Integra Activity - An update on the projects that Integra have been handling recently.
The end of 20011 involved me in a lot of working with clients on their business plans for 2012. These clients now have excellent working documents that outline their objectives and goals for the year and have a clear series of actions to be implemented for their achievement.
A business plan is a “route map” for the business and, as such, results will need to be regularly monitored and reviewed against the plan with adjustments made in order to stay on or ahead of track.
I am very confident that those businesses that have taken the time to produce a plan, have a better understanding of the things that will help them succeed and will have a much tighter grip on their businesses as the year progresses.
It is never too late to draw up a plan and remember the old sayings that “man doesn’t plan to fail but often fails to plan” and “a man going nowhere usually gets there”!
Since the start of 2012 I have handled a number of website projects, project managing and producing the copy for Bana Vaid Associates solicitors’ new website as well as for Next Move, a Hull based estate agency. In addition, I have produced some specific SEO (search engine optimisation) copy for RNR Properties of Reading, working with their American SEO partners.
Of course, the beginning of the year also saw the launch of the new Integra Property Services website, on which feedback has been very positive.
I continue to work with long term clients Gibbs Gillespie and I am looking forward to helping them improve a number of specific business areas and also build on their ten major awards successes in 2011.
I currently handle e-marketing and social media activities for eight clients and have been talking to several others about how I can help them improve their positioning and customer relationship management.
Since the start of the year I have gained four new clients and I am currently talking with another five who I am hoping will join the Integra “stable” as the year progresses.
Another area where I am often asked for input is in staff remuneration structures. I have considerable experience of developing affordable schemes that incentivise, reward and help retain good staff whilst being simple, fair and transparent to all concerned.
Many businesses still think that a pay scheme will “manage” their teams. This idea is nonsense and there is no substitute for good communication, performance reviews etc. Clear job descriptions and proactive management and review of performance helps create and reinforces a great “team spirit” and focus.
I have also contributed to an article on social media that is due to be published in the current edition of Property Drum and have written a major article on the subject that will be appearing in the March edition of the RICS Residential magazine.
All in all, an extremely busy period and one that looks set to continue.
In these challenging times, hiring an external consultant could seem like a luxury but I would argue that it could be the most valuable money your business spends as I can help focus clearly on the things that are going to make a differenc e to your bottom line. Outsourcing aspects of your marketing and PR on a “pay as you go” basis can also prove very cost effective and productive.
Don’t just take my word for it, see what Integra’s clients have to say here:
