Archive for July, 2009

Call a spade a spade

Have you ever found yourself trying to impress potential clients with word wizardry? Perhaps you’ve heard yourself rambling on about how you ‘facilitate … utilise … implement?’

It might sound impressive. But, when you use this kind of showy, inflated language in your sales pitch, it simply switches people off.  A spade isn’t a ‘long-handled gardening implement’ – it’s a spade. Read the rest of this entry »

What’s the secret to attracting traffic to your website?  Just how do you encourage positive links? Well, the answer is simple: build traffic by building relationships.

If you want to be found online, there are several smart ways to do it.  Initially, however, you need to prioritise.  If selling is the top of your list, you won’t get very far.  If communicating is tops, you’re more likely to be noticed.

Why is this?  People buy from people.  So, if you reveal more of yourself, share your expertise and engage, people will warm to you.  This is an essential marketing strategy for every small business to master. Read the rest of this entry »

Sometimes, the best things in life happen unexpectedly … as we discovered in West Sussex at the weekend.

It’s always pot luck when you book Bed and Breakfast accommodation, especially one you’ve not visited before.  You’re never quite sure what you’re going to find when you get there.  Will the bed be comfy?  Will the shower work?  Will the hosts be like Basil and Sybil Fawlty?! Read the rest of this entry »