Creating marketing plans and the power of networking
Posted: Mon 23rd Dec 2019
Enterprise Nation's new business support platform makes it even easier to connect with experts in your area. To celebrate the launch of the platform, we're profiling some of the advisers that support our community.
This week, Enterprise Nation member and marketing and PR expert Nyasha Pitt shares her story and the best advice she's ever been given.
Describe your business in one sentence.
Living Content provides creative commercial training, content and communication in collaboration with our clients.
What services do you offer?
The consultancy is split into two halves:
Marketing communication: Strategy, copywriting, public and media relations, social media, event management and training (social media, networking and personal branding)
Diversity and inclusion workshops and public speaking: We consult with C-suite executives and facilitate challenging conversations, exploring belief systems and biases (often but not always with specific reference to brand look and feel/overt and subliminal messaging)
What first attracted you to Enterprise Nation?
I was looking for a network of entrepreneurs that was thinking outside of the box. I wanted to join a network that attracted a varied audience, as diversity breeds greater ideation and that's the kind of environment or space that I enjoy working within.
Enterprise Nation was fresh, forward-thinking and seemed to be developing events and support that clearly stood out from its competition.
Tell us about Enterprise Nation events you've been involved in.
I've supported Enterprise Nation's digital workshops, leading sessions for Coventry. As well as sharing my knowledge with the cohorts, I was also able to discuss the benefits of networks, including Enterprise Nation, for start-ups from community to commerciality.
What challenges have you faced building your own business?
Often the greatest challenge for an entrepreneur is the very fact that you've taken the massive step to become your own boss.
The isolation can be extremely damaging from just basic human contact right the way through to making big decisions that involve high risk.
Having access to other peers who may be at the same stage as you, or who have been through those challenging times, is invaluable.
What business tips do you often give to clients you work with?
It depends on the client. As a multi-passionate consultancy, the key is to try to pass on knowledge or value in every client interaction.
That could range from insights into the importance of celebrating (and not 'ignoring') individual difference for the benefit of your organisation, right through to simply pointing out something that they could be doing better on LinkedIn.
I'm also a passionate niche networker and as well as being a member of several groups. I sit on the Board of the Women's Jewellery Network and I also launched my own network in the Midlands for Black Professionals.
I also deliver workshops and speeches on networking... so, I have a lot of networking tips that I share in these sessions. My favourite tip is actually about remembering that you're not for everyone and everyone is not for you.
I think sometimes we forget that it's okay to not hit it off with someone and can overthink interactions, especially if they are linked to business development. Far better, in my opinion, to find your tribe than try to force relationships.
What's the best piece of advice you've been given?
Eat the elephant one bite at a time. Sounds simple. And for some it will be second nature.
It's something that I've had to teach myself, especially when leading on business development. Taking the challenge on and attacking bite-size lumps is so much more rewarding than trying to go all guns at once. And being able to acknowledge that activities are being ticked off a list is also incredibly satisfying!
Anything else you would like to share?
I've been running my own consultancy for nearly three years now; I've gained so much knowledge in that time; some through good old trial and error!
However, I've also invested time in utilising tools available to me via mentors, colleagues, networks and the wider world. These have helped me avoid some less obvious pitfalls and also helped to reassure me at times that I knew what I was doing!
What have I learned? That running your own business is fantastic and terrifying, in equal parts. So, it really important to be grounded within your business.
Don't forget what you've achieved – invest time in reviewing your successes. You'll need that positivity when times are tough.
Remember you're your own boss. Don't do what others are doing – now is your chance to be brave. So be open to opportunity.
And don't be afraid to try and fail. Seriously, what's the worst that could happen? Once you've worked that out, come up with a contingency plan and crack on! Life is short.
And join a network of likeminded people who can support you on your journey; Enterprise Nation proves that entrepreneurship doesn't have to be lonely.
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