Talking from experience

I’ve been blogging for a fair few months now, and been marketing businesses big and small for a few years, in various capacities.  So I’ve never had any problems dishing out …

By
5th January 2008 at 12:52 pm

I’ve been blogging for a fair few months now, and been marketing businesses big and small for a few years, in various capacities.  So I’ve never had any problems dishing out marketing advice.  But until last month I hadn’t really walked the talk, as far as marketing my own small business.

Having left the comfort of my corporate ‘career’ early last year, I spend most of 2007 in a mildly celebratory fog, picking up bits of freelance work from old (and new) contacts as I went.  Unfortunately Mr. Tax Man isn’t so fond of freelancers as to make it a smooth ride, so in November I bit the bullet and registered my company.

‘Brandthing’, my baby business was born on the 12th of the 12th.  He doesn’t have much to show for himself just yet.  A url that goes nowhere at present, a couple of pieces of paperwork from Companies House and a nice bit of embossing on a company banking card – which is frankly useless, until I secure some funds to make it mildly interesting.

So now, heading into 2008, I find myself facing the daunting challenge of practicing what I preach.  Marketing my tiny business to see if it will grow.  I’ve got the skills.  I’ve got the contacts.  And I’ve got plenty of ideas.

What I don’t have – the age old issue – is loads of time.

So this month I’ll mainly be focusing on giving my business an Identity of sorts (oh hell, you can’t create an identity until you’ve established some values, something to stand for. . . .ok. . .I’ll be doing that too).  And I’m going to give some thought to a web presence – so that people can find me (sheesh!. . . a whole can of worms on style, build, SEO issues etc), then there’s the blog (kind of easier to get started, but heck where do you start when you could be talking to potential customers rather than just the world at large. . .)

Suddenly it hits me. . . Dishing out the advice is so much easier than taking it, applying it and working it to get a result.  Watch this space, if you’re interested to know how I get on.  If nothing else, in the weeks and months to come you’ll have confidence that you’re tuning into someone who is talking from experience.

Bitter?  Or sweet?  Only time will tell.

#646464

Sara is a marketing specialist with a wealth of on-line and traditional experience. With award winning credentials as an advertising writer, her career also spans the disciplines of planning and strategy for both B2B and consumer clients. Having worked for one of the the UK's biggest non-London agencies, Sara now works on a consultancy basis for clients large and small. http://www.smallbizpod.co.uk/blog

comment on start-up tips

Commenting Is Easy

Do you agree with this blog post? Disagree? Have something to add that others might find helpful? Then please leave a comment in the box below.

If you'd like to have your image included next to your comments here, then you can set yourself up with an avatar in just a couple of clicks.

  1. Sara

    I can guarantee making the switch from talking to doing is a massive challenge. I lived within universities for years and conually offered all sorts of advice and education, and to be honest it worked – at least people told me it did. I now have my own business, but I still like to offer bits of advice.

    I have just created a little story that may interest you.

    I am always interested in what it takes to be successful. I am sure many people reading this blog are in the middle of getting something going or running their own business. I find that other people difficulties can sometimes act to help us think through our issues. As such I have initiated a little story of a young man in the UK, who is beginning his journey. Please go to the story and offer your advice. Nick will respond to the most popular and sensible advice!
    http://www.talkenterprise.co.uk

  2. Mark Edwards says:

    Just keep reminding yourself to walk the walk rather than talk the talk. Good luck and keep us all posted.

Leave a comment

Photostream

Listen to the sales podcast for SMEs Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes

BUSINESS PODCASTS

Click on one of the play buttons to listen to inspirational interviews with entrepreneurs from SmallBizPod.

SmallBizPod #58 - Who Is Afraid Of The Female Entrepreneur?

SmallBizPod #58 - Who Is Afraid Of The Female Entrepreneur?

PostedDetails | PostediTunes
play small business podcast now
SmallBizPod #93 - interview with Brad Burton of 4Networking

SmallBizPod #93 - interview with Brad Burton of 4Networking

PostedDetails | PostediTunes
play small business podcast now
SmallBizPod #83 - Duane Jackson interview - SaaS, Drugs and Rock

SmallBizPod #83 - Duane Jackson interview - SaaS, Drugs and Rock 'n Roll

PostedDetails | PostediTunes
play small business podcast now
SmallBizPod #92 - web startups, shooting for the moon or nailing the business model?

SmallBizPod #92 - web startups, shooting for the moon or nailing the business model?

PostedDetails | PostediTunes
play small business podcast now
SmallBizPod #69 - Clive Birnie, MBOs and jumping through windows

SmallBizPod #69 - Clive Birnie, MBOs and jumping through windows

PostedDetails | PostediTunes
play small business podcast now
SmallBizPod #97 - John Griffin of Addison Lee

SmallBizPod #97 - John Griffin of Addison Lee

PostedDetails | PostediTunes
play small business podcast now

PARTNER PROMOTIONS

If looking to boost your businesses performance with promotional marketing, travel incentives or incentive schemes get it touch with NDL Group