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May has been a hectic time, enjoyable but hectic, particularly as it's been the month of Brighton Festival, the largest arts event in England. I am not only an avid supporter of the event but my PR Company manages the business press activity. It's quite a challenging task as the business press demand strong business news hooks which are difficult to provide as it's a mainstream consumer event!
The Festival is in its 42nd year and each year, the shows just get better with performers from around the world wowing crowds over and over. This year has been no exception and there are three events I attended that I wish to share with you; Firstly, Bahok from The Akram Khan Dance Company and the National Ballet of China - truly amazing, I can honestly say I have never seen contemporary dance exude such emotion on stage and off-stage to make the audience cry!
The second show was The 7 Fingers, a Canadian acrobatic dance troupe, many of whom were former Cirque de Soleil members – this was the best show I have ever had the priviledge of seeing. Their sheer strength, dynamism and skill left me breathless and wanting more!
And last Friday, Jarvis Cocker was in town. We were told he wasn't singing but giving a Powerpoint presentation on the lyrics used in popular music. Well, we weren't that enamoured at the prospect of sitting in the Brighton Dome on a lovely Friday evening being lectured by Mr. Cocker but it turned out to be a witty, humorous and refreshing account of pop music lyrics and we were even honoured to a few guitar strums and vocal accompaniment... Jarvis Cocker delighted his audience.
I invited my clients along to these events to not only have a good evening out but to show them the quality of events organised by the Brighton Festival team. Businesses can get involved at many different levels and the marketing exposure is considerable. I am proud to be supporting the arts.
Moving on to June's business tips.
HOT TIPS FOR CREATIVE SUCCESS – the power of brilliant design
Design is a powerful means of getting your brand noticed. Successful businesses consider design throughout their entire business planning process and incorporating creative design from the outset can save you money but more critically, can result in a better product. From logos and brochures to event graphics and packaging, design is everywhere, it's all around us so don't undervalue its worth.
Include design in your business strategy from the start
All too often design is left as an after thought or finishing touch when it should be included right at the start. In fact, when setting up my businesses design was the second most important activity on my list (after company name!) Consider the personality of your brand and who your customers are, this should help to form the beginnings of a design brief.
Work with a professional designer
Whilst you do not necessarily need to use the services of a design consultant, it is highly recommended. Again, I speak from experience! Rather than saving you time and money, doing it yourself can result in dire consequences that may leave you without any business whatsoever. Ask friends and business associates if they can recommend a good designer, or go to the UK design council who have a list of registered designers. They are worth their weight in gold.
Know what you're competitors are up to!
Investing time into researching how your competitors have included design into their business, will be an invaluable eye opener. It will give you an insight into who they are marketing to, their tone of voice, image etc which in turn allows you to develop ideas. You may want to consider using a professional copywriter who can work with your designer to turn your words into a creative design that will get noticed.
Tailor your design to suit your market
Seems obvious but know who your customers are and then come up with a design that will get their attention, immediately. It's no use second guessing it or closing your eyes with your fingers crossed hoping you hit the bullseye, you must know who you are selling to and design your branding accordingly.
I hope you found these tips helpful. Next month, I will continue with the design process but will also discuss the use of photography within creative work. Until next month...
Next month – hot tips on the use of photography in creative design.
cr. Mark Taggart, Fizz Photography
cr. Mark Taggart, Fizz Photography
SIGNATURE:
Aneela Rose is an award winning business entrepreneur. Aneela Rose PR was set up four years ago and is growing year on year providing professional PR, Marketing and Creative services to SME's across the UK. Aneela's other business venture is an online jewellery boutique where her inspiration for selling sparkly jewellery was born out of a love of fashion and observing the huge growth of online shopping. Aneela sits on the Board of Directors at Sussex Enterprise and is a Member of the Institute Of Directors and the Chartered Institute of Public Relations. She has been awarded the Success in Business Award by Anglia University, the Dynamic Asian Woman Award and has been filmed by the DTI and Aurora. Aneela writes for consumer and business magazines and has links with the "celebrity" community; she has provided interview scoops with Nick Leeson and Nicholas Van Hoogstraten among others.
Tel: 01444 241341
Email: www.aneelarosepr.co.uk and www.missyrose.co.uk |
