A Review of our July Meeting : Marketing for the Future
Our July meeting offered a rich mix of marketing knowledge and strategies for businesses of all sizes. Here, we look at some of the meeting highlights and key takeaways.
Organised by Chamber Management Team Member Andrew Joy of ActionCOACH Harrogate, the meeting was hosted by The Crown Hotel who kindly provided refreshments as people arrived and networked. As usual, this dedicated networking session provided a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow Chamber members, forge new partnerships, and share ideas.
Making a Difference in Our Community
The meeting commenced with a spotlight on Lifeline Harrogate, a local charity dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness. The charity’s Office and Fundraising Manager, Ruth Skaife-Clarke was unfortunately unavailable for the meeting, and so the presentation was delivered on her behalf by the Chamber’s Charity Coordinator, Jackie Snape of Disability Action Yorkshire. The talk, which was accompanied by a moving video presentation, provided an overview of Lifeline’s crucial role within the community and the positive impact they have on lives. It also explored various ways people and businesses can help the charity’s efforts, including volunteering opportunities, fundraising partnerships, and donations. We encourage all members to consider how they might be able support this important cause.
The Power of Storytelling in PR
Tamsin O'Brien, founder of The Stray Ferret then kicked off the main meeting with a captivating discussion on the power of storytelling in press releases. Tamsin emphasised the importance of crafting human-interest stories that resonate with journalists and readers alike. She provided practical tips for creating compelling press releases that showcase your business's positive contributions to both customers and the community as a whole. Additionally, Emma Harris, Commercial Manager, explained the strategic benefits of utilising paid content, such as advertorials, within your PR and marketing mix.
Unlocking the Potential of TikTok for Business Growth
Beth Bevis of Up the Anti followed with an insightful session aimed at demystifying the world of TikTok for businesses. Her presentation delved into understanding the platform's unique algorithm and user behaviour. Beth showcased successful case studies and strategies that demonstrate how businesses can leverage TikTok effectively for marketing and brand awareness. She also addressed common concerns and reservations businesses may have about using TikTok and offered practical tips to help people to navigate this dynamic platform.
Harnessing the Power of AI in Marketing
Finally, Will Lynch from Waye offered a thought-provoking discussion on the exciting potential of AI in marketing. His presentation highlighted how AI can automate tasks and personalise user experiences, ultimately enhancing efficiency and effectiveness. However, Will emphasised the importance of maintaining human oversight to avoid nonsensical content and biased outputs. He also made the point that AI is a valuable tool to enhance your marketing efforts, not replace the crucial role of human expertise. He encouraged a measured approach, suggesting that businesses start small by utilising free trials of AI tools. Experimenting with these tools can free up valuable time for you to focus on the creative and strategic aspects of your marketing endeavours. Will concluded by reminding us to be mindful of potential biases in the data AI is trained on, as these can influence the outputs.
Building Stronger Businesses Together
Our July meeting offered valuable insights and sparked engaging conversations that will undoubtedly benefit our member businesses and guests. The information shared by all presenters was both inspiring and actionable.
We'd like to thank everyone who attended the July meeting, as well as our presenters and The Crown Hotel for their hospitality. Next, we look forward to a real highlight of the Chamber calendar, with our upcoming member-only Summer Social on 12th August (venue TBC). Booking will open soon at https://www.harrogatechamber.co.uk/events.
Registered guests will next be able to attend a Chamber meeting on 9th September.
