Sarah Newman’s Post

✨ Sparkle. I can't hear the word without hearing it in a very strong Aussie accent, as in 'TINA SPAAAAAARKLE" from the beautiful and brilliant Strictly Ballroom. Or now, thinking of flamingos and all things pink thanks to our Very campaign. Either way, I've been asked to hold forth on how to make your creative strategy glitter, twinkle, coruscate and shimmer, so much so that the judges fall backwards in a bedazzled swoon and pelt it with Golds. Or at the very least, I'll share some snippets from my experience of telling APG stories both well and badly - because it's all a bit boring when everyone's so perfect and successful, isn't it?   I'll be sharing tips on the writing and the presentation of the paper. How to craft the writing of your paper so that it really stands out. How to make your story relevant to your brand and how to pinpoint aspects of the story that make it really memorable. So, come along: learn from my mistakes, rip off my successes, and most importantly get stonking advice from the legends that are Vicki Holgate and Martin Beverley.

🛑 **We Need to Stop Misusing the Term "Master Class" and "Expert"** 🛑 In today's marketing landscape, especially in the short-term rental industry, it's becoming increasingly common to see terms like "Master Class" and "Expert" thrown around to entice sign-ups. But more often than not, these claims fall short, leaving participants disappointed and misled. What truly makes someone a "master" in their field? A master should be someone with deep, proven expertise, years of experience, and the ability to deliver high-quality, insightful content. However, I recently attended a so-called "Master Class" on direct bookings. Without naming the company, I can tell you it was anything but that. The production was poor, the host lacked presentation skills, and the knowledge shared was minimal at best. It was a stark reminder of how overused—and misused—these terms have become. We must establish a standard. It’s perfectly fine to hear from a property manager about how they scaled their business, but labeling it as a "Master Class" or calling the speaker an "Expert" when they don't meet those standards is misleading and harmful to our industry. We need to set criteria for what qualifies someone as an industry expert or what truly constitutes a master class or keynote. It’s time for our industry to be more transparent and honest in its marketing efforts. Let’s work together to raise the bar and ensure that when we attend a "Master Class," we’re truly learning from a master. #MarketingEthics #IndustryStandards #ShortTermRentals #HonestyInMarketing #ExpertiseMatters

It’s FAQ Friday! So, one question that always comes up around this time of year, when should I start planning my budget for 2025? Now, yes, now. It doesn't need to be a full-blown strategy unless you have the time to develop one. But you should be putting it together: What events do you know you'll be doing What content was successful this year that you can repurpose What new things do you want to add to the list At least get it started now, get those ideas and strategy on paper. So, have you started planning yet? If not, when do you? Share in the comments.

It’s FAQ Friday! So, one question that always comes up around this time of year, when should I start planning my budget for 2025? Now, yes, now. It doesn't need to be a full-blown strategy unless you have the time to develop one. But you should be putting it together: What events do you know you'll be doing What content was successful this year that you can repurpose What new things do you want to add to the list At least get it started now, get those ideas and strategy on paper. So, have you started planning yet? If not, when do you? Share in the comments.

🎉 Unmissable June Subscription Offer! 🎉 Subscribe now and enjoy SEVEN issues for the price of SIX, plus 14 months of online access for the price of 12! Unlock 14 months of unparalleled learning, development, and inspiration, including access to our extensive 12-year back catalogue of training articles. Choose from: 🔹 Digital Only   🔹 Print and Digital   🔹 Corporate License for Multiple Assistants  Why Subscribe? Gain Access to Exclusive Benefits: 🌟 Cutting-Edge Insights: Stay ahead with the latest trends and strategies in executive support through our expertly researched articles.   🌟 Exclusive Interviews: Learn from top executive assistants and industry leaders to give your career a competitive edge.   🌟 Practical Tips and Strategies: Boost your efficiency with actionable techniques and time-saving tips.  🌟 Engaging Content: Dive into topics like communication, event planning, project management, and more to fuel your professional growth.   🌟 Interactive Community: Connect with like-minded professionals, join discussions, and expand your network through our online forums and events.   🌟 Exclusive Subscriber Discounts: Save up to 20% on all Training Courses & Events. Simply log in to reveal your discounted price.  📅 Hurry! Offer ends June 30th!  Subscribe now at https://lnkd.in/deh-AdK6 #administrativeassistant #administrativeprofessional #executiveassistant #executiveassistants #subscription 

Make It Easy for Your Marketing Team to Say "Yes!" Want to get your story pitch approved? The secret is preparation. Bring all the pieces: key details, potential interviewees and a clear understanding of why your idea will resonate with the audience. *Propose solutions, not just ideas.* The more you clarify your vision, the easier it is for your marketing team to greenlight your pitch and bring it to life. 💚💙 Hey, Florida Gulf Coast University friends! Want to get a story in #FGCU360.com? The same rule applies — come with all the pieces. Share the key details, suggest interviewees and explain why your story will resonate with our readers. *Propose inspiring stories, not just loose topics.* A great pitch, using the #FGCU marketing request form at https://lnkd.in/epDkDEJU, makes it easy for us to say, "Yes!" Let me give you an example. My friend Maria J. Sotomayor- M.Ed., M.B.A brought me a *topic* last year: the Florida Gulf Coast University Lutgert College of Business has a great mentor program. We discussed how to make it a *story* pitch: Maria identified a student — resilient, determined, the embodiment of the American Dream — who had recently been paired with an accomplished alumna as her mentor. 🌟 The result? FGCU360.com brought our readers the story of Maria Belen Findley and her Eagle mentor, Chelsea Ganey, CFA. ✒ Read the story here: https://lnkd.in/ehi3pru6 Takeaways for getting your story pitch accepted: 1.) Be prepared — outline the who, what, where, when and why. 2.) Focus on the audience — explain how your idea adds value. 3.) Provide potential interviewees — help the writer tell the story. 🎯 Let's collaborate to share the stories that make #FGCU soar! #Storytelling #MarketingTips #HigherEd #PitchPerfect

Last Chance: Take advantage of our August subscription offer! Subscribe now and get 50% more with corporate subscriptions! Purchase a 25-member plan and add up to another 25 members for free when you purchase a corporate subscription this August. Choose from Digital only, Print and Digital, or Corporate Licence for multiple assistants. By subscribing, you'll gain access to a world of benefits: 1. Cutting-Edge Insights: Stay ahead with the latest trends and strategies in executive support through our well-researched articles. 2. Exclusive Interviews: Learn from renowned executive assistants and thought leaders, getting an edge in your career. 3. Practical Tips and Strategies: Boost your efficiency and effectiveness with practical techniques and time-saving tips. 4.Engaging Content: Our magazine covers communication, event planning, project management, and more - all to fuel your professional growth. 5. Interactive Community: Connect with like-minded professionals, engage in discussions, and expand your network through our online forums and events. 6. Exclusive Subscribers' Discount: Save up to 20% on all Training Courses & Events with your subscriber status - simply log in to reveal your discounted price. Offer ends 31st August! Subscribe now at https://lnkd.in/et7sqtWk #administrativeassistant #administrativeprofessionals #executiveassistant #executiveassistants #subscription

When a business sponsors an event, it is buying the halo-effect of their brand being tied to the event. When it buys the guest speaker spot, the cost of the investment escalates fast. Especially when you count the opportunity cost of billable hours of a senior partner – plus the other three acolytes there. This was easily a $10,000 day. Which can be worthwhile if you want to break new markets, add lustre to local operations, and if you develop opportunities off the back of it. But success all hinges on the presentation:  - The slides were illegible from our seats, with dense slabs of text.  - The “case studies” were a link on a slide – and struggled to open.  - The presentation was a purported panel. In reality it was hosted by an acolyte asking patsy questions of the presenter. With the occasional cursory hand-off question for the other panellist, worded to reinforce the presenter’s statements.  - The presenter descended into technical language and repeated references to policy. All the while avoiding the elephant in the room – the very reason why the topic is so controversial.  - And then a grind down to the end. No conclusion, no call to action, no ‘where to next’. Finito.   The chatter afterwards was about the banality of the presentation – we had expected better. It did not reflect well on the business.   It’s simple (but not easy) to do this well: ... ... #copywriting #presentations #networking #speaking #customerconnection #marketing #marketingstrategy #strategy #sales #salesprocess #audience #businessgrowth #businesssuccess

If you want to make a real impact on your audience – get them interested, motivated, taking action – then start thinking about presentations and pitches that *connect*. (Or get in touch with us and we’ll craft them for you. To get the outcomes you want.) Alex.

Last Chance: Take advantage of our August subscription offer! Subscribe now and get 50% more with corporate subscriptions! Purchase a 25-member plan and add up to another 25 members for free when you purchase a corporate subscription this August. Choose from Digital only, Print and Digital, or Corporate Licence for multiple assistants. By subscribing, you'll gain access to a world of benefits: 1. Cutting-Edge Insights: Stay ahead with the latest trends and strategies in executive support through our well-researched articles. 2. Exclusive Interviews: Learn from renowned executive assistants and thought leaders, getting an edge in your career. 3. Practical Tips and Strategies: Boost your efficiency and effectiveness with practical techniques and time-saving tips. 4.Engaging Content: Our magazine covers communication, event planning, project management, and more - all to fuel your professional growth. 5. Interactive Community: Connect with like-minded professionals, engage in discussions, and expand your network through our online forums and events. 6. Exclusive Subscribers' Discount: Save up to 20% on all Training Courses & Events with your subscriber status - simply log in to reveal your discounted price. Offer ends 31st August! Subscribe now at https://lnkd.in/eawhyg26 #administrativeassistant #administrativeprofessionals #executiveassistant #executiveassistants #subscription