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  • Find Your Tribe: The Importance and Value of Social Connection

    The Little Book of Small Businesses After working within the design and print industry for over 19 Community Partnerships years as a Graphic Designer, the global pandemic lead Polly down an independent path. Raven Design Co. was founded in 2021, a Graphic Design Company based in the heart of uphill Lincoln. In the same year, she set up a publication called ‘The Little Book of Small Businesses’, which is a seasonal magazine showcasing a wide variety of local businesses throughout Lincolnshire, with a readership reaching from Brigg down to Stamford. The publication was founded at a time when hobbies and side-hustles became new and exciting independent businesses, and the ‘Little Book’ offers such businesses a platform to promote themselves, plus a resource to discover other like-minded entrepreneurs. Thus creating a community of talented independent businesses who collaborate, create events, workshops and classes/courses together for mutual benefit. Polly Fotheringham from Raven Design Co. Jumping in to start my own business was a real learning curve. Becoming every ‘department’ a larger company would already have, but on the shoulders of one person can be a bit daunting. For others in this situation, I would recommend finding a community of like-minded individuals that you can regularly meet up with and discuss ideas. This is a great way to gain advice, boost your self confidence and alleviate overwhelm. Also, the regular connection with similar minds is great for your mental health and can lead to new opportunities and collaborations! Finding people who share the same values as yourself, or who inspire and encourage you, will bring so many positives, leading to higher self esteem and empathy, lowering anxiety levels. It also provides you with a sense of identity, and enables you to learn new skills. Working for yourself can be an isolating experience, so feeling socially connected is more important than ever. Follow Raven Design Co. on Instagram Photography: Headshot Toby

  • Stop Being a Nice Manager: Why Kindness Beats Niceness Every Time

    Team training with One Degree and Andy Nisevic Being a nice person comes with great intent. An intent to create a cohesive team, where people feel safe and welcome, able to talk about the things that are bothering them, etc. The reality of nice has the opposite effect. When a team member approaches a nice manager for help, they’ll tell them exactly what they need to do, and where to go for the resources. Maybe even do some of the work for them. This leads to a reliance on the manager to solve problems, rather than a team capable of independent thought and problem solving. A nice leader will accept a piece of work that’s below the required standards, and finish it themselves. This results in an under-appreciation of what the standards are, and stifles that individual’s growth and development. During an annual appraisal, a nice manager focuses on where an individual has performed well and breezes through the areas they need to improve. This gives an inflated sense of progress and stunts growth. Setting them up to fail if they’re promoted. Andy Nisevic Instead, managers need to act with kindness. Kindness is having the difficult conversation with someone because they need to hear it. Kindness is telling someone they’re underperforming, helping them understand the requirements and how to improve. When a team member approaches a kind boss with a problem, they’ll ask their solution and fill in any knowledge gaps. A kind leader will hold an appraisal, providing credit where it’s due, while ensuring the individual knows what improvements need to be made if they want to fulfil their ambitions. Nice is easy. It takes no time and maintains a level of harmony. Being nice doesn’t improve anything. In fact, it can cause a retrograde in performance until the harmony becomes false and tension starts to grow. Kind is hard. It requires saying the things the other person needs to hear but doesn’t want to. Kindness creates uncomfortable situations and takes an investment in time. Kindness also creates independent, self-managing teams, who are multi-skilled and capable of high performance. Don’t be a nice leader, be a kind one instead. Connect with Andy Nisevic of One Degree Photography: Headshot Toby

  • How Work Experience Empowers Students with Additional Needs

    Do you roll your eyes when the topic of work experience is brought up? A burden, a pain, a waste of your time. Babysitting some lazy teenager for two weeks. You don’t benefit. They don’t benefit. What is the point? Work experience is incredibly important for young people with additional needs and can be a hugely beneficial process for an employer – if done properly. You will find working with special schools a bit different to mainstream. Interactions with employers are tailored to the individual. For some, that is meeting employers in school or visiting a business with classmates. For others, that could mean taking on a three-day internship. At the Lincoln Saints Federation, we are developing an extensive careers program, building work experience gradually. Connor, a student at St Francis now employed by Stokes Tea and Coffee in Lincoln Initially, pupils will take on an internal work placement. This could be in the school kitchen, reception or in a role supporting younger students. This enables them to build their independence in an environment they are accustomed to. A supported external placement is the next step. We work closely with Lincolnshire County Council and have students at the Quad Café at their offices. While they are taken out of their school, their place of safety, a member of staff supports them. Business interactions at this stage come through group visits to businesses and welcoming visitors to the school. This year we have visited multiple businesses - from printers to building sites. We’ve even had crime scene cleaners tell us about their careers. Launched this year, we also have a school café manned by students. Every Thursday morning, the DT room is transformed into a bustling kitchen, with students churning out paninis, pastas, salads, soups and more. Only once these steps are complete do students enter the world of work independently. Rather than being a week placement here or there, it is long-term and one, two or three days a week. This enables them to slowly build confidence in their role and become part of the team. One partner business has given one of our students responsibility for an inventory spreadsheet that constantly needs updating. A job nobody takes ownership of, dealt with when it has built up too much. Rather than it being a chore nobody is responsible for, it is now taken care of each week. In a café, they may have to clear and clean tables in the first instance, but as they grow and learn from others, students will start to take food out, take orders. At Stokes Café at the Lawns, Conner has been a real success story. They have given him the time he needs to build up his skills and succeed at his pace. So, the next time the question of work experience comes up, just stop before you say no and find out a little more. Are you being asked to babysit for a week, or are you being offered the chance to develop somebody with additional needs into a future employee? Click here to connect with Adam Hooker of St Francis Special School Photography: Headshot Toby

  • Why You Might Not Need to Worry About Branding (Yet)

    Tommy Atkins and the team at Identity Agency No, this isn’t some weird reverse psychology trick. If you have started a business, you have enough to do without worrying about creating the ‘perfect’ brand. But surely branding is essential? Well, here are some reasons why it might not be too important just yet. You don’t have a marketing or growth strategy in place This is something you should have before you can think about branding. Your marketing strategy will inform your brand direction (and vice-versa) as it helps to identify your market niche, competitors, target audience, and customer personas. Great branding serves as the foundation for great marketing, but it’s not something that ‘stays done’ - the best brands regularly rebrand to pivot to a new audience or better reflect their offering. You aren’t ready for branding The first few months and years of entrepreneurship teach you a lot about your business, and yourself. You will both change so much over the first year that investing in branding too soon might result in something that won’t fit your evolving business later on. Think of it as the embarrassing clothes you wore as a teenager - for me, it was skinny ripped jeans and a pair of Vans, I wouldn’t be seen dead in these now (or fit one ankle into them, thanks). The point stands - your business will change, your customers will change, and regardless of your initial branding investment, your branding will need to change too. You don’t value branding Some people think they should have branding because they hear about it a lot and assume it’s important, but don’t understand what branding is, and as such, they don’t value it. Take the time to learn about what branding is all about, particularly around how it can impact price perception and trust, and when you start to understand the role it can have in helping you grow, invest heavily. How to know if you are ready If you have a clear growth strategy and know your business, customers, and market well, it could be time for branding. Yes, our business Identity Agency, offers creative services, but there are SO many great agencies in Lincoln, like Lincolnshire Marketing, Epix Media, Shooting Star, Pop Branding and more. However, if you’re wanting some genuinely impartial, non-salesy advice about whether or not an investment in branding or marketing is right for you… Visit Identity Agency for more information Photography: Headshot Toby

  • 7 Simple Ways to Make a Brilliant First Impression in Business (That Actually Lasts)

    Ian Norton - Elite Confidence Coach As a strategic transformation coach, I work with clients on their personal and professional development. Many of my corporate clients are looking for ways to improve their business connections and inter business relationships. Particularly relevant when working with different nationalities- Americans trading with Japanese, Brits working with Swedish or Finnish, etc. We all know the expression, "You only get one chance to make a first impression", right? Well, first impressions matter in work, friendships, and relationships. Business etiquette isn't about knowing which cutlery to use, it's a skill set to put you ahead of the game, to make you stand out and be memorable for the right reasons. Greetings, first meetings, even your handshake will influence the outcome. When we meet someone for the first time, we decide if that person is someone we want to spend time with and get to know better, or if they're someone we want to avoid. And once that initial impression is made, its difficult to change it. This is because once we start to avoid someone, we are less likely to learn whether our negative impression was wrong. I am devoted to helping every client to dig deeper and try harder' to be the very ‘best' version of themselves. I don't mean just every now and then, I mean every day in every detail. I am reasonably confident that my clients would agree that I practise what I preach. I have spent a lifetime improving, refining, learning new skills and updating my own knowledge and image to project the best version of myself. I try always to lead by example. So, I am happy to share a very achievable 7-point list on how to make a best impression. Keep It Simple To keep it simple, just remember that your personal and online image needs to look professional and polished, and not over the top. Whether you like it or not, your appearance is being judged every day and by nearly everyone you come into contact with. Remember also, that many first impressions are made online and well before a face to face meeting takes place. You want to make sure your digital image and your personal image match each other and that people can tell that you are actually the same person. A filter is a wonderful thing but there is a limit and I am sure you know what l mean. 2 . Project An Image of Confidence and Success Your professional goals matter when meeting new people as much as they matter in other areas of your life. Take a moment before you attend an event to consider what type of impression you want to make, whom  you would like to meet and what type of message you want to convey, then follow through and make those interactions happen. 3. Don't Launch First If you really want the person you are meeting for the first time to like and trust you then you should practise controlling your urge to launch first. Launching into your area of expertise and accomplishments doesn't impress too many people right off the bat Ironically, one of the best ways to win people's confidence is simply to let them talk first. Your first meeting with someone is not a negotiation and you don't need to take charge of the conversation. You want to be warm, interested and engaging. Small talk is a good thing when you first meet someone you are trying to make a favourable impression on. 4. Make Eye Contact It is true that our eyes are the windows to our souls. You do however have to find a good balance between not having your window shutters closed tight but also not staring so intently that the person you are speaking with thinks you are a sociopath. Eye contact, at least in the Western world shows respect and interest. You can also show appreciation, reassurance and understanding with eye contact. There is nothing worse than having a conversation with someone who is staring out the window or constantly looking over your shoulder to see if there is someone more important or interesting to chat with. That is just plain rude! 5. Pay Attention To How Fast Or How Slowly You're Speaking Back in the '70s, researchers created over 50 synthetic voices and played them to participants at various speeds. Increasing speech rate led participants to assume the owner of the voice was more competent. The participants who listened to the slowed down tapes rated the interviewees as less truthful, less fluent, and less persuasive. Just make sure you are not talking like Piglet or Eeyore. Somewhere in the middle is best. 6 . It Is Fine To Be Vulnerable You'd think that with first impressions it pays to be as polished and perfect as possible, but experts say that showing your vulnerable side can be endearing and empowering. You need to exercise good judgement when to let your guard down but generally speaking, it is more acceptable these days to show that you are a real person and that you have career and life challenges just like the person you are speaking with. 7. In Person Is Always Better When meeting an important new contact for the first time, if at all possible try to do it face to face rather than over the phone or a Zoom. First impressions are formed differently in person versus online or by video. You can better gauge how interested someone is in what you are talking about by reading their body language. If you are in a meeting and your colleagues are fiddling with their pens, or checking their phones and watches, you know that you have to: 1) adjust the tone of your voice or 2 ) use more exciting language t o capture their attention. Likewise, if colleagues and partners are actively nodding their heads and smiling, it is clear that they are engaged with you and your message.

  • The Power of Direct Mail

    Behind the Scenes photos taken on set of a Wallbreaker video production for United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity . In today's digital age, where our inboxes are constantly bombarded with promotional emails and messages, the effectiveness of traditional marketing methods may appear outdated. However, my experience at Wallbreaker suggests otherwise. I am here to assure you that direct mail, the act of sending physical mail rather than emails, is far from dead. Let me share with you an exciting journey we embarked on at Wallbreaker. After feeling disappointed with the performance of some of our online ads, we decided to take a bold step forward. We launched our first-ever direct mail campaign, which we affectionately named the 'hamster-in-a-box. We carefully selected 30 businesses across the UK and sent them these engaging packages. Each package included a personalised letter, a video brochure, and a motorised ball that brought the package to life, creating the illusion of a hamster inside. The moving boxes immediately ignited curiosity and excitement among the recipients, resulting in an impressive 20% response rate. Out of the businesses we targeted, six scheduled meetings with us, and four of them eventually became valuable clients. These four clients entrusted Wallbreaker with a range of video projects, including TV adverts, promotional videos, recruitment videos, and even a documentary. Our 'hamster-in-a-box' experiment proved to be an invaluable learning experience. It provided us with valuable insights into effective follow-up strategies after mail delivery. This campaign served as a powerful reminder that direct mail has the ability to create a tangible touch-point with potential clients. By physically sending content through the post, direct mail stands out amidst the digital clutter. When executed innovatively and thoughtfully, it has the potential to capture attention, generate leads, and, most importantly, infuse a sense of fun into business communications. Based on these results, I firmly believe that direct mail offers a unique opportunity to connect with clients on a deeper level. It allows for a more personal and memorable interaction, setting us apart from the digital noise. By leveraging the power of direct mail, we can create lasting impressions and build stronger relationships with our target audience. In conclusion, despite the prevalence of digital marketing strategies, direct mail continues to be a valuable tool in our arsenal. It enables us to break through the cutter, make a genuine impact, and drive meaningful business outcomes. So, if you're looking to add a touch of creativity and excitement to your marketing efforts, consider incorporating direct mail into your strategy. Embrace the power of physical connection and watch as your business thrives in this ever-evolving landscape. Connect with Ash Wilks of Wallbreaker on LinkedIn Photography: Headshot Toby

  • What I Learnt About Headshots As An Actor

    Toby Lee A.K.A. Headshot Toby Until 2022, I'd never been part of the business or corporate environment and so I find I see things a little differently... with an eye for casting. My journey began in the entertainment industry, where I worked as an actor in London. I had bought a camera to make short films, but instead, I started my own business. I helped other actors bring out their true potential b y providing t h e m with cinematic and authentic portfolio photos. I view my role now working with business professionals with the same eye for casting, always exploring how a person can be represented in various ways i n just a head and shoulders photo. For actors, my photos help them get auditions for significant roles that they have been waiting for. For business professionals, a headshot can boost the profile of their job application to make a significant career move. Knowing Your Role Because were all actors in a strange way, we all have different roles to play in our lives. One moment we may be fulfilling our duties as a parent, and in the next, we could be leading an important team meeting. So when it comes to capturing a photo that best represents us, it's important to consider exactly what were trying to say, who our audience is, and how we want to be portrayed. Not every actor is suited to play the role of an evil villain, and photos of them looking menacing might not get them the right auditions. Instead, we focus on the parts they could play with authenticity. Similarly, when working with my business clients I must first establish their primary goals and motivations for needing new photos as we all have different reasons and motivators for seeking professional photos. Establishing this provides us with an external focus preventing the build u p of anxiety when in front of the camera. Knowing Yourself It can be difficult to invest in self-promotion because our self-image and our reflection can often differ greatly. It's much easier to decide were not worth it. But as individuals, it's challenging to see ourselves the way others see us. Therefore, I must create a representation that is both authentic and recognisable. By adjusting the camera's position and directing the client through different poses, we can create a range of impressions. For example, taking photos from a higher camera angle can often make individuals appear more confident and approachable. It can be a pleasant surprise for clients to see photos of themselves from angles and sides they haven't seen before and find they like it! Our Inner Child There is so much we can learn from kids about feeling confident and free in front of the camera. Now, you’re probably thinking about terrible toddlers with arms folded refusing to smile, and this can often be the case. But I am speaking more about the playful child actors I've worked with in the studio, who are fearless. In their world, there are no consequences t o having their photo taken. They smile, make silly faces, and get lost in thought, making engaging photos. As adults, we limit ourselves. Our fear of consequences stops u s from being in the moment because were always thinking about the what if. What if I don't like the photo? What if I don't look pretty? What if I'm smiling too much? Portraits that capture your personality. My photos have helped many individuals in their careers, from getting through auditio ns to landing their dream jobs. But on a deeper level, I see how my approach encourages individuals to follow their dreams. What can start as a photoshoot to support a business idea  can blossom into a fully-fledged company, or the daunting thought of changing careers can become a reality. I am here to support you every step of the way. Find out more about Headshot Toby Photography: Headshot Toby & Nicholas Dawkes Photography

  • Embarking on a Sustainable Journey

    Visual Print & Design - Commercial Printers in Lincoln In today's eco-conscious landscape, businesses are increasingly challenged to integrate sustainable practices into their operations. Here's some practical advice for businesses looking to start their sustainability journey, specifically focusing on eco-friendly printed materials and promotional items. Sustainable paper choices Regarding printed materials like business cards, flyers, and leaflets, the choice of paper stock can significantly impact your environmental footprint. Opting for eco-friendly and sustainably sourced paper demonstrates a commitment to responsible sourcing and reduces the demand for new raw materials. This small switch reduces your environmental impact and aligns your brand with eco-conscious values. Eco-conscious merchandise: A natural approach Promotional merchandise plays a crucial role in brand visibility; fortunately, numerous sustainable alternatives are now available. Consider incorporating cotton, cork, and bamboo base materials into your range of promotional merchandise. These materials not only give your products a natural appearance but are also renewable and/or biodegradable, reducing your environmental impact. Whether it's cotton tote bags, cork wireless chargers, or bamboo pens, your marketing materials remain effective, whilst being friendlier to the environment. A selection of the sustainable merchandise products available at Visual Print, Lincoln Repurposed and recycled items Exploring repurposed or recycled materials for promotional items can be both innovative and environmentally friendly. By breathing new life into existing materials, businesses can contribute to waste reduction while maintaining cost-effectiveness. Whether it's repurposed fabric for tote bags or recycled plastic for pens, these choices underscore your dedication to sustainability. A meaningful shift Taking small steps towards sustainability in your printed materials and promotional items can benefit your brand. By making mindful choices, businesses can contribute to a greener future while fostering a positive image among their stakeholders. Embracing sustainability isn't just a trend; it's a meaningful commitment that resonates with the values of a socially and environmentally conscious audience. Click here to connect with Visual Print & Design Photography: Headshot Toby

  • Stop Guessing: Tom Stansfield on Data-Driven Marketing Success

    Tom Stansfield of Lincolnshire Marketing Tom Stansfield, the founder of Legal Growth and Lincolnshire Marketing (two marketing agencies helping small businesses with predictable and measurable growth), asserts the significance of data in steering businesses towards success. In his analysis, Tom explains how data is the beacon that guides marketing efforts, highlighting its indispensable role in business strategies. A quintessential example is the use of Electronic Point of Sale (EPS) systems by supermarkets. These sophisticated systems track consumer spending and shopping habits, offering invaluable insights into customer preferences and behaviours. This data is pivotal in shaping marketing strategies and stock management decisions, ensuring that supermarkets align closely with their customers' needs. Not only that but it enables them to predict income, target customers with offers and increase revenue. Furthermore, the presence of cookies on websites is not merely for compliance; they serve as critical tools in accumulating metrics. Similarly, the digital marketing realm leverages tools like the Facebook Pixel. This powerful tool enables marketers to track website visits and gather data essential for targeted marketing. By understanding the online behaviour of potential customers, businesses can tailor their marketing efforts to resonate more effectively with their audience. These metrics are instrumental in constructing detailed buyer personas or 'brand avatars, which are central to devising more effective marketing campaigns. Without this data, businesses are essentially 'stabbing in the dark' when it comes to marketing, as Tom aptly puts it. The significance of data becomes even more pronounced when considering budget allocations for marketing. The general recommendation is to invest 10-15% of revenue in marketing. However, without efficient and strategic use of data, this investment risks being squandered. Data empowers businesses to make informed marketing decisions, ensuring that every penny spent is an investment towards reaching the ideal audience. Tom's approach to marketing is to spend as little as possible and he'll no doubt make himself unpopular with other marketers when he says that you don't need to focus on Facebook or PPC. Instead, focus on data. Tom Stansfield emphasises that with the right data, businesses can avoid guesswork and enter a domain of strategic precision. This shift is not just about saving resources but about amplifying the impact of marketing efforts, ensuring that messages reach the right ears and eyes. Tom invites businesses to embrace the power of data in sculpting their marketing strategies. He offers a golden opportunity for businesses to gain insights into harnessing this power: a free hour of marketing support. Interested parties can connect with Tom on Linkedin, reach out to Lincolnshire Marketing, or use the QR code provided below to book this session. This is an invaluable chance to learn how to navigate the vast ocean of data and use it to chart a course towards business success for your business. Click here to find out more about Lincolnshire Marketing Photography: Headshot Toby

  • Do You Have the Right Insurance for Your Online Business?

    Breathe Insurance help to ensure businesses are operating online with sufficient cover. Do you operate your business online or have an online business in addition to your physical premises in Lincolnshire? If so, it is important to make sure you have the correct insurance in place to protect you against the risks involved in selling goods and services online. What type of insurance policy do I need for an online business? The insurance you need for e-commerce should be tailored to suit your particular requirements, which will vary from business to business. Your broker will be able to advise you on the following types of cover: - Employers Liability (a legal requirement in most cases if there is more than one person working in the business) - Public and Products Liability - Professional Indemnity (including Breach of Confidentiality and Libel and Slander) - Cyber Liability Property - Business Interruption Goods In Transit     1. Importing from Overseas: If you import products from overseas, remember to notify your broker, as insurers often then classify you as the manufacturer for rating purposes.This is because it can be difficult to hold an overseas manufacturer responsible for injuries or damage that occur here in the UK. You will need to provide your broker with full details of the products you import and the quality control measures you have in place.     2. Exporting to North America: Due to US legislation and the possibility of costly damages awards, most insurers have a North America Exclusion. It is vital therefore to let your broker know if you are selling anything or providing services to customers in the USA or Canada, so that your insurer can extend your cover accordingly.     3. Drop Shipping: Contrary to common belief, if you are drop shipping, you are still responsible for the products supplied.The importer is deemed the manufacturer in the event of a claim and has a duty of care to prevent defective products being supplied to customers. Make sure your broker knows the type of products being drop shipped and what you are doing to ensure good quality control.     4. White-labelling: If you are white-labelling goods that you have bought from a wholesaler with your own company name and logo, you are potentially taking on the same product liability exposure as the manufacturer. It is therefore vital that you let your broker know if any of your goods are white labelled so that the cover can be extended accordingly. Here at Breathe Insurance we have the knowledge and expertise to help you secure the right insurance cover for your Lincolnshire-based business. Scan the QR code to find out more about Breathe Insurance

  • ''IS YOUR WEBSITE S-L-I-C-K?’'

    James from DBS Digital shares his 5 Tips to make your website the best experience for your customers Members of the team at DBS Digital Speed: Make it Fast There is nothing more frustrating than using a website that takes ages to load. A lot of people won't be willing to wait -they will just abandon it and head to a competitor. Image and video size can easily cause delays to load speed, as can inefficient website hosting, broken links and more. Carry out a page speed test to know what you are dealing with and get fixing! Language: Talk the Right Talk Always use clear language that you know your users will understand. Not everyone looking at your website will be specialists in your area and too much technical jargon can simply be off putting. Speak in a natural language that makes you approachable and more importantly fits with the overall tone of voice of your business. Also, avoid large blocks of text. People don't need to be reading essays, and large paragraphs are difficult to skim read. Break up the text into smaller, more manageable chunks and use pictures where appropriate. As they say a picture is worth a thousand words. Identify Purpose Take your time to have a true understanding of who your customers are and what they actually want from your website. Give every page a purpose and use Call To Actions (CTAs) e.g. buttons to guide a user in the direction you want to take them. All graphics, wording and CTAs need to have a specific purpose and help a user find the information they want - they should NOT be a distraction or there simply to fill a gap on the page. Consistency is Key Your style and tone of voice should be consistent throughout. Your entire website should represent your brand and sound the same, no matter who wrote the content. Use the same font, styling, brand colours and terminology throughout. In order to do this successfully, you need to establish what your brand voice is and what you are trying to convey to the customer. Once you understand this, document it in brand guidelines so that everyone in the company is on the same page. Keep it Simple Advances in technology make it easy to get carried away with fancy website designs, animation, videos and impressive graphics. However, you can have the fanciest looking website but if it doesn't explain what your business does or is simply too distracting, it will be a complete waste of effort. Contemplate the colours you use carefully. They need to match your brand but look great and be easy for customers to read (so avoid those neon yellows!). Every element of the design and where you place wording, buttons and pictures is vital; even if you think it doesn’t make a huge difference, it really does. Once you make a design change - test it and test again. Continuous testing will help you learn which elements resonate with your customers and where on the website they get stuck. Remember, it only takes 0.05 seconds for users to form an opinion about your website. What impression does your website give? Click here for a Free Website Performance Reveiw with DBS Digital Photography: Headshot Toby

  • Stay Well At Work

    Stuart Couling of developmentplus I'm Stuart, Social Enterprise Development Manager for Lincoln charity developmentplus . Over the years I've come to realise that so many employees are struggling to juggle work and life and are constantly feeling stressed or anxious. Our aim at Lumina is to target as many work places as possible offering them some Zen! Sessions, practices and tips on how to feel calm in the work place using mindfulness. We teach everything from meditation, mindful tea drinking, recognising and avoiding burn out, mindful communication and much more. There are many benefits to adding in these sessions to your work place, staff will feel more relaxed and valued, less sick days, less staff turnover, higher productivity and a better working environment. We even plan to offer work place retreats which will include a mix of mindfulness, yoga and whatever individual organisations want. It's important to offer bespoke packages so people get the most from us. My number one tip for a happy relaxed work place...be more present. Its important to be present with everything you do, doing one thing at a time and recognising when your mind takes you off elsewhere! Taking regular pauses in the day where you literally put everything down, make your favourite drink and take the time to enjoy that drink while doing nothing else. Just a few minutes is enough. It's way too tempting to drink and text, email, work etc etc. That adds to that work place frazzled feeling! It's ok to STOP and reset. Many work places now have a corporate social responsibility, to carry out business in an ethical way. Using Lumina will provide a social return. Money invested in your business's wellbeing will help developmentplus  to keep offering crucial services which help Lincolnshire's street homeless, support ex offenders to blend back in to society, help some of the most vulnerable improve their lives, promote positive mental health and much more. Find out more about developmentplus here Photography: Headshot Toby

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