Marketing tips for owners
I was very lucky to attend the Pure Coaching Life Coaching Course back in 2014.
The principles and insight learnt there, I still use when running my business today.
The course was hugely insightful and being guided by both Carole Ann and Lou Hamilton was hugely enlightening.
Although I’m not traditionally a coach, I find myself asking coaching questions and applying coaching logic constantly.
I couldn’t run my business without it.
I’m Karen Campbell and I run my own marketing, branding and events company; Karen Campbell Marketing and I work with a number of clients on their marketing strategies to bring their brands to life to their target audiences in line with their commercial goals and visions.
I made the leap to run my own business full-time only eight months ago having worked in senior marketing roles for more than ten years.
I got to the point where I was sick of lining corporate pockets and a bit frustrated at not having full control of brand outlay. So I bit the bullet and focussed on the business that I’d been running in my spare time, full time.
To say it’s been hard is an understatement.
It is probably the hardest thing I’ve done, but also the most rewarding. I love nothing more than working with my clients to really understand their brand and to help grow and develop in the way they desire.
I’m lucky to have a wide variety of clients on my roster; from an events planner to a therapist; a small business campaign head to an ethical fashion brand, all with varied budgets, visions but definitely a lot of creativity.
I work with them on a variety of things including creating their brand bibles, understanding their target audiences, running their social media, blog and newsletter channels, engaging with press and securing coverage as well as running great events.
There’s nothing better than really immersing yourself in a brand and identifying marketing opportunities that hugely benefits and grows business.
With the rise of digital marketing and video, I have to ensure I am up to date with the latest developments.
However, I truly believe that there is nothing better than face-to-face interaction.
I regularly speak at events and, along with Carole Ann, am proud to say we have launched Spark- a new business networking event in the heart of London.
This is just one example of the power of Pure Coaching.
You never know who you’re going to meet and what opportunities will present themselves.
Here are my top marketing tips for small business owners:
1. Know your offer
Sounds obvious but it is crucial to define your message.
2. Define your target audience
Building a clear customer profile is a key insight into your brand and defines your marketing strategy.
3. Stand out when trying to reach them
Your customers – both existing and potential – like interesting and engaging content so think about how you can create the right material and where you can get it seen.
4. Know the power of social media
Social media is a free avenue to showcase your offering and define your brand identity for your audience.
5. Be an authority
Really immerse yourself in your industry and get to know your brand stablemates and everything you can about your product/service and make sure you shout about it!
About the Author:
Originally from the north, Karen trained to be a journalist and went on to write for the Metro newspaper and then edit a fashion trade magazine.
In 2008, she made the leap from journalism to marketing and moved to London, working for brands including Diesel, Fenchurch and PRS for Music.
Karen started her own marketing, branding and events business three years ago and works with an array of brands including Glastonbury, Small Business Saturday, D.A.D and Standard Issue, as well as a large number of smaller businesses on their marketing, branding and event needs.
She is a public speaker and regularly speaks on a range of marketing topics and has hosted events at The School of Life, founded the Brand Beautiful workshop series for business owners and co-founded business networking event, Spark. She sits on the board of the BelEve charity and is trying to get her first book written!
