12th June- Dinner Matters on Responsible Travel and Eco-tourism.
The dinner will be hosted by Stephen Chapman, the founder of www.maketravelfair.com. A campaign and educational organisation for responsible travel. Join us to discuss ideas, best practice and network with others in the sector. The dinner is held at the award winning Hoxton Apprentice Restaurant in Hoxton Square.
Register here
Star Entrepreneur � getting you in the news - June 21 2007
How to get your business in the news, saving money on PR and using publicity to raise finance. Journalist speakers include Tracey Hobbs, editor of BBC2�s Working Lunch, Matthew Gwyther, editor of Management Today, Paul Lewis, presenter of BBC Radio 4�s Money Box and Keith Elliott, former Fleet Street journalist and chairman of PMA Training.
The event, hosted by The Daily Telegraph�s entrepreneur columnist Jamie Oliver, will offer insights into how various media operate, their deadlines and what they are looking for in a business story. The day will also cover how PR firms operate and what they can do for you, and how to become a media spokesman for your industry.
Places at the event, aimed at entrepreneurs and owners of small to mid-sized businesses, is limited to 60 delegates. It will be held at the Adam Street private members club, 9 Adam Street, London.
Striding Out Members receive a a discounted rate ticket to the event of �280 (inc VAT) instead of �348 (inc VAT) email [email protected] and put into the subject box �Striding Out�. The organisers will respond with booking details. For more information, go to www.gmtevents.co.uk
10 lessons from Harry Briggs, Founder of Firefly Tonics
Lesson 1. Choose a niche
Find a niche consumer, think about who are we for? Who are trying to serve? Find a new category for your product.
Lesson 2. Focus
Pick one category and stick to it, don�t try to serve too many markets at the same time. Get yourself known for one thing and be very good at it. Strong brands stand for a single idea.
Lesson 3. Stand out from your competitors
Pick different colours, images, or any other cues that will make you look different to your competitors.
Lesson 4. Name short and unique
Pick a name that is recognizable and simple; don�t use something too long or complicated. Choose something different that your consumers can remember.
Lesson 5. Be personal
In your literature, emails, etc. Think of real people when you write about the product, on your labelling, website and so on.
Lesson 6. Be authentic and candid
Big companies aren�t trusted. Being honest is disarming and creates trust.
Lesson 7. Being first in a category gives you publicity
If your company is the first or the best at something in particular, shout about it. Magazines and papers like to hear from unique stories and being the �first at� or the �best, only at�
Lesson 8. You can be global easier than you think
Because of the modern world that we live in, it is easy to find a �global niche� that will be drawn to your product.
Lesson 9. Share your vision
Don�t be scared about sharing your idea with other people. Having a good product or service will not guarantee you success, its also the way you go about building your company and your brand.
Lesson 10. Your product is the best Marketing Communication you have
If you have a product get it into people�s hands, take it with you everywhere.
June: During June we are encouraging you to engage in supporting a local or national charitable cause, by fundraising or offering inkind support. This not only provides much needed support to a charitable cause but it raises the respect and profile of your brand within the local community. Here are some ideas to get you started...
In-Kind Support - You could offer your skills to a charity to provide them with much needed knowledge and resources!
In-Kind Fundraising - You could use your skills to raise funds for a charitable cause through engaging your customers, suppliers and associates in an fundraising event.
Fundraising and Sponsorship Activities - You could raise sponsorship through signing up for a Charity Fun Run, or you could donate a certain % of your product's profit back into a charitable cause.
All these activities contribute to your Cause Related Marketing Campaign, which provides your business with credibility and respect. It is great way to have fun and get engaged in a worthwhile cause that is important to you and your business.
