May 2010
Top Tips for Organising an Event
14/05/10 14:36 Filed in: Events | Business Advice
An event is an excellent way to entertain your clients and customers and can expand your existing client base, gain new business and create high visibility in the marketplace.
It is one of the best ways of telling people that your business is doing well. Done correctly the event has the ability to be more effective than advertising.
Here are some top tips to help make your next event a success:
- An event to raise money for charity is a different occasion than for promoting your company. The two can go together, but will take skilful organisation as the charity can easily overshadow and even blot out your company.
- Allow plenty of time to organise the event, do not leave it up to your office junior unless they have a good track record of success in this field!
- An event should be given the same level of thought, planning and strategy you would put into bidding for a new contract.
- The event will transmit the kind of people you are, your ethos, the relationship you have with your staff and how much you value your clients/customers.
- Get maximum PR from the event by sending press releases to relevant media and inviting them, the etiquette being only one local/national and one sector specific publication, ensuring they are informed about each other.
- With radio and TV, invite one or the other, never both. Remember the media should to be treated as a valued guest so allocate a senior member of staff to look after them.
Out and About
14/05/10 14:32 Filed in: Events
We have recently attended three great events that proved inspirational as well as entertaining.
First was Apprentice Night at Latino's restaurant in Beeston, a fundraising evening in aid of Rainbows Hospice with three of the contestants from TV's Apprentice show - winner Yasmina Siadatan (shown here in conversation with our Vivienne) and runners up James McQuillan and Howard Ebison.
Charismatic Des Coleman - local BBC Weather presenter, was the MC for the night and held a lively auction. The evening raised just over £5,000 for the various charities represented.
Doug Richards' Worst Mistakes
Nottingham's Business School at the Djanogly International Centre hosted an evening with Doug Richards (who you may know from the first series of Dragons' Den). Doug talked (ranted!) about his 'Most Embarrassing Mistakes'. I wonder how many of us would have that kind of courage! His talk (rant!) was extremely entertaining and inspiring at the same time.
Where food meets fashion
Viv organised a small ladies luncheon and fashion show at 'Signature' restaurant and boutique in West Bridgford in aid of the charity S.H.E. UK (Survivors Helping Each Other). Forty seven guests helped her raise £650 and much needed awareness for the charity.
Mentoring for Recovery
14/05/10 14:29 Filed in: Business Advice
Factual evidence shows that negative perception is creating the wrong picture about the recession. This is due to 24/7 access to a high level of information where the media is focusing on the victims rather than the successes.
There is evidence that suggests a healthy growth in small business start-ups. History has shown that small businesses and the entrepreneurial spirit are Britain's strongest assets and have proved important factors in pulling the country out of recessions and two world wars.
It's important that any new business has access to constructive support from established companies. Over the last few months Paul has given up a few hours a week to be part of the The Hive mentoring programme, run by Nottingham Trent Uni. The Hive helps new businesses develop their ideas and formulate business plans, as well as a place to operate from and professional advice on-tap at all times.
Giant Egg Winner!
14/05/10 14:22 Filed in: Competition | Newsletter
Our Easter competition last month created a lot of interest from you all, so commiserations to the unsuccessful entries.
The answer to the weight of the world's largest chocolate Easter egg is a whopping 1950kg (or at least it was at the time of writing!)
It was Rachael Newman, a fundraiser at the charity CP Sport who was the lucky winner of the giant handmade egg from Chocolate Utopia.
CP Sport is the sports organisation for people with cerebral palsy, providing sporting opportunities to individuals of all ages and at all levels from recreational right through to paralympic competition.
"I am having trouble keeping the staff from eating this beautiful egg because I think it will raise us a lot of money in a raffle or maybe an auction." said Rachael. "Thank you Paul."
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