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Thursday 11 December | Nottingham Calling all freelancers, business owners, and small teams - you are cordially invited to The Small Business Christmas Party. Not getting an xmas do this year? Nope, me neither! Or at least that's what I thought when I left my job in June 2020.  One of my most favourite things as an employee was the big Christmas Party at the end of the year - and celebrating 12 months of graft with my team mates. But it all started to look a little stark on the festive shindig front when I began working for myself. Not willing to let it fly, I created one myself - and it's pretty bloody good! Now in its fourth year, it promises to be bigger and better than ever! So, if like me, you'd like to celebrate the festive season in style, with some of your favourite business buddies - get your ticket booked. Thursday 11 December | Nottingham | Tickets cost from £49. Find out everything you need to know, and book your place at  www.thebusinesssocial.uk/xmas Got an event to shout about? Share the details with our community. Contact us to find out more!

What if 'Good Enough’ could win the Marketing Game? Eleanor & Matt Hancock of Number 75 Design Calling all Respectful Rule-Breakers and Diplomatic Disruptors! We want to talk about flipping the flipping marketing script. Aren't you getting tired of the relentless pursuit of picture-perfect campaigns? It's time for a real reality check. We want to introduce you to the '75% Rule', a game-changer from Number 75 Design. This isn't your standard marketing mumbo-jumbo. This is  about getting real, raw, and (a little bit) rebellious. Because let's face it - we’re all getting tired of glossy, over-polished brand messages that are all glitter and no grit. It's time for something genuine; we’re all looking for more meaning. Ditching the Perfection Paradigm Perfection is overrated, and although 'Authenticity' is the buzzword for brands, that's where to strike gold. Enter the '75% Rule’! It's about hitting 'send' when things are real and heartfelt, before the pernickety-ness and procrastination set in. It’s about embracing those rough edges and showing the world what your brand is genuinely about - no airbrushing necessary. Why Spontaneity is Your New Best Friend We're constantly told that we 'should' batch create content and "plan ahead", but perfect planning often lacks life! Spontaneity in marketing keeps things lively and unpredictable. The '75% Rule  is your green light to jump on real-time trends, respond in the moment when inspiration strikes, and create content that feels like a conversation, not a batch-created broadcast. Play the game by your own rules, and colour outside of the lines if you want to. Feedback is Your Fuel Let's just be clear here, launching campaigns at 75% doesn't mean sloppy - it means smart. It's about putting your ideas out there, gathering real-time feedback, and tweaking on the go. It’s marketing in beta mode - always improving, always evolving, responding to what works. We like to think of it as your 'Brand Bumpers'  - as long as they're up, that ball can bounce around anywhere! The Rallying Cry So here's your permission to embrace the 75% Rule . Let's make marketing a little less about pixel-perfect and a lot more about people-perfect. Let's show the raw, the real, the relatable, and the (respectfully) rebellious! Work out what really matters to you, what lights you up, your unique POV that makes you stand out from the crowd, and focus on that. Build it and they will come. Remember, sometimes the magic happens in that 25% of imperfection. It's where your brand gets to shine, human to human, in all its gloriously unpolished splendour. Because when you're bold enough to show up as you are, that's when the real connection happens. And isn't that what it's all about? Find out more about Number 75 Design here Photography: Headshot Toby

Podcasts with Rebecca Heald In a digital world teeming with content, establishing your unique presence can be a daunting task. I had been considering launching a podcast for some time. One day, I decided to seize the moment - which transformed my professional life. In this article, I will walk you through my podcasting journey, and how my robust presence on LinkedIn made me an attractive destination for potential guests. This not only enriched my podcast but also led to an exponential increase in visibility and network growth. The Birth of a Podcast Like many, I had toyed with the idea of starting a podcast, but the apprehension of taking that first step often overpowers the desire to bring a passion project to life. Yet, I decided to stop procrastinating and make my podcast vision a reality. Casting the Net on LinkedIn Once I had my podcast concept, I needed captivating guests. That's where my LinkedIn presence came into play. LinkedIn was a platform I had cultivated for some time, and I realised the immense potential it held for connecting with diverse professionals who could bring their unique insights to my podcast. The journey began with a simple post on LinkedIn, extending an invitation to potential guests. The response was amazing. The post was met with enthusiasm and a barrage of inquiries from individuals interested. This instant resonance reaffirmed the belief I had in the strength of LinkedIn as a platform for sourcing engaging guests. Streamlining My Process With an expanding list of potential guests, I needed to manage scheduling efficiently. Enter Calendly  - a scheduling tool for guests to book interview slots seamlessly. This streamlined the scheduling process, reducing the back-and-forth that often accompanies guest coordination. Moreover, to ensure the podcast’s success, I delved into research to select the right platforms and hosting services. Initiating a podcast and cultivating a robust presence on LinkedIn were the pivotal choices that fundamentally reshaped my professional journey. Seizing the moment, leveraging LinkedIn to connect with potential guests, streamlining the process, and embracing the learning curve had a resounding impact. Not only did my network and confidence flourish, but the increasing visibility of my podcast attracted a steady stream of guest inquiries. Careful consideration led me to choose a platform that aligned with my vision and budget. The stage was now set for broadcasting episodes. Building Confidence and a Network The podcast journey was educational. It involved mastering the art of recording, editing, and promoting episodes. Although the path had its challenges, each obstacle offered a valuable lesson. With time and experience, I have become increasingly proficient in the entire process which has boosted my confidence. In addition to these newfound skills, hosting a podcast had a more far-reaching consequence - it expanded my network and my circle of professional contacts diversified. These relationships extended beyond the podcast itself, culminating in collaborations, partnerships, and enduring connections. The Moral of the Story The moral of the story is clear: don’t wait for the “perfect moment” to embark on your passion project or expand your professional network. Take the leap and seize the opportunities. By proactively establishing your presence, you can inspire others and unleash a wave of professional growth, just as I did through my podcast and LinkedIn presence. Connect with Rebecca Heald on LinkedIn. Photography: Headshot Toby

One of the things we see time and again is a successful business that has overlooked the true value of its people. We get it, you often start by recruiting people you know, like and trust. But as your business grows and more people join the team, the dynamics inevitably change and it becomes more important to have a strategy and a plan in place. So , here are our top tips: 1. Start with the end in mind You don’t have to create a fully developed people strategy on day 1, but you can develop your key principles that will guide you through your growth and provide a scalable platform for the future. After all, if you’re clear from the outset what you’re trying to create, you stand a much better chance of achieving it. So, what are these principles? What do you want your company to stand for and be known for? (e.g. purpose, vision, mission, and values) What are the key behaviours (linked to your values) that will drive ‘the way we do things around here’? Using these as part of your recruitment processes will help ensure you hire  the right type of people and develop the right company culture. Also, think about: How will people who work for you describe your company? What will they say to others about your company culture? What would they say to encourage others to come and work at your company? 2. Set up your team for success Getting the right people in the right roles is the first crucial step in success. When the company is small, it’s much easier to maintain a tight-knit team, all pulling in the same direction. But as the team grows, it’s important to be more structured and thoughtful about how you will do this. Make sure that you: Set clear expectations of success Share your vision and goals Communicate regularly Give and receive feedback Provide opportunities to allow people to grow, develop and shine Reward and recognise your team We believe this is what good HR is all about. Ultimately, HR exists to make better workplaces and what better place to start than at the beginning. Create that solid platform for future growth and start with the end in mind. This is straightforward HR! Click here to find out more about Petaurum HR Photography: Headshot Toby

Standing out in a competitive market is crucial. That’s why we’re excited to introduce “Brand You,” a personal branding podcast designed to help professionals and entrepreneurs in Lincolnshire elevate their brands. Hosted by Caz Grant of Quirq and Toby Lee of Headshot Toby, “Brand You” is your go-to resource for practical insights, expert advice, and actionable steps to enhance your personal brand. Meet Your Hosts Caz Grant of Quirq, a personal branding agency dedicated to.helping individuals shine in crowded markets. With extensive experience in personal branding and marketing, Caz crafts compelling personal brands that resonate and drive success. Toby Lee is the professional headshot photographer behind Headshot Toby. Specialising in capturing the best first impressions, Toby understands the power of visual branding and its impact on professional presence. What to Expect from “Brand You” Our podcast demystifies personal branding and makes it accessible and effective for everyone. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, career professional, or just starting out, “Brand You” provides the tools and knowledge to elevate your personal brand. Each episode covers essential topics, such as: - Understanding Personal Branding: Discover its importance in today’s digital age. - Setting the foundations: Learn what to do before you start creating your personal brand. - Content Creation: Create valuable content that showcases your expertise. - Networking and Community Engagement:   Build and leverage professional networks. - Visual Branding: Gain insights on professional photography and videography. - Thought Leadership and Authenticity: Position yourself as a thought leader and connect authentically. - Collaborations: Understand the benefits of partnering with other businesses and professionals. Join Our Community Join the Brand You community on LinkedIn to connect with like-minded professionals, ask questions, and get personalised advice from Caz and Toby. Engage with us, share your progress, and be part of a supportive network dedicated to personal branding success. Tune In to “Brand You” Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your business and life through effective personal branding. Tune in to “Brand You” and let us guide you through building a powerful personal brand. We’re excited to bring “Brand You” to the Lincolnshire business community. Click here to watch / listen to the Brand You podcast on your preferred platform.

I first experienced coaching in 2010 after being promoted into a very demanding and highly scrutinised leadership role. It was invaluable, and to this day I use all I learnt about myself. In leadership, self-awareness is key. Coaching provides it in abundance. Stepping out of the day to day, working with someone on how you think and your professional priorities is invaluable and liberating. I felt super productive with a clear actionable plan. My decisions felt absolutely right because my coach made sure they were, by asking me the right questions and challenging me when necessary. That’s what I love to provide to clients: a personalised, bespoke experience that’s purposeful and valuable. My clients leave feeling lighter, excited, highly motivated and determined. My interest in people and behaviour is engrained and evident from my pre-teen years, my academic subject choices, my degree and my 26-year career. I qualified as a Workplace Coach in 2013 and completed my Executive Coaching and NLP qualifications. I coached regularly to build my experience, launching my business in 2019. One to one: I work with busy, time poor executives and leaders with a growth mindset, who want to invest in themselves to be the best they can be, to learn, grow and improve, to lead themselves, their teams and ultimately their organisation's in the best way possible. I build a relationship with clients to ensure I give my best, to get their best. I partner with clients to understand their goals and visions. Personality profiling is available to work with clients and their unique qualities. The best thing you can do to build a high performing team is bring people together. Working with teams I use coaching to facilitate bespoke team days, to surface a team’s creative thinking including: Getting the best from teams based on their personality profiling. Developing an organisations values, mission and vision. Organisational priorities and ‘next steps’ action. Find out more about Nicky Dewhirst-Vickers on her website. Photography: Headshot Toby

Tick HR Solutions was founded in 2018 with a clear mission: to provide quality HR support to small businesses throughout the UK. The inspiration behind creating Tick HR Solutions stemmed from a recognition of the unique challenges that small businesses face when it comes to managing human resources. Many small businesses cannot afford in-house HR, yet they still need to ensure compliance with employment laws, create effective HR policies, and manage employee relations efficiently. Understanding the Needs of Growing Businesses: As businesses grow, their HR needs become more complex. We saw firsthand how crucial it was for these businesses to have access to expert HR support without the overhead costs associated with hiring HR staff. This gap in the market motivated us to create a service that could offer flexible, tailored HR solutions, whether on a remote or onsite basis, to fit the specific needs and culture of each organisation. Commitment to Quality and Efficiency: Our goal was to ensure that small businesses could receive the same level of HR expertise and support that larger companies enjoy, but at a fraction of the cost. By providing comprehensive HR services, including policy development, compliant contracts, handbooks, and onsite support. Tick HR helps businesses focus on their core operations, while we handle their HR needs efficiently and compassionately. Resolving Employee Issues Before They Escalate We have helped numerous businesses resolve employee issues before they escalate to tribunal proceedings, saving businesses time, money, and stress. Here’s how we achieve this: Early intervention Coaching managers Clear communication Compliance expertise Our Evolve Hub Evolve Hub is a professional learning and development service that helps businesses develop their employees and help them to achieve their business goals. Our development programmes focus on enhancing leadership capabilities, fostering innovation, and cultivating a growth mindset, which equips businesses to thrive in today’s dynamic market. Easy Access to HR Expertise Getting in touch with Tick HR is effortless. Whether you prefer email, phone, or video-call, we’re always just a click or call away. Our dedicated team guarantees same-day responses, ensuring you get the HR support you need without delay. Find out more about Tick HR here Photography: Headshot Toby

In today’s fast-paced business environment, video content is more than just a creative endeavour. It’s a vital component of a successful marketing strategy, and while some companies may promise that investing in video production guarantees an immediate boost in ROI, the reality is far more nuanced. At Dela Media, we believe that video content is powerful only when strategically aligned with your business goals. No matter how polished, engaging, or expensive, a video is not a silver bullet. Without a well-thought-out marketing strategy, even the most stunning content will not achieve its goals, even if it gets broad reach and many views. To make video content 26 efficient, it  needs to be a part of a larger, cohesive marketing strategy. It’s about creating beautiful visuals and delivering a message that resonates with your audience and drives them to action. At Dela Media, we don’t just work for you, we work with you. We value your input and collaborate closely with our clients to ensure that every piece of content we produce serves a strategic purpose and aligns with your business objectives. Instead of focusing on breaking walls between the creative team and your budget, we pride ourselves on building bridges that connect your creative vision with effective marketing strategies. We listen to your needs and work alongside you and your marketing team to provide the right tools to bring tangible results. Efficiency and cost-effectiveness are at the heart of what we do. That’s why we’ve created a versatile studio space at Sparkhouse in Lincoln, now available for local businesses and creators. Our studio is designed to produce a wide range of content, from podcasts and talking heads to tutorial case studies and short and long-form videos. Imagine creating a month’s worth of content in just one day – our space makes it possible, saving you time and ensuring a consistent, cohesive message across your marketing channels. Dela Media is all about efficiency, reliability, and delivering predictable results. We want to help bring your vision to life. We also offer clear service packages to help businesses plan their budgets effectively and achieve their marketing goals. Our structured approach ensures you know exactly what to expect, helping you make informed decisions and  maximise your investment in video content. Find out more about DELA Media Photography: Headshot Toby

If your marketing strategy is solely digital, you may be missing the mark! While digital marketing is undoubtedly powerful, direct mail campaigns offer unique targeting opportunities that should not be overlooked. Living in a digital world has led people to forget about the power direct mail has on their audience and even believe that direct mail campaigns are dying, but they couldn’t be more wrong! 84% of marketers reported that direct mail marketing gives them the highest ROI of any channel and said that direct mail results in the highest response rate. 82% of marketers said they were increasing the amount they’ve allotted for direct mail in this year’s marketing budget. So why is direct mail making a comeback? Personalisation Personalisation is the key to the success of direct mail marketing. It’s not about generic mass mailing anymore. By leveraging data and segmentation, you can build trust with your consumers. They’ll appreciate the effort you put into understanding them, leading to increased engagement. Tracking is easier than you think Assign unique codes or URLs to each direct mail piece to monitor response rates and conversions. Use analytics tools to track website visits, online purchases, or phone inquiries generated by your campaign. Analyse the data and identify areas of improvement. Optimise your future campaigns based on the insights gained from the tracking and measurement process. Showcase your brand’s personality Visual appeal plays a significant role in the success of your direct mail marketing campaign. Direct mail can be a canvas for your creativity, allowing you to showcase your brand’s personality with various formats, sizes, shapes, and styles. We can give you a million other reasons why you should consider introducing direct mail campaigns to your marketing strategy, but we wouldn’t want to bore you to tears. However, you can get in touch if you want to learn more or get the ball rolling with your next direct mail campaign. We are more than happy to help in any way we can. Visit Visual Print & Design Photography: Headshot Toby

I’m Sharon, a former police detective, now counsellor and psychotherapist. After I went through the medical retirement process after 12 years of service as a result of fracturing my spine, I experienced my own mental ill health and went to therapy for the first time. It changed my life. Fast forward to now, and I have my own thriving practice based in Lincoln city centre: Blue Light Counselling. At Blue Light Counselling, I specialise in providing integrative therapy to emergency service workers and support staff. But what I would like to introduce to you today is a new model of psychology and psychotherapy with fast, effective and long- lasting results. It’s called ‘BrainWorking Recursive Therapy®’ (BWRT). BWRT uses the latest findings in neuroscience to help anyone overcome almost all psychological problems. Imagine being able to conquer your fears, phobias, depression, anxiety and stresses that are adversely affecting your life and holding you back from reaching your full potential. Because of the scientific nature of BWRT, it is more effective and faster than many other therapies, and you don’t even need to discuss anything that you’d prefer to keep private! This therapy is used daily by the South African Police Force thanks to its ability to resolve debilitating trauma symptoms, even PTSD, where officers can return to their duties much faster and much fitter. This is also essential for the wellbeing of their officers and offers real support where it’s needed, when it’s needed. It also works exceptionally well with serving military personnel and veterans. To find out more about BWRT, visit Blue Light Counselling. Photography: Headshot Toby

As a small business, you NEED effective marketing strategies to grow. At Lincolnshire Marketing, we specialise in helping local businesses achieve measurable and sustainable growth. As the founder of Lincolnshire Marketing, here are some of my top marketing tips that you can implement today for organic growth. 1. Optimise Your Website for SEO Your website is often the first impression potential customers have of your business. Ensuring it is search engine optimised (SEO) is crucial for organic growth. Start with keyword research to identify terms your target audience is searching for. Google Trends and Semrush are great tools for this. Then, incorporate these keywords naturally into your content, meta descriptions, and headers. Additionally, ensure your site is mobile-friendly and has fast load times to improve your search engine ranking. Remember, more and more people are viewing sites on mobile devices. 2. Leverage Social Media Social media platforms are powerful tools for engaging with your audience and promoting your brand. Identify which platforms your target audience uses most (I call this fish where the fish are) and focus your efforts there. Consistent posting, engaging content, and interaction with your followers can significantly increase your reach. Utilise tools like Hootsuite, Buffer or TomCRM to schedule posts and analyse their performance. 3. Create High-Quality Content Content marketing is an excellent way to attract and retain customers. Start a blog on your website where you can share valuable information related to your industry. Where possible, use video and embed this into blogs. This not only positions you as an expert, but also improves your SEO. Aim to provide solutions to common problems your customers face, share case studies, and offer insights into your business practices. 4. Build an Email List Email marketing remains one of the most effective ways to reach your audience. It’s data that you own. Encourage website visitors to subscribe to your newsletter by offering a valuable freebie, such as an e-book or discount code. Regularly send out informative and engaging emails to keep your audience informed about your latest products, services, and promotions. Use platforms like MailChimp, Constant Contact or TomCRM to manage your email campaigns effectively. 5. Utilise Video Marketing Video content is incredibly engaging and can help convey your message more effectively than text alone. Create short, informative videos that showcase your products, explain your services, or provide industry insights. Share these videos on your website, social media channels, and YouTube to reach a wider audience. Video creation tools like Canva or Capcut can help you produce professional-looking videos without breaking the bank. Simply add subtitles and use the features in the platforms (like YouTube Shorts and Insta Reels). 6. Invest in Local SEO If your business relies on local customers, local SEO is essential. Claim your Google My Business listing and ensure all information is accurate and up-to-date. Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews, as these can significantly impact your local search rankings. Additionally, ensure your business is listed in local directories and that your name, address, and phone number (NAP) are consistent across all platforms. 7. Monitor and Analyse Your Efforts Finally, continuously monitor and analyse your marketing efforts. Use tools like Google Analytics to track website traffic, social media insights to gauge engagement, and email marketing software to see open and click-through rates. Regularly reviewing these metrics allows you to understand what works and what doesn’t, so you can adjust your strategies accordingly. Implementing these tips can help you achieve organic growth affordably. At Lincolnshire Marketing, we are dedicated to helping businesses in Lincolnshire thrive through tailored marketing solutions. For more personalised advice and support, see Lincolnshire Marketing. Photography: Headshot Toby

You have less than a couple of seconds to make a first impression. After that? Well, it’s an opportunity missed. Whether you have a shop, offices, warehouse or vehicles each one is a cost-effective way to brand and market your business, if done well. You shouldn’t see your signs or livery as simply a piece of information. But rather use each opportunity to communicate with new, existing and potential customers. The opportunities are endless, once you start looking. Look at the sign over your business, not as just a piece of information, but as a statement of your brand. There are lots of material options available and working with a good sign company means you don’t have to settle for a run of the mill sign, but one that will help you stand out in what is a highly competitive climate. Different finishes and materials are all available, so it’s worth investing the time to think about the look and feel that you want and discussing these options. Internally, you have even more options available. Think digitally printed wallpapers, logos cut from a wide range of materials, clever use of discrete LED lighting, (which is more accessible than ever), branding touch points like reception counters, desks and display units. These all add to the brand of your business. There’s also such a wide range of finishes available, it’s possible that maybe a piece of furniture you thought about replacing, could be refurbished at a fraction of the cost. All of these options apply equally to every business, but if you have a large site, wayfinding might be something you need to consider. If you walk around your site and look at it not through your own eyes but that of a stranger, how will they use the site? Often - and again this applies almost everywhere - less is more. Keep visual clutter to a minimum, as the more information you try to convey the less the information is seen. Remember the first impression rule. You only have seconds so make the message stick. Lastly, good signage doesn’t have to break the bank. For sure, you can have the most elaborate materials and techniques, but it might not be needed. Engage a good signage company and they will advise on the most appropriate materials to suit your business, your premises and your budget. The possibilities are endless. Find more about Allen Signs here Photography: Headshot Toby