The White House opens its doors.

 Mike Jones of The White House in Swansea attended my Seminar on Tuesday and today he kindly send a few words as follows.

"I didn't learn anything new on Mike's seminar but I was reminded of so many ideas that I'd forgotten. It was a great wake-up call and I'll certainly be taking action starting today. I thought the toolkit book was a great idea and the call to action list good to get those brilliant momentarily ideas on paper I recommend Mike's courses for any business owner who wants to take their business to the next level."

Mike very kndly provided a large flask/jug  of coffee for our seminar. And of course creams, milk and sugar. Thanks Mike.


And talking about referrals I looked up Mike's website and see that he gets almost daily testimonials. And are they good! Here are some from the last few dys. I know it's good because I've had friends stay there. I've just recommended them for a Xmas party for a group of 12-14 and Mike has come up with a really good price. Nice to have a party where you can meet in the intimate lounge for drinks, adjourn to the dining room for the meal then back to the lounge for a few more drinks. Almost like home from home without the work.

 Go to that link and take a look  Click here

Review posted by - Brian Tainsh , Langbank, Renfrewshire - 20/10/2010 Very nice single room with corner windows. Nothing was too much trouble for Proprietor Mike - as I had to leave early each morning he supplied a packed breakfast for me. Would return to the White House, and recommend it.

Review posted by - Sue B , Reading - 18/10/2010 Room was good, free wifi was great. The food was very good - there was a wide range of interesting dishes to choose from for dinner. Breakfast was great too. Parking just outside on the road was much closer and more convenient than in a large hotel chain.

Review posted by - Rob Pearce , United Kingdom - 18/10/2010 Very clean and smart accomadation!!!! Will return in future

Review posted by - Bronte & Meredith , Australia - 18/10/2010 Many thanks to Mike and his team for making our two stays so enjoyable. The hospitality was sensational. Minor problems with the TV and the noise were overcome by the service and friendliness of all involved. Best wishes to everyone at The White House for Xmas 2010!

Review posted by - John Smith , Haverfordwest - 15/10/2010 Superb accommodation, extremely clean and well equipped. Hospitality first class and always on hand. Extensive Menu, Comfortable Bed, Free Wi-FI. This accommodation I would class and 5 Stars. Mike puts a lot of effort and time into making this the best place to stay in Swansea without a doubt !!!.

Review posted by - Sian Jones , Denbigh - 12/10/2010 Had a lovely stay! Room very clean and comfortable and breakfast was delightful! Will be back.

Testimonials are the killer sales closer. Use them with gusto. If you use a sight seller then include some full letters (photocopied in colour) and if you send out quotes send some in the pack. On your website, and advertising, and in blogs. They are a winner.

To book the seminar on 9th or 11th November click here

Good Business.

First Seminar took place this morning. Feedback here.

Today I ran the promised first small seminar for six business owners. It lasted about 80 minutes and was really interactive. The feed-back I've had has been good and  I've included an e-mail I received from Richard Smith of RClean Window Cleaning Services who attended, and whom I have worked with during the last 12 months. We have decided to follow up with another meeting to continue with the seminar as there is still a cave full of information to give out and discuss.


We actually covered just 4 pages of the 36 page manual I have written and used over the last few years. It is a comprehensive course that covers most aspects of business apart from most finacial aspects.

Richard wrote "Well mike it was another good meeting and I always take home with me a little more knowledge each time. I can't wait until the 16th to continue the group talk.
 
I must give my testiment to a marvelous marketing and business advisor, Mike leahy. Yes you did read that correct it's Mike leahy. His practical advice will improve any business. A business that wants to gain more business will always thrive by investing time with Mike Leahy.
 
My faith in Mike started after my business Rclean which offers window cleaning and pressure washing services in South Wales started to lose business because of the recession, and me being rather ill with undiagnosed sleep aponea which is now treated thankfully.  

Mike's marketing advice gave me a much better understanding of what I was doing wrong and how I needed to put in place my attention on doing the right things to gain business.
I have made big improvements and certainly learnt how to gain work business through Mike Leahy.


Thank you Mike
 
If you wish to call me I am always happy to have a chat about how Mike has helped me personally. signed  Richard  on 07883029588."

To visit Richard's website click here.

There is another seminar tomorrow. And I'm really looking forward to 9.15 when we start. If you are interested then drop me an e-mail at ask@mikeleahy.com. I'll consider running another series shortly. It is updated to include more about Social Media as this is now an integral part of any business. Socal Media is moving at neck-break speed and you really need to know about the basics.

Perhaps you feel travelling to Swansea is not practical. I'm now looking at producing a cd that'll include Podcasts, Pdfs and Powerpoint Presentations together with phone 1-2-1 calls. Interested? Express your interest now and I'll keep you updated. Just send an e-mail to ask@mikeleahy.com or write a comment below.

 

When It's gone, it's gone!!

Sold out with 24 hours!! 

Attendees include two who have been to previous seminars of mine and so know how good they are. One said "It was nearly 2 years ago and I need to have a refresher and be motivated.

So now it's upwards and onwards.

We are going to cover a huge amount of tips and tricks that'll get any business up off the blocks and running. It is going to be a really exciting 90 minutes on topics that I'm really experienced with.

The biggest hurdles for many businesess are creating ideas that bring in more profit without having to spend huge amounts and taking big gambles.

I'll be reporting back after both have run. And if they are as successful as last time I'll consider putting on some more.

Meanwhile I was talking to Gareth Davies of Custom Print Works! who was telling me he goes out foot canvassing and gets new customers every day. Having been an advocate of cold calling since the sixties I was pleased to hear his take on this. "Nobody else is doing it. It's much better than calling by phone for many reasons and it's good for my health and pocket. I get plenty of exercise and make good money for the business." 

It is another way of  finding customers and I'll be covering this at in a future posting.Gareth, who is a very experienced salesman will be joining us as a delegate at the Thursday seminar next week. He follows the same thoughts as me. No matter how experienced you are, you'll always learn or remember something to try out.

It's Not What You Know. Or is it!

There are just two places left for the FREE seminars on Tuesday and Thursday next week. They may have gone by the time you read this.

Interestingly at the Mid and West Wales Chamber networking breakfast this morning that I attended 4 people signed up to attend beccause of postive comments by past attendees plus two who have attended previous meetings are coming back for more.

I was very pleased to receive this testimonial earlier today. An e-mail out of the blue. I've been working with the Lance and Paul of the Uplands Diner in Swansea for the last few months and there have been dramatic socila media and off-line marketing plus other changes and a completed make-over. They are now servibg more breakfasts than ever before and have broken all records during October.


They kindly wrote and said:

The old saying goes "It's not what you know, it's WHO you know". This saying is very appropriate to Mike Leahy. If you needed to find the answer to something and he didn't know it-(first of all, that would probably be unlikely), secondly, he would probably know somebody who WOULD know the answer. He is like the human version of Wikipedia. Since he began assisting the team at the Uplands Diner, he has brought a vast array of experience and knowledge which he has personally learned over the decades. Secondly, he has met a lot of like minded people in that time, and they in turn bring their skills with them. But you can't get that on Wikipedia. 

Testimonials are so important in building up new relationships with potential customers.

Make your success

FREE Dynamic 90 Minute Seminars

Money back guarantee!! No need. This is a free event full of great material you go take back to the office and use straight away. I've had some who haven't even made it back to their office. They've been so fired up they've gone out and tackled a prospect or followed up on an aexisting customer to get additional business!!

Come and join me on Tuesday 26th or Thursday 28th October (next week) at the Metropole Chambers, Salubrious Passage, Swansea, SA1 3RW for just 90 minutes of fast talking ideas that will make your business buzz.

Not a boring Powerpoint Presentation but a new idea every minute. So thats 90 new ideas or selling skills. Could you take so much information in and then go back to your office and put it into action? I guarantee that you will increase your net profit.

This will get you spiked up. I'll even paint some go-faster stripes on your arms once you attend this Turbo Success Seminar and you'll just motor.  Another Business Builder Brick.

We’re Having a Dynamic Seminar!

90 packed minutes of Creative Marketing Ideas and Selling Skills

Presented by Mike Leahy
(Booking is essential)

Location: Metropole Chambers, Salubrious Passage, Swansea, SA1 3RW
 Dates: Tuesday 26th ; Thursday 28th October  
Time: 9.15 - 10.45 am
What to Bring: A receptive mind and a willingness to take action
No Cost: This is a f.ree event   *see below
Reserve Your Place: Call or Text 07976364681
(Very limited places. Maximum 6 people per seminar)
Booking is Essential
Do You qualify? Only Business Owners and Managers

Guaranteed to get you thinking and taking action. Great Ideas you've forgotten or that are new

“Mike provides individual and business support in a number of areas as his knowledge extends beyond marketing and covers many areas of business operations. Mike has acted as a mentor during my early stages of business development and continues to assist me with marketing consultancy. I find Mike to be personable, supportive and reliable in his delivery of creative marketing solutions.”       January 4, 2010 Jacqueline Cole CEO Make My Summer Ltd

   

 Wishing you success. So call me today on 07976364681 and book your place now.

*the event is free but anyone who books and doesn't attend will be charged £49.00 as it will be preventing someone else from benefitting. You do need to book. Do it Now. Call 07976364681

      

Is selling an art or science?

Some people say salesmen are born and others say you can make them. Some peoople think selling is an art whilst others say "Science"

Be persistent! And dare to be different!

Here are some more building blocks that will make you successful through small steps and persistence.

Be Persistent!
I was talking to a friend yesterday who is a music composer but isn't making big bucks so he works selling door to door. He sells utilities. That is a hard job, knocking on every door in a street, hoping to catch someone at home. And hoping even more that they are the householder - that they are prepard to give you a few minutes time - that you can convince them of your money saving offer - and that they will sign up.

He probably gets more "No's" in a day than most of us do in a month, if not a year. Yet he persists whatever the weather and no matter how many difficult or rude or unpleasant people he meets: no matter how many doors are unanswered because he knows the odds are in his favour. He probably knows the number of "No's" he gets to every "Yes". So he can accept the negatives and no-answers because he knows each one brings him closer to the next order.

Are you persistent! Do you keep going when faced with "No" after "No"? Or do you stop early and call it a day? Because that next call - the one after you stop - could be the one that says "Yes".


I remember back in the sixties selling encyclopedias door to door and we used to go out as a group. Maybe 5 in a car. We'd park up and the superviser would hand out street maps so we knew which roads to call on. We'd arrive about 11 in the morning. Then we'd meet up at about 1 for something to eat then back out knocking on doors again. At around 5 we'd meet up again and then it was back on appointments in the early evening. 


During the day we'd be making appointments. We needed both partners to be present because we were presenting a big investment and most families bought on hire purchase. We wanted a joint agreement.


During the days we were selling appointments and in the evenings we were selling products. It was hard work, especially if it was raining or cold but the rewards were high so we persisted. The staff turnover was high but those who stayed generally earned. 


It's a long slow journey setting up any venture, whether it's you as a sale-person or a a business that you intend to grow and employ people. Have a dream. Stay focussed. Keep going and you will reach your goal. But don't forget the map - your business or marketing plan - for without a plan, map or guide we won't know where we are reaching for.


Dare to be Different
Look at what your competitors are doing and try to be different. Become memorable.


I remember when I was a young salesman I started wearing a bow-tie. You don't see many nowadays and when you do , do you wonder what sort of person the wearer is? Well it was the same then but I carried on and became the guy with the dickie. Even when buyers couldn't remember my name they remembered the tie and associated it with the products or services that I was selling. Like the phot? This was a the launch of the Local Business Forum two years ago. We have gone through big changes since then.


How can you be different? How can you stand out in a crowd? It doesn't have to be outrageous but if it is and provided it doesn't offend anyone then you may surprise yourself and build up a memorable brand image. 

If you want to be successful by doing the small things right and using no-cost, low-cost marketing ideas that work then sign up for personal coaching andd realise your full potential. Just call or text me on 07976364681 or e-mail ask@mikeleahy.com. Two heads are better than one - together we can succeed.

Be lucky by being active and positive.

Basic Marketing is the no-cost, low-cost rute to success

Over and over I am finding that businesses are ignoring, ignorant about, or forgetting marketing basics. And it is the basics that will drive any business forward and ahead of the competition. It seems a no-brainer that these are the essential elements and usually either low-cost or indeed no-cost.

And so I’m setting out to push my concept and help any business-person who will read and participate in this blog and the ideas that are brought out.

If you want to finally crunch the credit-crunch (watch out for the infamous cuts we are expecting that will affect everyone) or if you want push the boundaries then I’d hope this will get you going. Please give me some feed-back and let me know how you are doing. Help me prove that you can increase your profits and improve your cash-flow through using simple techniques. The theme will be enthusiasm, positive attitude and action. Without these you can try all the ideas under the sun and still fail. Who said give me an average enthusiastic man and ‘ll make him a success? If it hasn’t been said already then I’m saying it now.

To get started you’ll need to think about your customers, who are they, why do they buy your products and what would they buy in addition? Don’t spend too long writing a huge report. Use an A4 sheet – ring up some of your customers and talk to them. Ask if they can spare a few minutes and give you some feed-back on how they found your products or services. What did they like best? Did they have any ideas to make improvements? Why did they choose to use you?

By asking these questions you’ll learn about yourself and your business, you’ll see how you can make positive changes and most importantly you’ll begin to build up better customer relations. Why not invite them onto your Customer Review Panel and tell them you’ll send out occasional e-mails with a question or two. But you can also send out information about new services and products.

Marketing basics rule. OK! let’s prove it. Sign up to the Local Business Forum for 1-2-1 coaching that will turn you into a Super sales machine.

10 Building Blocks to Dramatically Increase Your Profits

This is just on an overview of some simple basics that you should work on in your business. Get the basics right and the rest will look itself.

Get a website
Over 72% of consumers now use the internet rather than Yellow Pages or Directory Enquiries. A website helps people know, like and trust you - then they'll buy. But apart from prospective customers checking you out others may want to buy on-line. There are many factors that you should consider with a website
but it is bettter to have a poor website than one at all, provided you plan to make improvements as a priority. Websites should be constantly adjusted and improved.

Give Something Free  
Give something free to and you are halfway to the sale. Well! Not exactly half way but you'll get prospective customers to pause and look twice. With the thousands of sales messages we are all bomabared with daily you need to get yourself noticed. A freebie is a good way. And it can be used in a number of ways to get more business, lead the reader forward or get information.

Contact 50 new businesses each week and talk to the MAN
You've got to get out and tell to sell. Regular phone canvassing guarantees an increase in potential sales. You may need to change that target depending on a number of factors. But start today and make those adjustments as necessary. If you haven't done this before be ready for a surprise, lots of "no's" but when you hit a "yes" it's all worthwhile.

Network
Networking is a way to get your message out to local businesses and build up a referral system. Look for Free opportunities, events that you can go to for free, exhibitions where you can networkwith the exhibitors. Networking is a sure-fire way to get new business but not usually from those you talk to but from people they know. Always ask "who do you know that could use this product/service?". Networking is an art. Not many people know how but those who do certainly do get new business.

Have a Newsletter
This keeps prospects and existing customers hot and interested in your products. The newsletter can be on-line or printed. The former is free or low-cost but these usually don't get read by that many people, no matter how interesting. The latter are often read by more than 1 person but there is the printing cost and postage.

Start an appropriate advertising campaign
There are several ways to advertise without spending large sums on newspapers, radio, TV or Yellow Pages.You don't need large expensive adverts. The very smaklest offering a free report are winners and usually open the door for you.

Build a Prospect List
Some people are ready to buy now whilst others won't buy for weeks, months or years.  Manage your list and keep each prospect alive.Grade each propsect into hot, warm and cold. Put in dates when you want to contact them to take them to the next stage. Keep a prospect sheet.

Maintain good records
Good records will ensure you keep on top and get the order. You need to keep records on prospects and when they will probably buy, individual records for each prospects and customer, sales records, activity records and a diary.

Keep Trying New Ideas
Nothing stands still so even if you feel you're are doing well you need to be innovative. Both new products and new selling methods will grow your business.

There will be updates and more in-depth articles to help you. 


All these ideas will improve your business provided you Take Positive Action.

Want to grow your business? Then click here

Is Coaching right for you?

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

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 hestiate to recommend him to any business or individual needing to increaee their turnover. His cheery smile, wonderful enthusiasm and eldless markerting ideas are absolutely invaluable”

Some content for the first few weeks that will get you off on a fast-track start include:

Any project needs planning. Then you need the tools and materials. You will be building your business with these bricks to have a firm structure that will last.  

Introduction. “What you can expect from this course” If you want to increase turnover and sales and are prepared to make some changes then this is for you. Successful selling is achieved through having positive personal attributes, sales skills, marketing ideas, plenty of bottle, the ability to take enthusiastic action and a good system.

Are you Motivated? Many people say they’ll succeed: without strong self-motivation there is no way. How to get and stay motivated starting today.

Visualisation. What is it and how can you use it to become ultra successful?

Get Organised. Lets start as we mean to go on. Without organisation you’ll never reach your goals in life. And there is no set way to be organised only golden rules.

Back to Basics. Before you can go forward you need to look over your shoulder and see where you’ve come from. You also need to look at the maths equation that will tell you whether you have a chance to succeed. No you don’t have to do any complicated algebra!!

All about Canvassing. Why do you need to canvass? What methods can you use? What is best for you? Canvassing is both a big “No! No!” and a numbers game.

Carry out a SWOT Analysis. Read the instructions and follow the template: you’ll then work it out for yourself

Use a Diary. Many don’t use diaries properly. A diary is the signpost and results of your Business or Marketing Plan. A diary is the place where you must be honest with yourself.

CRM System. This  is free and will allow more than one person access. Great for running teams, using a virtual assistant and generally keeping ahead of the game.

Action Plan introduction. You’ll see how important a forward running Action Plan is to keep you in front of the game. You’ll get a template that you can use week on week, month on month.

The Day Book your best £5 investment. Buy a Day Book today and you can use your brain in a more constructive way.

The YOU brand. Lets be honest. Why do people buy from your business? The answer should be a personal one.

Complete the Hidden Asset Audit. This 26 pages questionnaire will help you see strengths and weaknesses in your own marketing

Write Marketing Plan Part One. So now to write out the Marketing Plan that’s going to shoot

you up to the stars. Part one however is getting the background information. Unfortunately this is the boring bit so lets get it out of the way first.

Getting that order - the numbers game. If converting prospects into customers may be an art then working out the number of orders you’ll get is quite a science. You’ll love it when people say “No!”

Selling success is a conversation piece. I’ve loved selling for the past 45 years. It has been an experience to meet so many interesting people, to hear their stories, to ask them questions and to finally get that order signed. Most people hate selling – I’ll show you how to love it!

Getting calls. Mobile, Answering Service, Pager, Joint Ventures. When someone calls your phone they want to talk to a person. Maybe you can’t afford a receptionist. Well there are some great alternatives. And I bet one of these is for you.

Looking Great. Do you look the part? These tips alone will increase you confidence and add inches to your personality.

Canvassing to suit your Business. There are many ways to generate interest in your

services and products. Calling people by phone, writing, sending e-mails, texts or calling in person on them at work are just some ways. Lets find out what suits you.

Canvassing by Phone Part 1. Telephone canvassing is hard work that most people hate. Done well by experienced canvassers can be enjoyable, stress free and very rewarding. What are the key secrets? How can you succeed? Part One will get you started.
Canvassing Sheet. This template will get you started and enable you to keep tabs on what you are doing. Remember! Number crunching shines the way forward.

Door-to-Door Canvassing Part 1. Going out and calling on businesses was the rage in the sixties. Now it’s back and bringing in the results. We’ve forgotten the importance of personal face-to-face contact. Try these proven techniques and win through time after time

5x3 Cards. Forget your Blackberry or I-phone. Index cards can be a secret weapon in relationship selling.

Canvassing schedule. You’ve got to set yourself targets. Make your pledge today and I promise you’ll see positive results fast.

Write Marketing Plan Part Two. We’ve seen where we are now lets look at where we want to be. This is your blueprint.

Facebook, Twitter, Linkin and more. If you haven’t used any of these get onto the site and look at some of the pages. You may have to register as a member but it’s free so just do it. Make sure you use the same name – your name to build up your personal branding. More about this later.


Want to grow your business with this COMPREHENSIVE SALES & MARKETING COURSE?  Then just Click here

Good luck with your sales

Talk to me and increase your profits dramatically!

Work with me for just 15 weeks and we’ll dramatically increase your turnover and profits.

Starting or running a growing business but not sure what to do next?

Running a business that just isn’t growing?

Still making mistakes that you should be aware of?

Join me in the Local Business Forum

I’m Mike Leahy, your growing business coach and, just like you, an entrepreneur. Starting a new business or growing an existing one is hard work if you do not have the experience and expertise. 

Starting out just like you with a small instant print shop back in sixties and built it up using practical no-cost and low-cost marketing ideas coupled with my selling experience. Since then I have worked with numerous business owners, sharing with them those same trusted ideas and skills so that they too enjoyed success with their businesses.

I am still running business ventures including a new on-line radio show for growing businesses so that my finger is still on the marketing pulse. This year my aim is to help 120 business owners like you learn and use the steps to get your business working so that you achieve the lifestyle you want. 

You will have found that the internet is overflowing with information, often at inflated prices, that promises you success overnight. This does occasionally happen but usually through a fluke. Most enterprises grow through hard work – look at overnight entertainment successes - when asked they usually tell you it took over 10 years of un-ending hard work.

So if you want to become a millionaire by tomorrow this isn’t for you!

On the other hand if you want to grow your business on firm foundations that will become a valuable asset then join me and other dynamic business owners at the Local Business Forum and learn through the Local Business Academy.

Good Selling makes great business.

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

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.

Extra savings now with Carrie

Christmas is just around the corner. The City lights are up, shops are crowded, frosty mornings await us. And now is the time to make the most of Carrie, your card. Here are just a few new offers.

LATE! LATE! SPECIAL!!
Order 500 business cards. Full colour double sided 400gsm laminated just 25 pounds, payment with order from you artwork. Limited offer until 18th December. Valid in the Swansea, Neath & Port Talbot and Llanelli areas only for free delivery. Other areas call 07976 364681.

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Get an extra 10% when you dine at Zaal Indian Restaurant on a Tuesday. So that is a total of 20% off your food bill plus free coffees when you go to Sketty Cross and eat at Zaal's. Highly recommended and in fact now taking votes for the Curry House of the Year. Watch here for details of how you can vote.



Are you a sportsman? H Sports in the Uplands are pleased to offer 10% of full priced goods. So if you are looking for sports equipment and in particular cricket and bowls then zip down to their shop and talk with Matthew who will be pleased to help you. With his experience he'll be able to give you sound professional advice too.

In fact he has some great information about bat care on his site. "To get the best performance from your bat, there are certain procedures that manufacturers recommend and pitfalls to be avoided if possible.

Bat willow is soft and light, but hardens when subjected mechanically to pressing rollers. Naturally, because it is a soft wood the condition of the bat will deteriorate during usage. Bats can be seriously damaged by a Yorker i.e. when the ball is trapped between the bat and the ground, causing the willow to split diagonally at the toe.

If the ball strikes the edge of the bat with sufficient force, heavy impact damage may occur. Water penetrating the toe may cause the pressing to lift and if action is not taken immediately, the toe can be easily damaged by striking the ball or simply by heavy tapping at the crease.

Some small cracks are bound to occur on the bat, due to wear and tear, but these will not affect its performance." read more click here.

And whilst you are up in the Uplands and Sketty drop into the Gower Road Car Wash on Gowwer Road, just above Sketty Cross and get you car washed or fully valeted. Use your card and get a 10% discount.

Get your card today and start saving. Become a merchant and get that extra business. The card works and you'll be building up loyalty.

Get more with Carrie
kind regards

The Local Business Card has just been launched and is now available as a franchise.

If you are looking for a business opportunity then this might be for you. You should look at the criteria before applying. There are opportunities right now in all cities except Carmarthen and Lincoln but this isn't going to be for long.


Is this you:

• You are looking for a full or part-time opportunity but can devote at least 8 hours a week during normal working times

• You want to work from home or your office
  
• You like networking and meeting people
• You don't like selling but enjoy helping others
• You want a business that you can build up gradually and that will give you an on-going income
• You don't like a lot of paperwork
• You'd like a system with the back-up and support to make life easy
• You want to work with like-minded people who want to succeed
• You know nothing is for free or easy but are willing to work hard to get your business set up
• You don't want a high franchise cost

If you answered "Yes" to the above then this is a great opportunity to build up a long-lasting business that doesn't involve a lot of paperwork (in fact it's practically nil), is involved in helping local companies make more business and profit without big costs, and is ready to go.

The Local Business Card is just a tenner per year and gets you discounts and special offers from a whole range of shops, hairdressers, clubs restaurants and much more. Traders pay less than 60p a day to be on your local directory and be in the weekly newsletter that goes out to all card-holders. It is working in Swansea where it has just been launched and soon in Carmarthen and Lincoln. If you have loads of business contacts and good friends you'll be able to grow this business easily and fast. It is expected that will be excellent. Call for a breakdown if you'd like to be considered as a Franchisee. Interested?

Just call or text on 07976 364681
e-mail ask@localbusinesscard.co.uk

Do it now for full no obligation details.

Please note that we can't guarantee earning but we know the secret of making this work.

Kind regards

New Carrie Character

What do you think?

We felt Carrie needed to be a bit feminine to match her name. I'm really pleased with the result and you'll be seeing a lot more of her.

Meanwhile we've had some really great press cover in both the Evening Post and Western Mail. As you can see below, the Post included a great photo. Written by Emma Jones it will certainly help promote the card which can only be good for both consumers and merchants.

Having a great idea and seeing it come together as one that will benefit everyone is really rewarding and I'm hopeful that it'll grow not only in Swansea but National.

And today I see the article is included in the free paper, so that's gone out to over 60,ooo homes in the Swansea area. It's been interesting in that so many people saty they don't read the paper but everyone has seen the article.

Your comments are really appreciated so do write what you think about Carrie. Feedback is so important if we are to get this right. And that's where you come in. Please leave a comment and equally important sign up and save.

Good luck

Cinchast Adds an Extra Dimension

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

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

Local Business Card New Press Release

"Carrie" Your Card

Carrie, the Local Business Card says "Yes" to the idea of giving shoppers savings and sellers marketing support.

The Local Business Card has just arrived and will save shoppers money through freebies and discounts. The card has been named "Carrie" and is designed to get consumers buying from local business, whether out shopping or through the internet.

The brainchild of Mike Leahy, a Swansea marketer who believes in supporting local businesses, the card is designed as a key-fob and is easy to carry and always available. Mike said, "Consumers just look for the symbol in shop windows or on websites. When they present their card they will get a saving or other benefit. There is no paperwork, nothing for the retailer to complete or record. And this is ideal for businesses to promoting themselves. It is hassle free. "

Shoppers save when they Carrie their card.

What about the retailer. Carrie brings in new customers and gets them coming back over again. Shoppers become loyal customers through the newsletter that is sent out fortnightly. This is a great way for them to find genuine bargains and start buying from new retailers. And it’s a really low-cost way to find new customers at just a couple of pounds a week. There is nothing else of value for so little. The marketing budget goes to the customer as a Thank you. And provided the retailer looks after that customer they will be able to build up a solid customer relationship.

Carrie can be used in a wide range of shops, hairdressers, health clubs, restaurants, entertainments and much more. Simple to use, Carrie is available for just ten pounds a year, less than a couple might save on a meal for at their favourite restaurant.

There is a website where all offers are shown. It sounds great, a loyalty card that is accepted by favourite retailers and entitles shoppers to freebies or discount simply for shopping with them. And it is planned to use Twitter, texting and the new exciting Cinch, which allows telephone messages to be up on the website immediately.

Mike Leahy said "I was involved in a similar scheme called The Gainers Club back in the sixties in London but the cost of regularly printing updated directories and sending our information by post was prohibitive and the club only lasted for 18 months or so. The Internet and automated e-mail newsletters brings the cost down to peanuts and we are just charging something to cover our overheads. We are giving a top-line service to both cardholders and sellers. Just ten pounds a year for the card and two pounds per week to advertise as a merchant is not going to break any bank. Most people will save that on a single purchase and many merchants will recoup the annual cost in less than a week. In addition there is no commitment. I just want a card that is easy to get, simple to use and guarantees the user something extra. Something that helps everyone through the current economic climate and beyond."

Mike went on to say "And it is not just shops. I am looking for entertainment such as clubs bowling, racing and theatres, restaurants, hotels and health clubs, internet businesses and business-to-business.

In fact the scheme was originally created to work between businesses but the demand has opened the floodgates. So there will be web designers, sign makers, graphics designers, stationers, plumbers and electricians and many others. I have designed the scheme to be simple without any need for unnecessary paperwork apart from registering. A scheme that will be good for both shoppers and sellers."

When you Carrie your card you can be sure of a great deal.

There are already sellers signing up in Swansea but this will become much bigger and nationwide through franchising. In fact the first new area has been signed up just today so Carrie can be used in Lincoln too. The Local Business Card is the only card you need.

kind regards