The Arts Business

Find your Perfect Social Network: Part 2

Posted 16/08/2019 RuthEJWestLeave a commentPosted in Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Marketing, Social Media

Platform Name	LinkedIn
Monthly Active Users	303 Million
Key Demographic	Mainly professionals, but this is the key social platform where you’re likely to find the older generation age bracket.
Pros	A great platform for hiring staff, anyone and everyone has their CV or some kind of uploaded imitation of on here. It also has a great, informative blog platform and a section to advertise job positions.
Cons	Due to its nature it means that, unless people are using it for one of the above options, users don’t tend to check it that frequently, hence its low active monthly user figure.

Platform Name	Snapchat
Monthly Active Users	301 million
Key Demographic	Children and Teenagers, if they are your target audience you need to be all over this social media platform.
Pros	It’s quick and they have some great AR capabilities. Especially good if your running a show for teenagers or educational purposes. Think about appointing a Snapchat Officer when running workshops for teenagers! They love the responsibility! Just make sure to get permission slips signed for under 18s to be on social first.
Cons	Did you not hear what Kim Kardashian said? Snapchat is on its way out! Seriously, on the day she shared that the value of Snapchat dropped by $1.3 billion, which probably also tells you a bit about the demographic of Snapchat… I’m saying nothing.

Platform Name	Pinterest
Monthly Active Users	291 Million
Key Demographic	Mainly women, in fact 80% of its users are female. The median age of Pinterest is also slightly higher than many other social networks at 40 although active users usually fall below this age.
Pros	Amazing craft and ideas platform. The ability to create separate mood boards is genius and I have seen it frequently used by designers and event managers. If you have merchandise you can create a sales platform on here to.
Cons	Very rarely is there citation to who has made and designed the items on here which means plagiarism is common if you are putting up your own work up, although some would argue that Pinterest is about utilising others ideas and coming up with your own creation.

Platform Name	Soundcloud
Registered Users	76 Million
Unique Monthly Listeners	175 Million
Key Demographic	Music fans and podcast listeners
Pros	Unlike Spotify you are able to upload your own music and podcast content through Soundcloud to share with the world. This can then easily be shared either by you or your listeners across other platforms and through your website by embedding tracks in the code.
Cons	A low viewership at present means it is one of the least common streaming sites but it is building in popularity, especially amongst podcast developers and listeners. Also, at present, you don’t have to create a profile to register which makes finding users with specific tastes difficult!

Platform Name	Vimeo
Monthly Active Users	240 million
Key Demographic	A rather small demographic mainly consisting of creatives who prefer a higher quality of video. Basically, perfect for the arts industry.
Pros	The biggest pro by far is the ability to privatise your videos! If you’re workshopping or trying to market your show to tour promoters but don’t want to spoil it for paying audiences simply send them your video link with a password so they can view it, but no one else can!
Cons	Unlike most the social media networks Vimeo has a lot of restrictions in the number of videos you can upload and store when you use it for free. For £6-70 per month you can pay for additional storage and upload limits (it’s basically like paying for hosting).

Platform Name	Tumblr
Monthly Posts	1.1 Billion
Key Demographic	Another of your younger platforms (although not as young as Snapchat) catering mainly to under thirties.
Pros	You can find any different interests on this site which makes it hugely accessible! You can also have multiple blogs which discuss different topics and unlike must social media where consistency is key you can come and go as you please on Tumblr without effective your business.
Cons	Due to it’s blogging nature it is open to discussion which can be a feral breeding crowd for trolls! Think about YouTube arguments but on in parliament, discussing Brexit, on speed. They’re also super cagey about their visitor statistics so it’s difficult to gauge the kind of reach your getting.

BONUS TIP: Try to always keep your finger on the pulse with new, up and coming social platforms! How? I have found the easiest and most constructive way of doing this is simply seeing what is currently all the rage with my friends kids! If it is winging its way through the local comprehensive school, chances are it’s buzzing all over the UK. Obviously if you don’t have access to the fountain of knowledge that springs from the youth you can always listen to a social media podcast or keep your eye out in the news!

Do you use any social networks I haven’t mentioned? I would love to hear about them in the comments.

I have tried to pull the most recent user data and demographics from the following websites:

Find your Perfect Social Network: Part 1

Posted 13/08/2019 RuthEJWestLeave a commentPosted in Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Marketing, Social Media

Find your Perfect Social Network Part 1

Relevant at all times of the year, but also hella helpful for your Fringe residency!

With so many platforms available to you and your business it is difficult to know exactly what platforms you should cover.

Don’t just go mad and join all of them at the same time! Especially if you’re a one man band. As we’ve have mentioned in 10 ways to your social consistency is key and you will make your life incredibly difficult for yourself (unless you are a content creation machine!).

We’ve broken down the key stats of leading social media platforms for you to make your life a little easier.

Platform Name	Facebook
Monthly Active Users	2.41 billion
Key Demographic	Basically, everyone and their parents, and often their Grandparents. Pretty much one third of the entire world uses Facebook so your target audience is bound to be here!
Pros	Everyone is on it! And every community group you could ever want to find probably already exists somewhere. It is also diverse in the content you can share including live video, gifs, photos, text etc.
Cons	Due to the high number of users it means you also have a high number of competition so it can be really difficult to build followers organically

Platform Name	YouTube
Monthly Active Users	1.9 Billion
Key Demographic	Again, a lot of people! But the people who use it for the longest each week are aged 16-24, followed by the 25-34 age bracket. Also, keep in mind that 70% of users turn to YouTube to learn something.
Pros	The Biggest Video platform in the world! Streaming platforms are slowly taking over from TV and YouTube stars are becoming the new celebrities so if you hit the right market not only will you find your audience but you could even make a living from Vlogging.
Cons	Like Facebook you have a lot of competition so do your research and make sure you’re using it to your advantage.

Platform Name	Whatsapp
Monthly Active Users	1.5 billion
Key Demographic	Like many social platforms it is predominantly your younger audience, but it is slowly taking the place of text messaging and its market is growing.
Pros	It all runs through the internet so it’s pretty much free, unlike text messaging. It has multiple ways you can use it for business means including: internal team communications; customer support; marketing and promotion.
Cons	Not many companies currently use whatsapp for business. I think this is really a pro disguised as a con. What it means is that if you can creatively think about ways you could use Whatspps in your business you can be ahead of the game! You could set the example.

Platform Name	Instagram
Monthly Active Users	1 billion
Key Demographic	Those in their 20s and 30s, Instagram has, in some cases, replaced Facebook for many people due to its simple, image based interface.
Pros	It can be used to direct message other users even if you’re not following each other! It has built in photo editing software so that even the most rubbish pictures you have taken look amazing. It integrates tags and hashtags seamlessly.
Cons	The focus on photos means users are less likely to read content so find a way to integrate text into your photos.

Platform Name	Twitter
Monthly Active Users	330 million
Key Demographic	Millennials and Stephen Fry
Pros	Like Instagram the ability to tag others and utilise hashtags is hugely beneficial. This means you are easily able to keep up with the latest trends and see what people are looking at on a daily basis.
Cons	You can only message people if you both follow each other which, although is marginally restrictive, does make sense because of the number of celebrities who would otherwise receive mountains of spam. You also have a limited letter count on Twitter so be succinct.

Platform Name	Reddit
Monthly Active Users	330 Million
Key Demographic	Predominantly Males aged 25-34.
Pros	A platform which openly encourages discussion on anything and everything it differs to other social networks because of its high levels of interaction. These discussions are split into categories or ‘subreddits’ to make your subject matter and audience easy to find.
Cons	Some people only use Reddit to act as the opposing party so be prepared for what can often be unnecessary and time-consuming debates. It can be easy to take things personally on Reddit so make sure you spend some time detaching yourself from your online profile for the sake of your sanity

Stay tuned for tomorrows post where we will be talking about some of the smaller social networks which can be equally as useful for your company.

APP OF THE MONTH: Canva

Posted 12/08/201924/03/2020 RuthEJWestLeave a commentPosted in App of the Month, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Graphic Design

Name	Canva
Product Description	Amazingly simple graphic design software which allows you to make bespoke posts in the perfect size for any social media platform
Availability	Through Browser at www.canva.com and as an app from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store
Key Features	Create beautiful designs for your business in a matter of minutes. Pick from thousands of existing templates to help you on your way. Ensure your pictures exactly where and how you want them with their photo straightener, cropping tool, transparency feature and photo blur. Add text or speech bubbles to any photo so they speak to your audience! Create the perfect photo collage with premade design grids. Add lines, shapes and images to make your designs distinctive. Choose from a range of photo frames to make your pictures stand out. Create a web wireframe or webpage mock-up to show clients what you can do. This can easily go on to be developed into a fully working model. Add stickers and custom make badges to stick to your designs. Learn how to use Canva in a series of online videos provided by the company.
Prices and Plans	FREE for the most basic plan which I have found to include everything I have ever needed! Simply sign up and start making! Then its around a tenner a month for Canva Pro which comes with additional online storage and features. They also offer discounts and freebies to non-profit organisations, so if you’re a registered charity drop them an email to see what they can do for you.
Biggest Pro	Make slick looking online content and designs in a matter of minutes on your own! No need for a graphic designer, simply become one!
Biggest Con	Restricted features like magically resizing your design to look good for any of your social platforms or animated designs are reserved for the pay monthly pro version.

Press Articles Explained

Posted 11/08/2019 RuthEJWestLeave a commentPosted in Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Marketing, Publicity

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is covered by press from all over the world. Publications, big and small, journalists both employed and self-employed, flock to Scotland to report on anything and everything!

Here at The Arts Business we have already talked you through how to write the Perfect Edinburgh Fringe Press Release, but now it’s time you really understand the ins and outs of the articles their looking to print.

1. Features

What is it?

These are the large pieces you often see in publications. It could be all about you: ‘New feminist comedian breaks the comedy circuit’ or about a group of people doing something similar: ‘New feminist comedians who are breaking the comedy circuit’. These often include quotes and interviews with the performers.

How do I get one?

Write a pitch: What makes your show distinct? What are its special qualities that aren’t in anyone else’s shows? Does it discuss any current affair topics? Find your unique selling point and pitch the f**k out of it!

2. News

What is it?

Simply something worthy of being a headline! It is pretty tricky to get a fringe show in the news as not only do you have to contend with the rest of your fringe fellows but you will also have to battle the rest of the world!

How do I get one?

You seriously need to have something deemed reportable, but remember, even though it’s difficult to remember at the moment, not everything in the news is doom and gloom, if it’s a slow or bleak news day they’ll be looking for that piece which will lift spirits.

3. Diary

What is it?

A story that isn’t quite newsworthy enough to be news and isn’t quite long enough to be a feature, frequently associated with gossip columns. Short and juicy titbits worth a short mention!

How do I get one?

It’s not really something you can plan! It’s more if you happen upon: an interesting anecdote during your run! Maybe a celebrity saw your show, maybe a streaker with ‘BREXIT SUX’ scrawled across their chest took to the stage! Any cheeky morsel you believe will make readable gossip!

4. Newsletters

What is it?

Chances are every receiving house in Edinburgh will have an email and mailing list which they send a weekly or monthly newsletter to their followers. This is an easy and free way for you to get the news of your show out to potentially thousands of customers.

How do I get one?

Firstly, check out if it is tailored to your kind of show promotion by joining the mailing list yourself and checking out the information you receive. You can also simply ask the venue if this is something they do and if you can be on it. The earlier you ask the more likely this is to be an option.

5. Reviews

What is it?

When someone comes to judge your show! Remember there is no guarantee the reviewers response will be positive so it could be good or bad press for your show. Having said that, don’t obsess about reviews! They are not the be all and end all.

How do I get one?

Check out our Fringe Press Release article to grab the press’ attention and remember to pick reviewers who are interested in your genre of work! You wouldn’t want a children’s theatre reviewer to see your very adult naked cabaret and they probably won’t be too keen on hearing from you either.

6. Podcasts

What is it?

The modern radio programmes, these vary from clip shows of full sessions to tailor made, specific broadcasts for certain target audiences. They even have some which run especially during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

How do I get one?

Find the right one for your show! There are podcasts out for anything and everything so you are bound to come across one that meets your exact category! For example, if you’re doing a show on Harry Potter, why not try getting a slot on ‘The Mugglecast’

7. Bloggers

What is it?

Basically: online newspapers, often more personal and easy for individuals to set up and talk about their interests! Fun Fact: they were originally called Web Logs which eventually was shortened to blog.

How do I get one?

As you would a podcast. Be sure to do your research on audience number and reach to clarify that they are definitely for you. If they only have four followers on facebook and have been going for 2 years then it probably isn’t worth your time.

8. Sharable Online Content

What is it?

Simply the posts, tweets, grams, messages, videos, gifs, photos and content you share across your social media platforms when they are shared by someone else.

How do I get one?

Try tagging the people you want to share your content in your posts, if the content is special enough they may just share you, but at the very least they should notice you. But, don’t be a spammer! Nobody likes a spammer! Using topical and appropriate hashtags can help to!

So, go out and get in the paper so you and your followers can: READ ALL ABOUT IT!

Top 10 Podcasts to make your Arts Business

Posted 10/08/2019 RuthEJWestLeave a commentPosted in Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Marketing, Podcasts

You can walk everywhere in Edinburgh in 20 minutes, so why not use that time to your advantage. Stick in your headphones and whack on a podcast.

Whether inspirational or informative, podcasts are a great way to expand your knowledge and trigger some awesome ideas to figure out the next step for your company.

1. Arts and Ideas

From BBC Radio 3, a podcast which does exactly what it says on the tin. Different topics across the creative industries discussed and debated by every kind of professional from artists to scientists. 20-45 minute episodes.

Click Here to Learn More

2. Marketing School

Daily bites of Digital Marketing and Online Sales Tips from Neil Patel and Eric Siu, both incredibly successful entrepreneurs in the field. These titbits are easily digestible, straightforward to act upon and keep you wanting more. 5-10 minute episodes.

Click Here to Learn More

3. Social Media Marketing Podcast

From the Social Media Examiner with Michael Stelzner, comes this excellent podcast where you can learn everything you ever wanted to know about Social Media Marketing and stay up to date with the latest updates and techniques. 1-hour episodes.

Click Here to Learn More

4. Build Your Tribe

Make your influence matter in your field with Charlene Johnson. Listen to interviews from leading influencers providing you with tips on how to create and monetise your community online and how to look after them when you’ve got them. 10-30 minute episodes.

Click Here to Learn More

5. Seth Godin – Startup School

The podcast which got me into digital marketing! This man is a genius and anything he has written or spoken about is worth reading or listening to. Even though it is now over 5 years old it consists of a complete course of what you need to know about beginning your business. 15-30 minute episodes.

Click Here to Learn More

6. Creative Warriors

A podcast by and for entrepreneurs and small creative business owners, take the road less travelled with Jeffrey Shaw and learn creative techniques for marketing which can be immediately applied to your company. 15-45 minute episodes.

Click Here to Learn More

7. Ctrl Alt Delete

Presented by Emma Gannon, she talks to friends and celebrities about their relationship with the internet, the pros and cons, what to do and what to avoid. It makes you realise you’re not the only person on earth obsessed with your social media. 1 hour episodes.

Click Here to Learn More

8. Freakonomics Radio

A fascinating perspective of absolutely everything, bound to inspire the way you do and interpret your business research. From Stephen J. Dubner, co author of the Freakonomics book series this is a truly inspiring podcast. 30-60 minute episodes.

Click Here to Learn More

9. Broadway Backstory

Learn about how your favourite Broadway musicals made it from mere ideas and through the research and development process. Listen to how they were workshopped and when they made it to the big lights of Broadway. All the producing knowledge you need. 60 minute episodes.

Click Here to Learn More

10. Desert Island Discs

A random but excellent choice, every episode from the BBC archives are available! So, stick it on in the background and learn about how the celebrity has evolved from the 50s to the present. I always learn more about the creative industries when I have it on! 10-30 minutes.

Click Here to Learn More

So, whack in your headphones and get listening.

What are your favourite podcasts? Let me know in the comments!

Check In With Your Mental Health

Posted 09/08/2019 RuthEJWestLeave a commentPosted in Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Festival, Health

With the first week of the Fringe drawing to a close it’s important to remember to look after yourself.

Like many creatives I have had my fair share of struggles with mental health problems and I know the stresses both emotional and physical that the festival can put on you. I once ran away from the venue I was production managing and hid behind a tree so that I could no longer see it just to get a break.

In recent years people are talking more openly about mental health both in their shows and in content they put out to the public. This means slowly the walls that create the stigma around mental health are tumbling down.

So, before a complete mental breakdown ensues here are some things that have helped me cope over the years:

Take some time just for you – you want something that is going to switch your brain off, stop those millions of thoughts from rushing round your head, quit working through those to do lists. Whether its for 10 minutes or a few hours just take some time out. Here are some suggestions:

o Take a bath or shower

o Just sit still with a cup of tea or coffee

o Watch some Netflix or catch up telly

o Listen to a podcast

o Do some mindfulness activities

o Mediate or sit and do some deep breathing

o Take yourself for a meal

o Read a book

o Play a game

o See a show that your interested in

Self care – it can be easy to neglect yourself over the fringe and like the queer eye boys say this is the most important thing you can do! If you can’t care for yourself then you can’t be 100% in your arts business

o Clean your digs or do some laundry

o Get some sleep

o Do some exercise – Have a walk, do some yoga, go for a run, something you enjoy

o Detox for a day – cut out the alcohol, cigarettes and caffeine for a day. Even consider culling your social media time, even if it’s just for an hour.

o Healthy eating – so much easier said than done especially when you’re surrounded by millions of amazing food stands. My aim is generally just to go for one healthy-ish meal a day and it makes me feel like I’m trying.

o Attempt to keep some vague sense of a routine – it can be easy to want to burn the candle at both ends all day everyday because of FOMO but it’s almost impossible to maintain for an entire month so see if you can spend a few days going to bed and getting up at a similar time.

Talk it out if your feeling low

o Text your friends

o Call your family

o Chat to a trained professional. Whether this is through an app online or asking advise at the Fringe society talking to someone detached from your situation is one of the most constructive things I’ve done.

o Another company – someone who is in the same boat, coping with the same things as you who will understand your gripes!

Some other things to try:

o Write it down – something that helps me to make my thoughts a little clearer which helps me to articulate them a little better when I talk to people about it

o Make lists and work your way through small achievable tasks, after all, there is nothing better than crossing something you’ve completed off a list!

o Take some perspective – you are at the Fringe Festival working on something you love, you’ve already done something amazing so don’t get down on yourself, try challenging those negative thoughts and be proud of the small achievements

o Do something scary – face your fear, whether it’s going in a lift, climbing to the top of Arthur’s seat, taking yourself to dinner alone, try pushing yourself to doing something which makes you feel anxious. You may just realise it wasn’t so bad after all.

o Don’t be afraid to try medication, get an appointment from a drop-in service and see what your options are. Take it from someone who has tried every kind of medication under the sun – you will find one that suits you

o Herbal remedies – it is amazing how soothing a camomile tea can be

o Try something new – axe throwing, rage room, escape room, site specific show, there is no better place to try something new than at the Edinburgh Fringe

o Try to find a way to have fun – see a movie, meet up with friends, make plans and stick to them even if you don’t really feel like it, it may just cheer you up

o Learn more about mental health problems

There’s no quick fix but if one thing on this list helps even one person this festival then I’ve done something to help!

Don’t just run yourself to empty, try to find a balance this Fringe.

To Flyer or not to Flyer

Posted 08/08/2019 RuthEJWestLeave a commentPosted in Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Marketing, Promotion

That is the question

Yes, it’s tiring, emotionally draining, time consuming, environmentally unfriendly and you’ll probably get soaked to the bone due to the terrible and completely unpredictable nature of Scottish weather, but yes! To Flyer is always the answer!

The Arts Business have complied all the reasons you should flyer, the where’s, the when’s, the who’s, the what’s and the how’s all of which will make your flyering the most effective and enjoyable it can be.

1. Be Human – build up report, have a chat, some human interaction and conversation goes a long way. You want to show off your personality, see if it matches. If you’ve got some great banter with your flyeree chances are they will take a shot at your show.

2. Never Flyer Alone – Always have a partner! Flyering can be exhausting and the constant rejection can really get to you so have someone in the trenches with you, someone who is going through the same thing, someone to rant to, someone who will be your comrade!

3. Rope in the Family – no one is more on board with your show than blood relatives who will rave about you to unsuspecting flyerees! Chances are they are coming to see your show anyway and with crazy low budgets who doesn’t love a bit of free and passionate labour.

4. Schedule Times – Protocol usually dictates that you should flyer in the two hours a day before your show as this will be the most effective time to draw in the punters. Don’t over flyer: you have to keep up your flyer enthusiasm for the entire festival so better to have short but constructive bursts.

5. Have Breaks – very few of us are resilient enough to flyer for 2 hours straight so start 15 minutes earlier and have that cheeky tea break in the middle where you can try to chat about anything but flyering!

6. Mix it up – An entire month promoting the same thing day in day out can be boring so why not trade flyers with a company you know and trust for a day, they flyer you, you flyer them, it adds a little variety to what can otherwise become a tedious activity.

7. Location, Location, Location – obviously the Royal Mile but you are guaranteed a load of competition so other areas to think about are Princes Street Gardens, Bristo Square, George Square and The Mound, especially the paved area by galleries where the Half Price Hut sits. This is filled to the brim with undecided audience members just looking for your suggestion.

8. The Royal Mile – you have loads of competition here so make sure you stand out. Another cheeky tip is to have a wander up and down in the morning and check out the pop-up stage performers for that day. Any with a similar genre to you? Chances are those crowds who stop will also be interested in you and your show!

9. Flyer at your Venue – basically the only place you don’t have to ask permission to flyer so get up and down their box office queue, find shows that are like yours and flyer at the beginning or end of your show! Take advantage of your space, chances are you’re paying enough for it.

10. Flyer entries and exits – do your research into similar shows and ask if you can flyer either the start or end of their shows, maybe even ask them to leave flyers on chairs inside. Remember in queues there are bound to be paying customers just looking for their next show and if it’s a similar genre to yours chances are the audience will be interested.

11. Find your Audience – Take the gamble out of flyering by finding out where your Target Audience hang out. Are you a magic show for kids? Try mummy and me clubs or creches. LGBTQ+ Comic? Look into the gay bars and clubs of the city.

12. Have a Gimmick – something that makes you stand out in the crowds, wear your costume, create a photo opportunity, carry around that puppet, give out free condoms: draw attention to you! Think outside the box and have fun with it.

13. To hire or not to hire – street teams can be pricey, but they are also time saving. Their pros are that they know the distribution channels and the city better than you do but remember they don’t know your show as well as you and your crew! Just do your research and figure out if the money for time trade-off is worth it.

14. 5 second performance – think of it like a micro show, hook them in with a fun 5 seconds, then make a plan for the next 5, then the next 5 and the next. Reel them in and keep them hooked! If they like you then they will most probably like to see your show. And don’t be afraid to practice before you flyer!

15. Don’t force it – sure offer a flyer out but don’t force it into their hands, let the flyeree take it from you. If they show genuine interest in you they are way more likely to come and see you, remember one flyer gently given is better than 10 thrust into uncaring hands. It’s more environmentally friendly to!

16. Nail your Exit Line – Don’t let the goodbye be awkward, like a farewell after a one night stand it is better to be confident not weird. So, come up with a killer one liner which will make them remember you when they’re looking for they’re next show to see.

17. Stay Positive – I know this is easier said than done but at the end of the day flyering makes up a big part of everyone company’s fringe experience so you may as well have fun with it. Remember, we’re all in the same boat so turn that frown upside-down and don’t let the haters bring you down!

Don’t worry about flyering! Be Happy!

Have you got any flyering tips and tricks? Let us know in the comments so we can add them in!

Set SMART Edinburgh Fringe Objectives

Posted 07/08/2019 RuthEJWestLeave a commentPosted in Business Skills, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Start Ups

All businesses in the creative industries need objectives. These are, simply stated, stuff your business wants to achieve.

They’re generally pretty straightforward especially considering most artistic organisations have existing mission statements, visions and values in place to adhere to.

But when coming up with your objectives it’s important to think SMART:

Specific	If you are too vague in your statements no one will know where to start. Most of Edinburgh have the same objective to ‘Sell more tickets’, so instead think ‘Sell a minimum of 10 tickets per day’. This makes your goals both clearer and more achievable.
Measurable	You have to find some way to measure your outcomes so that you know if you have achieved them for example ‘Increase daily website views by 10%’ is a measurable goal whereas ‘improve website’ is not.
Agreeable	Make sure everyone who is associated with the objective knows about it and supports it. It is especially important at the fringe to keep everyone on the same page and ensure your team is on board with all decisions. It improves team morale when the whole company is beating to the rhythm of the same drum.
Realistic	Don’t be over ambitious. If you are a first time, one-woman musician in a 10-seat venue you probably aren’t going to set a goal of an international stadium tour within a year. It’s great to dream big but set achievable aims which motivate you to continue and make you feel great about your accomplishments.
Timely	Set a time frame for your objectives otherwise they won’t be deemed as ‘urgent’ and will slip by the wayside. If your objective is ‘Get 200 social media followers before the end of the festival’ your company has a common goal and will get to work on it straight away.

Once these are in place it is much easy to develop strategies! Basically, once you know where you want to go, it is much easier to plan the route.

Share your objectives in the comments below!

Make Fringe Friends, Romans and Countrymen!

Posted 06/08/2019 RuthEJWestLeave a commentPosted in Business Skills, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Networking

One of the best things about the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the shear number of artists, practioners and generally like-minded people who are all in the same place at the same time!

Do you think they can find a freelance lampie in London? NO! They’re all in Edinburgh! What about up and coming poets for your open mic night? Edinburgh! An audience in general? EDINBURGH!

In fact, the population of Edinburgh triples from 500 thousand to 1.5 million! That’s 1,499,999 potential friends to make. I know what that sounds like but people inherently like to work with people who they know a little bit about, both in regards to their work and on a personal level.

So, run a meet up.

So simple! So effective!

Get in touch with fellow minded companies and individuals and invite them out. If you’ve got a bit of budget to spare you could take a group out for a meal and a show. Less budget? How about cocktails at Cabaret Voltaire. Shoestring? Go for a picnic in the park. No money? Throw a party at your digs!

With or without seducing people with food and booze the key selling point is the good company. Although this is essentially a networking event you are organising for yourself or your company it is sure to benefit all parties who attend so let them know who you’re inviting and why.

How do you invite them? If you find their show on the Edinburgh Fringe site you’ll find links to their social media and websites so send them a message on facebook or Instagram, drop them an email or, old school, give them a ring.

Keep your eye on the numbers at gatherings like this, too small and it can be awkward, too big and there is no way you can have a personal conversation with people. You’ll find a sweet spot between 10-20.

And that’s all there is to it!

For one month a year you can find similar minded individuals, with similar ideals and similar goals, to raise awareness of their show. So, take advantage of it! And you’re bound to meet all kinds of interesting people from all over the world!

Thinking of running a meet and greet?! Why yes, I’d love to come! You only need to ask.

Have you run a successful Meet Up in Edinburgh! How did it go? Let us know in the comments below!

APP OF THE MONTH: Hootsuite

Posted 05/08/201924/03/2020 RuthEJWestLeave a commentPosted in App of the Month, Marketing, Social Media

Name	Hootsuite
Product Description	This software allows you to manage all your social media platforms in one place quickly and easily!
Availability	Through Browser at http://www.hootsuite.com/ and as an app from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store
Key Features	Schedule Posts in your own time so your profiles always look active. Easily find, manage and share content across all your platforms. Boost all your best posts. Check all your analytics in one place. Monitor topics and hashtags relevant to you and see when their activity peaks and troughs. Assign tasks to others in your team. Protect your brand with inbuilt security measures. Learn how to use Hootsuite in their very own cohesive online Academy available for subscribers.
Prices and Plans	FREE for the most basic plan which allows you to manage 3 different platforms in each place and limits the amount of scheduling you can do (although it is still a huge amount!) Handy Tip: They tend to hide their free plan pretty well so when looking at plans simply scroll all the way to the bottom of the page and you’ll see a link to their free plan. Paid plans for more platforms and users available from anywhere between £25-£520 per month. Find out more here: https://hootsuite.com/plans/upgrade
Biggest Pro	Having all your social media profiles and pages in one place to save you chopping and changing between apps and website. It really helps you get the best out of your time.
Biggest Con	If you have multiple companies running through Hootsuite there is currently no way to easily change between profiles so a bit of a faff involved in constantly logging in and out. I reckon this will come soon though!