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As December begins, the festive season may dominate our thoughts, but it’s also the perfect time to reflect on our business journey over the past year and plan for the year ahead. Whether you’re preparing to revise a detailed plan for 2024 or developing one for the very first time, planning now sets the foundation for a successful 2025.  The farmers’ protest in London on the 19th November was a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the farming community in the UK. Farmers gathered to express their frustrations with the government’s recent budget, particularly policies that threaten family farms through increased inheritance taxation. For many, this protest was about more than economic policy; it was a plea to safeguard the heart of rural life and the integrity of the nation’s food system.  (Picture: Marcin Nowak/LNP)
Free Speech vs. Responsible Speech: Navigating Brand Messaging in the Age of Accountability15/11/2024 Britain: The Home of Speaker's Corner. Recent events in the UK have reignited the debate over free speech and the allocation of police resources, encapsulated by the provocative phrase "policing the streets, not tweets." This discussion reached new prominence with the investigation of Telegraph journalist Allison Pearson, who was visited by Essex Police regarding a year-old social media post, labelled as a "non-crime hate incident." The incident has sparked widespread debate about the boundaries of free expression, the role of law enforcement in regulating speech, and the practical implications of such interventions.  Here we are, just five days past Rachel Reeves' October 30th, 2024, budget announcement, and the dust is hardly settling. Across the UK, micro and small business owners—including myself—are delving into the details, analysing the implications, and wondering what comes next. Meanwhile, news has already broken that UK farmers, under pressure from this new budget, are planning a protest in London on the 19th of this month. With Elon Musk weighing in on ‘X’ and Jeremy Clarkson, ideally positioned through his Amazon Prime show Clarkson’s Farm, making his strong opinions known, the unrest in the farming community serves as a reminder that, while the budget is presented as a path forward, not everyone feels it is the right one.  As the clocks turn back and the days shorten with the UK’s annual daylight-saving adjustment, it’s a fitting moment to reflect on the profound and elusive concept of time. Though the turning back of the clock represents a mere hour, the symbolism resonates deeply: time, the most intangible of our resources, is also our most valuable. Its fleeting nature can feel both empowering and overwhelming, leaving many of us to wonder, how should we be spending this precious resource?  What Modern Marketing Can Learn from Classic Film-Making: Insights from Sherlock Holmes to the 4 Ps1/10/2024 “Over the past 30 to 40 years we have replaced things that work with things that sound good.” — Thomas Sowell, an American economist, social theorist, and senior fellow at the Hoover Institution. In recent weeks, I’ve been watching some old movies—specifically the classic Sherlock Holmes films starring Basil Rathbone from the early 1940s. It’s fascinating to see how much these films, made over 80 years ago, still feel familiar in many ways. Despite the technological limitations of the time, the essential principles of film-making—strong scripts, storyboards, camera angles, dialogue, and sound design—are all present, and in some cases, they outshine many of today’s modern productions. The simplicity of technology in those films is striking: electricity, telephones, and battery-powered torches are all present. There are no computers, no Internet, no mobile phones. Yet, the films remain engaging, largely because of their rich storytelling and tight scripts. It got me thinking: are there elements of classic films that modern movie-makers—and indeed, modern marketers—can learn from? And beyond that, have we, in the rush toward new technology and innovation, lost some of the essential qualities that once defined excellence in both film and marketing?  In an increasingly competitive market, small businesses in the service sector must prioritise the delivery of high-quality and reliable services to sustain their operations and build lasting customer relationships. Whether in healthcare, consulting, or brand management, the value of service quality cannot be overstated. This blog explores the significance of service quality through the lens of a personal experience at a private dental practice and draws parallels with the service industry at large, using our own brand consultancy firm, Future Point 4 Business, as a case study. We will also examine how consumers, potential clients, and critics should appreciate the expertise, training, and costs associated with providing top-notch services.  Have You Ever Wondered Why Your Business Social Media Does or Doesn’t Get the Attention It Deserves?26/8/2024 In today's fast-paced digital world, social media has become an essential tool for businesses. Whether you're a small business owner, a startup entrepreneur, or part of a large corporation, having a strong social media presence is crucial for reaching your audience, building your brand, and driving sales. Yet, despite your best efforts, you might find that your social media posts aren't getting the attention you think they deserve. Have you ever posted something you were sure would generate engagement, only to be met with silence? Or maybe you've noticed that fellow business owners and friends, who express support in person, rarely engage with your posts online. If so, you're not alone. These experiences can be frustrating, but they may also reflect broader trends influenced by cultural, regional, and demographic factors. In this blog post, we'll explore the complex dynamics of social media engagement, examining how regional differences, age groups, and social demographics shape online behaviours. We'll also reflect on whether reactions to social media posts are truly the be-all and end-all for your business's success. The Basics of Maintaining a Healthy Micro or Small Business: Lessons from a Doctor’s Advice20/8/2024 After a recent visit to the doctor, I was told that, for my age and circumstances, things were looking good overall. My doctor emphasised that while the hospital could run tests, monitor vital signs, and provide guidelines, the real responsibility for my health lay with me. It struck me that this advice doesn’t just apply to personal health—it’s equally relevant to running a micro or small business. Just like a doctor can monitor your health but can't live your life for you, a business advisor or mentor can guide you, but the real work of maintaining a healthy business is up to you. This blog post takes a look into the parallels between personal health management and business health management. Just as a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress reduction, and adequate sleep are crucial to physical health, certain foundational practices are essential for the health of a micro or small business. Let's explore these basics and how they can help you maintain a thriving enterprise.  Today, something exciting happened in my home city of Southampton. The Coca-Cola Company, a global behemoth in the beverage industry, carried out a promotion at the local Tesco Extra. The promotion was based on the iconic Diet Coke Break campaign, but with a personalised twist—this time, the Diet Coke bottles bore individual names, including my own! It was thrilling to see my name on a bottle of one of the world’s most famous soft drinks, a product that has been a staple in households for decades. But as I reflected on the excitement of this personalised branding experience, I found myself pondering a larger question: Why do large corporations like Coca-Cola, who are already raking in millions of pounds, invest so heavily in targeted branding and marketing campaigns? And why do micro and small businesses, who arguably need it the most, often overlook the importance of branding?  |
