by Amanda Daniels-Allen | Nov 6, 2014 | Koogar, Mindset & Inspiration |
Since 2006 Koogar’s mission has been to…
Creatively implement a customised marketing solution for our clients, using the technology they need and will use to help them build an authentic brand and experience for their audience.
At Koogar we plan, we design and we deliver!
Gone through the past 3 year recession, the Koogar team have come out the other side unscathed and re-energised, having created a new option for businesses who want more than the standard bolt on service.
Prime Collection will be released before Christmas. It’s aimed at a select group of businesses who not only want to take their company to the next level but also see the value of working with a single provider who can pull everything together for them.
Amanda Dodd (nee Daniels) is the Founder and Creative Director of Koogar and this week the team celebrate Koogar’s 8th birthday on 6th November 2014. Koogar is an Integrated Marketing Agency based on the Wirral and are experts in digital.
The companies who work with Amanda and her team can now choose one of Koogar’s Collections and over 12 months, transform their marketing plan together.
Amanda says, “We say ‘together’, because Koogar want you to stay in control of the marketing elements by helping to make decisions and building your marketing expertise. The benefit to your company is that you have experts on hand who are not only tweaking and enhancing your ideas, we implement them too. Koogar will, ensure your message is reaching the audience you want it to.”
You may notice Amanda and her Koogar car in your area this week as she visits many of her clients in the Northwest celebrating 8 years in business.
Visit www.create-a-beautiful-experience.co.uk and download your FREE copy of Amanda’s ebook “Create a Beautiful Experience” to help you create a journey for your audience which in turn allows them to experience you and your brand.
by Amanda Daniels-Allen | Sep 24, 2014 | Events & Conferences, Mindset & Inspiration |
I had typed this on the train home from Birmingham, where I have been for the last few days, attending a 2 Day Marketing Conference held (21st & 22nd September) at the ICC.
We stayed at NiteNite City Hotel which was very different to a normal hotel. We slept in what looked to be cupboards with very little space but more than enough for the next two days and very comfortable.
What have I taken from the last two days? Well, quite a lot… but more motivation than anything else!
Day 1
The Woz (Steve Wozniak)!!! WOW this guy is brilliantly clever and fun! Some delegates were disappointed that he didn’t share tips specifically about business, however the bits I took from his fast paced and detailed presentation was have fun, be passionate and be yourself!
During our lives we sometimes worry about how other people see us and if we fit in or not. As I listened to Steve talk, it actually felt like I was listening to a 12 year old boy who was so excited about what he was doing and just loved connecting and building things, not a 64 year old guy who had built one of the most influential pieces of technology for the 20th century. On that stage I could see a “Goonie” who felt nerdy and shy but gave the world something new which has changed the way we communicate. Fantastic and inspirational!
H = S – F… “Happiness equals smiles minus frowns” – Steve Wosniak #enco2014
A session on mystery shopping was in the second half of day one were the room was brought to life with tips, suggestions and insights on how we act in front of our customers. A new job title for your receptionist “the director of first impressions” was also mentioned and how this person needs to be with internal and external customers.
As a live example, the very next morning whilst in a queue for the cloakroom, the clerk (Silvia) radioed to another team member within the ICC and said in a slow and moaning tone, “I’m on my own, by myself plus my machine isn’t working…. I need help!” It was very obvious she didn’t want to be there. I asked if she was OK but she replied “I’m having a really bad day…” which came out muffled because she was sucking her finger. Silvia had broken a nail on my bag. The strange thing was it was 7am and the ICC had literally just opened (granted something could have happened before she came into work). However, how you treat people from the very first meeting is how they will see you from then on. Don’t start on a back foot!
You don’t get a second chance to make a 1st impression!
P-M-M-F-S – Please make me feel special. During this session we stuck a post it note to our heads, turned to the person we sat next to and gave them a compliment to make them feel special. It’s something that we need to build into our customer service!
Day 2
Hearing Debra Searle on day two was phenomenal on many levels, the first one being the trip and adventure of a life time that she under took alone (Rowing the Atlantic). Secondly how she implemented the small things she had learned during that joinery to her business and finally as a speaker. Debra delivered an outstanding performance with emotion and laughter… and received a double standing ovation from the 1400 delegates within the ICC.
Her story was an amazing one and very relevant for me on a few different levels;
- One, my all time sport I have wanted to do for a number of years keeps popping up; Rowing – it is calling me and I will do it!
- Second, the fear that holds you back as a business owner, which all business owners go through at some point and how to overcome it using things like memory music and photos.
- Finally, having the belief in yourself even when others don’t. Your mind set is very important! We need to stay motivated to be able to deliver the best we can for our work and life.
Start your day in the right way!
I have written 15 pages of notes, ideas, to dos, not to dos, and research. It is all going to be scheduled in as soon as time allows. The key messages I have taken from these last two days are;
- building relationships
- defining your niche
- keeping motivated
- consistently marketing yourself
- giving as much value as you possibly can
These things are really important and without them we cannot grow.
Keep your eye on Koogar. We are moving to the next level and want you to come with us!
The action I would like you to take is…
If you attended the event we’d love to hear your thoughts and what you are taking away to implement in your business…
by Amanda Daniels-Allen | Jan 15, 2014 | Guest Blogs, Koogar, Mindset & Inspiration |
At this time of year, we round off the festivities and take a good look at the year to come. Many of us realise that things are not entirely as we want them, and whether that’s hugely energising or a bit daunting, it means there’s work to be done….. but maybe much less than you think…..
Over the years of supporting people to achieve success, I’ve noticed a few key themes when they start out
- Often when they take a closer look at how they’re seeing it in their mind’s eye, the goal is outside them, often far away – something they’re aiming towards rather than something they’re already living and being; and it’s just not compelling enough
- The benefits come at the end, not on the way, so there’s nothing to enjoy en-route
- And sometimes, they simply haven’t thought through the steps they need to take, and obstacles they might need to overcome
And yet some people seem to naturally achieve their goals without the slog. With a tendency towards impatience, I’m for taking the easiest, fastest route possible; so how they do it? After all, if there’s already something out there which is working, we’d be daft not to try it for ourselves.
What many of them share is a really good imagination, which gives them access the parts of their thinking outside the normal awareness (the parts which really determine your experience of the world), so they’re using the whole of their brain power not just willpower.
So try this out
Close your eyes, and take a few moments to breathe slowly and deeply, and relax. Now, imagine the you that you want to be standing in front of you – the you who’s achieved what you want. How does that you look? How are they standing or moving, how do they sound, what’s the expression on their face?
Imagine walking all the way round that you, fine tuning all the details until it’s exactly as you want it to be – maybe they’re not looking quite radiant (or smug) enough – remember, this you has achieved exactly what you set out to do. Make any adjustments you need, then when you have it perfect, step into that you. How does it feel to be standing that way, moving that way, wearing that expression on your face? How does it feel to know what you’ve achieved? Really immerse in all those good feelings.
Now turn and look back towards the you of the present time. From this position of already having had achieved your goal, look back on the steps you took. We often say that hind sight’s invaluable, so why wait? Look at the milestones you passed on the way, and how you celebrated. What will make that journey to this new you even easier?
And when you have a good sense of all it means to have achieved your goal, and how to do it, step back into the you of the present, bringing with you all the experience and good feeling. Things are always easier to do the second time: Ask any performer, and nerves are always highest on opening night, it settles once they’ve done it once.
This little bit of imagination sets your mental sat-nav – giving the parts of your thinking outside your awareness clear instructions about what you want; and it tunes your noticing to what’s already working, shrinking the change and keeping you moving.
If you’d like me to talk you through this technique, click here to get my 5 minute mind makeover, and your copy of ‘Get-It Goals: Your Personal Guide’. Use it to make 2014 your most smoothly successful year yet.
by Amanda Daniels-Allen | Dec 20, 2013 | Koogar, Mindset & Inspiration |
As its the last full working week of the year we have had a look at what we have achieved and want to say THANK YOU to all of you whom we’ve networked with, enjoyed lunch, coffee or cake with and an EXTRA thank you to those who became and who are still a Koogar client!
2014 is going to be a big year for us and for you too!
Starting in January we have a 14 week Series of Marketing Exercises to help you off with a great start for the New Year… (Sign up to “So your homework is…”)
Take a look at some of the top things that have happened to Koogar this year:
Amanda attends iStrategy (The Hauge)
For the 3rd time a Global Digital Conference called iStratgey where lots of Marketing Managers, CEO, MD’s and the like spend 2 days listening to thought leaders within the digital marketing field to find out what is new, what is the future for digital and debate whether the methods we are currently using are right or wrong. Read the full article here
Masters of Survival – Evolve and Adapt
We changed our message… For the last few years Koogar has been evolving and adapting to deliver the marketing requirements of our clients and it’s only now that we have decided to adjust our message. Read the full article here
Amanda interviewed a number of people in the Digital/Internet industry…
The Future of Business with Brain Solis
Brian looks at how people use Social Media and Brands and analyses it.
Creating Good and Relevant Content with TEDxAmsterdam
TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience.
Stand out from the Competition with Cindy Gallop
Founder & CEO of IfWeRanTheWorld, a radically simple web meets world platform designed to turn human and corporate good intentions into action, one microaction at a time.
We made our first branded Pumpkin
The making of… The Koogar Pumpkin 2013
This year we made the decision to carve our very own pumpkin with our brand new Logo in it.
We celebrated our 7th Birthday at Koogar!
On the 6th November Koogar celebrated our 7th Birthday!
Koogar was started so that I could keep on top of my skills when I worked full time in Stockport for a software company as an Internet Developer.
Here I have disclosed the top 7 Business Tips I have taken on board since running Koogar and working with other businesses, large and small. Read the full article here
And finally… Koogar wins Business Woman of the Year!
A Wirral based business woman Amanda Daniels, director of Koogar “Integrated Marketing Agency” is celebrating after scooping Business Woman of the Year at a glittering awards ceremony.
The award was especially noteworthy as it was judged and presented by the original female Dragon from BBC’s Dragon’s Den, Rachel Elnaugh. Read the full article here
Enjoy your holiday time off, spend it with loved ones and relax.
We look forward to more networking, obviously cake and coffee as well as helping you market yourself by creating that beautiful on and offline experience you deserve!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
from
The Koogar Team!
P.S. Here is a little video we thought you may like!
http://youtu.be/4dmkRsBm5ww
by Amanda Daniels-Allen | Dec 2, 2013 | Guest Blogs, Mindset & Inspiration |
We’re getting to that time of year when people typically start to reflect on how the past 12 months have gone. Many businesses have their year-end in December. Others have until March to spend any surplus budget and start to focus on ways they might do that. And then there are those of us who simply feel that the Christmas holiday is a good time to take stock.
How far ahead do you typically plan? Is it three months, three years, seven years or even ten? If you’re required to submit business plans, then the need for long-term planning is greater. Personally though, I don’t plan much beyond the next twelve months. Why, because circumstances change; the environment in which we operate shifts and often what we want from the business changes too.
Change is happening constantly and if you want to make progress as a business owner then you will need to become change-ready so that you can respond appropriately to the evolving needs of your clients and the fluid environment we’re operating within.
To do that you need to know where this year has fallen short of your expectations and how to plug those gaps in 2014. Use the following 5 pointers as benchmarks to help you do this:
#1 – Challenge the factors that have led to your success to date: what worked initially may no longer be relevant, particularly with fluctuating market demands and changing times
#2 – Identify what you’re best at: endeavour to deliver that to the same high standard, time and time again. Find a way to delegate or simplify the rest
#3 – Develop a clear picture of success: once you know what the destination goal looks like, set your long-term goals in support of this
#4 – Understand and effectively communicate what you’re selling: this is work in progress and that’s okay. Use customer feedback to recognise whether your target audience is connecting with what you’re saying
#5 – Run a tight ship: To serve your customers well, you have to focus on quality, delivery, follow through, and follow-up. Determine how many you can service whilst maintaining your standards – and their expectations – and don’t step over that threshold.
Measuring your progress as a business owner needs to be a regular exercise and reviewing these 5 core areas, year-on-year will help your business to grow and improve. Even better, you could choose one item quarterly and take stock of your progress in that area to date. That would enable you to nip any oversights in the bud and steer you back on track if you find yourself wandering.
To grow your business means actively working on it and that includes staying prepared for change. When you master that you’ll find you can meet new business challenges head-on, reassured in the knowledge you are doing the right thing.
by Amanda Daniels-Allen | Nov 12, 2013 | Business, Koogar, Mindset & Inspiration |
On the 6th November Koogar celebrated our 7th Birthday!
Koogar was started so that I could keep on top of my skills when I worked full time in Stockport for a software company as an Internet Developer.
In 2013, a lot of things have happened within the business. New relationships have been forged, current relationships have been kept and built upon to maintain strength between us and new experiences have been taken (good and bad ones), so I just wanted to disclose the top 7 Business Tips I have taken on board since running Koogar and working with other businesses, large and small.
Don’t get me wrong, every day has its own learning curve and we do things now that I wouldn’t have even thought of when I started Koogar. Next year these tips may change to something else;
#1 – Go with your Gut
You know when you get that feeling in your stomach that something isn’t quite right. Nothing has been said or done to you but you have this feeling something isn’t right. Then whatever that feeling is go with it! You will always know what is right for you more than anyone else.
Trust yourself and how you want to do business. Most of us have products and services that others can or do offer, however we all do business differently. There is a right and wrong way to do business but you must ensure you do business the way that makes you feel comfortable. This is so you don’t have to say “I knew it!” thus kicking yourself until you have come to terms with it.
This is all based on your values; work out what they are and stick with them!
#2 – Try new things all the time
You know the thing you keep putting off because you are not sure it will work or you need to do some research to find out more about how you are going to do it and you’re procrastinating? Well, I urge you to take a leaf out of Nike’s book and “just do it!”… Go and take the next step towards this new thing.
When you try new things you step out of you comfort zone and can enhance a product or service more than you could imagine. You never know it, could catapult your business.
#3 – Keep on top of your skills
I’m quite lucky as our industry of Web/Internet keeps Koogar on our toes. Code, best practise and design changes within the hour if not quicker so we have to make sure we know what the next big thing is going to be.
My question to you is, “What new information do you need to learn today to add that extra value to your customers?”. Make a list and work through it!
#4 – Help others wherever you can!
Being in business isn’t always about how everyone can help you. Sometimes you might not get something from someone for a while or maybe not ever, but everyone needs help. When you can see that someone needs help in a certain area and you might not be able to complete the work yourself but you know someone who could do a tremendous job for them, I implore you to help that person the best way you can.
This year a couple helped us (on a personal note, but we talked about it when having a 1:1) by giving their time for a few hours and it was just what we needed. Nothing to do with business however I will remember this person forever and if I can help them in any way in the future Koogar will!
#5 – Walk your talk!
When you say you will do something, do it as best as you can! Granted sometimes things happen; urgent work, a personal situation or you just might not have had the time. Lots of things can get in the way, just correct it when that happens but make sure you deliver on your promise.
A brand is the promise you make and the promise you keep to the people you work with!
#6 – Be honest to your clients and to yourself
If you are not able to do something or know a better way of doing it, speak up! Don’t say you can when you can’t. There are lots of horror stories I have heard, not just in the last year but during my career within Web/Internet (15 years) because people say they can when they most definitely can’t!
Don’t get remembered for the wrong reason!
#7 – Don’t give up!
Running a business is hard work [full stop!]
It’s not a 9-5 where you can walk away until the next day. Your family and friends don’t understand unless they run their own company. You have to do the work, find a team to help and work with you, look after and understand the finances, market yourself and products/services, find the next projects/clients and then keep your clients! Rinse, repeat…
A really nice definition of being an Entrepreneur I heard this year when I attended “Entrepreneur Convention with Nigel Botterill” was;
“An Entrepreneur is living your life like most people won’t… so you can spend the rest of your life like most people can’t”
Find support with people you do business with and network with. They will help you keep on track!
These 7 Business Tips I highly recommend you do. There are more I can share but just wanted to give you 7 to tie into our 7th Birthday!
