The English South African...

GUEST BLOG BY ALISON PAGE MARKETING

2011-10-12T13:57:00.000-07:00

SMALL BUSINESS START-UP TIPS

Based upon her own experiences, Rebecca asked me to write this guest blog to provide marketing information, assistance and direction to small and new business owners.

The following is really just the tip of the iceberg but covers, in my mind, those areas most commonly forgotten or disregarded by the small business owner.

I hope you find it interesting and would love to receive your feedback.

Step 1 Research your [intended] market

· Is your product or service something that people are looking for?

· Is it already being supplied? If so, what is your potential competitor’s price and quality? Review their packaging and promotional activity.

· Can you compete or do any of those elements differently, or perhaps better?

· Who are you intending to sell to, are they male or female, old or young and does it matter?

· What are their habits?

· Where are they based geographically?

· Where can you find them? Online, in a shop, perhaps a leisure centre or up a mountain!

· How do they typically research and purchase for their needs?

Tip: Price should never be the sole differentiator, it is difficult to maintain and you could find yourself in a spiralling downward price war!

Step 2 Consider your inbound and outbound communications

· Where would you like the majority of your enquiries to come from? The reality may be different, so be prepared! Do you need a website, or perhaps a holding page would suffice in the short term? Social media is the new word of mouth, is it a viable medium for you and your business? Online networking, referral and directories all play a key part but put your energies into the area which is your priority. Don’t ignore the others but focus initially on one, when time (and money) may be at a premium.

· Think of a brand or two that appeals to you. Why? What makes it special? What do you like about it or them? How do you engage with them? Now think how you and your brand can appeal to your prospective customers. What can you learn and apply?

· Be consistent in your tone of voice, style, communications and offering. Disjointed messages will create uncertainty and if people are uncertain about you or what you offer, they will look elsewhere and your credibility will suffer as a result.

· Use a language which is appropriate to your audience. It’s easy to get carried away with industry terminology.

· Ensure you remain professional at all times, from your initial contact, through to contract to invoicing to follow-up. This will reinforce your reliability and help build trust and long term relationships.

Tip: Don’t just focus on the features, major on the benefits.

Step 3 Present a professional image

· In line with the above, consider how you’re presenting yourself; again you need to be consistent.

· Use a representative and professional photograph of yourself online and complete your bio’s thoroughly and appropriately, giving consideration to your audience.

· Your chosen marketing activities need not be expensive but make them count in terms of quality, professionalism, relevance and include a call to action, ie, what you want the reader to do and, of course, your contact details.

· There are lots of free software and tools available now for publishing, social media, blogging platforms, newsletter templates for personalised communications, forums and video and PR distribution sites. See below for some suggestions.

· By all means produce your own literature, fliers and business cards in the early years but again be professional (avoid Word Art at all costs!) and utilise the reverse of business cards as a reminder of your offering.

· Find your niche, what you’re good at and where you can add value. Customer service is becoming a key differentiator, so go the extra mile and offer an enhanced service.

Tip: Get feedback. What are people looking for and how do they perceive you? Learn from this, refine your offering and repeat!

Step 4 Learn to juggle!

· Seriously, you will need to wear a number of hats once you start your business. Your priorities may end up looking something like this:

1. Look after and meet the needs of existing customers

2. Find new customers

3. Find new suppliers

4. Complete invoices and accounts

5. Complete admin

6. Review competitor activity

7. Review industry technology

8. Self-development and training

Tip: Seek help from the professionals and focus on what you’re good at. Professional assistance will offer skill in the required area, valuable experience, objectivity, greater knowledge of what resources are available to you, how to make best use of your spend and provide a source of new contacts.

Useful tools that I can recommend:

· Wordpress for blogging

· Hootsuite for managing multiple social media accounts

· Mailchimp for email newsletter templates

· Animoto will turn your photos and video clips into professional video slideshows

· PR distribution site with free stats

For further information on how Alison Page Marketing can assist your business, please telephone mobile: 07963 002065, send an email to Alison@acpmarketing.co.uk or visit my own blog: www.alisonpagemarketing.co.uk/blog. I look forward to hearing from you!

Good luck and best regards, Alison

Liesl & Anthony's 50's Wedding

2011-10-12T13:00:00.000-07:00

Liesl & Anthony's wedding was such a pleasure to photograph, not least of all because Liesl has known me since the age of 6, but also because she made everything from her own wedding dress, the bridesmaid's dresses to the invitations, sweetie bags, candy buffet, cake, you name it, she made it! Her attention to detail in her 50's themed wedding was outstanding and I just had the best time capturing all the details of her day.....and what a lovely family, you couldn't wish to meet nicer people :)

Thank you both for a truly special day - being your photographer was an absolute pleasure!

ANNA & DANIEL'S WEDDING

2011-10-12T12:14:00.000-07:00

6th August 2011 was the date of Anna & Daniel's wedding, and as far as emotional weddings go, this was right up there, even I had a tear in my eye during the service! Their wedding was held at the Northchurch Baptist Church by minister and family friend, David Russell and streamed live to Dan's home in the Philippines which was just beautiful.

Thanks to Anna and Dan for giving me the honour of photographing your wonderfully happy day....

STOWE SCHOOL VISIT, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

2011-09-04T14:40:00.000-07:00

Recently my father visited me from his home in Durban, South Africa. One thing he was really keen to do was to visit his old school, Stowe, in Buckinghamsire - in his words, "I can't wait to show you the greatest influence of my life". He and his brother were born and brought up in India, so it used to take them about 4 days via army planes to fly over to their school in England!

I contacted the school about Dad's wishes and was met with such a lovely response from Caroline Whitlock who works in the Old Stoic Office there. She really was so helpful, answering all our questions ahead of our visit and especially helping with Dad's specific request of wanting to see his old house, Temple House. As it was the holidays, Caroline herself showed us around and both she and I were fascinated to hear some of Dad's stories about his time there given that both he and his brother, Robin Fennell, were both Head of Temple House in their time.

The story Caroline found most amusing was that in Dad's day they had 'skivs' who made their beds and waited on them in the dining hall! No such luck now! Although Dad's other recollection the minute we walked into the House-master's study, was that this was where he remembered being beaten! Now, there are Childline posters all over the school which would have them fail their Ofsted if they were not displayed! Oh how times have changed! Dad was also able to enlighten the school about some names engraved above a fireplace, as those names of head of house from when the school was first established in 1923. I guess it's not too often that Old Stoics from the late 40's visit the school, although they have had one or 2 more old boys recently, even more ancient than my 77 year old Dad!

But two things pleased Dad greatly. One was being able to have a wonderful lunch in his old dining hall so I couldn't resist a photo in which my dad looks like the cat that got the cream! The other thing was a copy of a report that Caroline had found from his old Housemaster, JF Roxburgh who dad holds in great esteem. The report read " HUGH FENNELL - Remarkably good performance in boxing finals, March '49, beating Proctol (2 and 1/2 years older) badly. Probably the best boxer in the school"
Dad has told us about his boxing days a bit but modest as ever, never quite said how good he was! Amazing stuff.

We spent much of the day wondering around the school but in true English fashion, the weather wasn't too kind to us so we didn't get to wander around the gardens. However, it is open to the public so one day soon I hope to take my son there for a picnic because I think it would be great for him to see where his Gramps went to school - a very special place, I think you'll agree. No wonder my father has such fond memories of his time in an English boarding school.

Thank you, Caroline, for giving both my Dad and I such a memorable day!

Portrait of an Old Stoic....

ROYAL ASCOT 2011

2011-06-20T12:52:00.000-07:00

So last friday I went to Royal Ascot for the very first time, organised by Debbie Gilbert of Viva Business Networking http://www.viva-networking.co.uk/ There's no two ways about it, the day could not have got wetter if it tried! But the company was great, the outfits were amazing, the pimms/wine/champagne was flowing and I now have my very own picture of Her Majesty the Queen and Prince Philip - it's 18 years since my last opportunity to photograph them and back then, I didn't have my camera!

But for me, the best part was people watching and, of course, taking photos for pleasure. One thing I just love is the tradition of it all, women in their finery and men in their suits, top hats and tails. But one thing I was not expecting was just how 'chav tastic' the Silver Enclosure was! Beautiful girls in beautiful clothes, completely inebriated by midday, not caring about the rain, their muddy shoes nor their language! Fights breaking out by the end of the day (one security guard said it was known as 'fight Friday'!) and the queues for the mens toilet were, I have to say, a first - never seen that before! To be honest, what with a live band (they were brilliant), big screen to view the races and all the alcohol, I'm sure there were hundreds of people that didn't even notice the horses, the Queen nor the fact that they were at Ascot for that matter!
However, myself and a few friends braved the weather, ventured out to the track a few times, put on a few bets, lost a few bets, drank some pimms, took some photos and generally had a good laugh. Next year, same again but with SUNSHINE please!!

Poppy Field Shoot June 2011

2011-06-14T12:54:00.000-07:00

I have always wanted to do a shoot in a poppy field but have never found poppy fields locally to me with enough poppies to make it worthwhile - but this year, there is one on my doorstep - and it's spectacular!
This is my latest shoot of a gorgeous 10 year old girl who is not only very photogenic but also so patient and well behaved, a real pleasure to photograph! The elements were against us in so far as the sun was in and out like a jack in the box and it was pretty windy but I couldn't complain because at least it was dry - which is more than can be said for the latest weather!! We just made use of diffusers, reflectors, bit of flash etc to hopefully get some ace results.....but funnily enough, one of the best was the last one done at home! Again used a little bit of flash here to fill in the shadows.

BERKO PHOTOGRAPHY MORNING

2011-04-04T13:57:00.000-07:00

So this morning was just great - fun outing with Phil Richardson of Melen Courses who organised a free morning out and about in Berkhamsted photographing with a few guidelines. First was to select a focal range and stick to that - mine was quite tight at 135mm. Second was to photograph several items that were orange or purple - using that focal length. Third was to find 3 shops and sum them up in one photo - with your chosen focal length - not easy at 135mm! Lastly was some old worldy photos in the cobbled streets near the church - then a bit more walking ending up at the castle. Needless to say, some mad photos thrown in for good measure too!

Anyone can join in these days so if you love photography, keep an eye on Phil's blog for upcoming days out - link http://melencourses.blogspot.com/p/days-out.html.

Also see Ed's blog for whacky fisheye lens photography - link http://www.edmortonphotography.co.uk/2011/04/morning-in-berko-with-fisheye-lens.html

Biscotti Networking Event Launch

2011-03-25T10:01:00.000-07:00

Last week I had the opportunity to photograph the launch of the Milton Keynes venue for www.businessbiscotti.co.uk. which is a free networking company. It was held at the Ramada Encore Hotel in Milton Keynes and hosted by communications consultant Stephanie Sergeant and Yvonne Gurney of Verbal Copyrighting.

I much enjoy this type of event photography but it was made better by the fact that I got to network as well as photograph so I met quite a few interesting people and came away buzzing!

Here are a few of my pictures from the event.

Warm Sunny Day!

2011-03-23T10:26:00.000-07:00

En route to collect my car from the garage, going down the lanes, I came across the beautiful village of Latimer - quintessential England with the daffodils in the spring, I couldn't resist taking a few pics with my iPhone. Then I came across this field - green grass, blue skies and the friendliest horses, just beautiful. Today's photos are a record of some much needed english sunshine!

Berkhamsted Collapsing!

2011-03-22T08:57:00.000-07:00

So a little while ago, a very old and pretty famous building in Berkhamsted collapsed due to renovation errors! Luckily this happened around 1am so no-one was hurt but the aftermath created quite a spectacle for the residents of Berkhamsted, myself included! As I had being doing an essay for my MelenCourses Diploma (http://melencourses.blogspot.com/) on Guy Debord's theory on the Spectacle of Society, this was incredibly well timed for me as I needed images to support my essay! Not only did the building collapse, but it also collapsed next to the Eyecare shop - a spectacle shop - perfect! Not so perfect for the new owners of the building but great photography opportunity....here are some of my images.

Focus on Imaging Show Birmingham

2011-03-07T12:59:00.000-08:00

Not quite sure how it can be several months since I last blogged! But time I started again and what better way than to kick off with a trip to the Focus on Imaging Show in Birmingham with photographer friend, Ed Morton. With all the porcelain doll like female models being used for show purpose on the different stands, I was delighted to see a half naked, fantastically toned and tanned male model advertising the very company who I insure my camera gear with - www.aaduki.com! I must add that their male models on show are NOT the reason I insure with them, they were in fact recommended to me by fellow photographer Phil Richardson of Melen Studios.

Based in Okehampton, Devon, Aaduki offer competitive prices and are a friendly bunch - the fact that they advertise themselves at various trade shows using hot male models is just a lovely bonus for the ladies! I did wonder whether they alienate themselves from the male photographer market by doing this but decided not for a couple reasons - 1) watching demo's where gorgeous female models are used does not put me off buying that company's product and 2) it's different, catches your eye and is also manned by

men and women in suits all too ready to give you the sales chat.

Apart from that bit of loveliness, I also was very impressed with the company Simm2000 who were offering a fantastic starter deal of sample albums in various different sizes. I've seen these guys at different shows and they are always very personable and friendly - based in Hatfield they are not too far away and being all under one roof, one gets the feeling they will go the extra mile for you. Also had a couple of high recommendations from a couple of their customers who were standing next to us so was able to quiz them on various things which was great. In all, a fun day AND the sun was shining!!! It could only be a good one :)

My best friend's wedding

2010-07-13T13:55:00.000-07:00

So this weekend just gone, I photographed a great friend's wedding party in West Sussex - but it was so hot that it looked more like a farm in Africa than in England! Their lush green lawns were replaced with parched brown grass but I did manage to find a little avenue of green to the side of the house for that quintessential English look. My friend got married in the Caribbean where she lives and ironically, it was hotter on the day of her English wedding than it was on the island of St John! Sadly they couldn't work it into their budget to fly me there but I felt honoured to be so much a part of their day here and to record this family event. Of course I did the 'line ups' as I call them but mostly love doing the candid stuff. Couldn't resist the kids having their picnic, nor a picture of the bride's 87 year old aunty who still travels the world and communicates with her boyfriend happily on text! At the party, we also had a well know cricket commentator, Abramovich's helicopter pilot (my son, being a chelsea supported, was impressed most impressed!) and of course the American groom and his family who were just great, really lovely people....not to mention 'my' English family too!

People always think I'm brave (or stupid!) for photographing a friend's wedding but for me, it's just so special and personal and it also means you get to meet and chat to everyone which I find fascinating. However, I do have to refrain from any champagne until the camera goes away because whilst auto focus is a wonderful thing, one must focus on the right thing!

English Summer

2010-07-05T14:34:00.001-07:00

You just can't beat a hot English summer!

Waiting......

2010-07-02T08:29:00.000-07:00

I love this image not least of all because it is exactly how I feel today in the follow on of my car accident 3 weeks ago......thankfully I'm ok now, but am bored and fed up of waiting, waiting, endless waiting on hold to car insurance, gap insurance (thank god I took that out!), car hire, solicitors, car dealership etc and so forth.

This young girl was actually waiting for me to photograph parents, godparents and baby at a recent christening job - whilst they were working out who was going to be in which photo, I saw this girl and thought to myself what a brilliant image it would make - not only her expression and composure but also the textures of the corrugated iron and wooden bench - I pictured it in black and white as I took it too. Often these sort of images won't come out as you wanted because they are a rushed image, but this one was spot on - well, for me anyway!

Lighting and Portraiture II Course

2010-06-29T13:20:00.000-07:00

At the weekend, I went on the Lighting and Portraiture II course with Phil Richardson of Melen Studios. Our subject for lighting was firstly inanimate objects and then the lovely Kayleigh who was far more fun - or funny, is a better description!

Phil showed us how to set up our own lighting set up for the product photography, first starting with styrofoam shapes and then moving onto trickier shiny objects. The reasoning behind the round and square styrofoam was for us to play around with moving the lights to create shadows and thereby creating the 3D effect. The coffee tin proved much harder due to the shiny surface but again, we had to move lights around and photograph from a certain angle to get a clean shot without our reflections in.

Then onto Kayleigh who made for some interesting photos. In the first instance we learnt how to create a white background using the lights and a light meter and then we created other shots with a darker background but using a snoot and coloured paper to create a coloured 'halo' effect around her head. Phil was great because instead of setting up the shot and letting us just photograph it, we had full control to move lights and direct the model how we wanted - both of which is not easy but then if you don't do it yourself, you never learn. Kayleigh was great, so professional, which helped when it came to suggesting poses, but she was also very happy for us to direct her as well, no matter how odd it seemed to her! In all, it was a great day, lots of fun and learnt lots. This course is one of many that are incorporated in Melen Studios Diploma course based in Gaddesden Row, near Potten End, Herts. For more info, see Phil's blog (linked to mine) or go to http://www.melencourses.co.uk/

My first ever blog...

2010-06-08T12:36:00.000-07:00

Finally I have entered the world of blogging! Through my life, I've often written diaries or little bits about what is going on in my life but the idea of 'blogging' (great word!) is something I have resisted for a good couple of years wondering who on earth would be interested in other people's lives! But actually, I guess it's much like having a camera in your hand recording people and events....only this way you are writing about it. Having started my professional life as a chef, then worked in travel, I am now a photographer and just love that I can capture moments in time that can never be repeated. And so let the blogging begin....... :)