I recently shared 14 Days of Business Love on my Facebook page sharing links to 14 Facebook pages. The reason for doing so was to share a bit of business love for other businesses both sides of the channel that I have a connection with, have purchased from, work with and admire.
Your Facebook page is not all about you and it must have a healthy mix of information and content that is not salesy but informative. Nothing says
I business love you' than sharing links of other businesses on your page so that your fans can admire too and potentially like what they see. It's an endorsement of those businesses involved when carefully thought out, particularly when there is a reason or connection for doing so. Social networking is exactly that, doing a bit of online networking. If you have a Facebook page too, try to do this frequently.
The results were pretty awesome for me... as a fellow business in the world of social media, I have to practice what I preach and I am an avid fan of keeping my page busy and active. That said, there is only so much you can convey on Facebook, so I asked all 14 business owners to share a bit of information about themselves, so that readers and future visitors can get an insight into their businesses and learn a bit more about them as human beings. What I particularly like about all of them is their high regard for the customer. Enjoy
Day 1 - Chimera Communications
What's your number one tip when dealing with customers? They’re not always right! As consultants, we have a wealth of experience, skills and knowledge to help our client businesses, and that’s the value of bringing in experts and fresh pairs of eyes.
What's your most memorable experience as a business owner? Last year we had two different clients who asked us to ‘back pedal’ for a while as we’d been so successful in getting them new business, they couldn’t keep up with demand. A reasonably pleasant issue to have!
Also I’ve had the pleasure of chairing meetings in some unusual places like the Magic Circle, Eton College, Fort Nelson, Bletchley Park, Canterbury Cathedral and the House of Commons. And being invited to become a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations many years ago was a memorable moment in my career. Now I think about it, I’ve been lucky to have had many unforgettable times over the years.
What do you enjoy most about what you do? I like being able to make my own business decisions. I also enjoy helping client businesses reach and exceed their own expectations and targets. I enjoy mentoring and training. Most of all, I like doing it all with my very talented team, and clients who have a sense of humour and appreciate our slightly quirky look at life. After all, life’s so short, we must never underestimate the power of a smile.
What do you like doing most to switch off from business? My greatest pleasure comes from spending time with my husband who, as a professional comedian, makes me laugh every single day. I have discovered a love of cruises and am enjoying adding to the list of countries visited. Gardening helps me relax and enjoy nature’s calming effects like listening to birdsong. And to ensure some ‘head space’ and body fitness in the general melee of life’s busy-ness, I do Zumba, Pilates and FitSteps every week.
If you were a new addition to a set of colouring pencils – what colour would you be and why? I’d have to be the red pencil. As a grammar pedant, I notice far too many typos and grammar errors in newspapers, magazines, online and on TV. It’s a constant source of frustration!
What's your all-time favourite movie? It’s a Wonderful Life, the classic feel-good film.
http://www.chimeracomms.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/ChimeraCommunications/
Day 2 – Photo Workshops France
What's your number one tip when dealing with customers? To be warm and inviting and put customers at ease.
What's your most memorable experience as a business owner in France? An entry in our Visitors Book by our very first gite guests “Fen and Ian, don’t change a thing”.
What do you enjoy most about what you do? Meeting new and often like minded people who understand our dream.
What do you like doing most to switch off from business? Unwinding on the terrace with our 3 Golden Retrievers, watching the sunset evolve with a glass of wine and camera in hand.
If you were a new addition to a set of colouring pencils – what colour would you be and why? Yellow as it represents sunshine, sunflowers, warmth and happiness.
What's your all time favourite movie? Brief Encounter. A lovely gentle film showing a certain vulnerability. As an ex pianist I get lost in the Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto no 2 theme playing constantly in the background. (I could never play it as my hands weren’t big enough). I’m just an old romantic at heart!
http://photoworkshops.co.uk/index.html
http://www.francecountryholidays.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/photoworkshopsinswfrance
Day 3 – Unique Lighting Company
What's your number one tip when dealing with customers? I always treat customers how I would expect to be treated myself.
What's your most memorable experience as a business owner in France? Having a friendly french couple turn up at my door on bikes one day looking for a lighting company after seeing a flyer in the local boulangerie, and then purchasing 2 lights.
What do you enjoy most about what you do? Being able to work from home and have flexible hours when needed.
What do you like doing most to switch off from business? Dog walking is my perfect way to switch off and get some fresh air when needed.
If you were a new addition to a set of colouring pencils – what colour would you be and why? Grey, a great neutral colour that can blend in and go with anything.
What's your all time favourite movie? Shaun of the dead.
http://www.uniquelightingcompany.com/
https://www.facebook.com/uniquelightingcompany
Your Facebook page is not all about you and it must have a healthy mix of information and content that is not salesy but informative. Nothing says
I business love you' than sharing links of other businesses on your page so that your fans can admire too and potentially like what they see. It's an endorsement of those businesses involved when carefully thought out, particularly when there is a reason or connection for doing so. Social networking is exactly that, doing a bit of online networking. If you have a Facebook page too, try to do this frequently.
The results were pretty awesome for me... as a fellow business in the world of social media, I have to practice what I preach and I am an avid fan of keeping my page busy and active. That said, there is only so much you can convey on Facebook, so I asked all 14 business owners to share a bit of information about themselves, so that readers and future visitors can get an insight into their businesses and learn a bit more about them as human beings. What I particularly like about all of them is their high regard for the customer. Enjoy
Day 1 - Chimera Communications
What's your number one tip when dealing with customers? They’re not always right! As consultants, we have a wealth of experience, skills and knowledge to help our client businesses, and that’s the value of bringing in experts and fresh pairs of eyes.
What's your most memorable experience as a business owner? Last year we had two different clients who asked us to ‘back pedal’ for a while as we’d been so successful in getting them new business, they couldn’t keep up with demand. A reasonably pleasant issue to have!
Also I’ve had the pleasure of chairing meetings in some unusual places like the Magic Circle, Eton College, Fort Nelson, Bletchley Park, Canterbury Cathedral and the House of Commons. And being invited to become a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations many years ago was a memorable moment in my career. Now I think about it, I’ve been lucky to have had many unforgettable times over the years.
What do you enjoy most about what you do? I like being able to make my own business decisions. I also enjoy helping client businesses reach and exceed their own expectations and targets. I enjoy mentoring and training. Most of all, I like doing it all with my very talented team, and clients who have a sense of humour and appreciate our slightly quirky look at life. After all, life’s so short, we must never underestimate the power of a smile.
What do you like doing most to switch off from business? My greatest pleasure comes from spending time with my husband who, as a professional comedian, makes me laugh every single day. I have discovered a love of cruises and am enjoying adding to the list of countries visited. Gardening helps me relax and enjoy nature’s calming effects like listening to birdsong. And to ensure some ‘head space’ and body fitness in the general melee of life’s busy-ness, I do Zumba, Pilates and FitSteps every week.
If you were a new addition to a set of colouring pencils – what colour would you be and why? I’d have to be the red pencil. As a grammar pedant, I notice far too many typos and grammar errors in newspapers, magazines, online and on TV. It’s a constant source of frustration!
What's your all-time favourite movie? It’s a Wonderful Life, the classic feel-good film.
http://www.chimeracomms.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/ChimeraCommunications/
Day 2 – Photo Workshops France
What's your number one tip when dealing with customers? To be warm and inviting and put customers at ease.
What's your most memorable experience as a business owner in France? An entry in our Visitors Book by our very first gite guests “Fen and Ian, don’t change a thing”.
What do you enjoy most about what you do? Meeting new and often like minded people who understand our dream.
What do you like doing most to switch off from business? Unwinding on the terrace with our 3 Golden Retrievers, watching the sunset evolve with a glass of wine and camera in hand.
If you were a new addition to a set of colouring pencils – what colour would you be and why? Yellow as it represents sunshine, sunflowers, warmth and happiness.
What's your all time favourite movie? Brief Encounter. A lovely gentle film showing a certain vulnerability. As an ex pianist I get lost in the Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto no 2 theme playing constantly in the background. (I could never play it as my hands weren’t big enough). I’m just an old romantic at heart!
http://photoworkshops.co.uk/index.html
http://www.francecountryholidays.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/photoworkshopsinswfrance
Day 3 – Unique Lighting Company
What's your number one tip when dealing with customers? I always treat customers how I would expect to be treated myself.
What's your most memorable experience as a business owner in France? Having a friendly french couple turn up at my door on bikes one day looking for a lighting company after seeing a flyer in the local boulangerie, and then purchasing 2 lights.
What do you enjoy most about what you do? Being able to work from home and have flexible hours when needed.
What do you like doing most to switch off from business? Dog walking is my perfect way to switch off and get some fresh air when needed.
If you were a new addition to a set of colouring pencils – what colour would you be and why? Grey, a great neutral colour that can blend in and go with anything.
What's your all time favourite movie? Shaun of the dead.
http://www.uniquelightingcompany.com/
https://www.facebook.com/uniquelightingcompany
Day 4 – French Admin Solutions
What's your number one tip when dealing with customers? Honesty at all times. I find that 'treat others as you wish to be treated' is a golden rule that fits perfectly with my business mindset.
What's your most memorable experience as a business owner I developed the Q&A forum style aspect to my website when I found that I was the go-to person for many of my expat friends who had 'a quick question', and clients who were frustrated by the 'too many differing' answers they were getting to their questions in free forums. Development of the site was tricky, and took much longer than I expected, but it was all worthwhile when I got my first member.
What do you enjoy most about what you do? In taking site members through the steps needed to solve the problem at hand I feel a real sense of accomplishment that they will feel confident in dealing with the problem should it resurface in the future.
What do you like doing most to switch off from business? I have a (bad) habit of being a bit fleeting with my pastimes, such as learning guitar or Italian, but my love of winter sports has stuck with me - it blew my mind to realise that I have been snowboarding for 20 years this year - and living on a boat allows me to indulge my love of water in the summer. That said, I have taken up yoga in 2016, and although yoga on a boat is seriously challenging, I love the release of tense muscles it gives me at the end of each working day.
If you were a new addition to a set of colouring pencils – what colour would you be and why? It would have to be 'bleu embrun' or sea spray, which is the colour I chose for our bathroom last week! The ocean vibe and relaxed calm reflect exactly where I want to be in life.
What's your all time favourite movie? My hubby would answer this 'anything with Matthew McConaughey' and I suspect the godawful 'Reign of Fire' is the exception that proves the rule! But to pick one, it would be 'How to lose a guy in 10 days' - I <3 a chick flick, a comedy & McConaughey, so it ticks all my boxes!
ttps://www.facebook.com/frenchadminsolutions
https://www.facebook.com/frenchadminsolutions
Day 5 – Le Jardin Perdu
What's your number one tip when dealing with customers? As my business is all online, my number one tip has to be to always respond to queries quickly.
What's your most memorable experience as a business owner in France?
My very first order for Le Jardin Perdu. After all the months of creating the products, the website and pushing it via social media, it’s a wonderful feeling when you finally get that order and you know all your hard work has paid off. My website is currently only in English, and being based in France I was worried whether people in the UK would order, so receiving a first order for 10 petit paniers from one lady in the UK, was amazing and really boosted my confidence in my products. I do plan to have the site in French this year too to expand my market.
What do you enjoy most about what you do? Finding the small, artisan French businesses which supply me. There are so many lovely, talented people in France, whether they be French, English or from elsewhere with such amazing, individual businesses. I only buy from businesses such as these. It’s hard to make a living with so many big sheds out there, so I think that it’s important that small businesses support small businesses.
What do you like doing most to switch off from business? Gardening! Weekends are spent in the garden when the weather is good and I also try and spend an hour or so in the garden each day of the week to clear my head.
If you were a new addition to a set of colouring pencils – what colour would you be and why? Red because it’s bright, cheerful, bold and daring, something I aspire to be.
What's your all time favourite movie? The Thin Man staring William Powell and Myrna Loy. I love old movies, the stories are great, they’re entertaining, and I just love the glitz and glamour of that era. Who needs over the top special effects and violence? My second choice would be To Catch a Thief with Cary Grant and Grace Kelly – just perfect!
http://www.lejardinperdu.com/
https://www.facebook.com/LeJardinPerdu
Day 6 - The Elephant haven
Sofie and Tony moved to France in 2013 with very high hopes of introducing the first elephant retirement home in France. Elephant Haven was set up prior to their arrival in France. Their presence in France has meant that they have successfully found the right land and can work with the relevant authorities to bring this project together. The project is currently relying on the support and help of fellow elephant lovers from around the globe who want to see circus elephants retired in comfort.
http://www.elephanthaven.com/en/
https://www.facebook.com/ElephantHaven
Day 7 - Open Gardens/Jardins Ouverts
If you like gardens/gardening then you will like this. What a lovely way to spend an afternoon, looking at gardens, made possible by Open Gardens/Jardins Ouverts. Equally ideal for keen gardeners too. The Association started in 2013 and has quickly gone from strength to strength. The idea is that gardeners across France open their gardens up to the public. Funds raised are shared among a number of charities. To learn more visit:
http://www.opengardens.eu/
https://www.facebook.com/opengardensjardinsouverts
What's your number one tip when dealing with customers? Honesty at all times. I find that 'treat others as you wish to be treated' is a golden rule that fits perfectly with my business mindset.
What's your most memorable experience as a business owner I developed the Q&A forum style aspect to my website when I found that I was the go-to person for many of my expat friends who had 'a quick question', and clients who were frustrated by the 'too many differing' answers they were getting to their questions in free forums. Development of the site was tricky, and took much longer than I expected, but it was all worthwhile when I got my first member.
What do you enjoy most about what you do? In taking site members through the steps needed to solve the problem at hand I feel a real sense of accomplishment that they will feel confident in dealing with the problem should it resurface in the future.
What do you like doing most to switch off from business? I have a (bad) habit of being a bit fleeting with my pastimes, such as learning guitar or Italian, but my love of winter sports has stuck with me - it blew my mind to realise that I have been snowboarding for 20 years this year - and living on a boat allows me to indulge my love of water in the summer. That said, I have taken up yoga in 2016, and although yoga on a boat is seriously challenging, I love the release of tense muscles it gives me at the end of each working day.
If you were a new addition to a set of colouring pencils – what colour would you be and why? It would have to be 'bleu embrun' or sea spray, which is the colour I chose for our bathroom last week! The ocean vibe and relaxed calm reflect exactly where I want to be in life.
What's your all time favourite movie? My hubby would answer this 'anything with Matthew McConaughey' and I suspect the godawful 'Reign of Fire' is the exception that proves the rule! But to pick one, it would be 'How to lose a guy in 10 days' - I <3 a chick flick, a comedy & McConaughey, so it ticks all my boxes!
ttps://www.facebook.com/frenchadminsolutions
https://www.facebook.com/frenchadminsolutions
Day 5 – Le Jardin Perdu
What's your number one tip when dealing with customers? As my business is all online, my number one tip has to be to always respond to queries quickly.
What's your most memorable experience as a business owner in France?
My very first order for Le Jardin Perdu. After all the months of creating the products, the website and pushing it via social media, it’s a wonderful feeling when you finally get that order and you know all your hard work has paid off. My website is currently only in English, and being based in France I was worried whether people in the UK would order, so receiving a first order for 10 petit paniers from one lady in the UK, was amazing and really boosted my confidence in my products. I do plan to have the site in French this year too to expand my market.
What do you enjoy most about what you do? Finding the small, artisan French businesses which supply me. There are so many lovely, talented people in France, whether they be French, English or from elsewhere with such amazing, individual businesses. I only buy from businesses such as these. It’s hard to make a living with so many big sheds out there, so I think that it’s important that small businesses support small businesses.
What do you like doing most to switch off from business? Gardening! Weekends are spent in the garden when the weather is good and I also try and spend an hour or so in the garden each day of the week to clear my head.
If you were a new addition to a set of colouring pencils – what colour would you be and why? Red because it’s bright, cheerful, bold and daring, something I aspire to be.
What's your all time favourite movie? The Thin Man staring William Powell and Myrna Loy. I love old movies, the stories are great, they’re entertaining, and I just love the glitz and glamour of that era. Who needs over the top special effects and violence? My second choice would be To Catch a Thief with Cary Grant and Grace Kelly – just perfect!
http://www.lejardinperdu.com/
https://www.facebook.com/LeJardinPerdu
Day 6 - The Elephant haven
Sofie and Tony moved to France in 2013 with very high hopes of introducing the first elephant retirement home in France. Elephant Haven was set up prior to their arrival in France. Their presence in France has meant that they have successfully found the right land and can work with the relevant authorities to bring this project together. The project is currently relying on the support and help of fellow elephant lovers from around the globe who want to see circus elephants retired in comfort.
http://www.elephanthaven.com/en/
https://www.facebook.com/ElephantHaven
Day 7 - Open Gardens/Jardins Ouverts
If you like gardens/gardening then you will like this. What a lovely way to spend an afternoon, looking at gardens, made possible by Open Gardens/Jardins Ouverts. Equally ideal for keen gardeners too. The Association started in 2013 and has quickly gone from strength to strength. The idea is that gardeners across France open their gardens up to the public. Funds raised are shared among a number of charities. To learn more visit:
http://www.opengardens.eu/
https://www.facebook.com/opengardensjardinsouverts
Day 8 - La Germondiere Holidays in France
What's your number one tip when dealing with customers?
Julie: be upbeat and positive.
Simon: smile!
What's your most memorable experience as a business owner in France?
Julie: Our very first gite customer had been coming here for years under the previous ownership, we introduced some changes to rules (the most important being no-killing of the fish!) - and they booked the following year’s holiday before leaving us.
Simon: seeing someone catch a new personal best (largest fish caught)
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
Julie: Watching people unwind and fall in love with the place over the first 24-48 hours... seeing that others love it as much as we do.
Simon: making friends out of some customers
What do you like doing most to switch off from business?
Julie: cooking gourmet food and sharing it with friends
Simon: fishing!
If you were a new addition to a set of colouring pencils – what colour would you be and why?
Julie: Pink….. bright and stands-out.
Simon: green, camouflaged!
What's your all time favourite movie?
Simon: Shawshank Redemption
Julie: Twilight. Even though I don’t actually like the film version, the book is the most wonderful love story and as I’ve read it so many times, I read between the ‘clips’ in the film and ‘feel the love’.
http://www.francefishinggites.com/
https://www.facebook.com/FranceFishingGites
Day 9 – The Spectrum IFA Group – Amanda Johnson
What's your number one tip when dealing with customers? Give a bit of yourself.
What's your most memorable experience as a business owner in France?
When I arrived in France I was very poorly. To be able to enjoy time with family, friends & customers provides treasured memories every day.
What do you enjoy most about what you do? I love the interaction with the customer and the satisfaction of knowing you have made a difference.
What do you like doing most to switch off from business? Fizz Friday’s, Shoe shopping and losing myself in a good book.
If you were a new addition to a set of colouring pencils – what colour would you be and why? Any colour, but with Sparkles – I know it’s not a colour, but this is what Scott said.
What's your all time favourite movie? Waterloo Bridge
http://www.spectrum-ifa.com/
https://www.facebook.com/financial.advisors
Day 10 - Franglais Deliveries
What's your number one tip when dealing with customers?
To keep your word, whether its getting back to a customer via phone or email when you say you will and carrying that right on through to the delivery date. To do what you say you are going to do when you say you are going to do it.
What's your most memorable experience as a business owner in France?
There have been a few but helping transport a memorial bench for a beautiful 10 year old girl who was given her angel wings is the first that springs to mind.
It was a very emotional experience and filled us all with pride to be asked to help move a beautiful hand carved bench in her honour.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
Being able to help our customers relocate either to France or back to the UK with as little stress as possible. Moving house is rated in the top 3 stress inducers.
We move people for a number of reasons, mostly their choice but sometimes incredibly sad reasons too. Loss of a partner, financial or health related reasons really do make you realise how lucky you are to be healthy and happy. The job is very humbling. You have total responsibility for someone's lifetime possessions and we treat them as if they were our own.
What do you like doing most to switch off from business?
Spending time together as a family, we try to eat at a new place every week. Our current favorite is an American diner themed restaurant. We have 3 children who range in age from 3 to 14. Their hobbies keep us very busy, being Motorcross and Twirling. The both take part in competitions all over France and it makes us so proud to see them doing what they love.
If you were a new addition to a set of colouring pencils – what colour would you be and why? Easy – green
What's your all time favourite movie? Forrest Gump -"Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get.".
http://www.franglaisdeliveries.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Franglaisdeliveries
Day 11 – The Translation Connexion
What's your number one tip when dealing with customers? Most of the time I'm dealing with customers over the phone. So, my absolute number one tip has to be to smile. People can hear if you're smiling and happy and therefore welcoming. They can also hear if you are not smiling!!
What's your most memorable experience as a business owner in France?
Receiving my very first call from my very first client and then receiving and sharing her testimonial. made me feel so proud and happy.
What do you enjoy most about what you do? I get a kick every single time I bring a smile to a client's face or a positive comment on an email on helping them out with whatever they came to me for. Helping others out, and stopping those that would otherwise take advantage of people who find themselves in a tough spot.
What do you like doing most to switch off from business? Spending time with Kim and Steve (my little boy and my partner), walking on the beach all year around and soaking in the sun as soon as it's out!
If you were a new addition to a set of colouring pencils – what colour would you be and why? I'd be a 3 colour pencil: Pink, white and black - Pink for brightness and happiness I see in it, white for clean soothing and softness and black because it's really classy.
What's your all time favourite movie? Katia - with Romy Schneider (sweet memories from when I was a little girl)
http://www.thetranslationconnexion.com/
https://www.facebook.com/thetranslationconnexion
What's your number one tip when dealing with customers?
Julie: be upbeat and positive.
Simon: smile!
What's your most memorable experience as a business owner in France?
Julie: Our very first gite customer had been coming here for years under the previous ownership, we introduced some changes to rules (the most important being no-killing of the fish!) - and they booked the following year’s holiday before leaving us.
Simon: seeing someone catch a new personal best (largest fish caught)
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
Julie: Watching people unwind and fall in love with the place over the first 24-48 hours... seeing that others love it as much as we do.
Simon: making friends out of some customers
What do you like doing most to switch off from business?
Julie: cooking gourmet food and sharing it with friends
Simon: fishing!
If you were a new addition to a set of colouring pencils – what colour would you be and why?
Julie: Pink….. bright and stands-out.
Simon: green, camouflaged!
What's your all time favourite movie?
Simon: Shawshank Redemption
Julie: Twilight. Even though I don’t actually like the film version, the book is the most wonderful love story and as I’ve read it so many times, I read between the ‘clips’ in the film and ‘feel the love’.
http://www.francefishinggites.com/
https://www.facebook.com/FranceFishingGites
Day 9 – The Spectrum IFA Group – Amanda Johnson
What's your number one tip when dealing with customers? Give a bit of yourself.
What's your most memorable experience as a business owner in France?
When I arrived in France I was very poorly. To be able to enjoy time with family, friends & customers provides treasured memories every day.
What do you enjoy most about what you do? I love the interaction with the customer and the satisfaction of knowing you have made a difference.
What do you like doing most to switch off from business? Fizz Friday’s, Shoe shopping and losing myself in a good book.
If you were a new addition to a set of colouring pencils – what colour would you be and why? Any colour, but with Sparkles – I know it’s not a colour, but this is what Scott said.
What's your all time favourite movie? Waterloo Bridge
http://www.spectrum-ifa.com/
https://www.facebook.com/financial.advisors
Day 10 - Franglais Deliveries
What's your number one tip when dealing with customers?
To keep your word, whether its getting back to a customer via phone or email when you say you will and carrying that right on through to the delivery date. To do what you say you are going to do when you say you are going to do it.
What's your most memorable experience as a business owner in France?
There have been a few but helping transport a memorial bench for a beautiful 10 year old girl who was given her angel wings is the first that springs to mind.
It was a very emotional experience and filled us all with pride to be asked to help move a beautiful hand carved bench in her honour.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
Being able to help our customers relocate either to France or back to the UK with as little stress as possible. Moving house is rated in the top 3 stress inducers.
We move people for a number of reasons, mostly their choice but sometimes incredibly sad reasons too. Loss of a partner, financial or health related reasons really do make you realise how lucky you are to be healthy and happy. The job is very humbling. You have total responsibility for someone's lifetime possessions and we treat them as if they were our own.
What do you like doing most to switch off from business?
Spending time together as a family, we try to eat at a new place every week. Our current favorite is an American diner themed restaurant. We have 3 children who range in age from 3 to 14. Their hobbies keep us very busy, being Motorcross and Twirling. The both take part in competitions all over France and it makes us so proud to see them doing what they love.
If you were a new addition to a set of colouring pencils – what colour would you be and why? Easy – green
What's your all time favourite movie? Forrest Gump -"Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get.".
http://www.franglaisdeliveries.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Franglaisdeliveries
Day 11 – The Translation Connexion
What's your number one tip when dealing with customers? Most of the time I'm dealing with customers over the phone. So, my absolute number one tip has to be to smile. People can hear if you're smiling and happy and therefore welcoming. They can also hear if you are not smiling!!
What's your most memorable experience as a business owner in France?
Receiving my very first call from my very first client and then receiving and sharing her testimonial. made me feel so proud and happy.
What do you enjoy most about what you do? I get a kick every single time I bring a smile to a client's face or a positive comment on an email on helping them out with whatever they came to me for. Helping others out, and stopping those that would otherwise take advantage of people who find themselves in a tough spot.
What do you like doing most to switch off from business? Spending time with Kim and Steve (my little boy and my partner), walking on the beach all year around and soaking in the sun as soon as it's out!
If you were a new addition to a set of colouring pencils – what colour would you be and why? I'd be a 3 colour pencil: Pink, white and black - Pink for brightness and happiness I see in it, white for clean soothing and softness and black because it's really classy.
What's your all time favourite movie? Katia - with Romy Schneider (sweet memories from when I was a little girl)
http://www.thetranslationconnexion.com/
https://www.facebook.com/thetranslationconnexion
Day 12 – Loire Fit
What's your number one tip when dealing with customers? Listen to your clients and check you understand what they want to achieve! Sounds so obvious I know but the nature of my business is that each client has different goals, motivations and budget so I really have to tailor each program to what they are trying to achieve. I can't assume that because one 'weight loss' program delivered results for one client it will for another because there may be other factors at play.
What's your most memorable experience as a business owner in France?
The day before I was to launch my website our Livebox decided to give up the ghost and I had to do all the last minute web amends on an iPhone - it was hell!
What do you enjoy most about what you do? Helping my clients feel better about themselves. I recently had a client that lost 6cms off her waist and she was so thrilled, I felt like I had the best job in the world. Women generally have a lot of insecurities about their bodies and it is often if not always unwarranted. Exercise can make women feel empowered physically and mentally. I love being part of that journey for some.
What do you like doing most to switch off from business? Walking my faithful hound, Belle! She is such a lovely natured dog but when she gets outside she goes wild. I love to walk her along the river and enjoy the great views whilst I do a lot of my thinking. Put me on a bike, I am the happiest girl in the world.
If you were a new addition to a set of colouring pencils – what colour would you be and why? Yellow because it makes me think of sunshine and we all love sunshine don't we. Now I'm not saying I am like sunshine but I do like to be positive and I like to ensure that my interaction with others always leaves a positive impression.
What's your all time favourite movie? Oh god, can I say two...The Sound of Music and Calamity Jane. Julie Andrews and Doris Day are such an inspiration to one and I would hate to choose between either. I could just watch both films on repeat constantly. Roman Holiday is another favourite but if I have to go with one....The Sound of Music.
http://loirefit.com/
https://www.facebook.com/loirefit
Day 13 – Drive France
What's your number one tip when dealing with customers? Deal with them quickly is my number one tip. That’s everything, purchase orders, questions, complaints, you name it do it ASAP.
What's your most memorable experience as a business owner?
Generally it’s just a great feeling to know that people value the Drive-France website. It’s so nice to receive a “thank you” from someone as they have gone to the trouble to contact you to say they appreciate the hard work I put into collating all the information on the website and keeping it up to date. Also in the last 6 months Drive-France has been approached by several really big companies, such as a Ferry company, two major European Breakdown Cover firms, and a high street bank for its holiday insurance to advertise on our website.
I’ve turned all but one of them down (which I will announce shortly) but you know you are doing something right when multimillion pound companies want to negotiate a tie up deal with your website. I guess it’s come a long way since I started Drive-France less than four years ago on my computer at home in the spare bedroom as a bit of a hobby!
What do you enjoy most about what you do? I like working from home, I like being my own boss and I like the people I deal with 99.9% of the time. Obviously people going on holiday in France are generally in a good mood and the business owners in the “France market” such as Gite owners etc are all very nice.
What do you like doing most to switch off from business? I’ve played poker for many years and although I’m only an amateur player and do it for the social and fun aspect of the game I play to a reasonable standard and I’ve been moderately successful at it. I generally play each Friday night and I find it’s a great way to unwind after a busy week.
I have two fantastic grandchildren so I guess I should also say I enjoy spending time with them in case my daughter reads this!
If you were a new addition to a set of colouring pencils – what colour would you be and why? If I could be 3 colours I’d be “Blue, White and Red for Le Tricolor, but if I had to choose one then I’d like to think of myself as pale blue for being cool under pressure.
What's your all-time favourite movie? Tough to just pick one but from my younger day’s I still remember “The Great Escape”, “Zulu” and “The Godfather”. In recent times I’d say the best film I’ve seen is the “Imitation Game” I thought it was a great film in its own right and then when you factor in that it’s based on a true story it makes it quite remarkable.
http://www.drive-france.com/
https://www.facebook.com/DriveFrance
Day 14 – Electricien Anglais En France
What's your number one tip when dealing with customers? My number one tip is to listen to what the customer needs instead of telling them 'what they want'. If you can understand what a customer wants, you can then advise on the best way to get there.
What's your most memorable experience as a business owner in France?
My most memorable experience is ongoing. Building a business in France is great and to see it grow and get recommendations/repeat business is always memorable. There are a lot of good aspects to the job I do. The greatest part is to meet new people and see their houses transform, not just electrically, but to see a place start from an empty barn, or a run down farmhouse turn in to a beautiful home, that really is interesting.
What do you enjoy most about what you do? To switch if, I like 2 things, sport and music. The sports have been on hold lately due to work but listening to music, playing music and even singing is what I like to do.
If you were a new addition to a set of colouring pencils – what colour would you be and why? I would have to be blue after my favorite team Brighton and Hove Albion.
What's your all time favourite movie? Django is a great film I have watched recently but my all time favorite is The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, great soundtrack!
http://www.electricienanglaisenfrance.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ElectricienAnglaisEnFrance
What's your number one tip when dealing with customers? Listen to your clients and check you understand what they want to achieve! Sounds so obvious I know but the nature of my business is that each client has different goals, motivations and budget so I really have to tailor each program to what they are trying to achieve. I can't assume that because one 'weight loss' program delivered results for one client it will for another because there may be other factors at play.
What's your most memorable experience as a business owner in France?
The day before I was to launch my website our Livebox decided to give up the ghost and I had to do all the last minute web amends on an iPhone - it was hell!
What do you enjoy most about what you do? Helping my clients feel better about themselves. I recently had a client that lost 6cms off her waist and she was so thrilled, I felt like I had the best job in the world. Women generally have a lot of insecurities about their bodies and it is often if not always unwarranted. Exercise can make women feel empowered physically and mentally. I love being part of that journey for some.
What do you like doing most to switch off from business? Walking my faithful hound, Belle! She is such a lovely natured dog but when she gets outside she goes wild. I love to walk her along the river and enjoy the great views whilst I do a lot of my thinking. Put me on a bike, I am the happiest girl in the world.
If you were a new addition to a set of colouring pencils – what colour would you be and why? Yellow because it makes me think of sunshine and we all love sunshine don't we. Now I'm not saying I am like sunshine but I do like to be positive and I like to ensure that my interaction with others always leaves a positive impression.
What's your all time favourite movie? Oh god, can I say two...The Sound of Music and Calamity Jane. Julie Andrews and Doris Day are such an inspiration to one and I would hate to choose between either. I could just watch both films on repeat constantly. Roman Holiday is another favourite but if I have to go with one....The Sound of Music.
http://loirefit.com/
https://www.facebook.com/loirefit
Day 13 – Drive France
What's your number one tip when dealing with customers? Deal with them quickly is my number one tip. That’s everything, purchase orders, questions, complaints, you name it do it ASAP.
What's your most memorable experience as a business owner?
Generally it’s just a great feeling to know that people value the Drive-France website. It’s so nice to receive a “thank you” from someone as they have gone to the trouble to contact you to say they appreciate the hard work I put into collating all the information on the website and keeping it up to date. Also in the last 6 months Drive-France has been approached by several really big companies, such as a Ferry company, two major European Breakdown Cover firms, and a high street bank for its holiday insurance to advertise on our website.
I’ve turned all but one of them down (which I will announce shortly) but you know you are doing something right when multimillion pound companies want to negotiate a tie up deal with your website. I guess it’s come a long way since I started Drive-France less than four years ago on my computer at home in the spare bedroom as a bit of a hobby!
What do you enjoy most about what you do? I like working from home, I like being my own boss and I like the people I deal with 99.9% of the time. Obviously people going on holiday in France are generally in a good mood and the business owners in the “France market” such as Gite owners etc are all very nice.
What do you like doing most to switch off from business? I’ve played poker for many years and although I’m only an amateur player and do it for the social and fun aspect of the game I play to a reasonable standard and I’ve been moderately successful at it. I generally play each Friday night and I find it’s a great way to unwind after a busy week.
I have two fantastic grandchildren so I guess I should also say I enjoy spending time with them in case my daughter reads this!
If you were a new addition to a set of colouring pencils – what colour would you be and why? If I could be 3 colours I’d be “Blue, White and Red for Le Tricolor, but if I had to choose one then I’d like to think of myself as pale blue for being cool under pressure.
What's your all-time favourite movie? Tough to just pick one but from my younger day’s I still remember “The Great Escape”, “Zulu” and “The Godfather”. In recent times I’d say the best film I’ve seen is the “Imitation Game” I thought it was a great film in its own right and then when you factor in that it’s based on a true story it makes it quite remarkable.
http://www.drive-france.com/
https://www.facebook.com/DriveFrance
Day 14 – Electricien Anglais En France
What's your number one tip when dealing with customers? My number one tip is to listen to what the customer needs instead of telling them 'what they want'. If you can understand what a customer wants, you can then advise on the best way to get there.
What's your most memorable experience as a business owner in France?
My most memorable experience is ongoing. Building a business in France is great and to see it grow and get recommendations/repeat business is always memorable. There are a lot of good aspects to the job I do. The greatest part is to meet new people and see their houses transform, not just electrically, but to see a place start from an empty barn, or a run down farmhouse turn in to a beautiful home, that really is interesting.
What do you enjoy most about what you do? To switch if, I like 2 things, sport and music. The sports have been on hold lately due to work but listening to music, playing music and even singing is what I like to do.
If you were a new addition to a set of colouring pencils – what colour would you be and why? I would have to be blue after my favorite team Brighton and Hove Albion.
What's your all time favourite movie? Django is a great film I have watched recently but my all time favorite is The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, great soundtrack!
http://www.electricienanglaisenfrance.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ElectricienAnglaisEnFrance
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