Blog Archives - Page 8 of 8 - Connect Consultancy

Reciprocal Marketing – What’s not to Love?

April 4, 2016May 12, 2021
by kim

Reciprocal Marketing is not just another clever marketing trick it’s a proven fact in social psychology. It’s an automatic reaction to repay that favour by responding to positive or kind actions by others with a positive or kind action yourself.

It can work in business as well as in your personal life and it’s probably something you are already doing. You can start encouraging a positive response in others and create brand loyalty for your business just by being open, friendly and welcoming in your networking.

With the increasing use of content marketing and social media it is now much easier to use the Rules of Reciprocity to your benefit.

‘Doing Your Bit’. Top Tips for Effective Corporate Social…

March 9, 2016December 15, 2016
by kim

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is not a phrase that I like. In fact I would like to take the ‘Corporate’ out of Corporate Social Responsibility altogether.

However in the absence of any other meaningful phrase I refer to CSR, by which I mean responsible business practices for any company, large or small.

Are SME’s Missing Out?

Traditionally it has only been the large ‘corporate’ companies that have a structured approach to CSR working with organisations such as Business in the Community. Their list of the top performing companies includes the likes of Dairy Crest, Carillon and M&S.

Yet I believe many Small and Medium Sized Businesses (SME’s) could be missing out on an opportunity. Not because they are not operating as a responsible business but because they don’t think about it holistically or shout about it.

Companies that go the extra mile to think about their employees, the environment, their community and supply chain activities are well placed to differentiate their business and improve their profile and reputation.

What’s Your Motivation for Self-Employment?

February 23, 2016May 12, 2021
by kim

As someone who occasionally struggles to find her ‘inner entrepreneur’ it’s great to hear other women share their business start-up journeys and find out what’s their motivation for self-employment.

I recently took part in some research at Women in Rural Enterprise (WiRE) about training needs for female entrepreneurs.

Nine of us gave up a few hours on a wet afternoon, tempted only by the promise of a cream tea from Lily’s Vintage Tearoom. We were really there of course to support an organisation that has helped countless women realise their business dreams with local networks, events and online resources at www.wireuk.org.

Energy, Enterprise and a Little Bit of Magic

January 22, 2016May 12, 2021
by kim

The Telford & Wrekin WiRE group is always top of my list for relaxed networking with a lovely group of friendly and inspirational ladies prepared to help each other and share our thoughts, tips (and fears).

Our guest speaker on this cold and frosty January morning was Careena Fenton of Picklelily Circus who introduced herself as a children’s entertainer. But as Careena began to share her story we realised there was much, much more to this engaging, entertaining and fascinating lady.

Top 10 Tips for Effective Networking

January 5, 2016May 12, 2021
by kim

I could be described as a serial networker, perhaps I just enjoy being out and about but I truly believe that people do business with people they like, particularly in smaller companies when you get the chance to meet the decision maker or influencer. And if you don’t get out and meet new people how are they going to find about you?

But are all networking meetings the same? No definitely not, there are different groups for different people, you have to experiment and find three or four key groups that really work for you. I don’t enjoy the strong sales and recommendation groups but I know others that have attended local groups for years and done very well out of them.