Mending the roof....

We signed up a new client on a long term contract this week. A substantial engineering company, they have a full order book for at least 6 months and are running 24 hour double shifts. They couldn't cope with more business if it came along tomorrow, and they're aware of that.

So why have they contracted us? Because, as the old saying goes, "the best time to mend the roof is when the sun is shining". They have commissioned Stage9 to develop a marketing strategy and plan to secure their future, and a PR plan to get them on the radar of A list prospects, acknowledging that it can take years before large players in their target markets are ready to buy (but when they do they buy big). They want us to handle internal communications to engender loyalty and enthusiasm in their workforce.They want us to freshen up their brand presentation to help them compete when the time comes.

UK manufacturing take note - this is how you succeed in the long term.

Refreshing,don't you think?

Want more business? Stay in bed...

We talk alot to clients about Social media these days, because we see it as an integral part of reputation management and profile development - two of the central objectives of PR. However at its simplest its also just a great way of networking, which is why it amazes me when owners of small businesses tell me they "dont have time for all that Twitter and Facebook stuff". Small businesses are constantly looking for ways to generate "Return on Involvement" - in other words where effort can substitute for budget in delivering high quality business referrals and opportunities. That's why thousands get up at 5am or worse once, twice or even three times a week to attend networking breakfasts and referral club meetings. Yet they havent got time for SOCIAL Networking?

Try this.... Next week delegate the referral breakfast, grab the laptop and spend a couple of hours looking at what your competitors, clients and prospects are doing on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. It will open up a world of new, free networking opportunities, whilst reducing your caffeine and calorie intake considerably.