The marketing review of 2024: the year of authentic chats, toolkits and learning. . .

What are the top topics of conversation in the business marketing world this year?

The top 4 marketing topics of the year

Self-employed stories

According to Enterprise Nation the number of people thinking about starting a business in 2024 has risen to 35%, an increase of 5% on 2023.

Therefore in January 2024 I launched Self-employed stories, A place and space to share honest and open perspectives about running a business. Check it out and read it for know how, tips, insights and giggles

Subscribe on LinkedIn to read the latest edition. 

Learn, listen and read: what you missed in the newsletter this year

  • What are the best durations for videos on social media?
  • The ultimate guide to growing your small business.
  • 9 ways to elevate your reputation – an action plan for leaders
  • The ultimate guide to growing your small business.
  • Paid vs free marketing – which is best for your marketing plan? 
  • 10 tips up for grabs to liven up webinars and online events

Links to all Soundbite Media newsletters can be found here and there’s still time for you to subscribe so you don’t miss future newsletters.

Toolkit tips

Feeling stuck and uninspired because you think marketing your business is too difficult or challenging? Ask yourself,

  •     Are you struggling to stand out in a competitive market?
  •     How do you think your communications could be improved?
  •     Do you understand the platforms and channels to improve brand awareness for your business?

Here’s an opportunity for you to learn and improve your marketing expertise thanks to … The Comms Kit.  The 14 different marketing and PR toolkits are instantly available and interactive to help you

  •        Define your own success
  •        Feel confident and knowledgeable to use marketing and PR to your advantage
  •        To create momentum and a powerful vision for your business
  •        To empower you and your team with the knowledge to effectively promote what you sell

PR and marketing doesn’t have to be confusing or scary. Let’s shake off the fear and confusion because knowledge is power.  These toolkits share practical and helpful solutions to grow your brand and grab visibility opportunities for brand awareness.

The year for training and learning:

Our thirst for knowledge, information and education increased as we continued to upskill ourselves…

  • In September I hosted my first 1-2-1 mentoring day, in person, inspired by my mentor Mike Elson! The 1-2-1 slots allowed businesses to join me for a bespoke Q&A session to solve their communication troubles. Thanks to all who attended and I look forward to hosting it again in 2025!
  • International Women’s Day was the eighth Women’s Voice’s Day in March. 30 charities receive communications, PR and marketing support for their cause that advocates for women and girls. I was the project leader to help The Black Scientific Network solve a communications challenge based on my skills, expertise, and knowledge. Here are 12 tips to connect, learn and engage: the charity challenge day.
  • I really enjoyed running a Lunch & Learn sessions for Enterprise Nation. This 30-minute session inspired 100 businesses  plan and understand the best ways to find inspiration and direction for your marketing efforts.

1-2-1 Supporting new businesses 

I’m pleased to say I’m one of 24 business advisors with the Oxford OXLEP who share a wealth of expertise, knowledge and experience with entrepreneurs. OxLEP Business operates as the Growth Hub for Oxfordshire, simplifying the business support landscape and helping individuals and businesses to easily connect.

Get in touch to start your business support journey today:

Live communication and interactive conversations 

  • It’s been a pleasure to work in collaboration with AVC Immedia to be the live on air presenter for Nationwide Building Society. The award winning communications agency specialising in audio, visual creative and AV solutions works with brands such as Nationwide Building Society so listen out for me when you’re next in the branch.
  • This year I hosted a panel discussion for the UK Black Business Show to talk about franchise business models and guide people through the process to set up their own franchise.
  • Podcasts continued to reign supreme as a way to share stories, thought leadership conversations, teach a topic or entertain. In 2024, the number of podcast listeners worldwide reached 546.7 million, a 7.85% increase from 2023.  I first started making podcast in 2010 for BBC so I’m happy to share tips to launch a podcast . Meanwhile listen to Soapbox perspectives – the podcast I launched with my pal Sue to meet Dr Agatha, Amy Long, a leading VA and leading bike mechanic Max Knott
  • Woke vs broke with Media First. In July I leaned in to the equality, diversity and inclusion space to join Media First as a expert contributor for a Masterclass: Does going woke mean going broke? The masterclass explored the risks and rewards of socially conscious campaigns plus the importance of having clear and consistent internal communications. 

Networking can be fun 

This year I’ve enjoyed networking to meet, learn and connect with new people so I wrote Networking – 7 actions for positive and productive conversations

Here are the 4 networking spaces I access:

  • FSB business networking events are free (even for non-members). You can meet people virtually or in person to listen, learn and do business! 
  • The Entrepreneurs Circle is where you’re find positive and proactive conversations about collaborating and trading services 
  • The Institute of Directors (IOD) is where you can meet and connect with fellow senior leaders of companies
  • If you love attending large scale conferences with stalls and speakers, then check out the B2B Expos near to you. 

Let’s stay connected:

If you have any questions or would like to discuss this article – get in touch with Louise@soundbitemedia.co.uk

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