Norfolk Pest Control Company Support Local Charity

A local Norfolk Pest Control Company has big plans for 2012 to fundraise for The Star Throwers in Wymondham. Jon Blake, owner of Abate Pest Management Services has been a big supporter of the charity for a while now, including helping organise a charity darts league that has raised over £20k in just 10 years. This money is also used to support other local charities alongside The Star Throwers.

In 2012, Mr Blake is aiming to row the English Channel and back in distance, non-stop, on a concept 2 rowing machine – a total of approx 44 miles. His first rowathon last year of 26 miles was only 28 minutes off the world record!

The Star Throwers in Wymondham was founded by Dr Henry Mannings and is run entirely by volunteers who work not only to support people who are affected by cancer, but also those who are at particular risk of developing cancer. The charity provides advice for patients, friends and family, offering additional support from that which can be obtained through hospitals.

“Pest controllers aren’t usually associated with being ‘warm and fuzzy’ types but I am very passionate about fundraising for charities such as The Star Throwers who do such fantastic work” says Mr Blake. “I think it is very important for local companies to get behind local charities, especially when funding is hard to get.”

With several members of Jon’s family having being diagnosed with the disease, it is no wonder that he is so determined to provide as much fundraising and awareness as possible for the charity – including getting the charity name printed on to all of the Abate Pest Management vans.

To find out more about The Star Throwers, you can visit their website at http://www.starthrowers.org.uk/ or alternatively call them on 01953 423304. Or if you’d like to be kept up to date with Jon’s fundraising activity, keep an eye on Abate’s blog at http://abateltd.wordpress.com.

Photography a new high!

Today i had the pleasure of meeting one of my fears! Yes i had to climb on the roof of the Open Building in Norwich (hate heights) to take some photography for Abate Pest Management of some recent Bird Proofing. 

Despite the heights the shot was taken for the new bird control brochure.

Thank you from Barley House Southwold

We love receiving testimonials and here is one of recent ones from Barley House Southwold.

“Jonathan has been of enormous help in the setting up of our B&B business using his expertise and interpersonal skills to create marketing material that exactly meets our requirements to promote a small but stylish guest house. He immediately 'got' our USP and worked with us at all stages of the website design, its build, implementation and commissioning. The end result is a beautifully stylish, image-rich, robust website with an electronic booking system that is so good at bringing in business that we spend next to nothing on other forms of marketing.”

Advertising does work

In today’s climate, people have been looking at ways to reduce costs in their business. Some have made a decision to stop advertising, which can be a high-risk strategy and often lead to the competitors gaining extra market share.

I often hear from clients that their advertising is not working. After investigation it is often that the client has only placed one or two adverts in the publication or the advert does not demonstrate the capabilities or have that instant impact.

What I would recommend is getting your advert to have the WOW factor. It is worth spending that little extra money on putting together a professionally designed advert, with great copy and images.

I would also recommend taking advantage of planning your campaigns so you can book in advance, normally getting a reduced rate. The more you are seen, the more prominent your brand will be.

To help generate great adverts I have followed a system called AIDA that was first created way back in 1898. If you follow AIDA it will do wonders to your advertising.

Attention

You have to stand out. Make a great first impression and grab the attention of your customer. How do you do that? Be different and professional. You can't stand out if you look like everyone else or if you knocked something up in publisher.

Interest

To create interest in your product or service, you must demonstrate its advantages and benefits. A feature is an attribute of a product. A benefit is how that attribute can help your customer. It’s like going to a TV shop and reading lots of features, what do they all do?

Desire

Closely related to interest is desire. Move from discussing benefits to specifically how those benefits will help that customer – we call it the ‘you appeal’.

Action

Finally, your customer needs to take action. Usually this is buying your product or service or making the call. The action is whatever you want it to be.

I hope this has helped you make your planning decisions on how you should advertise in print. If TWO Marketing can help with your advertising designs, please contact us through our website at www.twomarketing.co.uk.

Some of our recent adverts

This week and photography

One of the services we offer at TWO Marketing is photography and this week we have been quite busy. It all started on Saturday when i went to Norfolk Broads Direct in Wroxham to take some interior pictures of some new cruisers. These images will be used on their website, Hoseasons and the 2012 brochure.

Then Rob Whitwood from Inspired Change commissioned me to take the presentation of the summer interns. Dick Palmer (Principal City College), Richard Moore (Inspired Change), Grant Miles (City College) Emma Mortram (City College/Inspired Change) Oliver Hodgson (City College) Matt Buxton (UEA) Robert Whitwood(Inspired Change).

Tuesday afternoon and I needed to get some shots of Norwich for a Tourism brochure, so headed off in the sun and snapped a few great sites.

 So if you need help with any photography, please give me a call on 0845 051 4232

Business Networking – Is it in your sales plan?

Many businesses have taken the plunge into attending a networking event, perhaps as a one off visitor or to attend meetings every week. For me networking should be one of the essentials in your sales plan. Networking has grown at tremendous speed in the past few years. Just in Norfolk alone there are many clubs and events that people can attend. The choice is good as you can select the type of format that best suits you or your business.

Many different events have different start times different ways of working. Some are very formal and some are relaxed. 4Networking has over 300 breakfast groups across the UK and meets at 8am. In the Eastern region there are groups in Norwich North, Norwich South, Diss, Dereham, Swaffham and Kings Lynn. It is the UK’s largest joined-up business network and gives businesses the essentials that they need, People, Appointments, Business and Support. The 4N culture is relaxed and friendly, with a complete lack of pretension and ‘cufflinks’…plus people can network where they want and when they want. I am a regular attendee to the 4N events in East Anglia and have met some fantastic people who have helped me with my business over the past year. I was so pleased with the results I recently became the 4N Area Leader. 

BNI is another popular networking group that normally meets at 06.30 in the morning. BNI is like having up to 40 sales people working for you, because fellow members will be carrying your business cards and referring your business to people they meet. There are a number of BNI Chapters in East Anglia.

Networking is not all about the morning and a very popular evening event is ‘The Business Club’ which is run by Richard Kerrison, and regularly has over 50 businesses attending. The Business Club usually meets every other Tuesday evening between 6pm and 9.00pm.  Meetings are held at The Holiday Inn North, Norwich Airport and a speaker, facilitator or presenter normally addresses the group. The Antidote Network is another evening event where you can network with other forward-thinking business owners and growers. The Antidote is a pay on the night event also held at the Holiday Inn North on the 3^rd Wednesday of the Month. I recently attended a fantastic evening of Speed Networking at the Antidote, meeting many businesses.

Look out for other events in the area held by; The Federation of Small Businesses, Chamber of Commerce, The Best of Norwich, LinkedIn, O4RB and the Business Networking for Women held at Caistor Hall. Visit the EDP and look at the networker’s calendar to see special events in the area. 

To get the best out of a networking event, I have listed some key points and tips:

1. Create a great elevator pitch about you, your company, what you do and what you are looking for, what can you say in 40 or 60 seconds?
2. Take business cards and any sales leaflets/offers with you
3. Don’t go straight into the hard sell create the relationship first
4. Don’t be frightened to speak to people. When entering a room try and make conversation with people alone or in a group of three
5. Finally have fun but remember your clear objectives for attending

4Networking – http://www.4networking.biz

The Business Club - http://businessclubnorfolk.co.uk/

The Antidote Network - http://www.theantidote-network.co.uk/

BNI - http://www.bni.eu/uk/index.php

Our AAB2011 Exhibitions offers

Our Prices include everything!

Graphic Design, Artwork, Print and Delivery

3x3 Cross Braced Complete Pop Up Stand Kit - £975

At 2382mm tall, our cross braced pop up stands are taller than standard magnetic pop up stands on the market so your display will rise above the competition at the show!

The stand comes complete with everything you need to make a big impact at the AAB2011. Included with the kit is:-

• 3x3 Cross Braced Pop Up Stand Framework - anodised tubing, self locking with 10 Year warranty
• Full Set of High Quality, Heavyweight Opal Jet Polyester Graphics, Laminated with Scratch Resistant Finish Film for Superb Durability
• Luxury Wheeled Transit Case for Easy Storage and Transport of the Complete Kit
• Folding Table Top for Case in Choice of Black or Beech Wood Colour
• Printed Wrap Around Print (not a plain fabric panel) for the Case
• Set of Powerful Halogen Floodlights to Illuminate Your Graphics

Roller Banners – Just £135 each

These banners are 850mm wide and of superb quality.

We have produced these for Abate Pest Management, Chenery Travel, Compass Independent Financial Services, LiveLink Resources, McDonald’s, Norfolk Broads Direct, Broads Tours and many more companies.

Show Leaflets

Need a leaflet to promote your service, product or special offer at the show?

We can produce a low quantity for a low cost on excellent heavyweight gloss art paper.

500 - A5 double sided leaflets for only £225

500 - A4 double sided leaflets for only £295

Order by Aug 31st and we will double the print quantity for FREE

Terms: Prices assumes all images supplied at a suitable high resolution. Prices exclude photoshop montage work and VAT if applicable

New brochure from the TWO Marketing design team

We are delighted to showcase a new brochure that we have recently designed for OPS Logistics Consultancy (OPS).

OPS wanted to share their in-depth knowledge, experience and expertise that they have to offer and home in on the benefits of:

•    Increase Revenue
•    Reduce Cost
•    Optimise Operational Performance
•    Enhance the Customer Experience

Open publication - Free publishing - More supply chain

It’s Time to Showcase Your Brand with your own Exhibition Bundle

• Complete 3x3 Pop Up Display with Superior Graphics 
• 2 x Roller Banner stands complete with carry bag 
• 2 x Halogen Spot Light Kit
• Transit case with wood effect top and graphic wrap
• Free Delivery (Mainland UK
• Includes design time 

All for an amazing £1049 Plus VAT Was £1379

That’s a 24% saving 

Add 2500 A5 leaflets for just £299 fully designed and printed 

Priced based on the supply of a high-resolution logo and text copy. 

If you need help with this then please give us a call on 0845 051423.

Please note the leaflet display stand is not included within the offer.

Photographs2art Studio Sitting at TWO

 

 

 

 

Photographs2art ..... capturing special moments and creating stunning mementos to enjoy forever.

A photographs2art experience is first and foremost professional – in every sense of the word!  A professional photographer, professional cameras and professional lighting, and the professional result … amazing images that you will undoubtedly want to show off. So, at Photographs2art we complete our professional service by offering quality printing, and mounting options to make the very best of your images.

Studio sitting £50 for one hour session

Call 0845 051 4232 to book

What Hermes had to say about TWO Marketing

Hermes

"We were delighted with TWO Marketing's  creative flare and passion. The results were excellent and delivered great messages to both our internal and external customers.  TWO Marketing has delivered many different assignments for us, including the re-branding of our business from Parcelnet to Hermes, the full management of exhibitions, conferences and events and the design and print of internal communications material.  In addition TWO designed and delivered some excellent, eye catching advertising campaigns to raise our brand awareness and support customer acquisition plans."  Carole Woodhead - CEO Hermes

"Thank you for all the outstanding work that you have done for this company over the last couple of years, you have done a great job in transforming this business commercially and helping us to really understand the value and power of successful marketing."  Jon Tobbell, Commercial Director, Hermes

"Great to work with - good ideas and very success driven, makes projects work. Also personally fun to work with! Thanks." Dr. Fiona A. Lehmann , Head of European Marketing Coordination , Hermes Logistik Gruppe

“Jonathan worked with Hermes, formerly Parcelnet, for over 2 years. During that time he became a valuable member of the business, driving the development and launch of our consumer to consumer product 'myhermes'.He also worked very closely with Hermes Germany and supported the rebrand from Parcelnet to Hermes in 2009. I thoroughly enjoyed working with him and found him incredibly resourceful.” Paul McCormack, HR Director, Hermes

Helping the client

Like many others who have their own business, I love seeing the final results on everything we do, from a new design of a leaflet, an exhibition display or a website. It’s that moment when the client says, “Love it” you know that the team has delivered. Now start with the support of making it happen for the client. S

So it goes like this.

If you are thinking about taking a well earned break away, but don’t feel you want to travel to far. Then this is a great option. Barley House in Southwold. Barley House provides stylish and luxurious bed and breakfast accommodation in the heart of Southwold, moments from the beach and the centre of this charming small seaside town. Barley House is the ideal place to get away from it all for a few days, be taken care of and relax in beautiful, comfortable surroundings. Have a look at their new website and even better check in for an amazing stay.

Secondly our good friends at Abate Pest Management. The website is now fully live for information and for you to buy your  DIY pest control products online. Also sign up to Jon’s newsletter from the site and help him build a community. There are many Homes and businesses that use pest control and based on Abates NPTA Gold Status and ISO accreditation and the teams can do, will do attitude, I would recommend them on an adhoc or contract service.

Lets help each other.

Health check on your current sales processes

It is a good idea to take a health check on your current sales processes, structure and teams. When you evaluate competence find out if your team have all the details regarding product knowledge, company history and statistics. They should also be aware of the industry, your sales processes and policy. Do they have knowledge of the customer, their problems and opportunities? Do they have the relevant sales skills, know how to prospect for business, how to prepare for a sales call and how to build rapport and trust with customers? Do they know how to qualify prospects, know how to write the proposal and deliver the sales presentation?  Do they know how to overcome objections and close the sale? One of the most effective ways of evaluating sales peoples competencies is to accompany them in the field. Are your sales people motivated? Is each member giving 100% effort, hold positive attitude, enjoy seeing customers, celebrate their own successes, closely track their sales and commissions earned?

As all sales personnel should have agreed targets and objectives it is much easier to manage performance. Steps for managing and improving performance should be to meet and discuss the performance at regular intervals. Go out and conduct joint visits to understand individual weaknesses and put together a development plan, set a new target and review.

You should also evaluate opportunity. Opportunity is the availability of goals, territory, tools, products and support. Ask yourself these questions: Have you set the right strategy and goals and does the team understand and accept the these? Are the territories or areas clearly defined and do you have the right sales people in the right territories or areas? Does the sales team have the right collateral? Are the products positioned, promoted and priced effectively? Is adequate product training available? Do you support your sales people in the field on sales calls? Do you have an effective sales incentive program, marketing campaign to drive lead generation? 

It is sometimes very easy to shout at sales when targets are not being met, evaluate to understand the reasons why, you might be surprised.

Need help contact us

We love to help. 

What is the definition of sales?

What is the definition of sales? Is it cold calling, networking, following up, leaving telephone messages, writing letters, sending information in the post, planning on how to attract your next customer or developing an existing one? Every sales person will participate in a multitude of different activities in order to make a sale.  These activities will have a cross over between sales and marketing, the two functions have to work together hand in hand.

To demonstrate I have used the following example on a number of occasions to explain what sales and marketing is:

If the Circus is coming to town and you create a billboard that reads “Circus coming to the town park this Saturday,” that’s advertising.

If you hang a sign on the side of an elephant and walk him through the town, that’s promotion.

If the elephant tramples the mayor’s garden, that’s publicity.

If you get the mayor to laugh about it, that’s public relations.

If people go to the circus, you show them the many side stalls, explain how much fun they will have spending money at these stalls, answer all of their questions, and convince them to spend a lot of money at the circus? THAT’S SALES!

Traditional promotion – the impulse purchase

The hype is definitely digital, even yesterday I reviewed a recent email campaign that we sent out to consumers and 19% of the open rates were people using iphones and ipads. However we must not forget the sales opportunity that presents itself on the day. For this you need good old traditional methods of promotion. If you have a retail shop or a visitor attraction, then put yourself in the customers shoes. Take a walk or drive and go past your outlet. What did you think? Did it scream at you! Come in and see us? Your brand needs to be good at the first impression stage, always think customer benefits and tell the story. You can do this with great point of sale, window side or roadside (if planning allows).

Also let others know what you do and where you are by working in partnership with other businesses. This could be the person who makes jewellery having a presence in a hairdressing salon or card shop. Make sure that you have leaflets and cards and even set up a commission scheme with your partner.

You must remember that many of us do not plan ahead, we often go looking for something to do or something to buy. The key thing is make sure that you plan ahead and capture every possibility.

If we can help you gain more sales with any branding, design or print, then we would love to hear from you. Please contact me on 0845 051 4232 or visit our TWO Marketing website. Good luck for 2011

SEO Predictions for 2011 by Liverpools Hit Search

SEO- As a result of the local fragmentation of Google, and the growth of local search entities, SEO will become more complex in its management and delivery.
- Content will define SEO in 2011, with copywriting skills becoming more important than ever.
- The blurred lines between SEO and social media will be emphasised even more this year, particularly with new local additions being added to search engines.
- Sales generated through SEO-based channels will grow by more than 50%.
- Google will remain the dominant search engine, although Bing and Yahoo will claw back up to 2% of the market share through the course of the year.
- Facebook will launch its own search listings in 2011, with a local bias that will see Facebook gain a reputation as the "local search engine"

- The increasing adoption of HTML5 towards the end of the year will provide better cross-browser platform support.
- Google will introduce a "brand halo effect", allowing larger brands to become more prominent in their industries, and target keyword phrases that they had previously had little exposure on.
- Yahoo is set to remove its site explorer tool this year.
- Bing will add more functionality into its Webmaster Tools, which will allow for greater reporting on links and site-wide reporting.
- Bing’s Facebook results will become much more prominent in the UK in the first quarter of 2011, which could lead to some interesting celebrity mishaps, promoting the awareness of managing your reputation online from the general public.
- Google is set to move Google Local and Google Shopping to a paid medium by the end of 2011, and will cause further uproar by displaying more of its own content, ie: links to business listings within search listings.
- Bing will look to make its Facebook investment work in 2011. Facebook listings will start to appear in more "interesting" places, while impressions and "like" data will be put to good use in its keyword ranking mechanism.
- Google’s current share price of $600 is one of the dominating elements in its 2011 strategy; expect to see a 10% growth of these shares throughout the year.
- Yahoo’s partnership with Gannett will expand its local-based advertising, as well as provide additional content opportunities.
- Yahoo's Margin increased to 11% in 2010, mostly aided by the Sale of HotJobs, its investment into Alibaba and shedding of 4% of its workforce. Its Search Agreement with Microsoft to obtain full traction in 2012, and CEO Carol Bartz believes Yahoo will be a more attractive proposition to purchase in 2011, with Apple or Facebook expected to be the potential suitors.

Top 10 tips for improving sales in 10 minutes

This Friday i wll be at 4Networking Kings Lynn.
"Everyone should be looking at way’s to increase top line sales. Jonathan White of TWO Marketing reveals some top tips on low cost or no cost methods, that will help you WIN more business".

Friday 07 January 2011
08:00 - 10:00
Leziate Park
Leziate Park Ltd
Brow of the Hill
Leziate
Kings Lynn

PE32 1EN

Happy New Year

Happy New Year to everyone.