence this world-renowned fashion designer had on the fashion world.
1. The Little Black Dress (LBD): A Timeless Classic
Coco Chanel's revolutionary impact on fashion is perhaps most evident in her popularization of the Little Black Dress (LBD). Witnessing the 1926 design showcased in Vogue, I couldn't help but marvel at how this simple yet elegant garment became a symbol of sophistication and versatility. Chanel's LBD challenged prevailing norms, offering a more accessible and functional option for women. As a stylist, I understand the power of a well-chosen LBD – a wardrobe essential that effortlessly transitions from day to night, epitomizing timeless style.
2. Chanel Suit: Redefining Elegance and Comfort
The iconic Chanel suit, a two-piece ensemble consisting of a collarless jacket and a straight-line skirt, showcased Chanel's commitment to redefining women's fashion. The suit provided a comfortable and stylish alternative to the corseted and restrictive clothing of the time. Chanel's emphasis on elegance without sacrificing comfort resonates in my work as a personal stylist, reminding me to prioritize both style and ease in every client's wardrobe.
3. Innovative Use of Jersey Fabric: Practicality Meets Style
Chanel's groundbreaking use of jersey fabric in women's clothing was another revelation at the exhibition. Prior to her influence, jersey was primarily reserved for men's underwear. Chanel's visionary use of this fabric allowed for comfortable, unstructured designs that appealed to modern, working women. This emphasis on practicality and comfort echoes in my stylistic choices, emphasizing the importance of clothing that not only looks good but feels good too.
4. Costume Jewellery: Making a Statement
Chanel's bold incorporation of costume jewellery was a testament to her innovative spirit. Faux pearls, oversized brooches, and long necklaces became staples of her collections, transforming accessories into statement pieces. As a stylist, I draw inspiration from Chanel's fearless approach to accessorizing, encouraging clients to embrace bold jewellery as a means of personal expression.
5. The Quilted Handbag: Timeless Luxury
The Chanel 2.55 handbag, with its quilted pattern, chain strap, and signature CC logo, represents timeless design and luxury. Introduced in 1955, this iconic accessory set the standard for handbags and remains a coveted item. Chanel's emphasis on quality and enduring style serves as a reminder to prioritize investment pieces that stand the test of time.
6. Empowerment of Women: Beyond Fashion
Chanel's impact extends beyond aesthetics. Her designs liberated women from the constraints of corsets and extravagant clothing, providing a sense of independence and self-expression. As a personal stylist, I find inspiration in Chanel's commitment to empowering women through fashion, influencing my approach to styling as a means of enhancing individual confidence and identity.
There are few designers that make such a mark on the world of fashion, and Chanel is among the top tier. What are the top designers you find inspire your wardrobe?
*Image Credit - Canva Dec 23 & Original photography
Posted By Beverley Densham, Pilates,
26 November 2023
1 who is the face behind the label?
I’m a completely single parent to my 18 year old son Sammy & proud of the parent I am. I have a deep love for the sea, plunging in the sea all year round, walking by the sea and in nature, sitting in nature to be, rest & journal, a passion of mine, love coffee shops, cosy family time at home & saunas on the beach!
2. What’s your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)?
Helping you reduce back pain to feel good, but it’s much more than that, the Mindfulness Pilates 121 programmes & classes include meditation, mindset, positive affirmations & 1 minute journaling, teaching you how to incorporate Pilates into your daily lifestyle & also to help with your mental health, wellbeing & happiness too.
The stress management teaching is for individuals & teams, whether that’s a law firm, corporate, teacher, school or nurse. The stress to calm tools are 1 minute each or 7 minutes in total, they are do-able & effective for stress management, better mental health & wellbeing.
I can help you…
Why?
Help you feel better. Help you move better and do more in your life. Even if you have health problems, chronic fatigue I can even help you with a sitting 121 or sitting class.
My classes are for ALL levels of fitness and even those struggling with their health & all ages
I give people their confidence back in their own bodies and minds.
If you can’t do something, it doesn’t matter, I will find you a comfortable alternative & teach you to say well done to what you can do, accept where you are & find a new quality of life
I ALWAYS adapt - make people feel special in class. This is important to me, love doing that for people. That’s gold for people
3. What time does your typical day start?
8am -2pm is the main teaching & meetings of the day, with 10 classes a week, business networking, writing books, radio & podcast interviews, articles to write.
I then go out to play, a walk in a park, a cappuccino & journaling time, see a friend for a plunge in the sea or something to get moving & rest.
Then back to work lying down with the laptop! Sometimes another interview
4. Full English or yoghurt and muesli?
It’s a pack of celery juiced! Followed by chocolate porridge & blueberries
5. What drives you?
There is a spark of inspiration and determination which drives me & am constantly learning & researching different ways & new tools to help with mental health & happiness. I like designing things to help with making a difference to your wellbeing, physical, mental health & happiness, which of course is for the soul & family life, work & having a harmonious home is of paramount importance.
If I can bring some extra sparkle and happiness to someone’s day and help reduce some of their aches & pains that’s a good day.
My son Sammy drives me too, to be the best Mum & role model I can be for him too
To be a role model, practicing what I teach.
6. What are you most proud of in your business?
That after over 25 years of teaching that I’m more inspired than ever & that it’s a more rich & profound experience working with me now, you’ll gain multiple benefits. I was so proud of book 1, book 2 I talk to angels was so proud, like a Wimbledon Trophy seeing it in a bookshop & Waterstones for the first time, exciting becoming a published Author & having a team, I jumped for JOY. Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes writing the foreword to the book was amazing too.
To have helped many clients become pain free or reduce their pains & live better quality of life
To be following my guidance & inspiration with the next series of books am very proud, it’s been so tough but now living a dream lifestyle & come through the light at the end of the tunnel. With mental health it can be a dark tunnel at times and my wish is our books the stress to calm series help many with their mental health, wellbeing & stress management at home & work, life doesn’t have to be as tough, try our stress to calm tools to feel & see the difference
So the next 3 books with my co-Author Janey Lee Grace are Stress to Calm in 7 minutes for Lawyers, then for teachers & nurses too…..
7. What bit of advice would you give your younger self starting out?
Do not get married, ask for help, say when somethings wrong, do not be a workaholic. Read divorcing a narcissist.
8. What brings you to be doing what you’re doing today?
After studying for a degree in Sports Science at the University of Brighton, travelled the world, in Bondi Beach, Sydney discovered Pilates exercise after suffering from back pain. It helped. Then after a major road traffic accident in Cairns, Northern Queensland, had an operation & mental health recovery & re-habilitated from the operation, then trained in London to teach Pilates & had a successful six figure business and two Pilates in person studios for 16 years in Hertfordshire and helped hundreds of clients. After the rock bottom of divorce & childbirth (nearly died). Was brave, set a goal to re-locate to Dorset & started from scratch, now teach on zoom successfully with clients gaining the same benefits.
12. Perfectionist?
I try my best.
13. If your business was a song what would it be?
Definitely chariots of fire 🔥
14. What would you like people to say about your brand when they recommend it to friends?
It’s worth it, wish they’d started younger, that yes it helps their aches & pains but it also improves the quality of life, mental health and happiness, they LOVE coming along & willing to practice daily too the tools, so they are self empowered too.
15. A gift for you:
Try a free Mindfulness Pilates taster class with me (in exchange for a testimonial) on zoom, book in here https://www.pilatestofeelgood.com/mindfulness-pilates-taster-class would love to teach, look after & inspire you
Procrastination – 10 principles to help tame this monster
‘the action ofdelayingorpostponingsomething"
The Frog or the Procrastination Monster?
We all do it. We all hate doing it and we all encourage others not to do it. So why is it so painful to get those pesky chores done. S
Big projects with lots of small tasks, small projects with a few big tasks, day to day desk admin, freeing up the diary – its all just so overwhelming! Maybe it’s just simply sorting through your inbox.
Do we Eat that Frog? Or let the Procrastination Monster prevail. Whatever the task to done or conversation to be had, we are all guilty of delaying or putting the things off that we feel are too uncomfortable to deal with.
What is procrastination?
So, that we get a better idea of why we procrastinate, let’s look at the human way of doing things naturally first.
Procrastination has naturally saved us. Yes that’s right. 100,000 years ago we were living in a completely different world. We lived to survive. Neanderthals lived in caves and only ventured out in the cold to hunt and gather.
They had to determine whether it was safe to slowly approach a giant mammoth or a hungry tiger or just go for it and race towards it? The wrong decision could mean death. Imagine you in that scenario now… Very quickly your body would start to react. Your pulse quickens and breathing gets shallow, adrenaline starts to pump and your entire body starts reacting, your body starts producing adrenaline. This is all good, your body is telling you it’s time to fight or fly. Impulsive decision maybe dangerous but a more thought out approach with a good spear and more of you could mean survival.
Pain points – fight or flight
If we replace these beasts for your ‘to do list’ whether it be family, work or personal stress we are now in the modern times. The tasks that we perceive to be stressful or we see as a pain points cause us anxiety. Our bodies are saying ‘you’re not safe, stop and walk away’
So there you have it, procrastination is an adaptive mechanism that is part of our mammalian survival instinct – fight or flight at its finest. It is meant to help us cope with stress and keep us safe.
Children hate homework, right? They hate making their beds? For some eating their vegetables at the dinner table is quite painful.
Parents enforce this with reasoning and sounding out the consequences of not doing these things. After picking the right battles the parent wins and the child feels they have achieved something not as painful as they thought. A lesson if you like on how manage and survive life as they grow up.
BUT as adults we have to manage ourselves. We have to manage our time, our workload, our families, finances and illness. We are incredible beings that deal with huge amounts of responsibility and accountability every day. Sometime we just want to do the easy bits or the things that we enjoy. However, those pain points stay on the to do list and todays stress becomes tomorrow’s and so on.
So how do we find solutions to overcoming those pain points in our everyday? Here is the good news… you don’t have to do this alone. And it’s never too late to go back to basics and rethink things.
Here’s the 10 principles to stop procrastination that we apply here at Bizzie PA.
Remove all distractions from the room – yes that’s the mobile!
Work in a decluttered space
Start by organising your tasks and prioritise – Using 1, 2, 3
Breaks these tasks down into smaller ones – Using a, b, c
Note against each task why you might delay those tasks e.g. fear, difficult to do, don’t understand the task, are you tired?
Pick two. One important task and one that you get enjoyment from doing or that’s quick and easy
Unpacking each part of the task and write the action against it.
Action plans are good for ticking things off and give a sense of achievement.
Set a realistic time to get this completed
Two solutions to get the task completed – “Delegate or do”:
i. Ask for help, be bold. People love to help each other; nobody will chastise you for saying you are stuck? In fact, they will more than likely offer more help than you need.
ii.Listen to music or set a timer for 25 minutes, take a break then repeat.
iii.The Pomodoro technique is great for time-management. For every 25 minutes (1 pomodoro) you give yourself a 5 minute break.
For the tricky tasks that are taking longer than you planned and delaying you getting on with other things... simply park them and go back to STEP 4 and redo an action plan.
Help for procrastination
It's official here at Bizzie PA we help you stop procrastinating.
We see a whole host of tasks roll in day by day. To do list, tasks and conversations that our clients don’t have time to do or simply don’t want to do. People from all walks of life who want to focus on growing their business in their expert fashion, enjoying being that expert they set out to be and feeling a sense of achievement.
By handing over work and tasks that take time, both in stress and hours, the work is guaranteed to get done and clients become less stressed.
Clients choose the amount of time they need support for – ad hoc, short or long term.
Procrastination woes are instantly eased and your investment suddenly does great things for your business.
Outsourcing is becoming more and more popular amongst busy families’ small businesses and entrepreneurs. Many of our clients are small B2B who simply don’t require employed staff and all the overhead costs that go with that.
We are always welcoming new clients and are proud that we have such professional and trusted relationships with our existing. We work across all sorts of industries and have a broad commercial knowledge ensuring that our clients have the very best service. All personal assistant services are outstanding.
As Founder of Bizzie PA, Liz Clark’s career started as international airline personnel. Working in some challenging situations against tight deadlines in a very public arena, her work ethic is to strive for customer service excellence. This philosophy has grown Bizzie PA successfully for nearly 14 years.
If you are a new Virtual Assistant or PA looking to expand, please do get in touch
Women entrepreneurs have made remarkable strides in the business world, displaying resilience, determination, and innovation. However, when faced with divorce, they often encounter unique challenges, especially concerning their businesses. Divorce is a significant life event that can have far-reaching financial implications. For women entrepreneurs, the complexities of separating personal and business assets can be daunting. In this blog, we will explore the unique challenges faced by women business owners during divorce proceedings and provide valuable insights on how to navigate the financial implications effectively.
Business Valuation:
In most cases, businesses and their value are included within the assets to be shared within the divorce settlement, even if one spouse has never been involved in the business. If the business is considered a marital asset, it will be subject to division between the spouses. One of the primary challenges women business owners encounter during divorce is determining the value of their business. Business valuation methods can vary, and it's crucial to choose the right approach tailored to the specific type of business. Factors like revenue, assets, intellectual property, and market trends must be meticulously analysed. Engaging financial professionals with expertise in business valuation can provide an accurate assessment.
"Divorce can have significant financial implications for women business owners. It's essential to assess the value of the business accurately and fairly. Proper evaluation is key to ensuring an equitable division of assets."
Protecting Business Interests:
Safeguarding the business is paramount. Legal documentation plays a pivotal role in protecting a woman's business during divorce proceedings. Having well-drafted contracts, partnership agreements, and clear ownership records can prevent disputes and streamline the division of assets. Updating these documents regularly ensures that the business's interests are protected, even in the event of a divorce.
"One common challenge women face during divorce is maintaining the stability of their businesses. It's vital to plan ahead and seek legal advice to safeguard your business interests. Collaboration with financial experts can help assess the business's value and determine the best strategies to protect it." - Lucy Hart, Family Law Solicitor and Director of Sinclair Law.
Spousal Support:
Women business owners may be concerned about the financial obligations related to spousal support. During divorce proceedings, the court considers the financial contributions of both spouses to the marriage. It's vital to maintain detailed financial records, clearly showcasing the business's income, expenses, and profits. This transparency helps in negotiating fair and just support terms, ensuring the sustainability of both parties’ post-divorce.
Tax Implications:
Divorce can have significant tax implications, particularly when dividing assets or selling the business, such as capital gains tax. Women business owners should consult with tax professionals to understand the tax implications of dividing assets, selling the business, or transferring ownership. Proper tax planning can minimise the financial impact of divorce.
Planning for the Future:
Post-divorce, women business owners need to reassess their business goals and financial strategies. Creating a solid business plan, revisiting financial projections, and exploring growth opportunities can help rebuild and strengthen the business. Additionally, seeking financial advice to manage personal finances and investments is crucial for long-term stability.
Whilst you cannot prevent your business interest being included in a divorce settlement, you can protect your business in a divorce in the following ways:
A Post Nuptial Agreement or Separation Agreement which can ringfence business assets and may help to limit acrimony in the future;
Keep the household finances separate to the company as this can assist on a practical basis;
Sacrifice other assets as part of the overall divorce settlement – this is known as offsetting. It is beneficial to a spouse wanting to retain control of their business or business interest.
Lucy says, "Entrepreneurs often invest significant time and effort into their businesses, making it a deeply personal endeavour. Emotions can run high during divorce, making it essential to remain focused on the practical aspects. Separating emotions from business decisions is critical for making informed choices that will shape your financial future."
Collaborative divorce processes, such as mediation or arbitration, can be beneficial for women business owners. These methods encourage open communication, allowing couples to reach agreements amicably. Maintaining a cooperative approach can lead to more favourable outcomes for both parties involved.
Divorce can be a challenging journey for women business owners, but with the right legal guidance and financial planning, it is possible to navigate the process successfully. By approaching divorce with a strategic mindset and seeking expert legal advice, women entrepreneurs can protect their businesses and secure their financial future.
For a free 30-minute consultation visit www.sinclairlaw.co.uk or call 01625 526 222. Offices based in Wilmslow and Bramhall.
There have been several instances during this 10 month training journey to complete an Ironman triathlon (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile cycle & 26.2 mile run) where I feel there has been a strong correlation between pregnancy, so I thought I would share my thoughts….
Firstly, the most obvious similarity for me was the 9-month training journey…. similar to a 9 month pregnancy. It felt like I was counting down the weeks similar to pregnancy and blocks of training, similar to trimesters! I feel that the Ironman training felt longer than the 9 months pregnancy especially when I added an extra month on after the first 9 months didn’t quite go to plan!
The tiredness and fatigue
Ironman training: Training 15+ hours week in/week out whilst juggling four sources of employment, looking after the house, being Mummy and getting the kids to all of their activities and trying to keep sane was tiring…. At times I would lay on the lounge floor after a training session and not move for a good 30-60 minutes as I was that fatigued!
Pregnancy: Growing humans inside you is tiring – I remember when I was pregnant with our twin girls there were times that I couldn’t stay awake past 8pm, having slept 11 hours the night prior and having had a “Nanna nap” during the day!
The hunger
Ironman training: I love food but there were times in this journey I just couldn’t face eating any more as I just felt like I had been eating constantly all day! Bananas, peanut butter, oat cakes, cereal, bagels, yogurts and apples were my staple…and I could eat loads of them and still not feel full!!
Pregnancy: “Eating for two” – I certainly did that and more! I recall waking up in the night hungry at times when pregnant and having a protein shake at 3am to keep me fuelled!!
The aches and pains
Ironman training: I would be lying if I said I didn’t have any aches and pains in this journey – it is inevitable, surely?? There were some days where the aches and pains made me very grumpy and even a hot Epsom salt soak in the bath didn’t make them disappear! What did help them was regular massage from either Andy of Resolve2Run or Diksha of FixMe. I also had a fantastic stretch session with Michelle Moran which I highly recommend.
Pregnancy: The back, the cankles and the boobs! Everything hurt at some point during the pregnancy journey!
The emotional roller coaster
Ironman training: Some days training would go to plan, other days it wouldn’t – this could be due to a variety of reasons; tiredness, children requiring my attention, hormones, fuelling, mechanical issues with the bike. When things don’t quite go to plan this can affect my mood and desire to want to continue on the journey which would be reflected on my parenting style.
Pregnancy: The anticipation of waiting for scans to ensure that everything is OK is tough, “scanxiety” is a thing and the emotions that go with this are intense.
The “never again”
Ironman training: The countdown and wanting to finish the training for Ironman Wales was real…. It was taking over my life and I needed some head space from it. To then have the experience I did in Wales and not finish was brutal. I was honestly ready to sell my bike and never get on the start line of a Triathlon again….But I did, 6 weeks later!
Pregnancy: I actually was very “lucky” with my first pregnancy that I didn’t have any major complications and had a very straight forward birth and was home 2 hours later having breakfast! To fall pregnant again 6 months later and this time with twins – we both agreed “never again” after that pregnancy!!
The “shopping lists!”
Ironman training: 10hr+ of exercising takes some fuelling and some equipment to get you round it…. There were constantly lists of nutrition products that needed topping up and/or bits for the bike which would potentially gain me some time or make my experience my comfortable. It’s certainly not a cheap pastime!
Pregnancy: The hospital bag list, the coming home list, the sleeping comfortably and safely list, the getting out of the house list and the list of lists! Much of pregnancy was spent writing lists of “things” that would help our lives during pregnancy and once the mini Goslings had arrived…. I do love to write lists though!
The support network
Ironman training: This journey wouldn’t have been possible without my support network – my husband, my children, my parents, my siblings, my coach, my friends from the Triathlon Club and anyone who supported me via social media/WhatsApp messages. All of this support was very much needed and relied on.
Pregnancy: For our first pregnancy we joined the local National Childbirth Trust group which was a godsend to have a support network of expectant parents. When pregnant with our twins I sought out the local Twins Club and this became a life line during pregnancy and once the twins were born.
Being surrounded by people experiencing similar things in their life to you at the same time as you is invaluable.
The post event emotions
These emotions were so similar for both journeys:
Proud
Exhausted
Unable to sleep
Hunger on a different level
Post event “blues”
Surreal realisation of what my body had just achieved
Posted By Karen Livingstone, Marketing Consultant,
07 November 2023
Unpacking Their Value for your Small Business Social Media Planning
In the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing, we are all constantly seeking creative ways to engage with our audience and boost our brand visibility. One strategy that has gained popularity in recent years is using awareness days, also known as national or international observances or holidays as part of social media content planning. But are these awareness days just hype, or do they offer genuine value to small businesses? Let’s take a deeper look into this topic to understand their potential impact on your social media strategy.
The Power of Awareness Days
Awareness days are designated occasions that draw attention to specific causes, issues, or themes. They vary from the well-known International Women’s Day and Earth Day to more niche observances like National Coffee Day or National Pizza Day. These days offer several benefits for small businesses:
1. Content Relevance: Awareness days provide a timely opportunity to create content that resonates with your audience. Aligning your social media posts with relevant days can make your brand more relatable and engaging.
2. Trend Relevance: Joining the conversation on trending topics can help your content gain more traction. By participating in awareness days, you can tap into existing online discussions and reach a broader audience.
3. Showcasing Values: Many awareness days revolve around social or environmental causes. Participating in such observances can showcase your business’s values and commitment to making a positive impact.
The Potential Downsides
While awareness days offer several advantages, it’s crucial to consider the potential downsides before diving in headfirst:
1. Oversaturation: Some days have become so popular that they risk oversaturation. Your content might get lost in a sea of similar posts unless you find a unique angle to stand out.
2. Relevance: Not all awareness days will align with your business. Posting on unrelated days can come across as disingenuous or opportunistic. It’s vital to select the ones that resonate with your brand and target audience.
3. Planning Challenges: Keeping up with awareness days can be time-consuming. Small business owners often have limited resources, so planning and creating content for numerous days can be overwhelming.
Maximising the Value of Awareness Days
Here are some tips to ensure you don’t fall into the hype trap:
1. Content Strategy: Prioritise the days that align with your brand’s values and resonate with your audience. Develop a content strategy that outlines how each awareness day fits into your overall social media plan.
2. Creativity: Instead of simply acknowledging the day, find creative ways to participate. Share unique stories, create engaging visuals, and provide valuable insights related to the observance.
3. Consistency: Don’t limit your engagement to awareness days alone. Maintain a consistent social media presence throughout the month. Awareness days should complement your regular content, not overshadow it.
4. Measure Impact: Use analytics tools to track the performance of your awareness day posts. This data can help you assess the actual impact of these observances on your brand’s online presence.
5. Quality Over Quantity: Focus on a select few awareness days that genuinely matter to your audience. It’s better to create high-quality, meaningful content for a few of the days than to participate in many with shallow posts.
So, in my opinion, awareness days are not just hype. They can be valuable tools for a small business owner looking to enhance their social media strategy. However, the key lies in strategic planning and thoughtful execution. By aligning your content with the right days and consistently delivering meaningful messages, you can use these days to boost your brand’s visibility, connect with your audience, and showcase your business’s commitment to important causes. Remember, it’s not about the quantity of awareness days you participate in; it’s about the quality of your engagement.
If you need help with planning out your monthly content, why not consider booking a Social Media Content Planning Session with me over Zoom? Email me at karen@littleacornmarketing.co.uk for more information.
Posted By Cate Caruth, Founder and Director,
27 October 2023
Why do I have to juggle so many different people to set up a website?
This is it – the time has come. You’ve decided it’s time to upgrade your website from a self-built template site to something built by a professional. Fantastic!
So, you hop online and search for someone who can build your website – and what do you discover? That you don’t need a ‘someone’, you need a collection of someones.
Web developers, web designers, graphic designers, copywriters, site hosting, domain hosting…. Who are all these people and why can’t you go to one person to do it all?
It all comes down to skill-sets
When you look at a website (any website) it will always seem as if you are looking at a single entity, but in fact a website is made up of different elements.
There are the words, images and videos – known as the content. A content writer (such as Creative Words) will help you create that.
There is the design – colours, styles, branding and so on. A graphic designer (or a web designer, who is a graphic designer specialising in websites).
There is the technical functioning of the site – when you click on a button, where does it take you, for example. That’s what the web developer does.
There is its presence in the online world – so that when you type www.name-of-my-website.co.uk in a browser bar, your website loads and can be viewed by visitors. This is ‘hosting’ of your site.
And there is the name of your website – your domain
Add them all together and you have a website. This is quite a simplistic overview, by the way, so don’t shoot me if you are an expert in this field because I didn’t go into lots of detail and mention HTML and JavaScript and CSS and the like.
Each of those elements requires skills and talents which are quite different from each other. The web-developer is an expert at coding, the graphic designer knows all about colour balance and contrast. The site hosting expert knows about server capacity and data security. And we, as your content creator, know about words and how to string them together in engaging ways.
Is there a one stop shop?
Well yes…. And no….
I’ve yet to find one individual who can write cracking content, create a fabulous looking design, build it so it is technically whizzy and then manage the hosting and updates.
But there are companies which will offer a complete package. No one person will do it all within that company – it just means they will do all the project management and juggling.
Or, of course, you can find someone to work with who can play well with others and do all the co-ordination so you don’t have to.
Guess what we do at Creative Words
The concept of Content Alchemy is a ‘done-for-you’ content creation service. So, if you come to us asking for a website, we can help.
We’ll work with you to figure out what content you need, help you decide on the pages, and then create the content. We can also find great images to go with your written content, as well work with ones you’ve provided and make sure they are the right size. We can even help you put together videos that you can use on the website.
Then we’ll bring in a graphic designer we know and trust to design the site so that it matches your branding. Don’t have a brand? No problem, she can do that too!
And we’ll work with one of our trusted web developers who can take the design and content and build the site, arranging for it to be safely hosted and launched onto the internet.
We manage the process, so you don’t have to – and we’ll explain what is going on throughout, in as much or as little detail as you feel you need.
Want to find out more about how we can help you launch your website? Contact us for an initial call.
Menopause is a transformative phase in a woman’s life and it’s not just about physical changes. It can be an excellent opportunity for personal growth and self-expression – something I am all for at any stage of life!
As hormonal shifts occur, our bodies can change too, making our personal style potentially shift too.
If you are welcoming menopause and unsure what this means for your personal style, or if you’re feeling unsure how to make your wardrobe work for you, here are some tips.
Embrace comfort
Now is the perfect time in your life to embrace comfortable clothing. Menopause can bring hot flashes, and with this we don’t want to be wearing fabrics that stick and make us feel uncomfortable. I recommend looking for breathable and loose-fitting clothing excellent choices. There are even brands like Become Clothing and Fifty One Apparel who have created comfortable, professional and activewear clothing that is specifically designed to tackle these symptoms.
If you are someone that steers clear of loose fitting clothes or the clothes that tend to be more on the relaxed side, look for fabrics that complement the change in temperature but still feel right for your personal style. For example, for some a pair of jogging bottoms and a tee are their idea of heaven, however, you can still feel comfortable in a linen dress, wide legged trousers and a cotton blouse.
Don’t be afraid to play bold
At this stage in your life, I want to challenge you to really embrace bold, confidence-boosting styles! If you haven’t done this before, now is the time. Oftentimes, once the ups and downs of the perimenopause hormonal changes have left, you may find yourself with a new sense of self-assuredness and confidence. This is the perfect time to experiment with bolder make up choices, accessories and hair styles!
Play with those colours and bolder ideas to really show off your new confidence and next stage in your life.
Time for a wardrobe revamp?
This is the perfect time to declutter and revamp your wardrobe. As your body evolves, certain pieces in your wardrobe may no longer serve you and your needs. Get rid of them now, and let your wardrobe breathe. You may want to look at different styles and shapes for your body to boost your confidence even further. Adding pops of colour to add even more joy to your outfits to step out in.
Embrace the change
While menopause is a big change in our lives, it is time to embrace the change and let your style evolve along with it.
Now is a great time to try out new styles and see what the next stage in your life can look like. Look for inspiration from other women who are at this stage in their lives, and see which styles they wear. The likes of Goldie Hawn, Helena Bonham Carter, Diane Keaton and Cate Blanchett all fall within the age range of menopause for women, and have a varied sense of style.
If you are heading into this part of your life, and you’re unsure what this means for your style, I’d love to help.
Posted By Sally Inkster, Brand Specialist,
12 October 2023
When You Want To Grow Your Business!
Know that, to succeed in a busy marketplace, it requires that you are visible and for your followers to identify with you (aka your brand).
The second decision is deciding to show up 100% from hereon in. Ditch the excuses and replace them with reasons to succeed.
The third decision is all about being courageous through adversity; it's going to require a new level of commitment from you that you haven't known how to create before. This applies even when it feels uncomfortable and shows little in the way of return.
Some stat's you might want to know...
20% of businesses fail in the first year and 60% will fail in the first three.
89% of B2B marketers say brand awareness is the most important goal, followed by sales and lead generation.
77% of B2B marketing leaders say branding is critical to growth.
BRANDING... It's so much more than your logo and colours...
It's the lasting impression you leave with everyone who finds you... in person or online.
I love helping!
Especially new business owners and entrepreneurs to gain clarity and confidence around their personal branding.It was only when my 3 girls become older that I found myself in a position to build a business, but boy did I struggle, nothing seemed to work or go right.
I delved into marketing, technology and social media, with little to show, before I realised I needed help from a coach, a person who had done it before.
This help gave me time and space to spend quality time with my family.
My first group of students came away with great feedback that showed that in spite of being business owners for several years, they were now able to view their business in a new way.
This new perspective encouraged creativity, energy and enthusiasm to share their product or service without feeling awkward to be the person sharing what they do.
I have connected with lots of new people which wouldn't have happened had it not been for WIBN. I highly recommend joining to help you grow your network and develop your business"
Joanna Lorente-Chapman
King's Cross Group
“Every year, the revenue generated through networking and the connections I’ve made via WIBN has increased year on year”
Anne Iarchy
Golders Green & Finchley Group
"WIBN has been integral in my business growing from strength to strength through the networking of like-minded women. I have gained business and referrals that have been profitable and had the opportunity to make connections
that have been beneficial and hopefully have been able to do the same for other members."
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