Never Underestimate the Power of Twits

After attending a workshop at the WiRE Conference back in April I realised that the need to have a 'virtual' presence in the online community was to become increasingly necessary as time went by.

Not everyone shares this view and of course, why would they? Unless your business has first hand experience of the powers of Twitter you have neither reason to believe that it is a neccessity in the modern business world nor a sense of how it can be beneficial whatever your line of business.

My Twitter name is @salt_solutions and I use the site for a wide range of reasons. I use it to access information regarding the latest happenings in my industry sector, find out about the diverse range of businesses and charities that exist in my area and for laughs. There are plenty of kind and slightly wacky people who can make you smile just at the right moment.

Also, as a homeworker, it can be comforting to know that other small businesses are experiencing similar issues and problems as those encountered by myself from time to time.

So where is the evidence? Well, since joining Twitter in April I have been fortunate to have featured in The Sunday Times Business Section; http://tiny.cc/zX2qaI have appeared in The Shropshire Star in their 'TwitterTalk' column; http://tiny.cc/0zPIs and on Thursday of this week I will be appearing on local BBC Radio Shropshire to discuss a project that I am working on outside of my core business which is aimed at assisting those who wish to improve their public speaking skills.

All of the above have come about via Twitter. Each of them without any 'cold calling' on my part. None of them requiring me to leave the safety and comfort of my home office. Not a single penny has been spent by my business in achieving any of this. But every single item has helped me to raise the profile of my business.

Naturally Twitter is not the only way to grow your business, there are still the traditional methods that are key in marketing, branding and profiling, not to mention winning business. But Twitter works in addition to the usual methods that, whilst effective, are more expensive require more effort and involve 'getting out and about'.

All of which are fantastic and necessary but it just serves to demonstrate that 140 characters and a bit of time can add real value to your business.

But even in traditional marketing methods Twitter comes into it's own. I have been to several meetings, workshops and seminars where I have met people who I follow on Twitter. This provides a real ice-breaker and promotes a sense of 'community' amongst those who would otherwise be complete strangers. It's like a virtual 'foot in the door'.

Don't get me wrong. Twitter is a two way street, (or should I say two way tweet? Sorry) and I have, in my own small way, helped to support, raise profile and offer encouragement and advice to other Twitter users. You can't just sit back and let it all happen to you, you have to make it happen for others too but hey, isn't that what life is supposed to be about anyway? You only get out what you put in (true of most things in life) and quite right too.

I would like to thank the following people (amongst others) for helping Salt Solutions to realise the power of a 'virtual world';

@enterprise_nation

@jiminthemorning

@theengagingbrand

@wire

@leswalton

@davidRwike

@piginthepoke

@intheshed

@chrisiles1

@whizlizweb

@bestofoswestry

Check them out on Twitter and take a look at the people they follow. Common ground spreads far and wide.

See if Twitter can work for your business too. It costs nothing but a little time and, as they say... nothing ventured.

FOLLOW THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD...

Five key points when managing guests at an event.

1. Clear Signage
   It is essential that you have good signposting for toilets, meeting rooms, key areas. Make sure you have clear signage and plenty of people on the ground to welcome and direct delegates/guests to registration, drinks reception etc. Nobody likes to feel lost and/or ‘in the wrong place. These marshalls should be clearly identifiable by uniform or badges.
   
   
2. Informed Staff
   Ensure registration staff and/or welcoming committee are well briefed for the types of guests who will be arriving and in particular any keynote speakers, VIPs, disabled guests with special access needs and/or large groups who may be attending.
   
   


3. Go With The Flow
   To aid flow of guest and to avoid congestion, it is important to have a specific area to which delegates/guests can be directed initially. Depending on the type of event this could be where reception drinks are being served, the auditorium where the formal welcome and introduction is to take place or the exhibition hall where display stands are located. It is far simpler to have flow of people who will then congregate in one area rather than forming small groups all over the venue site. If the event is to work, you need to manage your delegates.
   
   


4. Welcome
   A formal address and welcome should of course be warm, welcoming and informative. It is your main opportunity to communicate with all of your guests in an organised and structured manner. This is your opportunity to outline the agenda for the duration of the event and to set any ‘rules’ that you need to implement. This includes items such as any housekeeping issues and depending on the size and type of venue a quick roundup of the procedures and locations of fire exits, toilets and first aid points.
   
   


5. Always on Hand
   Providing guides and/or staff are on hand at all times to assist with directions, questions, late arrivals, emergencies etc. you should be able to manage the flow of people and timelines for the day effectively and systematically.
   
   
   
   If you have a forthcoming event and would benefit from specific planning advice please contact Heather Noble for an informal discussion on 07843 006984 or email heather@salt-solutions.co.uk
   
   
   

DON'T LET YOURSELF DOWN...

Here at Salt Solutions our main aim is to help our clients promote and enhance their professional image at every opportunity.

When organising an event, whether for business or family there are some key elements that will always enhance the quality and success of the event.

Organisation and good communication are the mainstays of success and the following 5 key points are intended to help you consider the level of detail which needs to be employed in order to achieve a truly memorable and successful event.

None of the following are rocket science but it is proven time and time again that it is the attention to detail that can make a real difference on the day.

1. Direction
Make sure you have good signage and plenty of people on the ground to welcome and direct delegates/guests to the registration desk or drinks reception area. Nobody likes to feel lost and/or ‘in the wrong place’. Your meeters and greeters should be clearly identifiable by uniform or badges. In addition you should always check that you have good, clear signposting for toilets, meeting rooms and key areas.

2. Informed Staff
Ensure all registration staff and/or welcoming committee members are well briefed on the types of guests who will be arriving and in particular that they are aware of any keynote speakers, VIPs, large groups and/or disabled guests with special access needs who may be attending. Devise a simple way of arranging passes or badges so that they can be located swiftly as each delegate arrives. This can so often be a 'bottle neck' area and cause a bad impression from the outset.

3. Manage your guests
It is important to have a designated area to which delegates/guests can be directed as soon as they arrive. Depending on the type of event this could be where reception drinks are being served, the auditorium where the formal welcome and introduction is to take place or the exhibition hall where display stands are located. It is far simpler to have people congregated in one area rather than them forming small groups all over the venue site.

4. Clear guidelines
A formal address and welcome should be warm and informative. It is your main opportunity to communicate with all of your guests in an organised and structured manner. You may find this to be a good time to outline the agenda for the duration of the event. You should make sure any housekeeping issues are announced and, depending on the size and type of venue, a quick roundup of emergency procedures and locations of fire exits, toilets and first aid points.

5. Help on hand
Ensuring that guides and/or staff are on hand at all times throughout the day to deal with directions, questions, late arrivals, emergencies etc. should enable you to manage the flow of people and timelines for the day effectively and systematically. The movement of people from location to location can often be the cause of lost time when working to a tight schedule so plan your schedule wisely.

If you have a forthcoming event and would benefit from specific advice and planning please do not hesitate to contact Heather Noble for a no obligtion informal discussion on 07843 006984.