16th April 2008 - Business in Berkshire News

How much better organised do I feel now we're back in the house? I'm managing to keep to my target of driving only a few miles per day... marvellous. Minimising my global footprint but also my nerve endings are retreating and I'm generally feeling on top form. Don't you find, when behind the wheel, your mood and that of your environment can change rapidly when some numpty gets within visual signal reach!?! I used to love driving but now I'd rather not, preferring to stay local.

People ask me whether I am planning Business in Yorkshire, Business in Katmandoo, etc. Berkshire will do for me chaps! There's more than enough happening on our own doorstep...

Anyway, what have I been up to in the last few weeks? After Nigel's excellent event at the start of the month I went to see one of my old accounts and discussed running a "We can get your marketing message out in China, in their language and style" event. When you reflect on those TV programmes that take the mick out of adverts from around the world it is very apparent that we all think differently and need to be spoken to the way we like it, not necessarily the way others like it. Just ask the Mrs! So if you are looking to market yourself in foreign parts, you need some expert help.

I followed that up with a meeting at The Renaissance Hotel or should I say the Penta Hotel. We'll be running... no, I leave that for Christine to announce when she's good and ready.

Friday morning I went over to Basingstoke and had a meeting with a new contact via Ecademy. Charles had some interesting widgets in his Internet Marketing toolbox. Hopefully he'll be coming along to our future Meeting of the Minds events and sharing his wisdom with those that choose to join us. The afternoon was spent in the jovial company of Mary Flavelle and Richard Knight.

Monday 7th I went to visit Ray in Bracknell. On Tuesday I was privileged to receive Mr Charles Lovibond who was in town for a Charity ball; we tried to find that Missing link! Talked to Sam on Time 106.6 Tuesday evening and spent Wednesday in the office, beavering away...

Next day, great meeting with my mate Will Cory who runs the marketing blog and we're teaming up to offer a great solution to those looking to get their message out to marketing departments around the UK. Connected Will to the Mouse who popped round so I could educate him on the art of contextual links. We shook up his account, dusted it off and prepared it for some subliminal marketing. Nothing dangerous, just a little tweak which will make interesting reporting should our theory prove itself!

On Friday I had an early morning breakfast meeting with Absolute Health and Safety in Bracknell and then back to the shed for a meeting with some new friends from Lyris. We'll have a solution for the bigger chaps who want to monitor all from a single screen.

Monday 14th found me meeting with a black belt in the Internet Marketing space who's created some super widgets and we'll be putting them to the test. See if we can't add some nitro to our superchargers!

After all that excitement I needed to be brought down to earth with an FSB meeting. Why do I get involved with the FSB and attend regular monthly meetings that don't directly relate to me? Because I give a monkeys and I find the FSB ticks many of my boxes, allowing me to contribute to business lobbying activity that makes a real difference for small businesses. Glad I'm not in the chair this year, preferring to pick my battles from a small local selection.

Today I had a meeting with my man at Oracle and spent the afternoon building 10 more websites. Bringing the total of FREE business websites built since we launched the programme to 50, with 7 more in the melting pot. Claim your FREE business website and let's help you get your Internet Marketing started.

Tomorrow morning I'll be at Mary's Keller Breakfast and then, if the sun gets its hat on, I'll be spending a few hours enjoying family time before the holidays are over...

Seem to have waffled on a bit but hey, at least we've caught up... 'till next week!