Insights into the wonderful world of web development: 3 Good Reasons Why You Should Join Us On Facebook

Insights into the wonderful world of web development: 3 Good Reasons Why You Should Join Us On Facebook: With over 40 million active people using Facebook, Facebook offers exceptional, low cost marketing opportunities for the small bus...

3 Good Reasons Why You Should Join Us On Facebook

With over 40 million active people using Facebook, Facebook offers exceptional, low cost marketing opportunities for the small business owner. 

As a small business owner, you are probably aware of how large organisations are benefitting from Facebook, then isn't it time you gave it a go?

Facebook offers a very powerful platform on which to build an online presence.  If you're not already active on Facebook, you should get started right away.

Here are three good reasons why:

• You will find clients who you may never had contact with before.  Facebook has the ability to open up a whole new world of potentially new customers.
• In today’s world if you’re not ‘on-line’ then you’re seriously lacking the "cool" factor. Most people, when they want information, head straight for the internet. And with the increasing popularity of Facebook people now go straight to Facebook if they want to know more about a person or business. 
• You never know who is using Facebook and with the boom in social marketing your networking possibilities are endless.

They are good reasons, don't you think - love it or hate it - social media marketing is just not going to go away.  It's free - all it will cost you is your time.

Facebook is about engagement and connecting with your "likers".  As a thank you for this introduction could I please ask a favour and request a "Like"

Click here to "Like" us.

Insights into the wonderful world of web development: Kick Start The New Year With A Website Makeover

Insights into the wonderful world of web development: Kick Start The New Year With A Website Makeover: Did you know, that 60% of your potential clients will check out your website BEFORE contacting you?  It's the visitors that don't contac...

Kick Start The New Year With A Website Makeover

Did you know, that 60% of your potential clients will check out your website BEFORE contacting you?  It's the visitors that don't contact you that we need to think about today.  If your website custom design hasn't changed for a while then visitors to your site may be given the wrong impression and think that you have nothing new to offer.

Just like your partner, your website needs nurturing, updating and attention. Design can become dated very quickly and website designs are no exception. Maybe it's time to spruce up your "shop window" and give your website a well-deserved makeover to show visitors to your site that you are, indeed, a mover and a shaker?


What I'm talking about here is your website's "custom design". Here's a "before" and "after" to  show you what I mean by a custom design - it's usually the image that shows on every single page of your website.  The new custom design is the 2nd one down!!

I think you will agree the Vantage Windows & Conservatories new custom design is so much more welcoming. The Drive By team also recommended including the 'phone number & an email address in the header making it even easier for visitors to the site to contact Rodney.





I think I know what you may be thinking - what about your website, Christine?  Isn't it time your Drive By website had a makeover - I couldn't agre more - we're working on it - watch this space!!

Insights into the wonderful world of web development: Buy online & Buy local - Blinds 247

Insights into the wonderful world of web development: Buy online & Buy local - Blinds 247: The team at Drive By Websites has been very busy creating a complex e-commerce website on behalf of Sutterton-based Blinds 247 recently.  ...

Buy online & Buy local - Blinds 247

The team at Drive By Websites has been very busy creating a complex e-commerce website on behalf of Sutterton-based Blinds 247 recently. 

The website is now online and open for business.

Blinds 247 offers:

• vertical blinds
• roller blinds
• rigid PVC vertical blinds
• pleated conservatory blinds
• aluminium venetian blinds
• easy-fit pleated blinds
• wooden venetian blinds
• black-out blinds for skylight windows

There's free shipping for orders over £100.

Drive By Websites is keen to promote "buying local" and we cannot recommend Blinds 247 enough for friendly, local expert service.

For more information, please visit http://blinds247.com

Insights into the wonderful world of web development: Looking For An Accountant That You Can Trust?

Insights into the wonderful world of web development: Looking For An Accountant That You Can Trust?: It's been a joy and a pleasure creating a website on behalf of Drive By Website 's accountant - Tabbi Bannister – Accountant – FMAAT & ATT...

Looking For An Accountant That You Can Trust?

It's been a joy and a pleasure creating a website on behalf of Drive By Website's accountant - Tabbi Bannister – Accountant – FMAAT & ATT

With over 14 years’ experience in the accountancy field, Tabbi runs a professional accountancy business believing that it’s important to get to know the business owner just as well as the actual business.

Tabbi's office is based in Tattershall, Lincolnshire but what sets her apart from her competitors is the fact that she will actually go out to meet you personally at your own premises at a time that’s convenient. 

Tabbi offers - accounts preparation, tax returns & planning, book keeping, VAT returns and payroll service

To contact Tabbi - please visit her Drive By Website - www.tabbibannister.co.uk

Insights into the wonderful world of web development: Who Would You Most Like To Meet?

Insights into the wonderful world of web development: Who Would You Most Like To Meet?: If you had the choice, who would you most like to meet? Here are my top 5 in no particular order -     Barack Obama     Rafael Nadal  ...

Who Would You Most Like To Meet?

If you had the choice, who would you most like to meet?

Here are my top 5 in no particular order -

•     Barack Obama
•     Rafael Nadal
•     Dr Sheldon Cooper - Big Bang Theory
•     Professor Brian Cox
•     Ed Rivis

You will probably be familiar with my top four - maybe Ed Rivis is someone you are not familiar with but you are losing out if not.  Why? you might ask.

Every week or so, a newsletter finds its way into my Inbox and its always jam packed full of free advice (sometimes, I think he gives away far too much FREE advice but he obviously knows best).  Ed is such a good writer, I actually look forward to receiving them.

 
This week's is entitled - "How to Run a Blog that Generates More Enquiries Without Having to Slave Over a Keyboard For Hours Every Week'.

By signing up, you will get "cutting edge insights about one of the most effective techniques for generating leads & enquiries online".

Prepared to be inspired.  Here's the link - http://www.quandary.co.uk



So, the secret's out - Ed Rivis is the person I would most like to meet because, although rewarding, blogging and newsletter writing is not that easy to do and any help would be greatly appreciated.

Who would you most like to meet?

All the very best
Christine
Tel: 01775 761512
www.drivebywebsites.com

Insights into the wonderful world of web development: Spalding Family Enterprise Day

Insights into the wonderful world of web development: Spalding Family Enterprise Day: Drive by Websites is proud to be associated with Foundations' Family Enterprise Day to be held in Spalding in 2013. The date has yet to be ...

Spalding Family Enterprise Day

Drive by Websites is proud to be associated with Foundations' Family Enterprise Day to be held in Spalding in 2013. The date has yet to be set but because there is so much to do, it was thought a wise move to get the ball rolling in respect of promotion. 

The holding page for the website has gone live today and you can also find us on Facebook - we could do with some "likes" if you have a minute.

Here's what the Family Enterprise Day is all about.

More talented and inspirational young people are leaving school with fewer career options.  The recession is taking longer than expected to leave us, and more entrepreneurs are needed to speed up our economy at a local level.  Many people have not seriously considered setting up their own business, however actually have some very good ideas, along with the talent required to become successful entrepreneurs.

Our enterprise day will promote entrepreneurship, but also have a focus on bringing the family together to explore the idea of starting up a business.  This is a free-to-attend one day event, packed with fun activities and games for the whole family.

In a relaxed and informal setting, families will be given the opportunity to learn new skills, be given expert advice and support from selected, local, experts for those wanting to take their ideas further.   The day will not, however, just be about entrepreneurship and business because it will also be jam-packed with fun activities, competitions and games.

The day WILL inspire creative minds and open doorways for people, giving them the energy and confidence to make a real difference to their lives and to the local community.

By attending the Spalding Family Enterprise Day, families will not only have a fun family day out but will also be given sound, free advice in respect of how to become an entrepreneur.

To register your interest please visit - www.spaldingenterpriseday.co.uk

Insights into the wonderful world of web development: It's just so nice when things start coming togethe...

Insights into the wonderful world of web development: It's just so nice when things start coming togethe...: Website developers, I guess, are just like decorators, you just never get around to putting your own house in order - we MUST get our own Dr...

It's just so nice when things start coming together

Website developers, I guess, are just like decorators, you just never get around to putting your own house in order - we MUST get our own Drive By Website sorted out because it bears no resemblance at all in respect of what Drive By Websites is now offering.

The Drive By website makeover is on the ever-growing "To Do List" but first of all we're into:

• hotels
• training
• holiday lets
• an estate agency
• kitchen & bathrooms
• accountancy
• blinds as in roller, venetian blinds

It's fantastic to report that Drive By Websites is busy and it is just so nice when things start coming together.  It's also an absolute pleasure to receive totally unsolicited, nice comments:



Drive By Websites has recently created the website on behalf of David and Andrew, the owners of The Cley Hall Hotel & Restaurant here in Spalding, Lincolnshire




This is what David and Andrew had to say:

"Just to let you know that we are really pleased with the new web site which has just gone live to-day. It looks great and really shows Cley Hall off in it's "new light".

We had checked earlier today but still not live (we now realise it takes 24 hours to re-set everything). We found out when a new customer phoned to book a table for dinner as they had seen our new web site.  Let's hope we receive lots more calls like this.

Please pass on our thanks to Stuart and Demi for all of their hard work and putting up with our many changes during the development. Great value for money. Also it is great that the content management system is so easy to use which will enable us to make changes every day if we wish. Many thanks."

David & Andrew
Owners - Cley Hall"
www.cleyhall.com





For more information in respect of how Drive By Websites can help you in respect of a new website, a website makeover, logo design or your online marketing, then please feel free to give us a call - advice and ideas are FREE

Tel: 01775 761512
www.drivebywebsites.com

Insights into the wonderful world of web development: Santa's Jimjamz

Insights into the wonderful world of web development: Santa's Jimjamz: Drive By Websites has been been into Santa's jimjamzzzz this week Santa's jimjamzzzz JimJamz are a unique and special gift for babie...

Santa's Jimjamz

Drive By Websites has been been into Santa's jimjamzzzz this week

Santa's jimjamzzzz

JimJamz are a unique and special gift for babies and little ones.  JimJamz are a range of comfy and cosy baby pyjamas packaged in glass jam jars with pretty gingham fabric tops.  

The baby pyjamas are printed with scrumptious and fun British fruit designs of Blackberries, Strawberries, Cherries and Gooseberries.  And now just ready for Christmas - Santa's jimjamzzzz

For more info, visit Drive By's client's website -
http://jimjamz-gifts.co.uk

Insights into the wonderful world of web development: From Senior Management To Hats, Comedy & The Olymp...

Insights into the wonderful world of web development: From Senior Management To Hats, Comedy & The Olymp...: Networking events provide a great opportunity to make valuable new contacts and to build relationships to promote your business but rarely ...

Insights into the wonderful world of web development: From Senior Management To Hats, Comedy & The Olymp...

Insights into the wonderful world of web development: From Senior Management To Hats, Comedy & The Olymp...: Networking events provide a great opportunity to make valuable new contacts and to build relationships to promote your business but rarely ...

From Senior Management To Hats, Comedy & The Olympics

Networking events provide a great opportunity to make valuable new contacts and to build relationships to promote your business but rarely do they provide an opportunity to meet an Edinburgh Festival Standup Comedian.

Eighteen months ago, Sandy Newell and I set up Spalding Networking - specifically for small business owners trading in Spalding and the surrounding area to make valuable new contacts  The Group's meetings are designed to be friendly and informal.  It's really taken off and we are now achieving between 25-30 small biz owners attending our monthly meetings.

We invite guest speakers along with something useful to say to the Group and over the course of the 18 months we've met some fascinating and knowledgeable speakers.

This time around was no exception and an absolute gem.

I got chatting to one of  Drive By Website's clients recently - Anne Lawtey - Mabel Lily Hats.  During our conversation, Anne happened to mention her remarkable journey to stand-up comedy.  I just couldn't miss this opportunity and invited her to speak at one of our networking meetings and she very kindly agreed.

Spalding Networking attendees were truly entertained. Anne proved to be a consummate entertainer and ranconteur.  She charmed us with her wit and enthusiasm for her hat making, stand-up comedy and her involvement with the Olympics.  Redundancy for Anne wasn't an obstacle but a career launch-pad.

For readers of the Drive By Websites blog - if you are looking for a unique hat for that special occasion or, indeed, a public speaker then look no further than Anne Lawtey.

Insights into the wonderful world of web development: Be a trend setter and be brighter than your compet...

Insights into the wonderful world of web development: Be a trend setter and be brighter than your compet...: Paul contacted us last week with a request for some help. He's been very busy handing out leaflets for his new business - Screen Out Loud.  ...

Be a trend setter and be brighter than your competitors

Paul contacted us last week with a request for some help. He's been very busy handing out leaflets for his new business - Screen Out Loud. 

Screen Out Loud offers a NEW and FANTASTIC promotional LED screen which can be used across a wide range of outlets, for instances, hair salons, takeaways, B&Bs, pubs and bars, restaurants, etc. 

Paul demonstrated an LED screen in our office and they're really impressive.  If you're looking to be a trend setter and be brighter than your competitors then get in touch with Paul on 01775 762015 - www.screenoutloud.co.uk - he will be delighted to give you a free demonstration.

How were we able to help Paul?  As I mentioned earlier, Paul has been busy giving out his leaflets. The leaflet included his website address but, unfortunately, he didn't have an adequate online presence. To help him out, Drive By Websites created a holding page in double-quick time.  Leaflet dropping should now prove to be far more successful with at least a holding page.

Insights into the wonderful world of web development: Booking Button & The Woodlands Hotel, Spalding

Insights into the wonderful world of web development: Booking Button & The Woodlands Hotel, Spalding: Today, we've been busy looking after our valued client - Gan Seta from The Woodlands Hotel in Spalding. Gan requested a "Book Now" button...

Booking Button & The Woodlands Hotel, Spalding

Today, we've been busy looking after our valued client - Gan Seta from The Woodlands Hotel in Spalding.

Gan requested a "Book Now" button to be added to his website's home page - job done and looking good http://woodlandshotelspalding.com/5033/home

Another request was for a banner to be added to his website's booking page - again job done and again looking good https://www.thebookingbutton.co.uk/properties/WOODLANDSDIRECT

We thought, at the same time, it would be a nice idea to also set up a Facebook page for The Woodlands Hotel.  Once this was set up, we integrated the booking button on The Woodlands Hotel website with their newly created Facebook page.  This means that visitors to The Woodlands Hotel can now either book from the Woodlands Hotel website or from their Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Woodlands-Hotel/482458371788520

Beat The Recession And Make An Impression: Why Sponsor?

Beat The Recession And Make An Impression: Why Sponsor?: Why would you want to sponsor a sports event, a public play, or some other community related project - for the publicity, of course.  By spo...

Why Sponsor?

Why would you want to sponsor a sports event, a public play, or some other community related project - for the publicity, of course.  By sponsoring you are building up your image as a company that cares. 

Sponsorship provides good opportunities to get your name out there as well which is basically the reason why businesses sponsor. For example, a 10k run for cancer might draw 1,000 participants.  Give each of them a T-shirt with your name or logo on it, and it easily can make the local evening news where thousands of people will see it.  Your name may also get listed on handouts, brochures or perhaps even the programme of the play you are sponsoring.


Drive By Websites this year is sponsoring the Festival For Heroes event due to be held over the weekend of 7th & 8th July.  The festival is in support of Help for Heroes and the ABF, The Soldiers’ Charity. With something for everyone, the event promises to be a real family day out with hours of music and military displays along with a wide range of activities for all ages.  As sponsors, we've been entitled to a free ad and editorial in the Festival for Heroes' programme.  Drive By Websites' sponsorship was, of course, to provide the website - http://festivalforheroes.co.uk

Drive By Websites is also this year sponsoring a "Spalding In Bloom" flower bed.   The flower bed will be planted up, nutured and maintained by the author of this blog.  If it ever stops raining, this will be done over the course of the next couple of weeks.  In return, we will be given the opportunity to promote Drive By Websites by signage attached to the flower bed which has a fair amount of traffic (foot and actual) going by. 

Now it's your turn to think of ways how you could sponsor an event or even a flower bed!

Beat The Recession And Make An Impression: Give To Gain - The Value of Free

Beat The Recession And Make An Impression: Give To Gain - The Value of Free: There's a lot to be said for "giving" away your services for free - Google, Facebook and LinkedIn are fantastic examples of what can be achi...

Give To Gain - The Value of Free

There's a lot to be said for "giving" away your services for free - Google, Facebook and LinkedIn are fantastic examples of what can be achieved by giving to gain.

I've been thinking today how much we, at Drive By Websites give to gain - there's quite a bit:

• Websites that are optimised for search engines
• An easy to use content management system.
• System updates which means that technological advances are automatically passed on to our clients.
• Interactive websites compatible with videos, forms, maps, slideshows, Facebook, Twitter, newsletters
• Functionality in place for e-commerce websites
• Exceptional local support at all times.
• Security - Drive By Website clients feel confident in the knowledge that their websites are secure and protected against a wide range of attacks.
• Installation of Google analytics
• Drive By Website user manuals
• Drive By Website demonstrations

Drive By Websites is also extremely proud to be sponsors of The Festival For Heroes - in support of Help for Heroes and the ABF, The Soldiers’ Charity - www.festivalforheroes.co.uk

Now its your turn to list what you and your business gives to gain and promote the added value of why clients deal with you and your business rather than a competitor.

Website performing as it should or is it simply just not doing its job?: How To Please Google

Website performing as it should or is it simply just not doing its job?: How To Please Google: If you think about it logically Googles' customers are visitors to your website. The skill to pleasing Google is to take some time in writin...

How To Please Google

If you think about it logically Googles' customers are visitors to your website.

The skill to pleasing Google is to take some time in writing content that's interesting, informative and dynamic. 

You might be thinking "I can't possibly do that" but, of course, you can because this is something you do every day of your busy working life when speaking with your customers and solving their problems.  Just transfer all this amazing amount of knowledge onto your website.

For the purpose of this piece of advice let's call visitors to your website -  "readers".  Readers because Google doesn't recognise (read) images or pictures.  You may now be thinking "But, I've been told that people buy with their eyes".  Yes, people do - but not Google.  People will look at an image and think, "Yes, that's just what I want" but, you have to remember that Google is a search engine and by no means human - almost but not quite.

What Google is interested in is content that's relevant to your business and which will also be of interest to your readers.

Here are four ways how to please Google:

• Update and spruce up your website content on a regular basis - Google will re-visit a site that's been updated but will totally ignore sites that are not dynamic.
• Never ever leave content that's out-of-date - your readers will be disappointed and so will Google.
• Add an FAQ page - during the course of your busy working days, you must be asked loads of different questions - these are what readers to your website want answering and by building up  your FAQ page you will become the "expert" in your field.
• Because, of course, you are the expert in what you do - then why not become an expert in Google's eyes by writing articles.  Not only will visitors to your site love them - Google will too.

Drive By Website clients' websites please Google. The reason for this is because our clients can easily update their websites because they've sat with our web developer and watched and contributed to their website being built.  They've received "hands on" advice in respect of how to add new pages, new wording, images, videos, etc.

Now its your turn to please Google.

All the very best 'til next time

Positioning - Bespoke Website Re-Launch

This week has been about "positioning" - not only focusing our marketing messages on high quality, excellent service but also the re-launch of our bespoke website service.

The Drive By Website service is absolutely perfect for the small business owner - trading in Spalding and the surrounding area - looking for a professionally designed website at an affordable price which can be turned around quickly. 

The problem is, we could well be losing business because of its sheer "affordability" - the service is probably coming across as "cheap".

Business owners may have the perception that the Drive By Service is nowhere near pricey enough because of how much they've paid or been quoted in the past for their website and maybe questioning quality.

This is simply just not the case and this is where positioning is coming into the Drive By Website equation.

We will overcome this misconception by re-introducing our large scale complex websites to our portfolio such as: 

www.onlinemediaplayer.com

www.clients2call.com

www.coderprofile.com

and of course www.drivebywebsites.com

Mission accomplished - bespoke website re-launched and open for business.  

Drive By Websites Marketing Journey: Bargain Basement or Quality Store

Drive By Websites Marketing Journey: Bargain Basement or Quality Store: Drive By Websites this week has been focusing our marketing messages on high quality and excellent service. We want our clients to think "I ...

Bargain Basement or Quality Store

Drive By Websites this week has been focusing our marketing messages on high quality and excellent service. We want our clients to think "I buy from Drive By Websites because I want the best, I'll go to the bargain basement when I'm strapped for cash.".

As Martyn from Alchemy Business Growth says: "If you focus your marketing messages on quality, prestige and good services, you simply don't have to play the discount game."

The one thing we have learnt over the years is to never discount because we want to strive to be a quality website developer, not a discount store.

Website development is a service not an actual product so we can't offer a money back guarantee. How we get over the "money-back guarantee" issue and guarantee satisfaction is to only request payment when the website is complete. There has never been an issue in respect of non-payment because our clients have had imput into its design  and control over its creation which makes for happy clients.

It's up to you to mould customer perception about what kind of business you are.  Strive to be a quality dealer, not a discount store.  Guarantee satisfaction.  To get higher prices, you have to convince that you can deliver the best, or their money back. Or, in our case, no money at all!!

Now it's your turn - spend some time and think about how you can guarantee satisfacton.

Drive By Websites Marketing Journey: "Would you like fries with that?"

Drive By Websites Marketing Journey: "Would you like fries with that?": "Would you like fries with that?" is an effective selling technique made popular by a well known chain of fast food restaurants. In this par...

"Would you like fries with that?"

"Would you like fries with that?" is an effective selling technique made popular by a well known chain of fast food restaurants. In this particular case, you're not selling more of the same item (like in up-selling) because you're selling an additional item that your client didn't intend to purchase.

Drive By Website clients sit with Scott and watch, wait and contribute to their website being built.   The website creation time is also spent to discuss which of our additional services will help to drive our clients' businesses forward to complement their new websites.

The Drive By approach has to be a bit more subtle than "would you like fries with that?" because, in effect, our "fries" are website marketing solutions.

Our "fries" are

Newsletter SetUp (Email Marketing)

Drive By Websites will set up an online email newsletter.  We will show how to manage lists and email addresses, how to create and send out a newsletter.  Clients are also able to read reports after the newsletter has been sent to find out who has opened it, etc.  Newsletters are designed up to match our clients' branding.

Search Engine Optimisation

Search Engine Optimisation is the practice of manipulating search results so that websites appear above competitors to enhance chances of receiving more visitors - Drive By Websites currently has two packages - Start-Up & Keyword Package.

Social Media Setup & Installation - Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook & Google+

During a 2 hour appointment, Drive By Websites will create a couple of networks such as Facebook and Twitter.  These networks will be installed directly onto our clients' websites which means that if they update their Twitter feed, for example, it will also update automatically the Twitter feed shown on their website.

Now its your turn to ask: "Would you like fries with that, sir?"

Drive By Websites Marketing Journey: How To Get Maximum Use From Your Customer Database...

Drive By Websites Marketing Journey: How To Get Maximum Use From Your Customer Database...: Email marketing is an extremely powerful marketing tool in terms of building trust and loyalty with your existing and potential clients. Fo...

How To Get Maximum Use From Your Customer Database

Email marketing is an extremely powerful marketing tool in terms of building trust and loyalty with your existing and potential clients. For years, our newsletters have been sent out but witlessly we've never bothered to follow up with a 'phone call.  

For the past two weeks, we've been "spring cleaning" our clients2call.com customer relationship manager and also our newsletter database.  Its taking ages because there are so many but this is proving to be a great way of making that all important connection and renewing acquaintances.  You will find that your existing clients and recipients of your email marketing campaigns will appreciate a call.


You will find that by sifting through your data, you will find some amazing things.  Its important to collect copious amounts of data on your clients and use this information for the specific purpose of getting them to buy more.  Reinforce your relationships by just giving them a courtesy call every now and again to enrich the information about that client.

Clients2call.com helps us to effortlessly contact clients multiple times and every day proves to be invaluable.

We also been busy with Drive By Websites appointments this week,   Here's an example of how quickly we can turn around a website because here's a website we created in just two hours and all within one week of meeting our client.  Maw Energy are five star renewable energy specialists offering Solar Thermal, Solar Photovoltaic, Air Source Air to Air, Air Source Air to Water and, coming soon - Woodburners.

Here's what Director, Gemma Woodcock had to say:

"Dear Scott, Thanks for the past couple of days, it's a really great way to build a website!" Kind Regards, Gemma Woodcock, Maw Energy. Here's the link - www.mawenergy.co.uk

"Hidden" within your customer database is the key information you need to make people buy more, and more often. Now it's your turn.

Drive By Websites Marketing Journey: Let's Get Stuffing

Drive By Websites Marketing Journey: Let's Get Stuffing: With the price of postage going up, it's absolutely crucial that you maximise the marketing potential of what is now becoming an extremely ...

Let's Get Stuffing

With the price of postage going up, it's absolutely crucial that you maximise the marketing potential of what is now becoming an extremely expensive method of communication. 

Drive By Websites is continuing to grow and develop our business utilising Martin Overton's 7 Keys to Unlocking Business Growth and this week's blog is going to share with you how to get the very most out of "mailing" - this is what Martin has to say:

"Statement Stuffers

Make your billing statements do extra work by using them to carry along a marketing message.  It's almost like free advertising because you're doing the mailing anyway" - Martin Overton - Alchemy Network

Each and every time, Drive By Websites, posts a letter/invoice/statement we always include details of our services, Martyn also suggests including a contest entry form guaranteed to get customers to respond - this is something we've not done yet but sounds like a good idea!!

Never miss maximising this marketing opportunity - we are even including a biz card - so don't delay and get stuffing today.

Short and sweet because Martyn's 7 keys are beginning to work.  This week has been exceptionally busy with Drive By clients and following on from last week's launch - clients2call clients.

Drive By Websites Marketing Journey: Launch of Clients2call.com - Leads to Sales Made E...

Drive By Websites Marketing Journey: Launch of Clients2call.com - Leads to Sales Made E...: In his most excellent book " Cold Calling For Chickens ", Bob Etherington says "On average it takes six "cold calls" before any one prospect...

Launch of Clients2call.com - Leads to Sales Made Easy

In his most excellent book "Cold Calling For Chickens", Bob Etherington says "On average it takes six "cold calls" before any one prospect will do business with you". "Just 5% of all sales people make the 6th cold call and they take 85% of the available new business in any market.

Trading is tough at the moment and business owners, just like Drive By Websites, could all do with some of that 85%.

Bob's book is such a good and effective motivator in respect of making those important 'phone calls but the problem can be to effectively manage those leads and turn them into valued clients.  

Things can get out of hand very quickly even with just only 10 leads to manage - diary notes, post-it notes, lists everywhere.  I know because at one time we had over 100 leads to manage which was an impossible task.  We were wasting a lot of time and, sadly, money. The answer was to create what we are now calling clients2call.com.

The easy to use system allows for each potential client to have their own entry with detailed information about them.  Notes can be added at any time and there is also a prompt to make sure a date is added to prevent those important telephone calls being missed. 

How do you remember to keep in touch - scraps of paper, post-it notes, diary, spreadsheets, Outlook or maybe just a wish & a prayer?    If this is you, then you could well be losing sales.

Just login to clients2call.com and each day you will be presented with a list of who to call that day and the reason for the call.  You will also be able to view previous conversations made.

Because you can access your account via your smart phone, laptop, Apple-Mac, iPad, iPhone, Blackberry etc. you don't even have to be in the office.  The functionality is also in place for more than one person to work from the one database.  There's no contract and you will be pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to use - perfect for non-techies.

For less than 50p per day you will save time, your office will be far more efficient and, because that important phone call will never be forgotten ever again, you will make more sales.

There's a 30 day free trial and no contract.

Contact us today for a free demonstration by calling 01775 724840.

Drive By Websites Marketing Journey: Free Social Media Sharing Platform

Drive By Websites Marketing Journey: Free Social Media Sharing Platform: This week, I've found an exciting marketing opportunity -a social media sharing platform Not only is it FREE but it's also incredibly easy...

Free Social Media Sharing Platform

This week, I've found an exciting marketing opportunity -a social media sharing platform

Not only is it FREE but it's also incredibly easy to add this to your website.

There are just 3 easy steps:

• Choose your buttons or tool bar - you will see that on the Spalding Networking site, I've chosen the tool bar option - www.spaldingnetworking.com
• Just follow the simple tips, and you will quickly be able to design up your own custom sharing widget.
• You are then presented with some code to add the widget to your content management system or forward it to your web developer to sort.

Here's the link - http://sharethis.com  - if you have any problems adding the Social Media Sharing Platform to your website then please feel free to contact us on 01775 761512

Drive By Websites Marketing Journey: 95% of your competitors are too scared to do it......

Drive By Websites Marketing Journey: 95% of your competitors are too scared to do it......: The more I'm getting involved in cold calling, the more I'm feeling confident in making the calls and I'm actually beginning to enjoy it - n...

95% of your competitors are too scared to do it.....

The more I'm getting involved in cold calling, the more I'm feeling confident in making the calls and I'm actually beginning to enjoy it - now that's something I wouldn't have said a few months ago.   For instance, I'm not now staring at the 'phone for 10 seconds filled with dread before I make the call.  It's crazy to think this way because the very worst case scenario is "I'm not interested, Christine".

According to Bob Etherington's excellent book "Cold Calling For Chickens" "Nos" are not bad things. Go for more "nos".  Two is not enough - success usually comes on the sixth attempt"

First job of the day is to check my database and there's my "clients to call" set out with details in respect of what I've said and what my prospective client has said to me.  It's great when I call and say "Hi, Mr Drive By Website Prospect, the last time we spoke you were going on holiday, did you have a great time?"   

The majority of our potential clients already have a website and, to be fair, their websites are absolutely fine but the more I speak to my potential clients, the more I find out that although, yes, they do have a nice website, they are experiencing problems. As an example, they may be struggling with updating their website because it's really hard to do.  Update costs and how long it takes may also be putting them off contacting their web developer.

By identifying the problem, I can provide the solution to the update problem and, in addition, I will put them at ease by saying something like "You may be thinking that it will be inconvenient and time-consuming to change your web developer but this will not be the case.  We will demonstrate to you the ease in in respect of how this will happen with no inconvenience to you and your business.  You will not have to worry about a thing and your website updates problems will be a thing of the past."

Cold calling is working for Drive By Websites and it will work for your business too.

"The only people who tell you that cold calling doesn't work are those too scared to do it themselves",
Bob Etherington - Cold Calling For Chickens.

Drive By Websites Marketing Journey: The Writing Is On The Wall For Change

Drive By Websites Marketing Journey: The Writing Is On The Wall For Change: Here's a great little book I've read this week which I would like to share with you - "Who Moved My Cheese?" by Spencer Johnson. The book ...

The Writing Is On The Wall For Change

Here's a great little book I've read this week which I would like to share with you - "Who Moved My Cheese?" by Spencer Johnson.

The book reveals profound truths about change that will give you a quick and easy way to succeed in changing times.

Who Moved My Cheese? is an enlightening story of four characters living in a "Maze".  They are looking for "Cheese" to nourish them and to make them happy. Two are mice named Sniff and Scurry, and two are mouse-size people named Hem and Haw. "Cheese" is a metaphor for what you want to have in life - whether it is a good job, a loving relationship, money, a possession, health, or spiritual peace of mind.   "The Maze" is where you look for what you want - the organisation you work in, or the family or community you live in.

In the story, Sniff, Scurry, Hem and Haw are faced with unexpected change. Eventually, one of them deals with change successfully, and writes what he has learned from his experience on the maze walls. When you come to see "The Handwriting on the Wall" you can discover for yourself how to deal with change and enjoy more success and less stress in your work and in your life.

I think you will enjoy this book - you can buy it from Amazon. Let me know what you think.

Drive By Websites Marketing Journey: Here's How To Educate Your Clients On All Your Ser...

Drive By Websites Marketing Journey: Here's How To Educate Your Clients On All Your Ser...: Drive By Websites moving nightmare is beginning to fade into the dim and distant past and we are now fully focused and returning our atten...

Here's How To Educate Your Clients On All Your Services & Products

Drive By Websites moving nightmare is beginning to fade into the dim and distant past and we are now fully focused and returning our attention to the excellent Marketing Action Plan prepared for us by Martyn from Alchemy Business Growth.

Following on from the "I didn't know you did that" blog, we've sat down and  put our minds to the services we offer and its surprising just how many we've got.  I'm thinking that you too will also be amazed just how many additional services and - maybe products in your case - that you will be able to offer your clients.

Here's ours - taken directly from our re-designed and re-branded Drive By website:

Stock Images

If you don't have any images for your website then we can source professionally designed images for you.

The cost to purchase stock images will be from £1 to £3 per image (approximately). The prices are determined by their size, how much the designer wants to charge and the site from which we will be obtaining them from. You will have full permission to use the images on your website

Domain Name Registrations

If you don’t already have a domain name such as “yourbusiness.com” or “yourbusiness.co.uk”, then we will obtain these for you.

We offer one free registration for clients taking advantage of our “Drive By Website” service for one year for either a .com, .co.uk, .net or .org domain name. After the first year, we will charge £29.99 per domain name for 2 year registrations thereafter

Refresher Sessions

The refresher sessions are specifically for our Drive By Website clients only. The refresher sessions are for clients that have either lost confidence in updating their website themselves, have forgotten how to make updates or have something that’s a little complicated to sort. During the refresher session, you will sit next to our web developer – just like you did when the website was being built!

The Drive By Website refresher sessions are of 30 minutes duration and the cost is only £25.

Newsletter Setup (Email Marketing)

For as little as £100 (2 hour appointment), we will set up an online email newsletter. We will show you how to manage your lists and email addresses, how to create and send out a newsletter. You will also be able to read your reports after your newsletter has been sent to find out who has opened it, etc.  Your newsletter will also be designed up to match your company’s branding.

Currently, email marketing is outstanding value because you can have up to 2,000 subscribers and send up to 12,000 emails per month for FREE.

Social Media Setup & Installation - Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook & Google+

During the two hour appointment, we will be create a couple of networks for you such as Facebook and Twitter.   We will discuss on the day which social media/networks will be of more benefit to your business.

During the appointment, we will set you up and install – if applicable - two social networks (say, Twitter and Facebook) directly onto your website. This means that if you update your Twitter feed, for example, it will also update automatically the Twitter feed shown directly on your website.

Two hour appointment - £100.

User Manual - Drive By Websites ONLY

The Drive By Website User Manual is the complete guide to assisting our Drive By Websites clients in respect of making updates to their existing Drive By website.

You are more than welcome to download a copy for FREE but if you would like to have a printed, bound, hard copy to work from then you can order a copy. The cost is only £5 + Delivery.

SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMISATION

Search Engine Optimisation is the practise of manipulating search results so that your website appears above your competitors' to enhance your chances of receiving more visitors to your website. 

We currently have two packages, as follows:

Startup Package - £50 One Off

For a one-off payment of only £50 we will get your website including in the Google search results as speedily as possible.

Depending on your company name, it is our aim to get you on the first page of Google when someone types in your company name.

Keyword Package

For £75 per month (no contract but we would recommend you try this for at least 3 months to find out if it is working or not) we will focus on getting your website higher in the results for 3 to 5 specific keywords.

The keywords will not be randomly picked but will instead be taken from a keyword analysis produced before your consultation. We will then pick keywords that are the most cost-effective as well as resulting in many searches per month to enhance your chance of getting business from them

At the end of each month, you will get a report showing you the process of the keywords in the search results due to the optimisation done for your site.


Its an impressive list but why didn't we publish these before on our website - thanks Martyn for the advice.  Next week, bulleted points will be included on signage.

You can do exactly the same as us - get your services and products published. 

Drive By Websites Marketing Journey: How To Turn Stumbling Blocks Into Stepping Stones

Drive By Websites Marketing Journey: How To Turn Stumbling Blocks Into Stepping Stones: This week, apart from Drive By Websites re-branding - check out the new logo!! - I've tried something a little bit different from cold calli...

How To Turn Stumbling Blocks Into Stepping Stones

This week, apart from Drive By Websites re-branding - check out the new logo!! - I've tried something a little bit different from cold calling.

It's tricky contacting business owners with a functioning and stylish website to ask if they are experiencing any difficulties because it looks like I'm criticising their website but, more often than not, although the website may look absolutely fine, there could be a whole host of reasons why they are unhappy with their website or website developer.

Also some biz owners are often reluctant to contact their web developers because of cost implications or, indeed, the hassle it may all cause.

So for the next few weeks or so, I will be trialling something that I've never done before and writing to owners of businesses with a website that looks absolutely fine.

The plan is to send a letter something along the lines of the following:

Your web developer should be good for you and your business and I sincerely hope that this is the case.

Just to check that you are being looked after here are just four important questions you need to consider.

Can you update your website for free

There's nothing worse than an out-of-date website.  It's essential you update your website on a regular basis.  Not only will visitors return time and time again but search engines will too.

Do you have an online shop?
With big name brands disappearing from the High Street now could be the perfect time to offer your clients the functionality of shopping online.

Is your website viewable on Smart Phones?
Online retail searches on smart-phones increased by 168% since last year - your website is losing you money if it can't be found on smart-phones.

Is Google Analytics added to track visitors?
If not, how are you able to track the effectiveness of your sales promotions?  You could be wasting money.

If the answer to just one of the questions is "No" then it will be a privilege and a pleasure to discuss how we will help you achieve website success.

Please complete the enclosed questionnaire and forward it on to us utilising the stamped addressed envelope.

Alternatively, please feel free to give us a call as it will be a privilege and a pleasure to advise you.

A stamped, addressed envelope will be enclosed together with a short questionnaire to be completed.

Just a few of these letters and questionnaires have gone out this week - the plan is for a whole batch to go out next week.  I will report back to let you know how this goes.

If you feel that this marketing stategy will benefit your business, then why not give it go - I would appreciate your feedback.

All the best 'til next time.

Drive By Websites Marketing Journey: Social Media Workshop Opportunity - making sense o...

Drive By Websites Marketing Journey: Social Media Workshop Opportunity - making sense o...: Social media marketing is a huge challenge. Hundreds, if not thousands of Drive By Website hours, have been spent on social networking site...

Social Media Workshop Opportunity - making sense of Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook & Google+

Social media marketing is a huge challenge.  Hundreds, if not thousands of Drive By Website hours, have been spent on social networking sites such as Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and then, help, up pops another one - Google+.  To be fair, Drive By Websites has achieved a modicum of success from LinkedIn but this may have been through sheer luck rather than judgement.  On a positive note, its not cost a bean - only my time.   But time is precious and not to be wasted so something had to be sorted out and sorted out fast.

If Drive By Websites is not enough to keep me very busy, I also run Spalding Networking - www.spaldingnetworking.com. with my friend - Sandy Newell.  Some of our attendees are also in a state of Social Media floundering and just not "getting it".   With no time to waste (Social Media-wise or otherwise) - Spalding's very own Social Media Workshop was arranged.

The workshop is designed for the small biz owner not familiar with marketing their business utilising Social Media.  It will cover the very basics in respect of setting up accounts and will then show us how to develop a marketing strategy to leverage more business.

Social Media, guru, Hanifa Dungarwalla will be delivering the workshop on Thursday of this week.  Hanifa has a proven track record and success rate in respect of how to get business by leveraging Social Media.

So, by Friday next week, Social Media will no longer be a challenge but a business-making opportunity and Hanifa's workshop tips will be shared with you.

Drive By Websites Marketing Journey: Drive By Websites May Not Have To Divert & Dongle

Drive By Websites Marketing Journey: Drive By Websites May Not Have To Divert & Dongle: What is it about the very thought of moving that sets the brain into a tail-spin. Things are moving on a pace now - we're half-way there -...

Drive By Websites May Not Have To Divert & Dongle

What is it about the very thought of moving that sets the brain into a tail-spin.   Things are moving on a pace now - we're half-way there - because we took possession of our new office on Friday.

But, I'm actually writing this blog from our old office.  Yes, Bank House Farm is now referred to as the "old" office because quite frankly, we can't wait to move out now.  Sorry "old office" - you've done us proud and I just know I will miss you but Drive By Websites is going up a gear and we're on the move.

The reason why we might not have to divert and dongle is because the new 'phone line is scheduled to be installed tomorrow - between 8am and 1pm.   8am - are they kidding?

So there we are on Friday - possession day.  We've already got our lovely new office set out with suitably arranged desks - the Drive By Website corner is nice and spacious to comfortably accommodate our Drive By Website clients.  No longer will our clients have to be up "very close and friendly" - there's now enough leg room for comfort and to retain some dignity.  There's also a very nice area to "meet and greet" our clients and another area to accommodate yours truly.  But no computers, no internet and no 'phones. 

During handover, we had to run through the dreaded burglar alarm system in respect of how to get in (and out) "out of hours".  Scott and I just looked at each other with a look of sheer panic and wonderment because for 5 years, we just haven't had anything like alarms to worry about.  Harry ran through the routine but you just know when its your turn - on your lonesome - that from the time you type in the number to open the front door, to the time you get to the alarm buttons your brain will have turned to mush as you desperately try to remember to type in the correct numbers.  

Guess what - the very first time we will be arriving at our new office - it will be down to the newbys on the block to let ourselves in and fumble with the alarm because BT could well be arriving "out of hours"......  

Don't let us down BT - you will never know just how much we are relying on you.

Next week, we will be discussing marketing issues - more especially cold calling techniques - I promise.

Drive By Websites Marketing Journey: Divert & Dongle

Drive By Websites Marketing Journey: Divert & Dongle: In my previous blog, it was announced that Drive By Websites is going where the fish are. Since the decision has been made to move office,...

Divert & Dongle

In my previous blog, it was announced that Drive By Websites is going where the fish are.  Since the decision has been made to move office, sadly, our marketing has dropped off.  Because we invite clients to our office for Drive By appointments we're all over the place in respect of making appointments because "we're moving!".

So, bull by the horns time, we're going a week today. This time next week, it will be divert and dongle time because BT won't have our 'phones or internet connection sorted out in time.  Divert & Dongle is the solution.  This is not a reflection of BT's poor performance, we just can't wait to move to our lovely new office and go where the fish are.

So what has Drive By Websites done this week in respect of following Martyn's marketing tips. 

Direct Mail is something we've done in the past and, to be fair, we've been quite successful.  However, just a very small step can make a whole host of difference.  We've always personalised each letter and address the letter by the contact name.  However, one small step we've not tried is to write the address on the envelope by hand.  Never ever considered that our envelopes won't be opened but, if this is the case, this small hand-writing step should help get the envelope opened because it won't scream out as junk mail.   Another thing to consider is to hand write the name on the letter, for example - Dear Sara.

Next blog will be written from the new Drive By Website office - now there's a plan.

Drive By Websites Marketing Journey: Go Where The Fish Are

Drive By Websites Marketing Journey: Go Where The Fish Are: What's the most important thing you will need if you're planning a fishing trip. At a guess, you will be thinking a state of the art fishin...

Go Where The Fish Are

What's the most important thing you will need if you're planning a fishing trip.  At a guess, you will be thinking a state of the art fishing rod, bait and maybe even a fishing boat.  These are great thoughts but they are all wrong because the most important element is to find a place where there are a load of fish.

If you have a river full of fish but no rod then you can improvise and have every chance of knocking something together that will get you a fish supper.

But no matter how great your new fishing rod or bait are, if there are no fish, then you will be out of luck and go hungry.

In a roundabout way, I'm getting around to announcing that Drive By Websites is on the move.  We absolutely love it here at Bank House Farm with beautiful views, seasonal changes to enjoy but the time is now right to move and go where the fish are.

Within just a few short weeks - BT willing - we will be in our new office in the centre of Spalding - our new address will be Broad Street Business Centre, 10 Broad Street, Spalding, Lincolnshire, PE11 1TB

With all the marketing plans we've been set (and which I will be sharing with you) by Martyn Overton from Alchemy Business Growth, this will be an exciting year for Drive By Websites - with only a few weeks to organise the move, things are getting a bit hectic here..........

Drive By Websites Marketing Journey: Now offering an affordable e-commerce option givin...

Drive By Websites Marketing Journey: Now offering an affordable e-commerce option givin...: This week, the team at Drive By Websites has been extremely busy putting the finishing touches to adding an affordable e-commerce option to...

Now offering an affordable e-commerce option giving our clients a huge advantage over their competitors

This week, the team at Drive By Websites has been extremely busy putting the finishing touches to adding an affordable e-commerce option to our services.

As with all Drive By services, our clients will very easily be able to make updates by adding new products, images and prices, etc.

With big name brands disappearing from our High Streets now is, we think, the perfect time to offer business owners the functionality of shopping online.

Mary Portas, the retail expert, warned that the "phenomenal growth of online retailing and the rise of shopping by mobile" are driving large numbers away from shops.  Her report said that half of all consumers spending now happens away from the high street and shop vacancy rates have doubled over the past two years.

Peter Cross, Portas's business partner, who worked with her on the report said: "Retailers have been slow in fully appreciating the enormous implications which the internet will have for their businesses."

The market-place is so much more demanding now than a few years back.  The old economy will never come back as it was but Drive By Websites has evolved to keep pace with technological advances and we are delighted to be offering an affordable solution to helping business owners win the battle between the high street and the internet.   Robust, forward-thinking businesses are already  incorporating the buy-on-line option.   With the launch of the Drive By Websites' option, there is now no excuse for business owners to delay because its affordable and updates are really easy to make for free.

In less than 6 hours, an e-commerce site will be online and open for business, oh and the price? - only £450.

Source: The Sunday Times, 18.12.2011 - Jon Ungoed-Thomas & Kevin Dowling

Drive By Websites Marketing Journey: Proud to be asked to sponsor the Festival For Hero...

Drive By Websites Marketing Journey: Proud to be asked to sponsor the Festival For Hero...: This week, we're proud as punch. The team at Drive By Websites feel proud and privileged to be chosen to sponsor Festival For Heroes by b...

Proud to be asked to sponsor the Festival For Heroes

This week, we're proud as punch.

The team at Drive By Websites feel proud and privileged to be chosen to sponsor Festival For Heroes by being asked to create the website.

We were delighted when Sheila from Infodex Events decided to take the Drive By Website option for the creation of the website.  The Drive By experience was simplicity from start to finish.  Sheila and her colleague, Jo, drove to our office and over a cup of coffee or two, Scott Thompson, Drive By Websites' web developer created the custom design.  Two hours later this was complete, the pages were in place, Google analytics was installed, the contact form was added and it was online.  All that was then needed was for Joe to add the wording, images and photographs and fill in the gaps to complete the site.

Help For Heroes and the Army Benevolent Fund Soldiers Charity will undoubtedly benefit hugely from Sheila's outstanding event organising skills.  Her drive, enthusiasm and expertise guarantees to make this a memorable event which is bound to raise a huge amount of money for this worthy cause.

By creating the website we are honoured to have played a part - albeit a minor role - in the success of Festival for Heroes - www.festivalforheroes.co.uk

Drive By Websites Marketing Journey: I Didn't Know You Did That, Christine

Drive By Websites Marketing Journey: I Didn't Know You Did That, Christine: How many times have people said to you "I didn't know Drive By Websites did that, Christine". "Yes, we've been doing that for months now,...

I Didn't Know You Did That, Christine

How many times have people said to you "I didn't know Drive By Websites did that, Christine".

"Yes, we've been doing that for months now, surprised you hadn't heard?"

But, of course, they couldn't possibly have heard because I hadn't bothered to tell them - just assumed they would know.

"Shame, I didn't know you did that Christine because I've since bought from your competitor".

One thing that's been actioned as a matter of some urgency from Alchemy's fantastic Marketing Action Plan is to promote everything we do at every possible opportunity.

By brainstorming "what we actually do" we've even come up with some new additions that can be developed over the course of the next few months and "sold".  You can do this too.

Brainstorm and think about it.   I can guarantee that you will have another product or service that can be "sold".   Say, you are a plumber - do you know what I would find really useful?  "What to do in the event of a leak".   It's sad, I know, but in all honesty I have no idea and I won't be the first.   What I would genuinely pay good money for is a leaflet explaining what to do in a plumbing crisis.

Drive By Websites' "I didn't know you did that" has now been actioned. 

Here's how.  We keep in regular contact with our Drive By clients.   Every three months or so, a letter goes out giving easy, no cost advice in respect of how to "market" their websites. 

Yesterday, a batch of these letters were due to go out but, this time, a flyer was attached promoting our other services:

• Newsletter set up
• E-commerce websites
• Refresher sessions
• Also a little plug about this blog

You can do the same - don't assume that people know what you do - make strenuous efforts to advertise and promote your complete product line and service at every opportunity.   By brainstorming, you will be surprised what "I didn't know you did thats" you can come up with!

A Selection Box of Marketing Goodies

Drive By Websites has been given a selection box of marketing goodies called a "Marketing Action Plan".

Another brainstorming, energising session this week because Martyn from Alchemy called in to see us to talk through the "7 Keys Action Plan" specifically designed to give us the necessary tools to drive our business forward over the course of the next two years.  Two years - WOW!  It's certainly not a quick fix.

"The elevator to success is out of order.  You'll have to use the stairs, one step at a time." - Joe Girard - World's Greatest Salesman (Guinness Book of World Records)


It's difficult to know which goody to choose first because there all look so scrummy but we're going to kick off with direct mail because this is something we're familiar with - bit like the coffee cream.  We've had fairly good results in the past with direct mail but "Can do so much better, Christine!". 

However, before following Martyn's instructions in respect of composing the letter - the first job is to get to grips with the dreaded follow up call.

Been promising myself this for a while now and there's no excuses - first job is to read again and then again, make notes, make more notes and inwardly digest a brilliant book - "Cold Calling for Chickens" by Bob Etherington. According to Bob "Cold calling is fun and much, much easier than you think" - buy the book and see how you get on.

Brainstormed & Energised

Absolutely brainstormed and energised following yesterday's high-energy, positive-impact meeting with Martyn yesterday.  Head now stuffed with loads of brilliant ideas and all I've been given so far are the 7 keys to unlocking business growth.  Martyn has now gone away and will come up with 35 low or no cost ways to market Drive By Websites more effectively.  We will be receiving these next week - can't wait.  In the meantime, I've a lot of exciting marketing things to think about.  First job, because I am "Billy Absolutely No Mates" here at the moment talking to myself, I need to get some followers !!

What's So Special About This Prize & Why I Just Had To Win It?

The marketing for Drive By Websites is doing fine - in fact, we've had our best year ever but I want to be more than doing just fine - I want fantastic, brilliant, 'phone ringing off the hook and Drive By appointments made for weeks, if not months, ahead.  This is the reason why I so wanted to win the marketing prize.  

Martyn the owner of Alchemy Business Growth will be joining us in a few days to explain the little known secret of "The Seven Keys" that are guaranteed to Unlock Growth in our business.  We will also be given 35 low or no cost ways to market Drive By Websites.

Here's the plan and the reason for this blog.  From Day 1, each of these "keys" and "ways" will be put into practice and I will report back how we're getting on.

How Drive By Websites Won The Perfect Prize of all .....

Not only am I busy with Drive By Websites I'm also the Co-Founder of Spalding Networking.  For our Christmas Special, we thought we would raise money for Spalding First Responders by holding a raffle.

Alchemy Business Growth donated a fantastic prize valued at £197 and I really wanted that prize. Tickets were being drawn and the bottles of wine, chocolates, books were taken fast but, surprisingly, nobody went for the best prize of all. 

To my absolute delight, my ticket was drawn and my perfect prize was still there ready for me to collect.