Whether we like it or not the cards are in the shops, tinsel is appearing and the supermarkets are busy trying to outdo one another with their television adverts. The good news is, there is no reason why you can’t jump on the bandwagon and bring a little sparkle to your marketing.

This phrase is true of most things in business and I have blogged many times about the importance of a plan. The word strategy seems scary but a plan manageable so why do so many business owners leave their marketing to chance?

Plonking yourself down at the desk, putting your head down and getting on with the day ahead might NOT be the best way to kick start your morning. Why? There is no plan, you have not taken the time to prioritise the important and I guarantee you'll get distracted.

I was recently asked if I made speaking part of my marketing strategy and the answer was a resounding YES. Fortunately, I am very comfortable in front of an audience and microphone but appreciate this is not the case for everyone.

Gone are the days of placing an advert and customers queuing at the door. Marketing is a process that should weave throughout your business from initial contact to after sales. It is how we communicate with our potential customer and treat them from the first contact.

Since launching the business back in May 2013 I have tested many different, apps, systems, productivity tools and the like. Along the way, some have been discarded including Trello, Asana and an excel spreadsheet to record the business finances. So, which has lasted and what can’t I live without in the business?

When working for yourself, it’s very easy to fall into the trap of working all hours, not taking a holiday and not coming up for air. It is a dangerous position and can easily result in burn out or worse still falling out of love with your business.

The growing to do list, the client work, the home, the kids, the partner ... all clawing for our time. Where does that leave us and how do we ensure that time is well spent and not wasted?

I recently attended a networking event and heard Nikki Emerton speak of Be U and I was blown away by her talk which was extremely powerful.  How to be your own best coach was a simple presentation with no PowerPoint that left me in no doubt I had to ask her if she might guest blog and share her three question technique.

I know from experience how easy it can be to hide behind social media, email and a website. All fabulous places to be BUT this can lead to frustration when services are not taken up, programmes not filled or products not sold. It’s where we feel safe, behind perfectly crafted messages.