March 2019 News Round Up

Here is what March brought to Jo Long Consulting…

Virgin Start-ups

I was matched up with a new Virgin Start-up mentee this month, one that is looking to break into the music & video industry. They have moved from overseas, so have few connections, but they have a great concept so we’re working on how they widen the awareness of their brand & capabilities. This way they can really start to build on their customer base and grow their reputation.

Atomicon 19

Unless you had your head in the sand during the start of 2019 you can’t have failed to have seen the publicity about Atomicon 2019 (#Atomicon19). A digital marketing event, jam-packed with keynote speakers, breakout sessions and awesome networking opportunities, this definitely was one of the north east’s highlights of the year (I know & it only happended in March!). Read about my round up of the Atomicon event here.

NECC Chamber Event, Crathorne Hall, Yarm

Another excellent event hosted by the North East Chamber of Commerce this month. This is such a relaxed event, centered around networking and business solutions. Each attendee identifies a success within their business and also an issue or problem that has occurred. The other table members are invited to offer solutions & connections to solve the issue. Great way to offer value to businesses in such a short time.

Durham University Start-ups Project

This month saw me back at Durham University mentoring a new group of 3 students who are looking to break through into the medical research industry with a simple solution to a widespread issue. Their exams have started now, so I suspect we won’t hear much for the next few months, but these guys are truly on fire!

Retainer Client Work

One of the things I love about working with a client on a retainer basis is the continuity of work & results. This month I launched a new website for one particular client who is launching a beautiful solution to the outdoor accommodation market. The website needed to be created from scratch & I launched the social media platforms & content alongside to give a great boost start to their presence online. Now we’re working on targeting our perfect clients, turning the awareness into a need and ultimately filling the sales pipeline.

Fast Lane Networking Lunch came around quickly again this month, and was hosted by the Mercure Hotel in Darlington. Quite a small intimate group, this event never fails to be really enjoyable, plus I won a bottle of bubbly this month too!

Funding

I am currently in the process of writing a proposal for a new client who is taking advantage of the NBSL funding for the North East. All being well they will save up to 40% of the cost of my services over a 3 month period. Definitely one not to be sniffed at no matter how successful your business already is!

Talking of funding, I also established a new collaborative partner who is in the trade of funding, although not in the usual style. uk steel enterprise offer funding & loans (in some cases unsecured) for developments in B2B businesses. If you’re thinking of developing a new product or need some support to drive growth within your business, get in touch with them.

The month ended with wrapping up a business plan for another client, so they can take their proposition to funders & financial backers and continue their growth journey. I love getting into the nitty-gritty of the whole business and knowing that the plan produced is going to help them succeed in the goals they have set themselves.

Video Marketing

I was feeling brave this month & decided that I need to get more on top of my own video marketing as it’s becoming such a powerful tool for creating interest & getting to your perfect client. I’m not brave enough to go live all the time as yet, but I’ve been practising in a small closed group, for now, to build up my confidence. So watch this space as your screens could be bombarded!!

Measuring Digital Success

Linked to video marketing, I attended a half day course learning about Measuring Digital Success this month, courtesy of Hypestar. It was a great afternoon, reinforcing elements I already knew but also understanding how to really look at the meanginful measures to ensure digital marketing is working to its max. I am a traditional marketer by trade, but I know digital is key in our everyday lives and of course always love working on my own skills & personal developent.

My Website

Crikey, with what’s been happening I nearly forgot! I launched my new super sparkly website too this month. I am so pleased with it as it’s such a step change from my last one and hopefully conveys in simple language what I actually do! It’s still work in progress, as all these things are, but have a look & let me know what you think www.jolongconsulting.com.

Did you miss my Blogs?

Brexit is such a huge elephant in the room at the moment (in Parliament & No. 10 as well as every home I think, to be honest!). I wrote about the impact Brexit could have on the manufacturing industry within the UK, irrelevant of the outcome, but I feel it pretty much applies to all industries. If you missed it, have a read here…

Atomicon 19 round up