Lesley Barlow

Lesley Barlow, Marketing and business development, www.lesleybarlow.co.uk

Name: Lesley Barlow
Business name: alittlebirdtoldmeabout...lesley barlow
Web Site: www.lesleybarlow.co.uk

Tell us about your business or position:
In the autumn of 2009, I decided that my wealth of experience in customer development and marketing from years of working alongside companies like The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, Argos and the Palace of Westminster could truly help businesses in Yorkshire. What could be more fulfilling than helping hard working, busy enterprises to develop and prosper? I am particularly interested in the SME marketplace, working with passionate interesting people, who like me want to grow their business whilst having fun!

I believe in working in partnership; after all, you know your business.
I believe that in running our own businesses we often overlook how our customers see and hear about us, how they view us; it is time to start thinking from their point of view! You need to put your customers at the top of your business development plans; after all, without the customers there will be no business. 

• I take the mystique out of marketing, marketing strategies, marketing plans and PR and put in hard work for business sustainability and brand awareness delivered in a cheery, bright, positive and clearly understood manner. 
• I ‘m the missing piece of the jigsaw, the extra hands to build relationships and trust with your customers and potential customers. 
• I will help you to tell them what’s special about you and your business to engage and enthuse so they recommend and return time after time.

What achievement in your career/business are you most proud of?

Actually starting my own business was a huge step for me. My career to date was working within various sized businesses from a huge corporate like the Prudential to small family businesses. So I was use to having colleagues around. Working for myself has created many challenges, low and high points, frustration and laughter. I’ve even been known to talk to myself but it’s all part of it and I am proud now to be in my 2nd year of trading!
A memorable moment in a past career position, will always be, when I was as leading a presentation at The Prime Minsters Office, No 10 Downing Street. Walking down Downing Street with tourists clicking away was my ‘red carpet moment’. Then I got far too excited standing by the famous fireplace inside No. 10, where only days before Nelson Mandela had stood, followed by a walk up the famous staircase with its gallery of past Prime Ministers!

Three top networking tips:

• Smile
• Have a good elevator pitch rehearsed
• Wear something to make you feel special/confident

Three top business/career progression tips:

• Communication is key. People won't find out about you and your products/service if you sit at your PC, get out and talk about your business.
• Make a business plan and keep focused
• Smile and network to meet likeminded people not just to find new business

Favourite book/film/piece of music 
Three Tenors and Queen
The Kings Speech is my current favourite film
The Mitford Girls by Mary Lovell - What a family!

Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet and why? 
Living - Dr Iain Stewart, I'd love to hike with him and chat about the mountains, rivers and land we were walking along.
Dead - Emily Pankhurst, whilst I am not a political person. I would like to ask how she found the strength of mind to do what she and her fellow activists did.

What important lesson has life taught you?
Listen and act with integrity
Make time for my family and myself to create a good work/life balance.
Smile

Your thoughts on the future of the economy 
It’s a horrid time for many but for myself I have decided to keep my head down and keep going. Being negative creates more doubt, let’s get the positive stories out and be cheered by peoples success.

What benefit have you or your business gained by being a Forward Ladies member? 
Joining Forward Ladies last summer really moved me and my business forward (just like the name suggests). Through the network events, I have met likeminded women. Other events have provided me with interesting and work specific topics at a cost I can afford. Having joined a Forward Ladies FEE group, I no longer feel alone and I now have clearly defined aims for my business growth. Meeting with our FEE group monthly provides support within a confidential forum. In such a short time Forward Ladies has provided me friends and support, as well as helping me to build confidence in working for myself. Simply put it's the best value for money I have spent in my business.

Exclusive offer to members: 

Get a Fresh Perspective!
Special offer for members - 5% discount on my hourly rate of £45 during February and March 2011.

Email me at hello@lesleybarlow.co.uk to book an appointment or visit my website www.lesleybarlow.co.uk for full details of all my services and then make contact.
You can also follow me on twitter @lesleybarlow or read my blogs through my website.