Mike Leahy

Christmas lights and Parade

2011-11-24T12:17:00.001Z

Be successful with your Business.

Chugging along

2011-11-13T21:49:00.001Z

I mentioned that charity collectors are allowed to work the city centre free of charge. I totally agree that charities should be allowed to collect without being charged a fee by Swansea Council but the charity collectors, after referred to as chuggers, are paid and they can be intimidating. There have been nummerous articles about them right across the UK.

It is understood that they might earn a basic pay of around £7 per hour but can be on bonuses giving them considerably more. If they are agency employees then the agency apparently earns a percentage of the direct debit that the giver signs on the street with the charity collector.

It will be interesting to see what it costs some of these charities to have collectors on the streets. In Scotland it is understood that Shelter pay out some £3m to chuggers and gather in £11m. That is a pretty high cost and just consider how many donations they may be losing where people find themselves offended by being accosted. I'm not saying that this might be the case in Swansea but it does leave a question mark.

I see that the Evening Post posted my article last Thursday about the comparative cost of distributing leaflets in the city centre compared to other cities such as Cardiff and Newport. The council spokesman said that a fee waas charged to cover costs of controlling this activity.

Here is my response in a letter I have sent to the Evening Post. I hope they publish it.

"I do agree that it is necessary to have some control over the distribution of leaflets but why should there be such a high cost? I mentioned in my interview that both Cardiff and Newport do not charge local businesses and encourage them to advertise freely.

It is worth noting that both cities do control leaflet distribution and have guide-lines and application forms to complete. Neither charge as they told me that they consider this a valuable service to local businesses: one that they feel they should support.

Swansea council seem to seek ways to stealth tax local businesses wherever possible, and this hasn’t just applied during the recent cuts in their budgets. The charge for leaflet distribution goes back several years. I note that the Swansea spokesman claimed that charges start from £36 but this was not mentioned when I contacted the City Centre management team asking about charges. They only mentioned that charities can canvass free of charge (although I understand the canvassers are paid a commission) and certain bodies who claim freedom of speech such as political parties. It is also interesting to note that the Big Issue sellers do not pay. I was told that there is a maximum of 4 but it does sometimes feel that there is one on every street corner! I have nothing against Big Issue sellers and in fact after being around 40 years getting people on the first rung of the jobs ladder, they do a good job, but with a small city centre footprint more than two sees overkill.

Come on Swansea Council. Don’t be penny pinching skin-flints. I understand that you aren’t here to make money for local businesses but to ensure the infra-structure is there for businesses to succeed or fail dependant on their products, plans and management. How do you feel you are succeeding? Have you put in place that infra-structure?

A little bit of help would be most welcome by local independent businesses, particularly during these difficult trading times. You know that the high rents and business rates are crippling so here is your chance to help in a small way."

What do you think?

Be successful with your Business.

Sales and Marketing Success Seminars

2011-09-13T20:43:00.000+01:00

Sales and Marketing Success Seminars

Get your VIP ticket today. See bottom of page to book or call 07976 364681

JUST ANNOUNCED

With Just 10 Spots Will You Be There? Or will you let your biggest competitor take the next order from you?

Can you afford to miss a single opportunity during these difficult trading days? Stay on top and ahead with simple ideas that are tested and have proven solid gold.

Are you trapped in the same old boring marketing ideas? magazine, newspaper and radio advertising? leaflet distribution? countless e-mails? cold telephoning? Now all these ideas are good and can pull business but there are dozens of ideas that you've either forgotten or not known about. Some you'll have read about and others you'll have seen in action but have you tried them. Or did you try them when you first started but have perhaps got in a rut?

Being successful depends 99% of the time on getting the little things right. And that's what these seminars are about. If you take just 10 of the ideas that will suit your business on board then I know yo will see a marked improvement on turnover but ore importantly on profit. PROFIT is king. Without profit you haven't got a business and what is more you'll start to dig into your personal finances and this must always lead to disaster. They say "Turnover is for vanity but profit gives you sanity". Apart from sales and marketing ideas we'll be looking at other little sneaky ways to bolster profit. Ideas that the superrmarkets just love.

Some ideas included and covered in more details are:

Ideas that will make you stand out in the crowd
34 ways to use postcards to promote your business
Making an exhibtion of yourself
Simple basics of a good Press Release
The 5% + 5% + 5% formula that will make huge differences
Compelling words that produce results
Forget technology and walk your way to success
3 ideas my mother taught me about making people want to deal with you

This 2-parter seminar Sales and Marketing Success is tried and tested and has been run several times over the last 4 years. It is very fast moving, brimming with ideas, positive and motivational.

WHAT OTHERS HAVE SAID

Don't take my word for it. Here are some of the any testimonials we have received. Rachael Flanagan of Mrs Bucket Cleaning Co and the current UK Young Entrepreneur of the Year (beating over 1500 other hopefuls) said: “Mike runs great seminars. I learn new ideas about sales and marketing every time we meet and they always work”

Nick Everest of Visual360Wales said: “I found our meeting interesting and you were inspirational”

Barbara Collier of Collier Photo Imaging said: “Mike Leahy has advised myself and my staff on marketing, motivation and merchandising . . he has a world of experience and gives his time generously. I would not hesitate to recommend him to any business or individual needing to increase their turnover. His cheery smile, wonderful enthusiasm and endless marketing ideas are absolutely invaluable”

FREE WORK BOOK/Manual

The manual provided FREE to all participants is packed with simple effective ideas covered in the course so you'll want to take notes of course but the basics are written down for you.

Also there are several work sheets that will help you determine where you are now and where you want to be. These are invaluable and can be completed back at yor business. each of the 34 pages have ideas just jumping off the page. Some so simple you'll incorporate then in minutes. Some are ideas that you'll want to turn into a regular habit that will ensure you have a large bag of potential new customers.

Whether you are personally out there selling or have sales-people you'll love this seminar and the stuff you'll bring away with you to bring more sales into your business. Whether looking for new prospects or working with existing customers you'll come out with a tested and tried plan that will bring more orders. So there are basically 3 problems: finding new prospects and converting them in to customers and getting existing customers to re-order; making sure that these orders are profitable; and ensuring the customer comes away feeling that he's got a good deal; and is being looked after to the highest level.

Concerned about whether coaching and courses will work for you? Here are some comments from satisfied clients.

Sales and Marketing Success Seminars

This is a four hour feast of fast moving ideas made up of two sessions each lasting 2 hours. That is about as mch as you can assimilate at one time so by running two sessions a week apart you'll have had a chance to complete the worksheets and try ot soe ideas. You'll also have questions and there will be a forum at the end to answer your questions and listen to your successes.

HIDDEN ASSET REVIEW

This is a 26 page questionnaire designed to get you thinking about your business and what you could be doing. Usually reserved for clients who are taking coaching or consultancy this does cover simply everything that you might be doing to market your business. The cover price of £7.50 bears no relationship to the benefit you'll gain from completing the Hidden Asset Review. Once again this is free to participants in both sessions.

NOT SOLD OUT YET SO BOOK NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT

Previous seminars have had a fast take-up so book now to avoid disappoinment. Each session is just a low £49 but book both and get a further saving of £15.

To book either call 07976 364681

or click on the "Buy Now" button and pay by credit or debit card in complete confidence. If yo already have a Paypal acount it could be easier.

Be successful with your Business.

Swansea Bay TV weekend activities 23/24 July

2011-07-25T12:44:00.001+01:00

Be successful in Life.

2011-07-23T18:43:00.001+01:00

Be successful with your Business.

Business Consultancy Overview

2010-12-27T11:32:00.006Z

Be successful with your Business.

Use our range of services built up over more than 35 years. Whether you are looking to:

gain new selling skills
market your business successfully
need a health and safety review, inspection
have a disability access audit

Do listen to this short podcast
MikeLeahypromo1 by MikeLeahy

http://soundcloud.com/mikeleahy/mikeleahypromo1

2010-05-12T23:51:00.001+01:00

It's been a long time and now is the moment to get cracking again. So this is going to be about what's happening and sales and marketing ideasto get you buzzing.

Yesterday I went to Swansea College.

Today it was the launch of the Cork Ferry.

8.25 fastnet line Cork Ferry by MikeLeahy

Dinner With Industry

2009-12-22T23:37:00.002Z

Dinner with Industry was organised by the Bright Futures Society at Swansea Universitybringing students and businesses together and helping students to learn life skills and find possible work experience and potential employers. The event was really successful and organised mainly by Angharad Williams who managed to pull the whole event together with her team so that the evening went without any hitch.

Students circulated during the meal, spending time on one table for the starter, moving on to another for the main course and so on. They had the opportunity to meet and talk with several local business people.

Between courses there were speakers including Fiona Miller of Wicked Trips who spoke about her experiences in buying her business and how she is progressing since she left Swansea University in the summer. She was an inspiration to all of us. Ollie the Street Poet recited some of his work including a special poem he'd written for the night. I was honoured to be asked to speak and when did couldn't understand why Angharad kept doing some sort of winding-up movement with her arms. I obviously ignored her attempt to mime cranking up a car!

About 120 guests were present made up of around 90 students and 30 businesses.

There were a number of sponsors including Swansea University but the main sponsor was the Uplands Diner who stepped in at the last minute. They also brought along some well-know guests who all made their own donation.

I do hope that this becomes a regular event and is carried on by new committees as time progresses and that they gain some valuable experience. It would be good too if there were other meetings between the students and business people thriough the year to build up better realtions and understanding.

Here is a slide show of photos taken by Gareth Danks of Life Photography Wales who always comes up with great shots. He kindly worked during the evening before and between courses for free and I thank him for his continuing support on his second Dinner with Industry event.

Cinchast Adds an Extra Dimension

2009-11-16T18:28:00.000Z

Communications are moving at such a fast rate "I don't believe it". I remember when we had the only telephone in the road!

You have Facebook, Twitter and other social sites that give you the freedom to express yourself on one level but promote yourself and business on another. none of this was possible and practical just a couple of years ago. Just for a bit of fun I formed a Facebook Group "Boycott X Factor" last Sunday and within a week there are nealy 1000 memebers. Not as big as some groups by a long way: I didn't have a logo: and it was devised in minutes so there are several things I didn't do that would increase membership. But how could you have done that just 36 months ago?

I've now discovered www.cinchcast.com and can phone in from anywhere in the world, leave a message and that will be on the website within a few seconds. Connect to Twitter, e-mail & Facebook and you can send out audio group messages instantly. Uses are limitless. It's currently being used to give out tips and messages in general. How about uswer groups where you send out information about product specification or price changes, setting up meetings for sales or other teams, telling your group of customers about a special saver deal just for them? The ideas are limitless. I used it to do short promos for people I met at the exhibition over the weekend but you could even do interviews or get testimonials.

Try it out and please follow me. You can do that at http://www.cinchcast.com/Mike-Leahy And please write your comments at the end of this blog.

Show Girls Literally

2009-11-13T22:08:00.000Z

Just saw these girls dancing at the New Start Show at Cardiff today.

They were excellent but deserved a bigger crowd.
Watch for more details about the Show. By the way can you spot the deliberate mistake in the video?
And go to http://www.cinchcast.com/Mike-Leahy and see what's happening around me, on the spot one-minute interviews with exhibitors at the New Start exhibition in Cardiff

The Weakest Link

2009-10-29T10:11:00.000Z

Our local Poet. What do you think? Please leave a comment

Smile, damn you Smile!!

2009-10-12T21:56:00.000+01:00

You may be in a rush. Getting STUFF done. Life is just a rush. No time for anyone.
Sometimes I smile at people and they smile back. Odd times they ask me "What are you laughing at?"

Remember how you act towards people can make you friends, close an order and make you feel great yourself. Smile and the world smiles with you - cry and you cry alone.

Longer is better!

2009-10-11T22:02:00.000+01:00

Thought for today:
People often say that motivation doesn't last.
Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily. Zig Ziglar

Longer is better!
We are all used to e-mail and for many of us the art of letter writing is getting lost. And of course e-mails are often badly spelt or worse use text-talk which many people don't understand. I'd seriously suggest that you get back to writing letters in business because we all love getting post - and if it's relevant and interesting then we'll read it. Letters will also re-enforce e-mails and other communications.
Should letters be long or short? Many people tell me that they like short letters because they haven't time to read long ones.

“A long letter is better than a short one? That’s rubbish. I don’t
bother with long letters” Wrong! A long letter will be discarded by
many people because they just aren’t interested in the product or
service, find the letter complicated or difficult to read or decide it
reflects badly on the sender because of style or grammar.

A long letter written properly will allow the recipient to find out about the product/service quickly. If they like it they’ll then read the body of the letter to see all the benefits. Once they’ve seen enough they’ll make a judgement and discard or go to the next stage. The letter should be informal yet grammatically correct. Use short sentences. Always use the same typeface family. This will make reading easier.
• Use some bold or italic text but not more than a dozen words per page
• Use bullets like this as soon as possible. It is easier to read and draws the eye
• Use short words, sentences and paragraphs
• Write about benefits not features. Nobody wants to know a watch was made through traditions running back three generations.: they want to know it looks good,is competitively priced, works well and keeps good time.
• Underline important points but not with more than a dozen words a page
Sign letters in a firm hand that is readable. I use a different signature for business to cheques for example. My letter signature is readable and bold.
Use a different colour ink to the text. A blue is favourite. It won’t look as if
it’s been printed or copied. Highlight a very important point such as a free offer or deadline. Put a handwritten comment on the first page to make it more personal. Even if you are sending out thousands you can personalise them – talk to your printer.
PS
Always write a postscript. We ALL open a letter, read the first line and then go straight to the end. Put your best benefit or any free offer in the postscript. “You’ll get our lifetime guarantee if you take action now. Remember the details we wrote about?” No of course they don’t remember but they’ll look through the letter to find what they’ve missed.

Taybarns Hotel join the Swansea Business

2009-10-09T00:01:00.000+01:00

Taybarns Restaurant are on board with the Swansea Business Show and the Local Business Card. Watch out for a big announcement.
Meanwhile take a look at this video. If you like food you'll love Taybarns.

If you'd like to have a 40 week marketing and sales e-course take a look at the Forum by clicking here

Why Social Media?

2009-10-07T22:07:00.001+01:00

The Marketing Mix Roadshow at the LC on Oystermouth Road last Tuesday was a well organised event that was really focussed for the tourist industry with good speakers in the seminars and a wide range of exhibitors. The LC is huge and the 40 or so stands weren't lost but were certainly not crammed in. It is well suited for the Swansea Business Show on Friday 12th March and I hope to see you there.

Meanwhile back to basics and on to new media - social media. New for some but old hat for others.

I believe it's so important that we must learn. I've found this audio book that'll give you some ideas that you can listen to in the car, whilst waiting, out and about or wherever.

Don't forget your future is in your hands.
If there is anything I can do to help your promoter your business then call me.

Hope you enjoy this short video. Your comments will be appreciated.

Make a movie and promote your business

2009-09-18T00:14:00.000+01:00

Watch out for the Marketing Mix Roadshow at The L2 Leisure Centre, Oystermouth Road, Swansea, SA1 3ST, on Tuesday 29th September 2009 and starting at 10.30am until 3.30pm.

Videos are great. Easy to make and put your message across with effect. Watch out for a short "How to" movie that will get you taking action I hope.

Don't forget your future is in your hands.
If there is anything I can do to help your promoter your business then call me.

Hope you enjoy this short video. Your comments will be appreciated.

Use automated e-mail newsletters for success

2009-09-15T11:59:00.001+01:00

Watch out for the Marketing Mix Roadshow at The L2 Leisure Centre, Oystermouth Road, Swansea, SA1 3ST, on Tuesday 29th September 2009 and starting at 10.30am until 3.30pm.

Use your camera, some free software, get a blog and auto-e-marketing newsletter started and encourage visitors throughout the year. Do watch the video.

I'll be running some seminars and e-seminars on how to make the most of free and low-cost resources to benefit your business. Interested? I'm sure you are. Watch this space.

Have a look at http://www.marketmailer.co.uk/.You can have a free trial. I've found it particularly good because there's no high monthly fee, just a low cost per transmission. For Just £4.95 a month you have 1000 transmissions and that could be a single newsletter or message to 1000 or say 4 newsletters to 250. In addition you can have as many groups so you want, so there could be for example "prospective customers" and "existing customers", both wanting different info. I use the system all the time. It's easy and you get all the stats you could possibly want. So you know who opens your e-mails, who clicks on links, when they open etc.

Don't forget your future is in your hands.
If there is anything I can do to help your promoter your business then call me.

Hope you enjoy this short video. Your comments will be appreciated.

Marketing Mix Roadshow

2009-09-10T17:02:00.000+01:00

Watch out for the Marketing Mix Roadshow at The LC, Oystermouth Road, Swansea, SA1 3ST, on Tuesday 29th September 2009 and starting at 10.30am until 3.30pm.

I'll be there answering your questions and giving you tips on how to use no-cost and low-cost marketing ideas that work. Talking about simple ideas that will work in your business and bring in more customers, paying guests or visitors. So come and visit my stand.

Do you spend hundreds if not thousands of pounds on marketing your business? Do you need to be more effective? Come along and join us at the Marketing Mix Roadshow. This ‘Roadshow' will take a closer look at the marketing opportunities that are available to businesses, with a focus on the Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality Industry.

There will be presentations, breakout sessions, and exhibitors from both the public and private sector that offer business support / advice and marketing services. Jonathan Jones, Director of Tourism and Marketing and Roger Pride, Director of Marketing both from Visit Wales will give an overview of tourism marketing from an international perspective.

Other presentations include - the City and County of Swansea tourism marketing team, use of multi-media with South Wales Evening Post and Swansea Bay Business Life, meet our Google Guru from IT Wales and some of the regions most successful businesses - giving you some top tips -‘how did they do it?'

Reasons to join us!!
· Collect ‘Top Tips' for marketing your business
· FREE Breakout sessions with experts at Marketing Wales
· Exhibitors include organisations and businesses from both the public and private sectors that provide business support and services to marketing your business.
· The largest ‘Networking Event' organised for the Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality industry
· Presentations packed with information from some of the regions most successful businesses.
· Admission is ONLY £5 per person and includes lunch, tea and coffee - providing you with an excellent networking opportunity.
· Parking is free if you arrive and register by 10.45am
· FREE - Stay after and enjoy the Water Park and Climbing Wall at The LC - let us know when you book.

BOOKING IS ADVISED FOR THIS ROADSHOW

To book please click here

Summers just about over

2009-08-30T17:24:00.000+01:00

The summer has been busy and I've sadly fallen behind with my blogging. Although we've had a few drops of rain it hasn't been all bad weather and I've had some beachtime. Take a look at some of the photos here.

You'll see that this is Tenby, taking me back to my lost youth. reminiscent of that era. Not that I went to Tenby but it is reminiscent of that era. The guy with horse and cart has been running for years and he always seems busy. Probably many want to ride when they return as a tradition.

Now you may think that the two guys in the bottom picture are traffic wardens but they are Salvation Army members wbo have been working with the kids on the beach and in their band by the harbour.

I'm now back on the ball again so watch out for plenty of marketing tips and information. If you have anything that you want to add or that you would like to comment upon, then please do so in the "comment" box. Your input is always welcome.

The Local Business Forum is growing and has we have a reall

y exciting programme coming up.
You can now join through a monthly standing order. send an e-mail for details.

If I can do anything to help your success let me know.

Mike Leahy

A taxi company that's gone the extra mile

2009-07-24T16:01:00.000+01:00

Whatever business you are in you have to take extra care and pay more attention to both detail and your customers to be successful. I called at several shops yesterday and noticed the attitude in most was pretty aweful. In one shop I had to wait whilst the assistant finished a mobile phone call – and it obviously wasn’t a business call! In another the assistant didn’t look directly at me all the time I was buying from her. In one shop they didn’t have what I wanted but didn’t offer an alternative or said they could order one!

I did go to one shop where the staff were most helpful and did save me money but that was the exception. Do you give good service? If you don’t you will lose customers even if you are the cheapest like-for-like.

I was looking at the taxis lined up this morning and the drivers in particular. I don’t think I’d want to travel with many of them if my first impression is right! Take a look at your local taxi drivers and see if you agree.

When I go to Didcot in Oxfordshire I use a company called Pryors Taxis. All their drivers wear a grey suit, white shirt with company tie and black polished shoes. Sometimes they aren’t wearing a jacket but the driver’s tie is always pulled tight. They are polite and always help with luggage. They have always been on time but I understand that they give a guarantee that if they are late by more than 20 minutes they won’t charge the fare. I enjoy using their service. Shouldn’t all taxi firms act and dress like this rather than being scruffy. If I ran a taxi company I’d follow Pryors example as I know this would add value to the customers’ perception, give my drivers self-esteem and improve my branding. Think how you can improve your business without spending a fortune.

I‘ve noticed some local shop closures still. I don’t believe that the recession has bottled out so it’s really important to do three things:

· Keep marketing and selling. There’s no need to send much. What you do spend should give you a good return in the form of profit. Turnover alone means little. Keep improving your sales skills.
· Be innovative and look for new products and services. Try to sell extras to existing customers.
· Keep a careful control on cash. Cut back overheads where this doesn’t affect service. Keep tabs on outstanding accounts. Try to maintain a cash cash-flow – in other words try to get customers to pay on delivery or cut down on the length of credit. Don’t be afraid of losing customers, be afraid of losing cash. If you don’t know how each week has gone by the following Monday as far as turnover and profit goes: if you don’t compare with last week, last month and last year you’ll not know how you are doing.

This will not only help ride out the recession but also strengthen your business when boom-time comes.

Control your customers by using a customer management system. Try http://www.freecrm.com/. Ok! You’ll need to take some time setting it up but it is a good system. As you grow and it begins to prove it’s weight in gold you’ll have to pay a very small monthly fee but that’ll be some time away. Give it a try and see the difference.

If I can do anything to help you succeed then call me on 07976 364681.

2009-07-16T12:24:00.000+01:00

Following on from being faceless within the Business, here's a short video I put together this morning. Seems that there is something wrong. Viddler just removed all my videos - can't see any reason - can't get a reply from them. I'll switch back to Youtube

Enjoy.

Do you agree that you are the face of your business?

Hope you enjoy this short video. Your comments will be appreciated.

On your bike!

2009-07-14T20:33:00.000+01:00

I saw this on Andy Preston's blog first and had to copy it over. It is amazing and just shows what you can do.

What can you do that's amazing? I bet there is something. We are all better than everyone else at something.
Think about it.

Hope you enjoy this short video. Your comments will be appreciated.

People buy from People

2009-07-14T17:02:00.000+01:00

Face the facts. You can't afford to be faceless in business.

I've been looking at the "people" factor in business over the last few weeks and can really agree that "people buy from people".

And how people interact . . . .

or don't . . . .

When did you last even notice someone sweeping the street? Remember the face of the person who served you in a shop? Can visualise the attendant when you paid for fuel at a garage you don't call at?

Often it is irrelevant but sometimes it is because of the other attitude of the other person. Maybe they were talking to a colleague, perhaps they didn't give you any service.

On the other hand, if they took notice of you and were polite you are more likely to remember them. Why? In simple terms probably because next time you call you would like the same again. We all want others to talk to us, look after us and give us a little bit of personal attention. Next time you are out having a coffee just spend a few minutes watching how people are served. notice a difference between Tesco and Aldi. In Aldi the till staff always ask how you are in just that way that you don't mind it when they tell you they don't provide carrier bags.

And that personal touch goes deeper. Do you have staff out facing up to consumers? Do they wear a name badge? If not then try it our for a month. You'll find it does work. Make the names big enough for everyone to be able to comfortably read. Introduce a "lets smile at our more customers" campaign. If you smile at someone they'll usually smile back and suddenly both of you are relaxed.

And make your business personal too. Get your name on your website. Why not have a mini video of you welcoming people to the site and telling them you want to give them a good personal customer experience too. They'll see you and that makes all the difference. If you include your name they feel even better. I've just tried to speak with the manager of owner or a hotel to tell them about the Local Business Card but not even their e-mail address was on the site, just an impersonal form. When I tried to get their name I was stone walled and just gave up. An opportunity they might have appreciated and used for additional business . . or . . a prospective guest who just had a query but didn't want to speak to the receptionist.

Well. You won't believe this but as I write . . .

. . . . I've just had an e-mail that is very personal and begins "I am Michelle Furse and I am the new Sales and Marketing Officer for Afan FM. I have been brought into the station to increase both sales and awareness. I am very passionate about taking the station forward to the next level and want to form relationships with all local businesses.

I would also like to thank you in advance for reading this email.

Afan FM is a new style of radio station. We are Neath & Port Talbot's first and only dedicated radio station. We want to work with all local businesses throughout Neath & Port Talbot and find ways in which all residents of Neath & Port Talbot and both ourselves can benefit. . . . . . . • To establish a station for all people with a focus on young people aged 11-25

• To give a local entertainment, news & information service

• To provide training and experience opportunities to those interested in working in radio broadcasting, production and broadcast journalism. This gives avid media fans a first step to a new career

• To support, nurture and provide a promotional platform for local bands, DJs and artists

• To provide cost-effective advertising packages to all local businesses Afan FM is the radio station that is proud to be different because:

• No cheesy DJs – real people speaking in a real way!• No Hidden Agenda – we’re a not for profit company so we’re here to help make Neath & Port Talbot great!

• We pick the best music because it is the best music – not because our friends at the record company bought the last round.

• We’re 100% independent and impartial – we are honest to all! This is what makes us unique; we aim to provide high-quality programming whilst giving back to the local community Why choose Afan FM?Whether you want to create awareness for your business, generate footfall, increase website traffic or promote a product launch we can tailor an advertising package that can really separate your business from your competitors."

So I phoned and we had an interesting call that I feel might give us both some business.

If she hadn't mentioned her name in the e-mail probably wouldn't have called. So if you sfacetart getting personal - stop being faceless - and concentrate on being available then I promise you that your business will do better things.

Follow me on http://twitter.com/mike_leahy

If can help you become a better communicator call or text me on 07976 364681

plan to succeed

2009-06-26T18:25:00.001+01:00

Sounds simple but don't be fooled. Most businesses are winging it all the time. They might think they are working to a plan, and might actually have written one but in fact they are dictated by either external forces or a whim.

So what do you need to do to write an effective plan that will work for you?
Well! It doesn't have to be long and complicated. It doesn't have to be the sort of document that many people write to impress their bank manager or to get funding. In the main these marketing plans are crap. They are too cumbersome to follow and update. They are too rigid.

Here's what I have found works.
You'll need 3 A4 sheets.
One is your 5 year plan.The second your annual planThe third is the most important and is your "here and now" plan
None are written in stone. All are living documents to reflect what you want to achieve and how. All need to be brief and mainly bullet points. So lets look at each in turn.

5 Year Plan

Head this up and draw a line down the sheet.On the left side put your basic and most important goals and be specific, so for example you may want to employ 5 more people within the period, triple your turnover based on an existing and accurate figure, employ a sales-person to increase sales or a manager to free up your time. Then put how you'll achieve these goals. If you have put down employ 5 people what steps will you have to take, what will they do and how will that impact on, for example, your time, premises, profitability. Triple sales then how will you achieve this? What marketing tools will you employ? Can you cope with that with your current work-force, financial situation, premises etc.So this document will keep you thinking.

Annual Plan

This should reflect what you've written in your 5 year plan and how you will get started. Prepare an A4 sheet as before with a line down it.If you've written down that you'll triple your turnover in 5 years what are the basic steps you need to take to achieve in the first year? Remember that if you just increase by 30% each year for 5 years that's just under 350%, and in excess of your target. 30% may seem a lot but it isn't when you begin to look closely as I'll show you in a future article.So now you've written down your annual plan to achieve the first leg.

Here & Now Plan

So do the same again and prepare a single sheet of A4 paper.What do you have to do right now, this week? Write down the 3 most important marketing jobs that will bring in sales, that will raise your business profile, that will help you reach your goals.Stick this sheet up in a prominent place where you can see it and put the other 2 sheets in an A4 ring binder. You can add in information, put in your "here and now" sheets and see how you are progressing.

As you follow your plan you'll feel a sense of satisfaction. You'll feel less stresses. You'll meet your goals.
Of course there'll be problems cropping up but you'll find these can be dealt with on a day to day basis and you still have time to work on your plan. I know that if you do this for just 1 month you'll get into a new habit. And once you've formed a new habit it'll be difficult to kick it.
Go on give it a try and succeed.

Call back sooner rather than later

2009-06-05T23:33:00.000+01:00

I've set myself a task now to produce these shorts. I hope you are enjoying them and that you learn something.

In the 50's life for us kids was easy. You just can't believe what it was like in comparison to today. At around 8 years old 3 or 4 of us would go off for the day. I guess that my mother used to worry about what I was getting up to but she never said anything.

We lived in Birmingham and it was unusual to lock the doors and usual to leave windows open if we went out together. Compare that to today. Today you have to bolt most things down.

But getting back to communications and the changes it is difficult to imagine that once you were out of signt that was it until you came home again. And it was usual to phone in at work to see if there were any messages. And when we did get a message we dealt with it straight away. Do you deal with your messages within a set time? I was with an accountant last evening looking at his marketing. On his card and other literature he promised to call back on any missed calls within 3 hours. Now that is good.

Hope you enjoy this short video. Your comments will be appreciated.

Personal communications over 60 years

2009-06-04T23:44:00.000+01:00

We talk to each other but do we listen? We have highly sophisticated technology and can send a message around the world instantly - or as near impossible to know otherwise. But we often can't get our message across to some-one sitting next to us.

And then there is the question of can we keep up with the latest. Facebook, Twitter and much much more. Some of us not only can't keep up but don't know most of it exists.

I can remember when we had the first phone in the road we lived in back in 1949 and I can still recall the number Priory 2082. How things have changed. Come on a short journey with me over the next few days.

Follow me on http://twitter.com/mike_leahy

If I can help your increase your profits contact me.

To service or not to Service

2009-06-03T23:45:00.000+01:00

In my last blog I talked about service and how it is really important if you want to grow your business. Outstanding service promotes satisfied customers. They tell others and come back. Existing customers are tops and referred customers come next.

Bad service will ruin any business or a least stunt it's growth.

I heard of someone who wanted their motor-bike serviced. "No problem!" said the service guy.
"And can you service my 25 year old bike too?" "No" said the mechanic "it's too old and we may not be able to get the parts"

So the garage lost all the business. Now I'm not a biker but I understand the maintenace cost over 3 years could be as high as £5000. So that doesn't seem like a great idea saying "No".

What do you think? Have you had any similar experiences?

Service does make or break

2009-06-01T21:09:00.000+01:00

So much has happened since I wrote my last post on 4th May. We've had the Swansea Business Show over two weeks ago. Unibus met over a week ago and the sun is just bursting with good-will.You just can't have missed the last few days and the glorious weather. Doesn't it make you feel great.

The Show was a success and with the internet maybe it's time to be innovative. How about a virtual business show? Perhaps the name "Swansea Bay Business Show" might just be different enough. Maybe I should think about getting the domain name later this month.

When the sun shines prospects tend to say "Yes" sooner. It is easy to start getting those positive responses when you are asking questions. You can bring home the bacon.

But life can still be tedious. I've had two poor customer experiences within a week. And both have finished up with me not wanting to go back to either supplier. The first happened with business over the bridge, whilst the second centred around Pembrokeshire. The first instance was where the supplier felt I had cheated him out of giving a sales presentation despite making it very clear in the preamble that this wasn't possible. He even went as far as to twist my written words! This guy has lost any creditability I had in him or his product.The second was where I was supplied with a wrong part and when I complained the supplier called me back and told me that life is like that and should put up with what he considered good service. His attitude has turned me away from his company. In addition the correct part was marked with my nmae, but they spelt it wrong. Personally I don't mind but in general getting someone's name wrong is a major sales crime.

The downside is that I will not use either again and I will probably tell other people about my dissatisfaction. This will lose even more business because I believe that the people I tell will listen and make up their own minds.

Then I was talking to a friend who had his company BMW car serviced. He drove into the Service Reception area and was met by a Greeter who welcomed him by name and directed him to the specific bay for collection by the Service Crew. He was offered a coffee both when arriving and when he collected the car. When he picked it up it had been valeted both inside and out. The service charge was high but my friend was left feeling good about the whole experience.

So the upstart is that service is paramount and that the customer is king - or at least he should be treated like one, no matter how we feel. Listening to the customer is vital and going out of your way to make him happy by providing exceptional service is the way to keep a customer coming back and acting as an ambassador for you. The most cost effective customers are existing ones and those who have had a testimonial from a happy customer.

Think back about the best customer experience you've had. It was either because something was put right beyond your expectations or the service was just fabulous.

Remember get the basics right and see an improvement in turnover, profit and cash flow.

The Local Business Forum's new blog starts this week http://localbusinessforum.blogspot.com/ Get involved. There are good things happening that will have a major impact on the members.

If I can do anything to help with your success do call me.

Think about advert Essentials

2009-05-04T18:44:00.000+01:00

Time has just flown since I last wrote.

I will be writing twice a week for the next 3 months starting today.

Expect each posting to contain local information, at least one resource, and at least one handy hint about sales or marketing. If you want me to add anything then send me an e-mail.
Your comments are really appreciated so do write something. If you disagree or want to be constructively critical then I want to hear. It might make the blog more interesting. The more interesting it is, the more people will read it and tell others.

Why don’t you tell others. This is already a great resource but it’s getting better.
So what’s happening?

Rachael Flanagan was proposed for the Young Achiever in the Wave & Swansea Sound Local Heroes and she won the Adult Achiever category. This took place at the Dragon hotel in Swansea. The dinner was excellent and the event star studded. There were heart-break tales and others of hard work within the community. All were inspirational.

If you don’t already know, the Swansea Business Show hits town next week on Friday 15th May. Go look at the website. Come along as a visitor, register on the site for free admission. Register at the Show and it’ll cost a fiver. There will be plenty to see, old friends to meet again, new friends to make. The tagline is “Make business for your business” – so come along and be part. You may win a substantial prize. All attendees, whether visitor or exhibitor will have a chance to win. Prizes to date include a meal for 4 at Zaal’s, either £350 worth of financial software or up to £1000 of accountancy fees, a year’s membership at the Village Hotel Health Club, £500 worth of marketing consultancy, website optimisation, 2 pull-up banners plus a 4ft x 6ft banner and much, much more.

The Local Business Forum is growing and constantly evolving. Click here to go to the website. Now is the chance to join. £250 per annum gives you up to 25 free meetings, a chance to write in the e-magazine and have a free advert, a free profile page on the website, discounts as an exhibitor at the Swansea Business Show and Annual Conference and other events, help and encouragement from other members. We are looking at introducing a premium membership that will give you an ongoing sales and marketing programme. At an around an extra £4.95 a week you’ll get 52 learning modules a year covering everything from business planning, controlling sales meetings, writing quotations, sales closes, Powerpoint presentations, business letters, press releases, management systems, e-mail marketing, relationship selling, newsletters and much, much more. This will be launched at the Swansea Business Show. You are guaranteed a rapid increase in sales, profit and cash-flow.

Join the Local Business Forum and gain much more.

Think about adverts.

Adverts come in a variety of guises. In magazines, on the radio and television, in newspapers, on the internet, bill-boards and many other places.

What adverts stand out? What is essential in a good advert?

Essentially an advert needs to make people think, the need to want, the need to take action. And a way to take action. Either ask a question or make a statement such as “Spending too much money on food?” and follow this up with a satisfactory answer “Then save money on the Aldi food range.” And a call to action “Visit your local store today, compare prices and you’ll fill your shopping trolley”.

If you can add extras such as a guarantee, money off or 3-for-2 offer, then you’ll do better.
Make your adverts stand out by including photos of products. Use testimonials. Try to include a phone number and e-mail address where possible, use a website for buying on line and start a store using Paypal or a similar system for collecting cash.
Make it easy for prospective customers to buy.

If I can help you design some simple adverts that work call me

Regards

2009-03-16T17:15:00.000Z

Brand yourself continued

It's been a busy couple of weeks.

Self publicity works. I've arranged a good amount of coverage for Rachael Flanagan of Mrs Bucket Cleaning Co since which her phones have been going mad. If your business is in need of a fresh injection of inquiries to augment your canvassing then get writing press releases. Be creative.

First we had an Independant on Sunday columnist in touch but that didn't get to the printed page but we will keep trying.

Secondly I arranged for Rachael to be the Keynote Speaker at the Bright Futures Dinner at the Marriott Hotel in Swansea on hursday 12th March. The dinner was bringing Swansea Universitt students and local business together to help the students gain valuable business life-skills to help with interviews and in their journey to becoming employed.

From this we had interviews on both Swansea Sound and the Wave which you can hear below. Jackie Jobes of Bright Futures accompanied me to the Radio Station together with Mac McCaffrey from Swansea University who also gave an interview.

You can hear the interviews by clicking on the videos below.

Then a press release that I sent to the Western Mail resulted in a photographer and writer getting in touch with Rachael and "Bang!" she is featured in the Forward Wales supplement last Wednesday with a full page and photo. Forward Wales is entitled "Entrepreneurs" so it was a bit of a coup.

I also found a couple of photos in the possibly last issue of Swansea Business Life, so it pays to get out and about. I'm sorry to see the magazine go because firstly it was a good magazine, with excellent articles by local people, and secondly I had been promised an article in the next issue. Life is tough.

And the dinner on Thursday went great. I'll post up some photos.

If there's anything I can do to promote your business call me on 07976 364681.

Go and expose yourself

2009-03-10T09:41:00.004Z

A busy week and much to show you.

This blog is going up now but I'll edit it later to add in loads of interest.

Get out and exposure yourself!
Make sure you don't get caught.
Think banners and postcards/leaflets
Don't stick them under car windscreens beacuse if they are dropped you are likely to be charged with littering.

2009-03-10T09:41:00.003Z

2009-03-10T09:41:00.001Z

Grow & Think Rich

2009-02-23T20:00:00.000Z

Brand yourself. Grow and Think Rich

Walk along any street and watch the people coming towards you. How many are looking down or way? How few, if any, do you make eye contact with?

People tend to look down or away and yet when you do make eye-contact and smile you'll usually get a positive response. Try it for yourself. It must be a genuine smile and you must look a people.

Once you start getting response you'll find that you can make general comments and people will talk back. If you try this in your neighbourhood, whether home or where you work, you'll soon find that you meet the same people and they'll often greet you first. You'll find people begin to think of you as "that nice person who talks to me" or "it's that aweful person who tries to make me speak". That is a kind of branding. You are standing out from the crowd - making your mark.

Make yourself stand out by attending as many networking and group events and be different. Always wear a hat, wear a specific tie that is instantly identified, go up to people and present yourself with your tag-line, be a bit louder than you are at the moment - or anything that will help you stand out.

If you begin branding yourself in this fashion you'll find that other business people will remember you. When I go to meetings I always wear my own name badge so people aren't embarrassed because they haven't remembered your name. You will grow in stature and you'll begin to do more business. You will begin to think rich.

Meanwhile . . . . .

. . . . . Who's Afraid of Virginnia Woolf! Come along to this great performance at the Dylan Thomas Theatre from 3rd - 7th March. For full details just lick here to take a look at the leaflet.

Swansea Business Show is just 11 weeks away. Book your stand or visitor tickets now just complete the simple form on the left side of this blog.

Are postcards better than leaflets?

2009-02-15T20:23:00.000Z

After such bad weather over the last 2 weeks it was really great today to see the sun shining. And it has been warm.

Could this be an early Spring already!

We are bombarded with leaflets promoting everything from concerts to holidays to shopping offers. They seem very popular but are they read? s there an alternative and does that alternative work better?

If you want to put a message across quickly use a postcard. Postcards are cheap and easy to handle.

Postcards are:
· Easy to create· Fast to print· Easy to address· Multi-deliverable· Easy to complete · Cheap to return· A single sheet, complete in itself· No need to open· Visible upon delivery· Visible en-route and wherever left.· Bigger than a business card and can be many times more useful.· Convenient

You can deliver postcards by hand, by 1st class post, 2nd class post, courier or special delivery, door to door, with a product, in a postcard pack, in an envelope with advertising material, in display holders, with brochures, magazines and catalogues, given out at exhibitions and on the street, put behind car windscreens or left in library books, loose in cafes and any public area (but make sure they don’t become litter).

3 Ways to use Postcards

1. SALE PROMOTION instantly· This can promote one product or many.
· They can be used as a one-off for a special event· They can be used in a series because the average number of receipts before action is around 5-7· You can create your idea and often have it designed, printed and delivered within a week· It can be on the counter, handed out or left in a rack· If not delivered to the home they can be put in the pocket easily

2. PRODUCT PROMOTION · This can promote one product or many.· They can be used as a one-off for a special event· They can be used in a series because the average number of receipts before action is around 5-7· You can create your idea and often have it designed, printed and delivered within a week· It can be on the counter, handed out or left in a rack· If not delivered to the home they can be put in the pocket easily

3. GUARANTEE· Send with a product as a guarantee or warranty. When this is returned completed you have another name to add to your data base· There will be space to add additional material such as a special offer or about supplies or replacement parts

Watch out for my low cost e-booklet "37 Ways along the A6" which will be available in about 10 days. 35 pages of simple ways to use postcards to promote your business at around £3.

Ever trying for improvement you'll see my signature is now not in a white box, and is certainly blacker. Always looking to improve.

Have you booked your stand at the Swansea Business Exhibition click here?
Have you joined Local Business Networking? Join and grow your business. Click here.

If I can do anything to help your success do call me.

Talk to other Business Owners

2009-02-13T19:34:00.000Z

"Friday Night and where did it all go wrong" playing on the radio right now.

This week has just disappeared and gone for ever. We all have 7 days, 168 hours, 10080 minutesa and 604799 seconds in a week. Just a second check out my maths and prove me wrong. That "one second" is as important as the 606799 others.

It is so important to make the most of every minute, whether workinmg on your business or enjoying a social life.

And what a week. Last Saturday saw more snow and I caught my postman on camera. He was one of jone of a handful of vehicles that made it up the hill to my home. It doesn't look too deep but it was really frozen and like an ice-rink.

It was actually very sunny until I went to Pembokeshire where it changed to blizzard conditions and there were several vehicles strewn along the road.

This week we have had our Local Business Networking meeting at the Dylan Thomas Theatre on Wednesday. These meetings work well. We sit in a circle at a table so we can munch on sandwiches and talk. I was able to update on the Swansea Business Show that is to be held in the theatre in May. It's looking very positive.

Last evening saw me at Swansea University where I manage Unibus (the university supporting local business). WE were able to give sme good input to the Student event being arranged by Bright Futures, the student organisation that oprepares students for the commercial world. They are holding a dinner at the local Marriott hotel on 18th March bringing local businesses and students together.

Today I've been involved in looking at sheltered accommodation for a housing association. It has taken several visits this week to different locations looking at disabled access. Can I finish by next Tuesday? I still have two locations to view. Then there is the report to finish. I'll keep you updated.

Much more has happened. I have commitments on Monday am, Tuesday all day, Wednesday all day, Thursday am and Friday all day.

So my advice is to keep a minute by minute check for a week and see how your time is used. Could it be more fruitful?

If I can help you make more time of your business call me.

regards

Do you have a "Today's List"

2009-02-09T22:00:00.000Z

Mid February already and so much to do in such a short time

Do you keep a "To do List"

If not start now. Begin a habit and carry it through every day for one month. It wasn't a habit but it will become one. And a list will both remind you of what you have to do but give you the urgency to get on with it. Some jobs can roll over until tomorrow if necessary but you'll be able to prioritise. And don't put the jobs at the bottom that you don't want to do. Put them right at the top and get them out of the way.

The Swansea Business Show is just 13 weeks away. Have you booked your stand yet? Look at the blog for details. A website will be launched shortly.

46 stands all 1.2 metres. Low cost but high activity. This will be a show to remember as being successful. Make business for your Business. And the only way to do that is to be there.

What can I do to help you do better? Call me. I'm working with so really successful businesses right now in Swansea. The more I hear about recession the better they are doing. What is the most consistent thing that all of them is doing?

The answer is . . . taking action. Doing something. Looking for opportunities and going for it.

Regards

Around the world and beyond

2009-02-04T09:02:00.000Z

We wish Clare & Richard a great life together.

And now for something completely different.

Have you been snowed in? The Federation of Small Businesses reckon on the loss of business because of the snow running into millions of pounds.

We live in an electronic age s you can work from home or on the move and still generate business. Think about:

BACS payments
Invoices by e-mail
Video and conference presentations
Telesales
Website sales
Quotes by e-mail
etc etc

There are so many avenues on the path to more sales through the phone, internet or even fax

Don't let the snow slip you up

E-mail automation is a winner. Come on my course next week and save yourself money, memory and marketing. Watch for full details.

How can I help you improve your sales Call me

Snow in Swansea

2009-02-03T11:19:00.000Z

Today it snowed!

Today the world came to a standstill!

Today was a fun day for the kids and adults alike - or hell.

A lorry slid across the hill on Brynamor Road in Swansea and barely missed crashuing into a house as you can see from the left photo above.

Dylan Thomas sat, not exactly shivering, but certainly with a crown of snow outside the Dylan Thomas Theatre.

Lola, one of our dogs, sat patiently whilst I took a photo whilst she'd have preferred to play.

And Sketty Cross, where lorries and cars double park on this very busy junction, use and abuse the loading lay-bye, park across the flush disabled kerb or jump the lights, lay deserted apart from the ocassional car.

The kids took out the sledge and, after I'd sanded the runners, had great fun on our hill.

And many shops and offices were empty. The buses weren't running and the roads were like an ice-rink. The snow didn't just fall but whipped across us and blinded us if we looked up.

The sun is now shining so maybe the moment of change has come.

And about that shock and surprise at the Dylan Thomas Theatre on Saturday. Just wait an hour and come back to this blog.

If there's anything I can do to help your success do call me

What is the problem? Bang that Drum

2009-02-02T19:01:00.000Z

Where has personal marketing gone?

I remember as a cinema manager back in the early sixties that I was constantly looking for promo material that would tell local people about the films I was showing.

What did we do? remember that we had stars of forthcoming films attend and in particular Oliver Reed. His film was about an advertising executive who has some sort of breakdown and smashes up his office. Well, he came to the cinema where we had set up a desk on stage, just below the screen so it wasn't visible and in the intermission, when the lights came up he strode down the main isle with an axe over his shoulder and onto the stage where he smashed up the desk. This was great for us because we'd announced he be there and so the cinema was packed and we could expect a crowd the next week for his film: it was great for the audience because they saw one of the stars of the day: and it good for Oliver Reed because it kept his exp[osure high.

I remember when we had Bond 007 films showing, we'd either dress up for local newspaper shots or have some of the big props and equipment from the studio set up in the foyer. We also had an open lorry that we'd tour the streets with where we'd paste up posters on a giant A-board.

Nowadays that's changing. I as amazed at two things on Friday and one on Saturday. The former very negative whilst the latter both positive and negative.

On Friday I went to an indoor shopping centre to look at a retail outlet. One of the points we discussed was giving out leaflets. He staggerred me by saying that it was against the centre rules. He wasn't allowed to step outside the shop to hand anything out!! I then went to a large outdoor shopping centre and heard the same story.

People buy from people. The best introduction is not through adverts, websites, mailshots or bill-boards. No! It's through personal contact. How can you make contact with possible prospective customers if you can't approach them?

Imagine fishing and having to dangle the line and bait right at your feet, rather than throw the line into the middle of the river or lake! I know that fish hide under the bank and can be tickled but that's a different game ; thery are usually resting or asleep - if fish sleep.

On Saturday I went into Swansea and passed through Swansea Market taking photos when I came across Jannis.

Jannis is Greek and has a market stall selling authentic Greek speciality foods. He's had the stall for just under a year and is a really happy chappie.

When I saw Jannis he was walking around the busy market ringing a bell and holding a tray of what could be doughnuts (I'm going back to find out). And he was shouting "Support local businesses" I couldn't believe it, particularly as I'm organising the Swansea Business Show in May and one of the themes is just that - support local business.

But there's a problem here as in the shopping centres: the management seem to disapprove because when I asked other stall-holders why they didn't shout or do anything to attract attention I was told that this wasn't acceptable!!

When I had a stall in Pettycoat Lane in London with a friend we were expected to shout out and try anything to attract attention.

What is going on? Is this being politically correct? Have we lost our sense of proportion? Please help?

Visit my Marketing Basics website to learn about easy ways to market.

Swansea in and around the Market

If you are doing anything different to attract attention on the street do let me know. Write a comment.

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS . . .

. . . . at the Dylan Thomas Theatre on Saturday night was a superb production. There was one set and the main characters were there throughout then production. It was snappy and well rehearsed. I sat in the front row and didn't hear one prompt. The play went from being a serious production and slipped into a riot of slapstick at times. I couldn't stop laughing in the second half.

Until the curtain call when we all had a surprise and the Director a shock! But you'll have to wat until tomorriow for more about that. Another rmarketing trick is to leave the reader in suspense. There's no prize for guessing what happened but read on tomorrow.

Keep busy. Market well and be successful.

2009-02-01T20:36:00.000Z

Add some spice to your site, blog or any web presence. It's free.

More about video coming. Watch out.
Meanwhile this is a really short post.
Tomorrow watch out for Jannis - tyhe Greek market man

Will you take up the Challenge?

2009-01-29T23:22:00.000Z

Today the unemployment figures rise yet again!

The gorvernment have saved the banks and are letting small businesses flounder. So it looks like it's down to a few. Are you going to be one of the few that succeeds through 2009 or one of the many that flounders? What do you need to succeed? Courage and vision.

So this is decision time. This is the time to be courageous, to have a vision. Starting right now.

So lets get talking. Are you one of the few? Will you take up the challenge that I'm throwing out right now? You can help yourself and you can help this country. I've been shouting out that we need a leader but there isn't one on the horizon and it certainly isn't me. But together we can make a difference.

How can we start? Lets think about buiolding up our business to take on an employee. That'll help. It'll help you grow, it'll help the person you took on who might have been unemployed and it'll help the country because smeone won't be getting unemployment benefits and you'll be spending a bit more.

Maybe there's something else. What can you do? What can you and I do? What can a group of us do? Please lets have some comments. Think back to the past.; Do you remember the "Buy British" campaign? Letsc strat with a whisper and finish with a shout.

And that means you. Come out of that shell and yell.

Take action and succeed.

Yes! Video works wonders

2009-01-27T21:49:00.001Z

Look at yesterday's post. I told you that just a simple basic video is easy to put ion your website and adds a third dimension.

Take a look at http://www.swansealittletheatre.org.uk/nextproduction.php and see for yourself. Just a simple video about the latest production rehearsal and your imagination is set alight.

Try putting up some video yourself.

The Swansea Business Show is falling into place. See the blog . Just click on the link. http://swanseabusinessshow.blogspot.com/ Want to increase your turnover and profits then book a stand today.

If I can help you be more successful call me.

regards

Dylan Thomas Theatre Around the World in 80 Days

2009-01-26T16:38:00.000Z

"Opening Nights." "Break a leg." "Green Room." "5 minutes beginners"

Yes It's curtains up at the Dylan Thomas Theatre tomorrow night 27th January until Saturday 31st for the Swansea Little Theatre Company to present "Around the World in 80 Days"

Curtains up at 7.30 and tickets at £8.50/£7.00. It'll be a great event and I would strongly recommend you to book now on 01792 473238. Book any night but if it's Saturday I'll see you there.

The bar will be open for a pre-show drink, during the intermission and afterwards.

I've been planning the Swansea Business Show over the weekend and I believe we'll have space for up to 45 stands. All are the same size and within the budget of the smallest business. We'll be e-mailing around 4000 business people next week as our first salvo. I expect stands to be snatched up rapidly and I already have 9 booked without having definite stand sizes and cost. The cost will be inclusive of table and 2 power points for low-energy usage such as laptops, parking in the nearby public carpark and welcoming coffee/tea and biscuits. We'll have a special package deal for an advertising pack of pop-up banner, business cards and A5 leaflets. We'll be having a goodie-bag and a show-guide/wall-planner.

The aim is to have a busy exhibition that will be worthwhile for exhibitors and visitors. As the FSB Road to Success Show isn't running this year We are offering you a dynamic alternative.

Grab a video and capture some interest about your business.

Quality isn't too important, high resolution isn't either. Think about getting some testimonials, show how to usev a product, capture some video of your staff or yourself talking about the compnay success. Use a free or low cost editor, add in some text and launch on Youtube. Embed on your website or blog and send out e-mails to tell your contacts. Just seen on www.

Good marketing isn't fancy ideas and big budgets. It's about doing the simply and basic things well. Good successful marketing can be free or low cost.

Be active. Try something new. Be lucky.

Swansea Business Show

2009-01-22T22:11:00.001Z

A busy meeting at Local Business Networking last evening.

We meet twice a month to support each to gain new business, discuss ideas and problems and general help get things moving. We have been meeting since July last year and are growing monthly. We are not a social network or referral network. We are a fully working comprehensive network and are finding that we are all bouyant and upbeat at this difficult time for business in general.

And now we are holding the Swansea Business Show on Friday 15th May at the Dylan Thomas Theatre. This will be a successful event tha will benefit both exhibitors and visitors alike.

Exhibitors will be Local Business Networking members and new members are welcome to join. The overall benefits throughout the year together with the Swansea Business Show will work for any business. So join up and book your stand today. Just £25 deposit will secure your stand so do not hesitate. He who hesitates is lost.

There will be no large shell scheme stands and you will find this really affordable.

This is a really exciting project and members who met last evening have committed themselves to making the effort to make this ziiiing. We are already looking at a major e-mail campaign that will set the ball rolling at the beginning of February and gardually build up that interest so that it becomes the busaness community focal point.

The Federation of Small Businesses will not be holding the "Road to Success Show" this year and, with at least two of us having been involved in that I feel we will be successful with this event.

Watch this space. Click here http://swanseabusinessshow.blogspot.com/

If I can do anything to help your success then call me.

Take action and be successful

Swansea Business Exhibition

2009-01-22T21:55:00.000Z

A busy meeting at Local Business Networking last evening.

We meet to support each other through referrals, ideas and promotions. This is a really positive power group that is taking action to work towards success.

Local Business Networking are organising the Swansea Business Show that will be held at the Dylan Thomas Theatre on Friday 15th May running on until early evening and offering all local businesses the opportunity to participate.

We estimate about 40 stands of approximately 2 metres with no shell schemes. There will be a showguide, seminars and many opportunities for sponsors. This exhibition will be successful and promotion has started today with this blog.

Take a look at

At last - Goodbye Bush

2009-01-20T14:01:00.000Z

Barack Obama's inauguration day is today!

Will this be a new beginning for the USA?

What about the UK?

Every day it seems we are being led by the blind, spoken to by the dumb and listened to by the deaf.

Every day the banks seem to be reaping a harvest of golden crops glistening in the fields of human endeavour. Our endevours. And I understand the top guys are still getting golden truck-loads of cash. For what? For drowning the UK in a sea of uncontrolled debt.

And the government seem to be drafting in anyone whom they believe can safe the ship. But isn't the ship listing too far? Aren't we just going to overfill the life-boats? Who will be brought ouit of retirement next? Worse still is the government going to hide under Barack Obama's coat and as he takes off try and cling to his coat tails. If it does I guess they probably be so shaken by his rapid progress that they'll possible fall off in an unbalanced way.

What we need is a charismatic figure-head that will inspire us by their singular focus and motivation, openness and forward thinking. Is there such a person? Nobody springs to mind.

And so small businesses will begin to suffer as the unemployed numbers rise and larger organisations flounder. So now is the time to look for opportunities and promote yourself & your business.

Think about your website.

Does it have your details, tel number and e-mail on the top banner on every page?

Does it tell a story and give benefits in the opening visible part of the screen?

Do you keep it up to date and full of good material?

Can you buy off the site if applicable?

Is your web-address mentioned on all your literature ad stationery?

Think about it.

If I can help you promote your business contact me.

Keep busy and productive.

2009-01-15T07:56:00.000Z

Trial of colour.

I've changed the colour of the date box to the left to try and match the blog background. Successful or not?

Just like marketing we've got to test until we get it right, or at least a good match. Do you test? Do you send out direct mail, e-mail newsletters, place adverts or other advertising and see how successful they are if you change the heading or some of the text?

You'll be srprised what a difference it can make. Give it a try. But how can you tell which is which when you do get a response? You could put up a reference and ask respondants to quote that or you could use a different picture and ask "what picture is on the advert" or you could use a colour so the advert says "Ask for Mr Green" or Call Mr White" and you'll know immediately.

Try it and be surprised.

There is a new video on my site Recession Buster 7 My 10 top tips "Using exhibitions to make more Sales". Take a look at just click here or copy and paste http://www.marketing-basics.co.uk/. Why not hold a private exhibition. Use your showroom or convert your office. Book a hotel room or other venue. Why not make it interesting and different so visitors have something else to see. Use a museum for example. I once ran an exhibition on HMS Belfast on the Thames in London.

Find a market such as hotel owners, taxi drivers or who ever your customers will be and let them know what you are doing. Get them in and build up a relationship that can lead on to the sale. You may get sales at the exhibition. You must go for it. Why not hold a series of exhibitions so people don't have to travel too far: live in a city hold exhibitions in different parts, live in a town then hold exhibitions in surrounding towns.

Last evening I held a Local Business Networking event in Swansea at the Dylan Thomas Theatre. This was really successful where everyone gave positive input - I wonder how many other equally positive groups there are focussing on mutual help. Our members came away with a real buzz. I haven't updated the site yet but take a look and if you live locally then think about joining and if you are away then you may consider setting up your own group.

We had a great talk from Shaun Milsom of 3S Systems who opened our eyes on home and office automation. He is highly qualified and is both a bespoke designer and supplier/fitter. Looking to make your home or office easily manageable, want to save energy costs? Take a look at his website. In an office he can arrange for you to be called automatically if the alarm is set off and let you see the video of your cctv so you can see whats happening. His horizontal wind turbines are great for providing free power too. Take at look at http://www.s3systems.co.uk/ and be suprised.

If you are positive and take energetic action looking for new prospects you will prosper. Be lucky by being active.

Call me if I can help your success.

2009-01-13T18:33:00.001Z

Yesterday was a short blog!

I'll make up today. Firsly I ran a 2 hour sales and marketing course this morning. Great delegates really got involved and all came away with ideas that they are going to put into practice. Marketing-Basics want to give all businesses the opportunity to get some sales and marketing training at an affordable cost.

One sales aid that did come up and that is going to be used by everyone is a sight-seller. You know those plasic binders with clear A4 envelopes inside. Well, use one to make up a story-board about you, your business and the products or services you provide. Use it at each presentation.

Put in the following sheets

A large logo or picture representing your business
A page about you and your business including qualifications, awards and anything that makes you outstanding
Pages showing your products or services with benefit bullet points
Your guarantee
Any special offers
Several testimonials if business on letterheadings otherwise on possibly different types of writing paper and signed.
A bundle of quotations or order forms. Go for the latter because you want to sign up new customers and not have to go back.

. . . . and you are ready. Tell stories about each page. If you don't have stories at the beginning fake it until you can make it . . real.

A sight seller is one of the most powerful tools you can use when you are giving presentations. It shows something about you and your business that will establish knowing, something about your products that will build knowing and testimonials together with your guarantee that will build up trust. And Bang" you should be almost at getting the order signed off.

The course today went great and at just £49 it's a steal. The original seat price was £65 but feel this is so important to all businesses at this time that I've brought this down to be affordable by all. And that includes a comprehensive work book brimming with "Know-how".

If you haven't booked yet the next seminar is on Thursday 23rd January in Walter Road, Swanse at 9am, finishing at 11.30 (although today's session went on longer because there were lots of questions). To book your seat click here for full details and e-mail or phone me.

Even if you feel you know everything there is to know about selling or marketing come and have your batteries re-charged.

Today has been another day of gloom for some major businesses and unfortunately this must have an impact on us all. I just hope that you take that extra step now to secure your business tomorrow.

NEW NEW
I've just had a fabulous range of health and safety cd-roms delivered for appraisal and can tell you right now that they are the business for any small to medium business: they include training modules and all the policies you'll need. I have this range for several years and cannot find anything that compares in quality and cost.

I will be marketing these as from now,so if you want to know more watch out for links and the product page. YOu'll be able to pay by Paypal and despatch will be within 24 hours of you placing your order.

Remember! here is nothing to compare.

Call me if I can help with your success.

Mike Leahy

Marketing-Basics.co.uk, Health-and-safety-adviser.co.uk, accessaudit.co.uk

Here to help. Call me anytime.

2009-01-11T23:55:00.000Z

Another weekend over. Don't they just fly.

2009-01-08T11:16:00.000Z

Another day another dollar.

I've downloaded two short videos on Youtube today that are available on http://www.marketing-basics.co.uk/. They are from my series of Credit Crunch Buster 10 Top Tips. Take a look and you may find something there that you used to do but don't now. Why not? Didn't it work? All these ideas are tested and work for me. Whether I use them all, all of the time I don't know. I just keep trying.

If any ideas are new just give them a try. This series is fast and goes into no detail. For detail look out for Phoenix. I want you to grow your business and overcome any difficulties due to the financial state. There is absolutely no reason why you can't succeed. just check out you've got saleable products or services, your methods work and you are targeting the right people. You may have to change but change is good provided it improves what you are currently doing.

Take action, be lucky.

Onwards and Upwards

2009-01-05T08:18:00.000Z

What a fabulous weekend! What a way to start the New Year!

Angie, myself a a great couple we know went to the Celtic Manor Resort where the Ryder Cup will be played next year. We didn't have time for golf because our weekend had been pre-mapped out for us. It was a Christmas present from one of my daughters and her boyfriend. They wanted us to be pampered and we had several of their health spa treatments including Indian head and full body deep tissue massages, and hot stone massage. The luxury of just relaxing in the centre and enjoying the sauna, steam room, pluge pool and jaccuzi, swimming pool and relaxation room was wonderful and I've left feeling rejuvenated.

We had a great meal at the Lodge which was very reminiscent of the lodge in the film "White Christmas" with a couple of bottles of taste-bud tingling wine.

The Christmas decorations were still in place and looked just incredible with a huge chrismas tree and decorations dropping from the ceiling (7 floors up) to floor. There was a lage minature railway in the reception and this brought back memories of the displays we used to see in Selfridges and other stores.

I'm now primed and ready to go. It was with some concern that I read of the possibility of so many small businesses failing in the near future. But it needn't be so. Take action now and you can grow your business whatever the economic condition. You need Customers, Cash & a Concept. Maybe you need to think again and get NEW Opportunities, Organisation and Orders.

Opportunities as in new ideas, new markets new products, Organisation in changing the way you look for prospects, handle orders and look after existing customers and Orders as in ensuring there are orders from buyers who can and will pay, and producing sufficient to run the business forward.

If I can help you succeed in your business contact me.

2009-01-01T21:43:00.000Z

Have a Happy, Healthy & prosperous Year ahead

A new year. A new beginning. Lets hope that this is a good year for us all because last year was bad for so many people. Can we blame the bankers? I'm sure they have caused enough damage with not only their recklessness but on a more local level with their attitude towards small businesses. They lend when the going is good but pull out as soon as they see a problem. They treat small businesses as cannon fodder. Look at the bank charges racket which is still continuing under other guises.

But onwards and upwards. I do believe that there are bags of opportunities around right now, despite the current economic situation which will have a knock-on effect on us all. Any business person has to follow just a few basics to continue to grow. These include being positive, taking action, watching cash-flow, being innovative, marketing like never before without a big budget , honing sales skills to meet 2009 demands, looking for new opportunities, looking for existing customers additional sales and customer care. There are other ingredients but that's a start. To encourage a kick-start for the New Year I'm running my 2 hour sales and marketing seminar again.

My new course "The Big Seminar unlock the secrets" is beginning to fill. I am running two sessions in January, on the 13th and 23rd, with more to follow. I gave this last at the Dylan Thomas Theatre in Swansea in July 2008 and I have been prompted to run it again by popular demand. Each seminar is for a maximum of 8 delegates and is packed with masses of marketing ideas and sales skills.

I recorded an intimate sales and marketing session last year and am planning to have this available as a video download with an accompanying Action Book. Watch this space.

Meanwhile, make this a great year, whatever happened before. Good luck. If I can help in any way e-mail me at ask@mikeleahy.com

New content on Marketing Basics

2008-12-23T23:41:00.000Z

I've just updated my website marketing basics and included a video from my Recession Buster series. This one is 10 top tips to ensure newsletters bring in extra sales. To back this up I've included some information about marketmailer, an automated e-mail system that costs peanuts but is equal to the most expensive systems.

Marketing is on-going and is even more vital during these finacially difficult days. And sales skills are just as important but I'm finding that they are lacking in most business people. So what heights would they reach with a bit of coaching and learning some basic selling skills.

In the beginning

2008-12-23T11:38:00.000Z

This is the first entry of my new blog. My new website marketing basics is designed to be a focal point for small and medium businesses to improve their sales and marketing efforts. It includes general marketing tips and two courses, namely Phoenix, which is a 100 day programme where participants work on their business for one hour a day to increase sales and improve their marketing effort.

I also have a disability access site promoting my business which is taken up in the main by local authorities and major organisations. I carry out access audits and offer access consultancy. My current projects are within Aintree NHS Trust and Westminster City Council.

THis initial post is to see how quickly the results will be recognised.