Calling all small businesses!

Hidden in our little streets and in corners of industrial estates, streets and housing estates, villages have a surprisingly rich array of small businesses.  Many are familiar; as we go about our daily lives we frequently pass the pharmacy, the garage and the hairdresser.  What about the hidden businesses?  If you want a beautician, a gardener, a bookkeeper or a plumber you will often find one in your village.  If you want an industrial cleaner, a counsellor, an artist, an event organiser or a tarot card reader, you will probably find one too.  In fact, when it comes to local businesses, you would be surprised by what is available on your doorstep.

I am keen to bring local businesses together to benefit all.  As Group Leader of Market Harborough’s branch of 4N, I would like to see more businesses from villages represented at our meetings.

4N is a networking organization with branches all over the country.  The Market Harborough group has breakfast meetings once a fortnight.  At these meetings owners of local businesses get to meet other business people in a relaxed, fun and friendly environment.  The meetings are structured so that no one gets left in a corner wondering what to do.  There are speakers, one-to-ones when you get to speak to another businessperson in depth and the opportunity to market your own business.

In addition to networking locally, 4N enables small businesses to access other business related activities such as marketing, self-development, social media, sales and much more.  There is a bonus – many of these additional activities are free.

Running a small business can be lonely and it can be difficult to keep motivated when things get a little difficult.  Joining a small networking group can change all that.  Further, the breakfast meetings enable business people to network without using up many of those precious work hours.  What would you prefer to do, make your own toast or eat a Full English or a Continental breakfast with a group of friendly people who are very likely to bring business your way?  What is not to like?  Breakfast, friendly folk, business opportunities, support, advice and a chance to learn and develop your business skills. 

If you run (or are thinking of starting up) a small business and would like to know more about 4N, please contact me at morgan@morgangleave.co.uk  You are very welcome to come to a 4N meeting as a visitor.  4N Market Harborough is re-launching on Tuesday 30 June at The Angel Hotel, 8:00-10:00am, leaving you plenty of time left to focus on work!  Breakfast costs £12.00 (cash please), and you should bring plenty of business cards, promotional material and your best smile!

If you are new to networking, I will be pleased to meet up with you and discuss how a 4N meeting would benefit you and your business.  There is no need to worry about being subjected to the hard sell approach, you will be given the information and have your questions answered and then you will be left to decide for yourself. 

Comics aren't just for kids - at 4N Bedford North

What fun at Colmworth Golf Club with 4N Bedford North, hosted by the ever jovial Rob Harris! (And the lovely Olly, the black lab, who was very soppy and well behaved...)

I did my comics 4Sight once again, but by invitation this time! (Thank you to Julie Vesely for inviting me and making me feel very welcome.) My 4Sight includes my 'Draw a character in a minute' challenge... Here's today's drawings, can you guess who they are?

I love doing these talks/demonstrations! Would you or an organisation, club, group, whatever like me to come to chat and draw for you? Please do get in touch (morgan@morgangleave.co.uk) if you'd like to know more! You can challenge me to draw for you too! 

What's social about social media? (2015)

Do you tweet, like, post, share or favourite? Do you know why?

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social media platforms can rule and control some people’s lives. Their influence can be seen all over the world.  Scores of people can be seen roaming the streets, heads down, fingers and thumbs poised over screens on smartphones and tablets. Social media is a double edged phenomenon as whilst it does actually encourage people to be sociable and interact with others, it’s on-line, not face to face.

In a time when we are so connected with each other by the web and devices allowing access to it, it’s interesting to see how anti-social using social media on these devices make us. You can be sitting in the same room as someone, yet be completely removed from them as the hold of Facebook, Twitter et al is so strong that they can’t stop checking updates; involved in inane conversations; fawning over pictures of kittens or watching videos of people in ridiculous situations. (I have been guilty of doing this sometimes...)

There is a flip side too, as social media allows you a voice for important issues; raise awareness of the plight of others; address injustices; educate; inform and empower. It is just a matter of how these platforms are approached and used. Social media can be used as a tool for good. Think about how many people use social media and how powerful it has become.

So what does this mean for your business? As many are on-line sharing, liking, posting and watching, social media isn't going anywhere any time soon. Businesses are foolish to ignore the importance and impact of social media. Having others like, share and post about you, your products and business across social media platforms is a win-win situation. It is potentially free advertising, gaining recommendations and referrals. Your involvement is minimal; as others do all the hard work for you once you have created a post, tweet, blog, etc. There are companies and individuals that exist solely to enhance your profile on social media, such is its importance. They can take the bewildering variety of platforms, making them relevant to you and your business, shouldering the burden of updating, posting and sharing.

I hope this post makes sense and strikes a chord with you. I’d love to hear what you think about this issue and how it affects you and your business. We can even meet up and have a coffee, talk and be really social if you’d like.

Comics aren't just for kids - at Northampton 4N

Great meeting at The Hopping Hare with the fab 4N Northampton, hosted by the ever lovely Julie Futcher!

I did my comics 4Sight, which includes my 'Draw a character in a minute' challenge... Here's today's drawings, can you guess who they are?

I'm doing it all over again at 4N Bedford next Thursday. Come along and join the fun. You can challenge me to draw for you too! http://www.4networking.biz/Events/Details/57304