thebestofsalford's newsletter (may edition)

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The people behind the business

New members this month

Tip of the monthand More...

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Tirelessly working to make your business the best it can be...

Continued...

May 2013 Update

Choose The Form Of The Destructor!

So now you’re probably thinking ‘What’s that got to do with anything?’ Well, pull up a chair and I’ll explain…

In the film, the Ghostbusters are asked to choose. They then all try desperately to avoid thinking of anything to prevent the inevitable final battle. Of course, Ray can’t help but think of Mr Stay Puft, something he remembered affectionately from his childhood, something that could never harm them.

Those of us who remember great films from the 80s will probably have a place in their heart for Ghostbusters. Over the recent bank holiday, I was chuffed to bits to see it on the TV schedule and duly settled down, popcorn in hand for an hour and a half of pure fun. It was all that has ever been. I laughed in all the same places and revisited all the old quotes, “Smells like barbecued dog hair” is still one of my particular favourites!

Then it got to the best bit in the entire film!

“Choose the form of the Destructor!” In less than a minute a hundred foot tall Mr Stay Puft the Marshmallow Man is stepping on a Church as he makes his way towards our heroes. Oddly enough, as I am seemingly, totally immersed in the film a quote popped into my head, “It’s choice - not chance - that determines your destiny.”

Bestof-Salford-May 2013.indd 1 17/04/2013 12:52

www.thebestof.co.uk/salford Update May 2013

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If you are tired of unwanted hair and you would like it removed permanently, contact Worsley Laser Clinic today for a FREE skin care consultation. They can remove unwanted hair from your arms, lips, legs etc.

For laser treatment in Salford, call the friendly team at Worsley Laser Clinic today on 0161 452 3729.

Have a great month...

Sarah

It’s all too easy in business to do the same thing. We put off making decisions thinking that doing so will maintain the status quo. We say, “I haven’t decided yet” thinking that we have made no choice. The truth is, we have made a choice, a choice to do nothing and leave the outcome to chance. Well as far as I know, chance doesn’t care if we stay in business or not.

The key to success is action. If we make a decision and own it, it may not always be the right one, but at least we will be in control of it instead of it in control of us.

If you’ve got a decision that you’re avoiding making, you might want to try tackling it like this:

• Give yourself a deadline - Preferably a short one…. that sense of urgency will give you clarity.

• Understand the problem – make sure you know what you want the outcome to be and why

• Investigate the options – know the consequences of your actions and accept them

• Act! Make the decision and own it. If you’re in control, I promise you, even a bad decision will be less damaging than chance being in control

I will never enjoy making difficult decisions, but if the alternative is a metaphorical hundred foot Mr Stay Puft, I’ll take control everytime!

Oh how wrong was he; the giant Marshmallow Man appears, hell bent on death and destruction, the ground shaking beneath his feet.

The Ghostbusters’ strategy here is clear. They decided the best course of action was to do nothing and in doing so avoid The Destructor….. it didn’t work! What did work was making the choice to risk everything and fight back.


The People Behind The BusinessJadwiga Siuda, Lead Physiotherapist at Therapy-FirstWe decided to quiz Jadwiga from Therapy-First on what makes her tick. Here’s what she said...What gets you out of bed in the morning?Any type of change can be scary, relocating to Salford Quays from our old business address was a new challenge, but when you’re self-employed, you get up in the morning ready to take on life and with this in mind I always think about my passion to be a Physiotherapist. Ever since I was a child I suffered from scoliosis I found that through physio I got a second chance at life free of back pain. I found my passion and when you find it, you have something that transforms you and makes you happy no matter what life throws at you. To help others and to make others feel better, healthier and stronger is now what gets me out of my bed.

Tell us one tip which could be invaluable in life or in business?Get more of the important things done every day, take on the challenge. Don’t work harder or longer than you need to. Just get your priorities right. And be relentless in getting them done, and be honest with everybody.

Which business figure do you admire most and why?Steve Jobs. I once read a quote of his and think he was a genius, “I think we’re having fun. I think our customers really like our products. And we’re always trying to do better.” I like to think that at Therapy-First we lead by this example.

If you were a councillor, how would you attract more business to Salford?Salford has changed over the years and the right type of marketing would attract big organisations to the area. We have the BBC, ITV and MediaCityUK, we should use these organisations as a marketing asset to make people aware of Salford as a place to be on the map.

If you could have dinner with any celebrity, who would it be and why?It would be Karen Brady, the former managing director of Birmingham City Football Club and current vice-chairman of West Ham United. She is an intelligent, working mother and top businesswoman and I admire her for her dedication to her career and family.

What was your first job?I came to the UK as an Au Pair so I could study English then do my A-levels. I ended up going to Salford University where I graduated.

If you were to go on Come Dine With Me what would you cook?Pierogi ruskie – a Polish speciality.

Tell us three things you love about Salford?Very friendly people, multi-cultural and cosmopolitan.

Therapy-First is a private Physiotherapy practice based in Salford Quays, offering Physiotherapy, Acupuncture and Pilates to treat chronic pain, sports injuries and long term conditions. If you are suffering from back pain, neck pain, acute injury, sciatica, arthritis

or other, make an appointment at Therapy-First today!

Contact Jadwiga and the team on 0161 452 4977.

It could

be you!



We are delighted to hear of lots of successes across thebestof Salford network where business members have been benefitting from all the products and services that we provide. Here are a couple of great stories...‘I have been with thebestof Salford now for just over 4 months and I am delighted with how Sarah Clough has promoted my business using thebestof Salford website and social media platforms. It is so reassuring to know that effective marketing is continuing whilst I get on with my business. I would have no hesitation in recommending Sarah at thebestof Salford.’Barbara Barlow, BeRightHR, Spark Studio

‘I’ve only been on with thebestof Salford for 3 months and it’s already helped with SEO for my own site, just by providing a link through my feature and I’ve had some really good ‘Link Juice’ through it. thebestof Salford has also been great for helping me with blogging. It’s really simple. You just have to send off a few bullet points to Sarah and within a couple of days you’ve got a 200 word blog. Brilliant.’Steven Butterworth, SLC Technology Ltd

Mix and MatchThis often feels like our least tangible service we offer as part of membership with thebestof Salford, however we know it’s one of the most successful in generating business. Regularly during conversations with member or prospect businesses, the need for a particular product or service arises, this is where we step in connecting a business member with those who need it. Recently we have had some really great examples of this working a treat!

• HMS Vintage works with brides-to-be and so they were introduced to the other Members of thebestof Salford who cater for weddings such as Bridal Elegance, Design Element Flowers, Pryces the Bakers, Travel Counsellors, etc.

• Robertshaws Blinds and Northwest Radiators were both introduced to Insite Properties, a maintenance and building contracting company who regularly renovate properties.

• Therapy-First needed website maintenance and so Media City Way’s details were passed on.

‘We have signed a 1 year deal with Sarah Clough from thebestof Salford to advertise our office stationery supply business on her website. Since our profile went live, Sarah has done a great job. She has been introducing us to the other members of thebestof Salford in person to help us grow our business. We are very impressed with the referrals she has been passing as they are exactly the kind of people we are looking to get introduced to. I will highly recommend Sarah and will suggest any business to consider advertising on thebestof Salford!’Omer Qureshi, edsOFFICE

These are just a few very recent examples of how we work for our business members on a daily basis.

Working Well...“Share your

successes and let

Sarah know what

bits of thebestof

are working

for you.”

At thebestof Salford we are on the lookout for other great members. This month we are looking for....

• Estate Agents

• Dentists

• Commercial & Domestic Cleaning Companiess

If you know a business that fits the bill please contact the team...

07917 671 983


Give them a call & make them feel welcome

We’ve uncovered more hidden gems over the last few weeks. A big welcome to the following businesses who have joined us recently:

WOW GREATSERVICE

fab

what acompanyVERy

helpful

Northwest RadiatorsFor high quality radiator supplies and services, contact Northwest Radiators in Salford, Manchester. They supply radiators to homeowners and businesses throughout the area. Whether you want designer radiators, traditional radiators or heated towel radiators, visit today and choose from the wide range of styles and colours.

Call 0161 956 8603

mobile ZONEmobile ZONE in Salford offer mobile phone repairs and services. Known for their fast and reliable service, the team at mobile ZONE are very knowledgeable and also offer expert advice. Whether you’re looking to purchase a new mobile phone or you’re experiencing problems with your existing phone, visit mobile ZONE in Salford today. They pride themselves on their No Repair, No Fee service.

Call 0161 451 0995

RedlineWhen your vehicle is need of servicing and repair, you want it to be in the hands of garage mechanics that you can trust. Redline Automotive in Salford, Manchester is a reputable garage who offer an outstanding level of customer service and will have your car, van or motorcycle roadworthy in no time.

Call 0161 452 4986

SLC Technology LtdContact the IT Consultants at SLC Technology Ltd in Salford, near Manchester for IT Consultancy. Working with businesses of all sizes and in all sectors, the IT specialists can audit your existing system to help find the right solution for you. Whether you need help with hardware installation, a complete redesign of your system, networking or upgrades, the qualified team at SLC Technology Ltd can help.

Call 0161 451 0981

Insite PropertiesIf you’re looking for builders to extend or convert your home or commercial premises in Salford or Manchester, call Insite Properties today. They are a firmly established company with years of experience transforming and building properties to a very high standard.

Call 0161 956 8013



The sad thing is, our high streets are in decline; and as the Banks and the struggling national chains move out we are either left with rows of empty, unloved buildings or Payday Lenders and Betting Shops.

Now don’t get me wrong. There’s nothing wrong with the odd Payday Loan firm or Betting Shop. A place for everything, and everything in its place. However, as Ed Milliband rightly pointed out in April while speaking in Ipswich; these types of retailers have increased by 20% in the last year, leaving our high streets devoid of variety, individuality and more importantly, people.

“Every day I am asked to predict the future of the British high street. I don’t have all the answers, but one thing I do know is that high streets won’t be only about shops.” Mary Portas.

Too right Mary! Our high streets are about way more than that. Originally our village greens, town squares and high streets formed the centre of where we lived. It was where we connected with other people and found out about what was going on in our town, as well as buying our groceries.

It was the noise of the market traders, the bustle of other shoppers, the wave from the butcher as you walked past, the smell of the freshly baked bread from the bakery…..it was about the experience. That experience and tradition doesn’t have to be consigned to history, we just have to drag it into the 21st century, however much it kicks and screams.

So now you’re all thinking, that’s great, but how on earth am I supposed to do that? I’m a printer/accountant/tattooist and my business isn’t a 4th generation family concern. Well that doesn’t mean that you can’t reflect the values and the history your community stands for. Each area has its own unique culture, its own achievements and its own local heroes as well as the universally British values of honesty, freedom, equality and justice. Every community has a story but without the story teller it will be lost forever.

Now I’m not going to start waxing lyrical about the ‘Great’ in Britain to the strains of Rule Brittania, but actually, it is those communities that have given us our history and traditions that attract 31 million visitors to the UK every single year (that’s half of our entire population by the way). Compare that to Spain’s 45 million visitors. A country two and half times the size with infinitely better weather!

As you already know I’m a massive fan of all things local. Recently I’ve seen some good articles from celebrities like Mary Portas on what’s happening to our town centres. It’s lovely to know that people do understand how important our high streets and local businesses are to our communities. Let’s face it, local communities are part of the fabric of our society; they have helped create what it is to be British.

Go Loco for Buy Local!


You want to go where everybody knows your name

Nothing can replace personal relationships in business, it’s one of the reasons Social Media has grown at such a meteoric rate; humans are social animals. Small, independent businesses have the advantage of being able to create personal relationships easily, something that chains really struggle to do. So don’t forget to strengthen it at every opportunity.

Be the face of your business

As independent business owners we all have our own style, our own personality and our own values. We need to shout about them at every opportunity. The area we grew up in helped shape that style and those values so chances are, your customers will connect with them.

Freedom of Choice requires something to choose from

Every small business is different! Those differences are what make our high streets interesting and make you unique.

Your History is our History

Ok, maybe you moved into the area recently so history for you is thin on the ground. Your premises, your street or even

your product and service do have history though, so utlilise it. Whether it be what you have on your wall, what you use in a blog, even a ‘Back to the 80s’ offer you might have, all these things tap into that history that is part of our lives.

Give a damn and do something about it

Don’t just care about your business and your customers. Support your local community projects, buy from great local suppliers, support your local charities, remind other people about why the area is great and effect changes that will make it even better. Whether it be getting together with other businesses to encourage the council to improve parking or something as simple as adding a couple of hanging baskets to your frontage to make the area look more appealing. All the little things add up to something big.

Making an exception can make you exceptional

There’s a local newsagent and grocer not far from where I live. They don’t offer a delivery service, and yet, I regularly see the owner personally taking groceries round to the older residents. For that reason alone, I make a point of spending money with him every week

which also means I can avoid the ‘Express’ round the corner!

And finally (please forgive me for the shameless plug), but supporting our Buy Local campaign, 3rd to 9th June, and encouraging others to do so is another way of raising awareness of our high streets and drawing attention to the things we can do to restore them to their former vibrant selves. Every pound that is spent locally is reinvested in the town up to ten times over and locally sourced products are easily traceable (the farmer down the road has never kept horses) and are better for the environment. This is our opportunity to join together to support our home; we need to grasp it with both hands!

Over the next month I will be making it my mission to gather as much support as possible for our Buy Local campaign, raising the profile of our shops and businesses and showing the world what a wonderful place to live this is! However, I can’t do it all by myself, I need you to join in! Heck let’s make a party of it if we can!

If you’re not already displaying your Buy Local sticker with pride or ordered your Buy Local Pack, please do get in touch. If we all join together it won’t take much to make a real difference.



Coming Soon

Our aim is to provide the best businesses in Salford with aworld classmarketing service.We’ll raise your profile, connect you to new contacts and customers - and maxim-ise your business potential.

We really do care about every one of our Business Members and we are there every step of the way to ensure that thebestof works for you.

Our 17 marketing tools

thebestof Salford is run by Sarah Clough.

Here at thebestof Salford, word of mouth just got louder!

Every business we feature has been checked out by us AND recommended by other local people so you can use them with confidence knowing they truly are one of the best at what they do…

Call Us: 0161 839 7019 or 0791 767 1983Email : [email protected]

I’m running the Manchester 10k this year in aid of The Paget’s Association and would like to raise lots of lovely money for them!

The National Association for the Relief of Paget’s Disease (NARPD) is the only national charity dedicated to helping people with this debilitating bone condition. It works to provide information, education and support to members of the public and health professionals and supports research into all aspects of Paget’s disease.

I would really love to smash my target of raising £500 for this fantastic cause, so I’m asking everyone to dig deep! If you would like to donate, please visit:

www.justgiving.com/RunCloughieRun

or you can text ‘TBOS87’ and an amount of £1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10 to 70070.

Thank you!

1. Testimonials

2. Dual-branded postcards

3. Mix and match

4. Commercial photos

5. Certificates

6. Brand Awareness

7. Campaigns

8. Call Tracking

9. An Evening with

10. Social Media

11. Blog

12. Events

13. Video

14. Special offers for members

15. Quote me

16. Mobile Website and App

17. Website feature


thebestofsalford's newsletter (may edition)

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