Did you think in advance that the wedding of Kate and Wills was going to make you feel good? No – me neither. After all how many royal weddings have turned into good marriages? The track record is fairly dire.
But I love celebrations so planned to watch it with a group of friends and go to two street parties afterwards.
The wedding turned out to be inspirational. Not just for me but for the sceptics in the room using it as an excuse for a glass or two of bubbly. (and for every one else as well)
So what made the Wedding magical? It was a combination of what is at the heart of any good business.
1. Connecting with one person.
Kate and William made their vows talking quietly to each other. It transformed a public event into a private wedding. .. which millions happened to watch.
Their connection to each other was communicated in the brief smiles and exchange of looks. They could easily have been more formal as “befits” a royal occasion.
Connecting with one person is the key: This is just as true of a royal wedding as an email, a speech, a website, a blog post or any form of communication. Don’t shout to be heard. Talk to one person – the right person. Speak in a conversation with a whole person. We work with people not roles, job titles or companies. People.
2. Know who you want to talk to / work with / attract / help.
Make choices about the type of client you do want to work with. The “person” is unlikely to be a prince (or could be?) and may be a mix of real people you know or would like to know.
Imagine your client as one person and get to know everything about them. Their hopes, fears, problems and what they hope for and want. (This can help you say No to the wrong people.)
3. Plan your environment to suit you.
The simplicity of Kate’s dress, the small size of her bouquet, the green and white flowers in Westminster Abbey, the trees going to Highgrove were all choices made to enhance the feeling of a genuine intimate wedding.
Choose your environment carefully to suit you. If in doubt choose a place you really like to meet potential clients. Dare to have your office in the colours that delight you. The more you make choices that reflect the values of your business the more you will communicate to the right people.
We tend to think the business card and the website are all that matters but of course it is so much more. Clients may choose to work with you for all kinds of reasons. People have chosen to work with me because of my shoes. Choose your shoes with care and be confident about the choice!
4. Be seen.
You are unlikely to travel in an open top horse-drawn carriage and wave at the crowds, but you can let people see you being happy!
Or being whatever the type of inspiration that comes naturally to you and is what your clients need. Don’t lock yourself away we need to see you!
Being seen and remembered is more important than the precise details of your product or service.
5. Use technology
How many people would have known about the wedding at all without the media? Help yourself with all the low cost and free internet-based media available today. You can send your message round the world faster, and more effectively…and best of all you don’t have to shout or spend a lot of money doing it.
May the feel-good of the wedding remain long in your business!
Jean Wolfe
Creative Spark Communications
Spark into Marketing Blog
P.S. If you have wondered about using social media but not yet taken the plunge I am running a face to face workshop in Maidenhead next Tuesday in honour of the Royal Wedding! (Plus a webinar series which starts a week later.)
Workshop Tuesday 17th May 2011.
“Get started in social media”
Do you want to get started with social media but don’t know where to begin?
Twitter and facebook are constantly in the news and you could be missing out if you do not have a presence on line. It is easier to learn from a real person in a room rather than working out how to do it yourself on line.
In this morning workshop you will
* take your first steps on the three main social media sites,
* discover how to spend your time effectively
* develop the approach that will result in social media success.
The group is kept small so that you have a chance for personal attention. Before you come along you will be given some questions to think about which will help you make the most of your time at the workshop.
Cost: £ 149 reduced to £ 50 in honour of the Royal Wedding! It is good to have something to celebrate!
Place: Norden Farm Centre for the Arts Altwood Road, Maidenhead. SL6 4PF You may have heard that Norden Farm has been hurt by the financial cuts, so I want to offer support. (The room we meet in is lovely.) Bring your laptop.Time: 9:30 – 12:30
Course leader: Jean Wolfe helps small businesses make the most of their natural spark with authentic marketing. She gives talks and runs successful workshops on social media, and helps businesses develop a sustainable plan.
Her previous experience includes establishing international markets in solar power, and helping book authors with publicity.
“Jean you are a natural-born motivator “Alison S IFA,
“I now understand what my business is all about” Jan C Management Consultant,
“We have so many more people booked in now it is amazing, and I am on top of the business “Jenny Y Riding Stables
Send an email or telephone 01628 850082 to reserve your place.
Webinar Workshop Series What shall I write on social media?
You are on social media but you don’t know what to write. The internet offers lots of free opportunities but it can be difficult to know what to say.
This 6 part webinar series held over 3 weeks will get you more fluent with your writing and able to sustain your internet presence.
We will look at what to say on twitter, facebook, Linked In, as well as blog posts, emails and “About Us” pages of company websites.
You take part from the comfort of your own computer or laptop and can contribute to live questions and answers. All sessions are recorded. The first webinar is held on 25 th May at 17:00 BST. (British Summer Time)
Why learn from Jean Wolfe?
Jean Wolfe has a degree in English and is a qualified teacher. She has worked in publishing companies, edited books and written a large number of business websites.
Most importantly she has a supportive approach and inspires her clients to be brilliant and enjoy their own creative spark!
“The website copy is amazing. You understood the audiences – and our business – better than we know ourselves. We are also now getting a good response to the email.” CB Education and Hospitality markets.
“We are now working with the biggest names in the sector. This is because of your support and belief that I could take the risk and become the thought leader”. RT Third Sector.
“Customers tell us they picked up the phone because our website really speaks to them.” CM Software market.
Cost: £ 149 reduced to £ 99 if booked by 18th May. Send an email through the contact page or telephone 01628 850082 to reserve your place.
Creative Spark Communications, Meadowcroft, Cores End Road, Bourne End, K7 SL8 5AL, UNITED KINGDOM
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