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