Every time I dive into hiring on Upwork, it often feels like I’m playing a rigged lottery. The platform promises a treasure trove of talent, yet more often than not, I end up with a mismatch—a situation where expectations and reality collide. In my recent experiences, this digital marketplace has delivered more friction than fruitful c...

There’s a wee word that sneaks into everyday conversations, signs, and menus. It’s subtle, familiar, and packed with meaning. In Northern Ireland and Scotland, “wee” is more than just an adjective. It’s a mood, a mindset, a cultural shorthand. A “wee chat” isn’t necessarily short—it’s warm, inviting, and a sign you’re among friends. A ...

Apple just did something remarkable. They walked away. When faced with the UK government's demand to create a backdoor into their highest-level security system, they didn't negotiate, didn't compromise, didn't try to find a middle ground. They simply said no. In a world where tech giants often bow to governmental pressure, this stands ...

A small clothing shop had two types of customers: 👕 Group A: Bought a £10 t-shirt and left. 🧢 Group B: Bought a £10 t-shirt and added a £7 cap. Same number of customers. Same effort to sell. But Group B spent 70% more per visit. Now, let’s push this further… What if just 10% more customers grabbed the cap? What if they returned next mo...

For years, food bloggers had a simple equation: 👉 Publish recipes 👉 Rank on Google 👉 Get traffic 👉 Run ads 👉 Make money It worked. Until it didn’t. Now, Google scrapes your content and hands it over to searchers before they even visit your site. Social media buries organic reach unless you pay to play. Ad revenue is drying up. The game...

If you’re a journalist, media rep, or reporter, you know the drill: you reach out to a PR department with a simple question, and suddenly, you’re in an Olympic-level obstacle course. Delayed responses. Overly polished non-answers. Radio silence. But here’s the thing—it shouldn’t be that way. PR exists to provide information, not to act...

In Northern Ireland, the pathway to becoming a corporate PR manager often follows a familiar route: a journalist from a local newspaper pivots into public relations. It seems logical—storytelling and communication are their bread and butter. But what happens when this transition doesn’t hold up under the pressures of modern PR? For som...

If you’ve ever worked with or around local charities, you may have encountered a common refrain: "We’re a charity, so we shouldn’t have to pay for this." It’s a sentiment that seems well-intentioned at first glance. After all, charities exist to help others, often operating on limited budgets. But there’s an uncomfortable contradiction...

Success in the creator economy comes down to four clear steps: spot a problem, solve it, share your journey, and offer the solution. Small business owners, your biggest advantage is the real-world problems you face daily. By focusing on authentic, relatable solutions, you'll connect with your audience in a way that resonates. 💬 Selling...

The recent legal and public spat between WordPress founder Matt Mullenweg and WP Engine, a prominent hosting company, has caught the attention of tech insiders. But what can this battle between two tech giants teach small business owners who aren’t in the web hosting business? Plenty. At its core, this controversy highlights issues of ...

Hey there, fellow business owner! 👋 Let's play a quick game of word association. What comes to mind when I say “marketing”? Is it... ads? Social media? Oh no, please don’t say "cold calls" (we’ve all been there). Here's the real deal: the goal of marketing is to make sales easier! Sounds too good to be true? Stick with me, I’ll explain...

In recent weeks, I've had the opportunity to attend several webinars hosted by individuals with impressive credentials. These experts, often hailed as thought leaders, promise insights that will elevate us to new levels. However, a prevalent issue has come to light: an emphasis on the "what" rather than the "how." Picture opening a bea...

Ah, the 'ezine'—a term that instantly transports us to a time when dial-up connections serenaded us, and Y2K was the impending doom we all feared. But wait, what's this? Our local council (Causeway Coast & Glens ) is still clinging to this relic of the past, using it to describe their newsletter in the year 2024! Let's take a trip down...

Today is polling day, and as our community heads to the voting booths, the significance of social media in local election campaigns is more apparent than ever. In the run-up to this crucial day, campaign managers and their candidates should have prioritised a robust digital strategy to make a real impact. The Social Media Landscape in ...

Kajabi is coming to London for an intimate two-day experience designed for 75 attendees to allow for rich networking, collaborative mastermind sessions, and exclusive insights straight from our team. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale, this event will show you how to harness the full power of Kajabi to build a thrivin...

Hey, you! Yes, YOU are sitting there, scrolling through your phone, waiting for that magical moment when everything falls into place. I hate to break it to you, but the universe isn't going to hand you a golden ticket while you're binge-watching your favourite series for the umpteenth time. If you're craving momentum, it's time to crea...

Hey there, fellow dreamers and doers! Have you ever sat down, popcorn in hand, ready to dive into a movie, only to feel like you've just had a lightbulb moment? That's exactly what happened to me after watching "The Founder." 🎬✨ For those who haven't had the pleasure, "The Founder" is the story of Ray Kroc, played by the ever-so-charmi...

Hey there! Happy Sunday! 🌟 Today, we're diving headfirst into a topic that's as juicy as it is jarring: our insatiable hunger for approval, but not just any approval. Oh no, we're talking about the kind of thumbs-up we crave from those mystical beings whose opinions we place on a sky-high pedestal, way above our own. You might be think...

Hey there, fellow content creators! 🎉 Happy Friday! Have you ever found yourself staring at your screen, wondering how you're supposed to churn out another piece of killer content? Or maybe you've struggled to keep your brand's voice consistent across all your fabulous posts? Well, buckle up because I'm about to take you on a whirlwind...

🚀 Hey there! Today, we're diving headfirst into a hotter topic than your morning cup of coffee: "A small audience that LOVES your work is better than a large following that glances over it." Buckle up because we're about to embark on an enlightening journey sprinkled with humour, personal anecdotes, and maybe even a dance break. Who kn...

Oh, come on! Who hasn't belted out the soul-stirring lyrics of "Shallow" in the shower, pretending to be on a grand stage, or at least hummed along when it played over the radio? This powerhouse anthem by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, from the heart-wrenching movie A Star Is Born, not only swept awards but also captured hearts worldwid...

Hey there, fellow digital enthusiasts! 🌟 Today, we're diving deep into a topic that's hotter than your morning cup of coffee: the cost-effectiveness of Kajabi. I know what you're thinking: "Isn't Kajabi on the pricier side?" And to that, I say, "Grab a snack, make yourself comfy, and prepare to have your mind blown!" 🤯 Because there's ...

Hey there, fellow entrepreneurs! 🌟 Let's get real for a second. Running a small business is like riding the world's wildest roller coaster—thrilling highs, terrifying lows, and those loop-the-loops that leave you wondering which way is up. Have you recently hit a snag? Maybe your finances decided to play hide-and-seek (and they're good...

Businesses in Northern Ireland are increasingly adopting influencer marketing to reach their target audience. This approach involves leveraging the popularity of individuals with large online followings to promote products, services, and brands authentically and engagingly. However, many people may not know what influencer marketing is...

Hey there, fellow digital enthusiast! Got a minute? Or perhaps a cup of coffee in hand? Because we're about to dive into a topic that's going to revolutionise the way you look at your website's landing pages. And trust me, it's worth the read! Landing pages – they're like the shop windows of the online world. They're our first impressi...

Hey there, dreamers and doers! Let's talk about something we all love - ideas. Ideas are like stars in the night sky, twinkling with endless possibilities. But what good is a star if it stays in the sky, never shooting across the horizon to dazzle us with its brilliance? That's where action comes into play. Picture this: you're sitting...

Hey there, Creator! So you've decided to jump into the big, wild, and sometimes downright crazy world of being a creator? That's awesome! I'm grinning from ear to ear just thinking about all the amazing things you're going to put out into the world. But hold up! Are you feeling a little... overwhelmed? Like you've been handed a paintbr...

Hey there, fellow creativity enthusiasts! Let's talk about something that we all know and love (or loathe) - excuses. You know what I mean, those little "I can't because..." or "I would, but..." statements that keep us from reaching our full potential. Here's a fun thought: What if I told you that most excuses are just a lack of creati...

Hey there, friend! Let me tell you a little secret about life. You know those hard things that we often try to dodge? The ones that make us break out in a cold sweat and have us considering if it's too late to change careers or move to a deserted island? Yeah, those ones. Well, I'm here to tell you something that might sound a little b...

Hey there, friend! Have you ever stopped to think about how much power you hold within yourself? Yeah, you heard it right! I’m talking about the superpower of believing in yourself. You know, that tiny voice inside your head that shouts, "Yes, I can!" It's more than just a motivational phrase; it's the fuel that drives you towards your...