How to…stage events successfully

Read this interesting article from ‘The Marketer’ magazine from The Chartered Institute of Marketing

http://www.themarketer.co.uk/articles/how-to/stage-events-successfully/

It contains useful tips on things to think about before putting an event on.  After organising and attending 3 back to back events this week, we are still learning.  Most people will hopefully not notice what has gone on behind the scenes and just enjoy the event, but we always leave with ideas of how to improve for the next time.  If you need any help organising any kind of event from a conference to a birthday party, get in touch events@ampmpa.co.uk

Off Site Back Up

I am so happy because yesterday I rather stupidly over-wrote a file that I had worked on for 3 days before Christmas, with a one page summary sheet.  The classic, oh no, did I really just exit and say ‘yes’ to save.

No undo option available, no recycle bin as I had not deleted it, and no printed versions.  The only alternative would be to start again, except I back up off site every day and was able (after a short call to the helpdesk) restore my file from a back up done before Christmas.

So I thought I would let you all into my off site back up secret – its called Back Up Direct, visit their website http://www.backupdirect.net/ and tell them that I said they are great!

Save Energy and Money too

As we are always on the look out for ways to save money we thought we would let you have some of our tips and tricks for not only making your money stretch further, but also to help be more energy-efficient and green!

For example in your home, do you have cavity wall and loft insulation?  There are grants available to help with the cost of these, have a look at the link here.

Although there is limited funding available as part of the Government Boiler Scrappage Scheme  it is still worthwhile replacing your old boiler – you can instantly save money on your gas bill.

Other smaller tips for being greener are:-

Only print essential emails.
Use both sides of the paper.
Shred and/or recycle all used paper.
Use Re-filled ink/toner cartridges and send back your empties.
Replace all bulbs with energy-efficient ones.
Turn off your computer and printer when not in use.
Repair all dripping taps.

Remember, save energy, save money!

Have a look at our prefered Suppliers List if you need any help with finding a plumber, roofer, heating engineer etc, or drop us a line info@ampmpa.co.uk

Making your money go further

For most people in January, the money runs out before the month and with the return back to the VAT rate of 17.5%, pretty much everyone is watching their cashflow.

For some fairly practical ways to save money, take a look at Money Saving Expert.com, I have been a regular reader of the tips and tricks that Martin Lewis offers, and unlike some of those ‘too good to be true’ offers, most deals are backed up by real testimonials and I can honestly say that I have saved £100’s in the last year just by acting on some of these tips.

Plus its fun too!

Let it snow

For those of you who are snowed in, and cannot get out to go to work, now is a good time to think about how you can work more efficiently.  I have moved my meetings to phone conferences, cut out all un-necessary travel and used the down-time to organise my work schedule for the rest of January.

It’s inevitable that some business will be lost, but instead of feeling down, use the time to perhaps think of creative ways of marketing your business – most people will still be reading emails, why not send them some good cheer, and let them know you are still there.

If you need some ideas, drop us an email info@ampmpa.co.uk or look at our website www.ampmpa.co.uk to see some of the services we offer.

Happy New Year

We would just like to wish all our clients, customers and suppliers a very Happy New Year!  There are so many exciting things to look forward to in 2010, we can’t wait to get started.   Here are a few of our resolutions (please feel free to borrow any of them).

1) Get more exercise – walk or cycle just once more a week.
2) Eat more healthily - drink champagne on special occasions only.
3) Smile more often – in person, on the phone, on your own.
4) Appreciate more – other people, each day, what you have.
5) Spend more quality time with friends – and family.

We hope you all feel refreshed and ready to tackle a new decade – remember – success is never-ending, failure is never final!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Frozen Berry

Wishing all our clients, customers, colleagues, suppliers and blog readers a

Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

We hope you all have time to reflect on 2009 and look forward to 2010.

Use any time off you have to spend with your loved ones, and come back feeling refreshed for the year ahead.

I am now Twittering

With the increasing importance of social media as a way of building business relationships, I have now joined Twitter.  My username is http://twitter.com/AMacAusland and I look forward to Twittering with you!

One of the ways that we at am : pm : pa help businesses, is to keep abreast of new initiatives and technologies out there and advise on which routes to take with regard to marketing.  When there is a tool which is easy to use, and free we want to tell our clients all about it, and know that its good business sense to join in too.

Although we are Executive Personal Assistants, as we have many years of combined business experience, we can offer business consultancy services too, which includes advice on marketing, and keeping up to date with business trends, such as using Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook to help market your services.  If you want to know more, drop us a line info@ampmpa.co.uk

New Phone Number

Just to let you know that from today we will have a new office phone number, which is 01225 443483, please update your address books!

Be Charitable at Christmas

While we all may be thinking of presents, sending cards, eating mince pies, planning Christmas dinner and parties  as well as complaining about the recession, do spare a thought for those who have less than us. 

The charities we have supported this year have included: Cancer Research, Julian House Night Shelter, Bath Cat & Dogs Home, Primrose Hill Woodland.

In 2010 we plan to do more, whether that is taking part in a quiz, walking for a good cause, selling cards or just giving some of our time to help charities plan, organise and promote their events. 

Our chosen charities will include CENUK (Child Education in Nepal), Kidney Research, Leukemia Research and also Primrose Hill Woodland again.