I'm delighted to have been appointed as a LinkedIn Group Organiser for the British Chambers of Commerce LinkedIn Group run by Mark Hamilton-Taylor, encouraging and engendering commercial interchange and cooperation between the multifarious Chambers of Commerce in the UK and providing a soft point of entry for those new to Chamber that would benefit from involvement and participation.
This is a personal protection & home
security tip from Mark D. Yates. The British/American Security Expert
Photo copy every
important document, card etc in your purse, wallet or handbag. i.e. credit
& debit cards. List the telephone contact numbers for every document &
file away somewhere safe.
This is a personal protection & vehicle
security tip from Mark D. Yates. The British/American Security Expert
If someone bumps,
knocks or scratches your vehicle, never leave your car unlocked or leave the
engine running while you exit to discuss details with the perpetrator.
This is a personal protection & home
security tip from Mark D. Yates. The British/American Security Expert
It’s good home security to take a digital photograph or video footage of
every item of value in your house, Zoom in on serial numbers. File away somewhere safe.
This is a personal protection security tip
from Mark D. Yates. The British/American Security Expert
Report every
incident relating to any security breach, and follow up with a written
complaint.Log every incident precisely
as it happened into a chronological incident diary for future evidence.
This is a personal protection & vehicle
security tip from Mark D. Yates. The British/American Security Expert
In keeping with
best security practice when stationary at traffic lights, stop approximately
ten feet away from the vehicle in front and ensure you can clearly see the rear
wheels of that vehicle.
This is a personal protection & home
security tip from Mark D. Yates. The British/American Security Expert
Best security practice
dictateskeeping your mobile telephone out of sight
when out on the streets. In half of all street robberies, a mobile phone is stolen.
In two thirds of those robberies, a mobile phone is the only item taken. 14 -
to 17-year-olds are the age group most likely to be victims of street crime.
This is a personal protection security tip
from Mark D. Yates. The British/American Security Expert
If
you are being harassed or stalked its good security practice to keep a log
sheet of each time he/she contacts you, include date, time, location etc.
This is a personal protection security tip
from Mark D. Yates. The British/American Security Expert
If
you are receiving nuisance telephone calls, invest into a caller ID option and
a combined recording machine on your telephone. This is a cheap security
product investment.
This is a personal protection & home
security tip from Mark D. Yates. The British/American Security Expert
Theft of mobile
phones is reaching epidemic proportions with more than 700,000 stolen per year.
Keep your mobile out of sight. Lock your mobile with a security PIN . Write
down your mobile's serial number. Notify your mobile service provider as soon
as your phone is stolen.Be security
conscious and careful where you use your mobile.
This is a personal protection & home
security tip from Mark D. Yates. The British/American Security Expert
Every business
should have a business continuity plan in place. This facilitates best security
practice and ensures a smooth working transition after a critical incident.
This is a personal protection & home
security tip from Mark D. Yates. The British/American Security Expert
Close
It. Lock It. Check it. Good security practitioners get into the habit of
ensuring all residence doors & windows are locked before going to bed or before
leaving the building. Never leave your house, office or car keys within 10
meters of a door or window. Up to 25% of burglaries occur as a result of
unlocked doors & windows.
This is a personal protection security tip
from Mark D. Yates. The British/American Security Expert
If you are
visiting a stranger for the first time, it makes good security sense to pre-document
as much information about the person & the meeting and leave it available
to someone you trust. If possible always take someone with you for a first
stranger meeting.
This is a personal protection & home
security tip from Mark D. Yates. The British/American Security Expert
Fail to plan –
plan to fail. A poorly designed security plan is better than no plan at all.
Criminals & terrorists always target the softest or weakest option. Ensure
your clients have a business continuity plan in place & ensure they
frequently test the plan.
This is a personal protection & home
security tip from Mark D. Yates. The British/American Security Expert
Sometimes when a man with money meets a man
with experience, the man with experience ends up with the money, and the man
with the money ends up with the experience.
This is a personal protection security tip
from Mark D. Yates. The British/American Security Expert
To minimise
security breaches, always leave your vehicle parked in a well lit up area and never
drive front end into a parking space. Always reverse in.
This is a personal protection & home
security tip from Mark D. Yates. The British/American Security Expert
Never leave your
cell phone unattended. A cyber attacker may be able to infect your cell phone
with a virus, steal your phone or wireless service, or access the data
on your PDA.Most security professionals
list their home telephone number as ex-directory.
This is a personal protection & home
security tip from Mark D. Yates. The British/American Security Expert
Business problems, particularly those related to security cannot
be solved by thinking within the framework in which they were created. To
counter criminal or terrorist activity, you have to think like a criminal or
terrorist.
This is a personal protection & home
security tip from Mark D. Yates. The British/American Security Expert
Get in the habit of backing up the contents
& contact data on your cell phone to your computer every month at least. Ensure
your mobile phone is property security marked or coded. Use any security
features that are built in to your phone, such as additional security codes. If
you are not using your phone then keep it turned off. If your phone is lost or
stolen report it immediately.
This is a personal protection security tip
from Mark D. Yates. The British/American Security Expert
One of the
professional security commandments advises you to never corner something or
someone meaner than yourself. This is especially relevant for business
turnaround specialists and trouble shooters.
This is a personal protection security tip
from Mark D. Yates. The British/American Security Expert
Teach your staff to speak with their mouths
shut (figuratively speaking).
Competitors glean far more security information from staff members than they
should.
This is a personal protection security tip
from Mark D. Yates. The British/American Security Expert
Prepare for
Murphy’s Law, i.e. what can go wrong will go wrong. This is especially relevant
when implementing business security measures linked to business continuity
following a critical business incident.
In so-far as
possible it makes good security sense to only travel on busy, well travelled
thoroughfares; security training highlights the need to stay away from isolated
back-country roads.
This is a personal protection security tip
from Mark D. Yates. The British/American Security Expert
For information about having your mobile phone
security marked, contact the Crime Reduction Office at your local police
station. Additional advice on protecting your mobile phone can usually be found
on your police department web site crime prevention pages.
This is a personal protection security tip
from Mark D. Yates. The British/American Security Expert
Irrespective
of your age, attending a self defence, martial arts or home security training
class will boost your personal security confidence & significantly increase
your threat awareness & observation skills.
This is a personal protection & home
security tip from Mark D. Yates. The British/American Security Expert
Most
security experts agree that Investing in a basic CCTV security operating system
with a facility for recording information for your residence & office is
one of the most cost effective methods for reducing your security risk.
This is a personal protection security tip
from Mark D. Yates. The British/American Security Expert
Lawyers earn more from problems than
solutions. So adopt a robust security plan which proactively targets actual
& perceived problems & provides solutions to minimizing your security
risk & legal fees payable.
This is a personal protection & home
security tip from Mark D. Yates. The British/American Security Expert
Adopt a high
level of security awareness, as a familiar sight provokes no attention.
Business corporations are often targeted by electronic surveillance equipment
designed around familiar objects one would expect to see in an office. i.e.
pens, clocks, calculators.
Be especially careful if these items are provided direct to you and/or other
directorsas a free gift.
This is a personal protection & home
security tip from Mark D. Yates. The British/American Security Expert
The British military defines experience, as
the ability to recognize a mistake the second time you make it. You can
minimise your security mistakes by regularly testing your security counter
measures.
This is a personal protection security tip
from the Mark D. Yates.The
British/American Security Expert
Record your mobile phone's IMEI number - which
is unique to each phone. If the phone is stolen, this number can then be used
by police to prove that the phone is stolen and to return it to the rightful
owner. The IMEI number is usually displayed by pressing * # 0 6 #
("star", "hash", "zero", "six",
"hash") If not contact your service provider for up to date security
advice.
This is a personal protection &
home security tip from Mark D. Yates. The British/American Security Expert
Never post any information on any business or social media
web site profile pages, or blogs, which provides unknown people with your
travel or holiday movements or the movements of your family members or business
associates.
This is a personal protection & home
security tip from Dr. Mark D. Yates. The British/American Security Expert
When considering
cyber security, remember that electronics such as cell phones and PDAs may also
be vulnerable to attack. Take appropriate precautions to limit your risk.
This is a personal protection & home
security tip from Dr. Mark D. Yates. The British/American Security Expert
Never leave your cell phone unattended.
A cyber attacker may be able to infect your cell phone with a virus, steal your
phone or wireless service, or access the data on your PDA.
This is a personal protection & home
security tip from Dr. Mark D. Yates. The British/American Security Expert
Every few
months review your key rings, and the strength of the lanyards they're held on
by. Only retain keys that are actually used. Dispose of unused keys carefully.
I'd just like to take a moment to wish everybody a wonderful Christmas. I'm looking forward to spending some precious time in the company of my loving family and friends, enjoying all our favourite things. May you also have a lovely time and be suitably refreshed, reinvigourated and ready to attack the challenges 2012 will bring.
I'm delighted to be working (Freelance) with Macmanus Consulting's InfoSec team on Data and IT Security / Special Investigations team on various projects.
I'm pleased to be working with Midas Estates in a New Business Discovery (Freelance) role, helping Ian (MD) and Robin (Operations) obtain exposure to new potential clientele and win new business.
www.LifeWorkLife.co.uk.... offers work opportunities reflecting the demands of modern life. For many, an ideal method of balancing one's work and career objectives, with the other things in life that matter! I can personally recommend this excellent service website from my very positive experiences utilising it.
Murray is now looking for a new, ideally long-term, career opportunity, perhaps to get involved in the onward development of a new or expanding quality business in the South West of England, most likely in a Sales and Marketing Business Development role.
Murray's Online Resume and CV can be viewed at and downloaded from: http://www.MAS-CV.com
Here is my top 20 free or cheap ways of marketing a small business on a budget in these difficult economic times.
Small businesses rarely have much in the way of budget to spend on promotion, and over the years of servicing this market, I have found the following methods to be highly effective and if not free, certainly affordable to most if not all. These are in no particular order. Pick and choose as you see fit and tailor it to your business type, etc.
1. Networking around your Business’s locality.
Network the local Networking Groups (attending as a guest is usually free) and indeed the Pubs and Venues in the area your business operates in, ideally just after most businesses close and also at lunchtimes.
2. Networking at local sports events, music events or band gigs.
Network in the local football, rugby and cricket matches, and at golf or tennis clubs, etc. on Saturdays or Sundays, and music events. Perhaps sponsor a local band, sports team or special interest group and have them promote your business on their kit, gear, on banners, promotional materials, vehicles, premises, etc.
3. Networking at Health and Fitness Clubs.
Networking in the Health and Fitness clubs in the area, does not always mean having to join, so again this can be free.
4. Charitable work.
Helping Charities is a natural way of networking with people who often feel positive towards those who selflessly take time out and make an effort to help others, whom are less fortunate.
5. Donating Goods and Services to Charity, Schools and Community Projects.
Donating products, services or a solution that you produce that can be auctioned, or a donation made for the use of it, etc.
6. Providing Free Advice Clinics, having a Column in a local newspaper and Speaking at Events.
Giving free advice, speaking at or hosting free seminars with any charges donated to Charity, or providing free advice at Networking or Business events.
7. Free Newspaper, TV or Radio coverage.
Contributing to the features or content, submitting an article, or simply getting mentioned positively in the local newspaper, or featured on the local TV or radio for any good reason is excellent advertising.
8. Writing online articles or guides.
Writing and producing useful online articles or guides with tips related to your business or industry that can be published on the web and further publicised in the local or national press, magazines, radio or TV.
9. Vehicle Branding and Signwriting.
An excellent way of promoting your business is to advertise it directly on your vehicle, but keep it short and memorable, and include a short and memorable website address. In time you may progress to Buses, Taxis, etc.
10. Local Billboard or Hoarding.
This is actually more affordable that you might imagine, as you can often strike a good deal for under used space to get you started. Again, keep it memorable, short and sweet. in time you can increase your coverage and buy into better sites.
11. Illuminate your premises.
If you have an externally visible premises, illuminating it makes it eye-catching and if it is always on from dusk till dawn, people will be made aware of it, and maybe even use it as a reference point and landmark when giving directions.
12. Display the time and temperature outside.
Having a visable clock displaying the time, date, temperature etc, along with your business name on the front of your premises is very effective at making your business memorable and illuminating this is an effective addition.
13. Road signage.
Wherever possible and permitted by the Highways Authorities, have signs that give directions to your business.
14. Word of Mouth.
Word of Mouth is an extremely effective way of gaining business. Most people agree this is the best of all methods. If you introduce a special discount code that can be used for Word of Mouth referrals, you will then know that is the source of the business.
15, Referrals and Rewards
Operate a discount or reward scheme for any contacts that bring you new customers and ALWAYS pay any promised referral fees. If in doubt or there's two possible persons who are the source, pay both. The more people that recommend a particular business to someone, the more likely they are to use that business.
16, Facebook and Google+.
Set up a Facebook and Google+ accounts and set up pages about your business on them. Link to them on your website.
17, Twitter.
Set up a Twitter account and Tweet about your business with special offers, discounts, promotional offers, tips, useful information, etc. Publicise this on your website.
18, LinkedIn.
Set up a LinkedIn.com profile for yourself and a page for your business. You can link in your Website, Facebook and Twitter. Link to it on your website. LinkedIn is highly regarded as a professional business tool and can provide lots of new business.
19, Directories.
Enter your details on online Directories and offline directories, etc. this is usually free or low cost for enough of them to be quite effective. Most people use major Search Engines to find what they want, so make sure you are on there somehow.
20, Website.
If you don't already have one, build a smart website yourself about your business on something simple like MrSite.co.uk and keep it regularly updated with fresh content. Include links to your Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. and put your web address on your business letterhead.
There are of course other effective methods, solutions and opportunities to promote your business, but these will apply to most folks and get you started and on the map.
The Golden Rule is make it as easy as possible for people to find you and do business with you.
People like to give small local businesses a try as long as they offer good value and are competitive.
Can I just add that one of the most important things you must do, is to treat all your customers as you would like to be treated as a customer yourself. If something goes wrong with a transaction, sort it out quickly and as you would want it resolved if it was you. The Customer is always right (in their opinion) and they will make sure other people see it that way.
In my experience nice people will always try to help other nice people in life. It is equally true that if people see someone they like unfairly wronged by a bad business, they will support them by warning others to stay away.
Following some interesting recent 'stand-in' requests, I am pleased to make myself available for Interim, Temporary, Contract, Part-Time or Full-Time roles and I am available for various shift or cover patterns including Bank Holiday and unsocial hours coverage. This can be as an employee, an agency employee or on a self-employed basis as required. I can often do short notice too.
My rates are very reasonable at a day rate of £100, as I enjoy the variety.
For the past 5 years I have specialised in helping Business
Start-Ups to promote themselves cheaply and quickly via the Internet. This included Social Media (Facebook),
Blogging (Wordpress), Micro-Blogging (Twitter) and of course effectively
promoted Websites via SEO and PPC methods.
I am now looking for a new, ideally long-term, career opportunity, perhaps to get involved in the onward development of a new or expanding quality business in the South West of England.
Qualifications:
I have worked in specialist roles involving IT for Blue Chip
companies over a 20+ year career and hold a Double Doctorate in Computer
Sciences, specifically in Internet Strategic Planning (SEO) and Information
Technology (Semantic Algorithmics), in addition to Honorary Fellowship of the
International Web Masters and Designers Association, Membership of the British
Computer Society and British MENSA.
Achievements:
I have worked in Internet and Websites since 1994 and as a
professional Meritus SEO Website Search Engine Optimisation ('SEO') specialist
since the year 2000, and consistently proven ability with a 100% success track
record for providing Clients with top positioning results on the major Search
Engines Results Pages ('SERP's).
Skill Set:
As a skilled and highly experienced practitioner in the
ethical 'best practice' fully rule compliant methods for attaining top ranking,
known as 'Meritus SEO', I have attained first page placement and high
positioning in the free 'natural' and 'organic' search results on the major
Search Engines.
I also create, manage and operate Twitter profiles for
Business profile raising and exposure. I have also managed numerous Websites,
including keep content current and brand enhancing.
Team Management:
I have acquired excellent team building and man management
skills, gained from leading and managing project, administrative and delivery
teams of up to 50 contributors, ensuring timely delivery to target and KPI
within agreed/structured budgets and timeframes.
Track Record:
My extensive commercial Internet experience includes working
with some of the industry leading UK and International companies and their
respective online Brands and providing excellent value through a 100% success
record.
In the course of career thus far, have been involved with
over 32,000 websites and has enjoyed a 100% success rate in Top Positioning
over 1,000 Client websites via Meritus SEO techniques, within the
(organic/natural) Search Engine Result Pages.
Work to Date:
As a Freelance Contractor, specialised in profile raising
and promotion for Business Start-Ups and SME’s, Commercial Internet Brand
Development and Web Publishing Projects and Consultative Roles around the
world.
The Future:
After 5 years navigating the choppy waters of Freelancing,
now wish to gain a more stabilised income and career progression as an employee
of an ambitious quality business.
During August, September and October, I have been working on a temporary basis with the Outside Broadcast, Satellite Broadcasting, Live Streaming and Full Service Media Group, EventCastMedia.com as an interim Commercial Manager whilst they awaited the availability of a permanent occupant of the post.
I have enjoyed my time with Richard and the team, and wish them and the new incoming permanent Commercial Manager the best of luck for the future.
This has been an educational experience. I've been introduced to the wonder that is interviews via Skype and had some insight into the challenges facing the job hunter in today's market. Competitive times indeed.
I've been fortunate to have enjoyed much encouragement and support from valued friends, clients, colleagues and family in my search for a new home and application for my skills, competences and attributes.
My CV Website, Social Media and Digital marketing skills have certainly paid off, gathering by the high quality of the responses I've received to my 'flag in the sand'. Only a matter of time now I think before the right job and I converge.
Having made the decision to leave the choppy waters of Self-Employed Freelancing after five years or so, I am excited and reinvigorated by the prospect of new challenges ahead.
Having acquired some very valuable commercial experience and capabilities over the years, I am now ready to put those to focused good use in a new position somewhere.
Ideally, it needs to be a thrusting vibrant company determined to grow and prosper that will provide traction for my personal ambitions and goals. I've got a real fire in my belly and want to enjoy the finer things in life as a direct result of my professional achievements.
As a mortgaged, married, family man, some stability would be very welcome indeed.
