Five reasons why you still need PR and Marketing even when you don’t think you can afford it

For many of us, especially business owners, this winter is giving many a great deal of anxiety. With the cost of living at an all-time high and energy bills reaching astronomic heights, it seems prudent to redraft budgets and cut out any unnecessary expenditure. Spending money on PR and Marketing suddenly seems like a luxury. However, there are good reasons why now is not the time to cut your communication strategy.

Are You Feeling More Tired Than Usual Today?

If so, I might know why! Until last month, this has never occurred to me but upon speaking to a colleague (thanks K, you know who you are!) I learned that apparently, it’s common for us all to feel more tired around a full moon. And of course, tomorrow is a full moon. This is no hocus pocus, it’s backed by research.

Skills Development within Farming’s Workforce

Two opportunities to upskill and contribute your solutions at AgriScot on Wednesday 16th November: 1) FREE development programme for women working in the rural sector and 2) SAOS ‘Skills Development – Future Proofing Farming’s Workforce’ seminar

Five things we could all learn from horses

Yes, I am talking of those large animals with hooves that seem to primarily exist as a means of draining their owners’ bank accounts. But apart from being better at extracting money than a seasoned Mobster, there are a few important life lessons we can learn from these creatures.

Are You Offended?

Recently, I offended someone. I hope it goes without saying that this was very much NOT what I had intended. In fact, the very same action elicited a ‘thank you’ from somebody else. Nevertheless, someone was offended by something I did. And that’s not OK. I felt terrible. I stewed over it. I analysed it. I apologised. But still, I feel bad.

The Art of Delegation

It’s well known that great leaders regularly delegate. But how do you know if you need to delegate more?

Creativity for Non-Creatives

Do you think of yourself as unimaginative? Are you struggling to come up with new ideas? As Charles Darwin famously said, “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent; it is the one most adaptable to change.” The last couple of years have certainly shown that to be true. We've been impressed by the way enterprising people came up with creative solutions to various business problems. But what if you are not naturally creative? Can you still pivot your business?

The Things I Learned From The World's Greatest...

...Living Explorer. Sir Ranulph Fiennes. What a man – and I was lucky enough to be near the front in the big tent at the Fringe by the Sea to hear him speak about his 78 years of adventure. I paraphrase a little but, having been so inspired by his words, I wanted to share some of them with you.

Could You Do More To Support Your Female Workforce?

If the answer is yes, or even maybe, then why not consider putting them forward for this superb course? What’s more, it’s entirely FREE! The Be Your Best Self personal development programme for Women in Agriculture is an integral part of the Scottish Government’s vision to make Scottish agriculture a fairer, more inclusive industry where business succession is not determined by gender, training is accessible to everyone, and more women take on senior roles.

New Leadership Programme Open For Applications

The forthcoming Growing Tomorrow’s Leaders programme, developed by SAOS (Scotland’s experts on farmer co-ops and food industry collaboration), along with partners NFU Mutual, NFU Scotland and The Leadership Factory is seeking the leaders of tomorrow.

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