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Tips and strategies to help you grow your Guiding Business. 25 th May, 2011. The Guild – Our Resources. The Office & Staff Your Web page Your availability Job Referrals Communication Professional Services. The Guild – The Office & Staff. Monday to Friday 9am – 5.30pm
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Tips and strategies to help you grow your Guiding Business. 25th May, 2011
The Guild – Our Resources • The Office & Staff • Your Web page • Your availability • Job Referrals • Communication • Professional Services
The Guild – The Office & Staff • Monday to Friday 9am – 5.30pm • Mem, Julie & Maggie • London Training – based here • Library / Meeting Room • CPD Programme (£30 credit each) • Wi-Fi, Tea & Coffee, Facilities • Monthly Mailing – networking • Parties & social events
Marketing - where do I start? • Identify 3 important aspects: Message, Market and Medium • Develop your niche • Set yourself targets and create an easy strategy • View it as on ongoing process. It is an investment, not a cost. • Use a mix of strategies
Inexpensive and free ways to market yourself Networking – peer support and cultivating relationships Phone calls - Referrals – ask for them. Writing – offer articles Give something for free Membership organisations – free advice, support and practical help, collaborations. Make the most of PR
What marketing materials are important to have? A 40 second pitch Business cards Voicemail – your voice! Website or blog – use it to sell you. Flyers/postcards/leaflets Press release Photos
Conclusion Identify your 3MS: Message, Market and Media Do it consistently Try multiple activities simultaneously Evaluate Questions? By Maggie Barnes
The Guild – Your Web Page Find a Guide Username & Password Updating Photograph Availability http://www.blue-badge-guides.com
The Guild – Job Referrals • Match the client to the Guide as best we can • Emails sent out with generic job enquiries • If you can’t help always refer to a colleague • Ask the caller as much as possible about the group so you are well prepared • If price is an issue offer added value • Get their contact details • Establish terms & conditions, payment etc
The Guild – Communication • Emails with updates on closures, traffic updates, price changes, forthcoming courses etc. • Invitations to events ie shows, openings • Add us to your contacts (guild@ accounts@ marketing@) • Monthly mailing – Guide Post • Our text service - 07526 659319
Your Blue Badge Guide Catherine Cartwright London 2009 City of London 2012 Venues Driver Guide
Professional Services • Insurance • Terms & Conditions/Credit Protection Agency • Invoicing • If in doubt… CALL US!
Professional Services Insurance • £5 million Public Liability Insurance • Personal Injury & Accident Insurance • Cycle Insurance • Overseas tours starting in the UK
Professional Services Terms & Conditions • Be clear • Be professional • Value yourself • fees and terms 2011.pdf Credit Protection Association • Guild has membership • Contact Mem for assistance
Professional Services Sample invoice Invoice for language with expenses Invoice with deposit
Professional Services If it looks too good to be true… Any questions?
Thank you • All information is available on a CD to take away. • For those who are not here this evening we will send onto them Any questions?