Entrepreneurs With Get Up And go

Making Something you love your Livelihood

Clare McLeod is an enthusiast for the arts and founder of Intermezzo, an organisation that conducts corporate events to provide a unique insight into Scotland’s history and heritage.  However when the recession hit, like many other small business owners, Clare was feeling the pinch.

It was at this point Clare decided to act.

Attending The Sulis Principles Programme was just the first step.

“The main problem as a small business owner is finding the time to take a step back to focus on where your business is heading as you don’t always have time to plan.”

When Clare arrived at the Sulis Principles Programme her main aim was to grow Intermezzo.  If she wanted to be seen as an expert in her field and draw the attention of her clientele she would need to use a range of social media sites.  What she didn’t know was that she would end up redefining her product.

“I knew I needed to go online and be seen as an expert through social media, this programme encouraged me to do this.”

Whilst on the programme Clare designed a 12 point plan specifically mapping her business for the next three years.  This map has given her clarity of direction to develop both her business and her own skills specifically.

Life after Sulis, what has Clare been up to?

Carried out market research

Targeting 20 corporate event organisers, Clare has received over 75% of responses, allowing her insight into the requirements of event organisers.  To ensure her questionnaires were not ignored, Clare cleverly included a piece of art work within the questionnaire aimed at evoking a positive response.

Distinguished her product

Since reviewing her skills Clare has redefined her product and created a plan to sell what she feels most pasionately about.  This has increased her margins.

Learnt how to use Social Media

By teaching herself how to use Social Media sites such as: Twitter, Linked In and Blogging Clare is able to discuss and promote her business.

Gained publicity

The Daily Record recently published an article promoting Clare’s ‘Spooky night at the Museum’, with a great knock on effect.

Clare’s future plans are to expand into the rest of Scotland.

After attending the course Clare had discovered some very important truths about her business and herself:

1)      She could sell something she truly loved

2)      How to get the most out of her product

3)      What the next steps were to be seen as an expert in her field

4)      How to expand her business

5)      That she could rise to the challenge and succeed

6)      Creating a business plan that has given her clarity of direction

“Norma’s strategic advice, understanding of business issues and ability to grasp the needs of a business are outstanding.”

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