Tag: business tips

Learning as you go… The new way forward

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I know I’m not alone when I say, this new way forward, for a large majority of us, will see us “winging it” to start with.

The Coronavirus has thrown so many industries into disarray and knowing how to move forward while we wait on details from the Government about funding doesn’t make the process any easier or any of us an expert in what to do!

However, what we do know that with a few simple steps, the process can be a lot easier.

Firstly, take everything one day at a time. The expectations that we are to achieve just as much, if not more than “B-C” (Before Covid-19) isn’t a fair reality.

If you’re fortunate to still have employment, check in with your team, your boss at least once a day, even if it’s via email or text. If you’re feeling anxious, let them know. These are uncertain times we’re facing and if you need support there’s Beyond Blue and Head to Health. 

If you’re running your own business and trying to keep everything afloat, now might be the time to start with lists, we love TRELLO for a good list creation, you can invite others to see what’s due when and create different boards for different components of your business. Remember now is the time to work smarter, not harder!

If you’ve had to close your business, but still want to keep your company front of mind with your customers we have created a series of lists, for download for you to use to hit the ground running, we’ve currently got lists for:

  • General Retail
  • Gardeners
  • Hairdressers
  • Physiotherapists
  • Cleaners
  • Travel Agents
  • Musicians
  • Creatives /Freelancers
  • Podiatrists
  • Early-childhood educators
  • PLUS MORE!

To get your copy of a list that’s applicable to your industry, click here. 

Remember, no one is an expert of how to deal with business during Covid-19, we’re all just doing the best we can. That’s all ANYONE can ask.

If we can be of assistance, in any way, even if it’s just to chat, please contact us. 

Branding Basics

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Recently we offered our tips on branding basics via our Instagram account

Here’s a breakdown of the tips we shared.

  1. Don’t paint yourself into a corner – choose a name and colour scheme that will allow you to grow!

    Research online and check if anyone has registered any of your shortlisted business names.
    Look at different colour schemes of other businesses online and see how it might work for your business.

  2. Do your research into branding and #ip (intellectual property) legal obligations. 📝
    Speak to industry experts about your obligations and rights in relation to branding. 🖊
    By taking these steps you’re well on the path to MAKING IT HAPPEN!
  3. EXPERIMENT! 🌈
    Hold a focus group with close family and friends.
    📝
    Get their thoughts on logos, tag-lines and your short list of brand names.
    🙏🏻
    Take the feedback into consideration and use this to move forward.
    If you’re able, try and ask potential customers.
  4. Whatever you decide for your branding, make sure there’s an obvious synergy between it and your business. 💬
    You don’t want to spend time explaining your branding name or choices when you could be working on securing new opportunities!
  5. Think of your brand as a person – Blonde 👱🏼‍♀️brunette or👨🏽 older👴🏻?? 👲🏾👳🏾👩🏻‍🎤👨🏼‍🍳
    Who would purchase from you?
    What’s their job title, their family situation? Additionally, think about the future and the implications of selling a business and handing your name over to someone else.
  6. Once you’ve chosen a name, colour scheme and have a #branding guideline document (if you don’t have one of these we have some fabulous contacts who can help!) you’re on the way to building your business! 🖊
    But where to next??
    🙋🏼
    That’s where a public relations campaign will help generate awareness of your business, your products and/or services. 📌
  7. Make sure your workspace reflects your values. 🖊
    Especially if you intend on hosting clients, make it a welcoming place. If you’re working from home choose a cafe or restaurant that sets the standard you want your business to reflect.
  8. Is your name readable? Choose a font that’s easy for people to understand and decipher. There are few things worse than trying to spell or explain your brand name to someone. 🖊
    Another reason why it’s important to get feedback on your final version of your logo.
  9. When you think about Sydney as a “brand” what do you think of?
    The harbour?
    The coat hanger – our iconic bridge?
    The Opera House?
    〰
    When you’re developing your business brand, consider the elements you want to be remembered. ➰
    Try and work these into your brand name, tagline, colour scheme! ⤵️
  10. Never underestimate the value of a professional!
    They’ll help define and “shape” your brand logo, any graphics and documents you require. 🖊
    We have a range of graphic designers that we call on for our own work and that of our clients. 🖊
    If you need a referral, let us know. We’re always happy to connect you with one of our fabulous service providers.

Contact us today to see how we can help your branding needs

Why *where* you meet is as important as who you’re meeting

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Most of us will have been in the situation where we’ve met someone, a potential client or colleague even family or friends at a location that just isn’t right.

Remember how that made you feel?

That’s why, whenever I ask to meet someone I always like to meet somewhere where the service is nothing short of A+, the variety of food and beverages can cater to whatever situation, so coffees in the morning that can extend to morning tea or even lunch if I need to spend longer with a client and the venue *must* be in a central location that’s easy to access for everyone.

Recently, I had a meeting in the city and told my followers via Instagram Stories that the location was one of my all time favourite locations to meet when I’m in the city.

Why is this location one of my favourites?

Beyond the reasons listed above; there’s a WOW factor, the subtle lounge music that’s playing softly in the background, the ease of parking or access via public transport and the fact that it’s in a location that’s easily recognisable, even if you aren’t overly familiar with the CBD, you can find this place in an instant!

Now, before you’ve even met with a potential client or whoever it is you’re meeting, remember you want them to feel at ease and confident they can reach the meeting destination without any difficulties.

So where you meet, is as important as who you’re meeting.

Tell me, where do you like to meet?

Do you want to know my preferred meeting places?  

Fill in the form below and I’ll email you my list of top places to meet in Australia.

How to catch up after a break

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So recently I was on leave for a dear friend’s wedding.

While I was keeping an eye on things during my “leave” the inbox I returned to wasn’t the one that I left.

With numerous subscription emails, emails from clients and then a few from friends to deal with I thought I’d share a few of my tips that helped me get through the jungle that was my inbox.

  1. Prioritise – Quickly scan through your emails and see what has to be dealt with as a priority. Create folders if that helps and put emails in folders accordingly
  2. Delete – Any subscription emails that really aren’t relevant, just delete.
  3. Email your clients – As soon as you’re back on deck, send your clients / customers / colleagues an email notifying them that you’re back on deck and making your way through emails and you’ll be in touch regarding their initial email shortly.
  4. Friends last – Sorry, I know this really isn’t ideal, BUT it will give you something to look forward to at the end of the day or as soon as you’ve completed all your other tasks.

So there you have it.

A few quick and dirty tips to help you manage your inbox.

Good things…

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Words of wisdom:

Don’t rush your tasks, tell your manager / superiors / clients the amount of time the task will take and if you find that it’s taking longer, notify them immediately to rework the timeline.

 

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Blogging for Business

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Have you always wanted to write a blog for your business, but you’re not sure where to start?

Why not take some inspiration from those who have been awarded the Best Business Blog title for 2016 by SmartCompany.

All it takes is an idea, a blog hosting site and you’re ready to go. Share the content with your customers via electronic newsletter or promoting it in store.

Pursuit Communications can assist your business with its blog, electronic newsletter or social media profiles – contact us today to discuss. 

 

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