Empire Marketing Magazine Q1 2022

EMPIRE Marketing Magazine Issue #015

FOCUS ON THE FUTURE We reflect on the incredible growth and journey of two of our organisations

11 WHAT I LOOK FOR IN A BUSINESS PARTNER We catch up with Chance Cowie to find out what he looks for in a business partner

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HOW TO WIN FRIENDS AND INFLUENCE PEOPLE We catch with Kevin Nash to discuss all things Dale Carnegie and relationships in the work place

39 HERE COME THE GIRLS! We sit down with 5 of our female team members to see what they have to say about women in sales

23

Find Your Focus

#015

CATEGORY OUR CONTRIBUTORS

Our Contributors Francis Colam Chief Editor

Fran is Chief Operations Officer for Mantra Marketing working with people and companies to help the business become more efficient and profitable.

Alex Rae

Art Director / Designer Alex is a an accomplished designer, and visual artist specialising in brand communications.

Keri Buckingham Editor / Author

Keri Beckingham is freelance copywriter and journalist from Bristol with over 10 years' of experience helping organisations connect with their audiences and share their stories.

Nic Kane Photographer

Nic is a Bristol-based photographer specialising in the commercial, events and fitness sectors.

001

CATEGORY INDEX

In this issue Welcome

003

Owners Meeting - Birmingham

006

Focus on the Future

011

The Vision in Bristol: The Relocation of RedSeven

016

Mantra Christmas Party

019

What I Look For in a Business Partner

035

How to Win Friends and Influence People

039

How we do Things Differently w/ Roddy Barker

043

Women in Sales: Here Come the Girls

047

My First Few Months in the Business

051

My Journey: Floyd Marriott

053

Photo Pool

057

Books and Podcasts

069

Festivals

071

Money Raised

077

Office List

079

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CATEGORY EDITOR'S LET TER

Welcome Back TO ISSUE #015 2022 EDITION

Hello and welcome to the first edition of Mantra Magazine in 2022! We hope you've all had a great start to the year, and have hit the ground running. We’re excited to share all our latest news and plans with you.

We caught up with James Buckley, CEO of Man-

everyone has been to get back out there and drive

tra Marketing for the latest update:

themselves to succeed. – It's safe to say 2022 has started off with a bang!”

“We had an incredible end to the year, and broke records week-on-week, acquiring new customers.

With all that's unfolded with the Covid pandemic, in April 2021 we weren’t sure what the future held, in the past 12 months

we saw the world come

grinding to a halt. It’s been an incredibly challenging time for so many of us. However, we returned fully refreshed, eager, and got off to a great start once we returned to the field, and things have gone from strength to strength.

“We have big ambitions for this year, and plan on opening six new offices by the end of the quarter, and by the end of the year double the size of the organisation. We have a number of exciting events in the diary, plans for travel including a ski trip, Sri

2022

Lanka, the USA and Ibiza. For us now, it's all guns blazing whilst we return to some level of normality in our day-to-day business life.

Fiind Your Focus

“We’re confident this will be another great year for us. Recruitment is pivotal for us, our recruitment teams have been absolutely smashing it, and the volume and calibre of people now applying for positions speaks volumes as to the progress we've made – it’s clear that the conditions over the last two years have made our people stronger, and we’ve been totally blown away by how eager

003

Fran Colam, Chief Operations Officer also said: “We’re delighted to say that as a company we had an absolutely record breaking 2021, and we’re really grateful to the team for their continued effort, they've exceeded all expectations and goals set.

We've seen a number of promotions within the organisation, and been joined by some inspiring new talent. We've relaunched face to face events, which has been refreshing for us all, as well as welcoming team members back into our offices.

And to top it all off we’ve also expanded into new cities too!

“The momentum created has been inspiring, a huge thanks to the teams for all their hard work, it truly shows that with ambition, dedication and guidance you can overcome even the most seemingly tough challenges. As we look ahead to this year, we’re really excited to see what 2022 brings. We’re planning to expand more than ever before, bring exciting new products on board, and the goals are bigger than they have ever been… but as we've showed time and time again, as a team we are true force.

CATEGORY EDITOR'S LET TER

004

CATEGORY MEETINGS AND EVENTS

OWNERS Meeting Grand Hotel, Birmingham

150 of Mantra Marketing’s owners and recruiters got together for a two day conference at the Grand Hotel in Birmingham

T

he aim was to explore the company’s vision

on face-to-face engagement, so it was a great feeling to be able to

for 2022, and the themes of the event were

host these kinds of events again, shared by all. Part of the event saw

education,

development

multiple awards being handed out to those who have excelled. It

within the industry. The event marked the first

was an excellent event, a chance for us all to celebrate together, and

time that everyone could come together post

we're looking forward to the up and coming events later in the year.

recruitment

and

Covid-19 lock downs. Our organisation thrives

006

CATEGORY MEETINGS AND EVENTS

007

CATEGORY MEETINGS AND EVENTS

008

CATEGORY MEETINGS AND EVENTS

009

CATEGORY MEETINGS AND EVENTS

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CATEGORY DEVELOPMENT

Focus on The Future We reflect on the incredible growth and journey of two of our organisations.

Phil Reid, Managing Director of The Promotions Company in Bristol and Matt Nicholson, Managing Director of Monument Promotions in Swindon share their thoughts.

"We're all about choice at the Promotions Company, which I think makes our organisation and working environment pretty unique.”

P

hil

Reid

has

worked

never looked back,” he said.

in the industry since certainly

Phil ran several different direct sales busi-

knows a thing or two

nesses in London from 2007 – 2015 and then

about sales. Although

following a four year break in 2019 he decided

in his own words, he

to launch The Promotions Company in Bris-

fell into it by accident.

tol. Offices followed in Barnstaple, Exeter and

“I worked in bars for

Canary Wharf – and this year he’s looking to

2005,

so

several years after finishing university, but I

grow the business even further.

wanted to do something a bit different. After initially starting off in residential sales, I

When it comes to team development. Phil

enjoyed the atmosphere so much that I’ve

says that during his break from the company, he developed a fresh perspective, and approach, offering his team more flexibility in their roles. Explaining this, He explained: “The average person in our business in 2007 is very different to today. Younger people today require more flexibility, and autonomy.

We used to try and make everyone fit into one box , but now the younger generation are looking for work / life balance, and an engaging environment to work “As a result we look to provide them with complete flexibility on the days and hours they work and the way they dress, whilst providing an engaging environment to work in, offering pool, air hockey tables, games consoles and other forms of entertainment. Essentially they can choose their own work lifestyle, and it’s about providing the opportunity, and freedom to create a working environment that's right for them. We're all about choice at the Promotions Company, which I think makes our organisation and working environment pretty unique.”

2021 has brought challenges for every business. For Phil’s team, in order to keep the business moving forwards, it was important to pivot to a digitised way of working. This led to a shift, from face to face sales to online appointments, and online training for the team. Phil commented: “During the four months we were locked down we couldn’t sell in our usual way, but we were able to recruit and develop our people. Our focus was on continual growth, and retaining a strong position in terms of team numbers and skill-set.”

So what does 2022 have in store for Phil and

011

CATEGORY DEVELOPMENT

“I’ve invested alot of time and effort in educating the team, and getting them involved with all aspects of the business"

his team? He has set a goal of doubling the number of offices he runs from five to ten, including plan to expand into Spain. “Our fifth office opened in Exeter at the end of 2021, and as well as continuing to grow in the UK

"My focus has been on innovation, being competitive, and creating a healthy, cheerful, productive and supportive team environment.

my focus is on opening an office in Spain later this year,” Phil said. “There’s already the infrastructure there for direct sales, but it needs the people with the skills to run the business. It also has a good climate for sales and plenty of clients, so it’s an opportunity I am keen to explore.”

And what about his own personal goals? “I’m not far off from Organisation Head Advancement,” Phil added, “And that’s a big goal for me, especially from a financial point of view.

It’s something I dreamt off back in 2005. It’s amazing to think it’s within reach now which is really exciting.”

After attending university in Falmouth, Matt Nicholson says that he lacked direction.

So decided to move to Wiltshire, where his roommate had a job working in sales and offered to refer him. Three and a half years later Matt was opening his own sales and marketing company – Monument Promotions – who are now entering their fifth year.

For Matt, building a solid foundation for his team in Swindon has been of the upmost important - something that he says has led to the company's continued success. “I’ve worked in this industry for seven and a half years,” Matt said. "My focus has been on innovation, being competitive, and creating a healthy, cheerful, productive and supportive team environment. In sales it’s easy to just focus on the end result and forget about the people. But its about listening to each

"In sales it’s easy to just focus on the end result and forget about the people. But

other, and making sure everyone is given the

it's about listening to each other, and making sure everyone is given the freedom

freedom to, and feel comfortable having their

to, and feel comfortable having their own opinion.”

own opinion.”

As part of this, Matt has brought in business coaches from outside the industry to help improve the team’s leadership skills. He also runs the office with a very inclusive management style, where senior members and teams are empowered to build their confidence and leadership skills..

012

“A reason a lot of people fail to build solid foundations for their business is that they don’t have the patience, but the good thing is when you spend time doing it, things can grow very quickly, just like our office has."

CATEGORY DEVELOPMENT

He added: “I’ve invested alot of time and effort in educating the team,

mentoring our team members and finding fresh and exciting talent to

and getting them involved with all aspects of the business. We work

join the team . Combined, I think that’s a recipe for great success and

through different development themes on a regular basis, and I make

continued growth.”

sure I give them plenty of opportunities to develop their skills. I think showing that trust is really important as a leader, backing it up by

Looking ahead to 2022, Matt is looking to expand his team in Swindon,

making sure I'm available when people need to chat or require support,

Reading and London. “A reason a lot of people fail to build solid

and help them understand how to overcome challenges and tricky

foundations for their business is that they don’t have the patience,”

situations.”

Matt said. “But the good thing is when you spend time doing it, things can grow very quickly, just like our office has. This year I want to double

“When you’ve identified a group of talented people like we have, your

the size of the Swindon team, open another office here and also ones

focus is on personal and professional development, coaching and

in Reading and London.

014

CATEGORY RELOCATION

The Vision in

Bristol

On the relocation of RedSeven

RedSeven Marketing recently moved their head office back from Swindon to Bristol. We spoke to Managing Director, Rob Cotterell, to find out what the plan for 2022 looks like.

I

n his own words, Rob Cotterell

Rob recalls that initially the plan wasn’t to be based

is a Bristol boy through and

in Swindon for too long. He had first hoped to move

through. So when it came to

back to Bristol after 12 months, however business

considering the future of his

boomed forcing him to reconsider. 12 months

business, heading back to his

quickly turned into 8 years, and the organisation

home city was always on the

expanded, opening offices in Cheltenham and

cards.

Manchester.

Rob started his sales journey

“I wanted to take the business to the next level,”

in the city under the guidance of James Buckley at

Rob added. “Bristol offers lots of opportunities for

Mantra Marketing. He quickly progressed through

us, thanks to its two universities and a larger more

the ranks and earned the opportunity to set up his

diverse pool to recruit from. I'm also starting a family,

own business in Swindon, October 2013.

so it made sense to head back home for personal reasons too.”

“When I first joined the company in 2010 I always knew I wanted to get stuck into something with

After making the move, the team set foot in their

autonomy and good career progression. After

new office at the start of January.

SHINE YOU DIAMOND

literally falling into sales by accident, I loved the

015

environment, people and opportunities so much

“It was certainly a challenge trying to find an office

that I never looked back,” Rob recalls. “I was given

that would be the best fit for us. Thankfully we’ve

the choice of five towns where I could locate my

found somewhere in the Spectrum building that

business. For me Swindon made sense, based on

really stood out. It’s a beautiful office with flower

the fact that it was still close to my family, plus it

walls, neon signs, and we’re also allowed to bring

would be a cheaper location to get up and running.”

our dogs into work with us too which the whole team has loved!”

“When it comes to recruitment, we know lots of people don’t want to live in a small town. Living somewhere like Bristol is a lot more attractive, so we hope that we can add lots of talented people to our team and help their careers grow.”

“When I first joined the company in 2010 I always knew I wanted to get stuck into something with autonomy and good career progression"

So how do you feel about the move?

“It feels great to be back in Bristol. Swindon was fantastic, but we really do have an amazing office here. The team have already been out to nice restaurants, settling in nicely and making the most of what the city has to offer.”

“Often business owners are risk averse , and it was a huge decision to relocate my team.

I knew it might set us back a little bit, but so far I think we’ve proved that it’s good to break out of your comfort zone. Although some things might be daunting it’s all worthwhile when you achieve your goals.”

So what is the vision for the Bristol office going

forward?

Rob

mentions

that

he

wants to make Bristol RedSeven’s highest performing office.

“I really want to put us on the map here,” he says. “Everything is in place here for us now, we have an incredible dynamic and talented team, a stunning office, fit for purpose, which we've made our own, it's time to make our mark" “When it comes to recruitment, we know lot's of people are against to living in a small town.

Living somewhere like Bristol is a lot more attractive, so we hope that we can add lots of talented people to our team and help their careers grow.”

“Bristol offers lots of opportunities for us, thanks to its two universities and a larger more diverse pool of people to recruit from"

017

'Often business owners are risk averse, and it was a huge decision to relocate my team, i knew it might set us back a little bit, but so far i think we've proved that it's good to break out of your comfort zone.'

MANTRA Christmas Party

019

020

CATEGORY EVENTS

Saturday 11th December - Cheltenham Ladies College -

A

fter missing out in 2020 the 2021 Mantra

performance, before awards were handed out for all stages of the

Marketing christmas party really was the

business. But the night didn’t end there, as a glittering trail (complete

festive extravaganza! Taking place on

with reindeers) led to a party in the Grand Hall, where everyone would

Saturday 11th December at Cheltenham

dance the night away. Speaking about the event, Fran Colam, Chief

Ladies College, with a guest list of over

Operations Officer said: “It was fantastic for us all to get together

200 people, who all walked the red carpet

for a proper Christmas party, with a magician, plenty of drinks and

to celebrate the festive period together,

dancing, plus the mantra event staple, magic wardrobe for all our

and in style!

wildest costume desires! Everyone was able to let their hair down

After being welcomed by stilt walkers and enjoying pre-award drinks

and celebrate the success of 2021, and I’m sure it was a night that we will all remember!”

and canapés, team members were treated to a mesmerising fire

022

CATEGORY EVENTS

023

CATEGORY EVENTS

024

025

026

CATEGORY EVENTS

027

CATEGORY EVENTS

028

CATEGORY EVENTS

030

CATEGORY EVENTS

031

CATEGORY EVENTS

032

033

034

WHAT I LOOK FOR

In a Business Partner What criteria is important for Chance Cowie, Managing Director of Redline Promotions when considering a new Business Partner? Here, he explains why he recently decided to promote Gary, Mike and Sam.

W

hat do you look for in a

business like this - work hard, graft and stay focused.

Business Partner?

When did you promote them and what do their Someone

that

committed, motivated

is

promotions involve?

highly won't

They were all promoted to Assistant Ownership last year.

take no for an answer

and

Now they spend half of their week working in sales, and the

until they hit their goal.

other half in the office learning about recruitment and events

Someone

comes

booking. This is to make sure that they are fully prepared

in and is really invested in the business. They are always

when they open their offices in Liverpool, Birmingham and

looking for ways to up-skill and develop themselves, whether

Sheffield.

who

it’s through calls, networking or educating themselves - not just in work but outside of the office too.

What gave you the idea of the Coaching Academy?

Why did you decide to promote Gary, Mike and Sam?

There is an opportunity for everyone that is dedicated to

What made them stand out to you?

the business! We are going to be expanding into another five locations this year alone, so there are a lot of prospects

These guys had great communication skills, and I saw a lot

for individuals that are really looking for progression and

of potential in them. They were never scared of hard work,

development. Our plan is to continue to be the #1 Marketing

they were always the first in the office and last to leave. For

Company for Direct Sales in the UK!

me those are the main ingredients required to succeed in a

035

CATEGORY INSIGHTS

038

HOW TO Win Friends AND INFLUENCE PEOPLE

CATEGORY COMMUNICATION

Kevin Nash, Operations Manager for The Promotions Company shares his top tips for retaining people within the business.

I

started my career with

the small things that make the difference.

the

nearly

To put it simply It’s nice to be nice, it really is

11 years ago. First I

that easy. We all have things on our mind, or

worked

Brand

have bad days, but sometimes its better to

and

set this to one side and remember to treat

since 2013 I have been

people properly. It’s easy to forget the basics.

part of the recruitment

However,

and

administration

of simple good manners, saying please and

business as

a

Ambassador,

never underestimate the impact

team. I've worked with

thank you, eye contact, speaking to people

a number of different marketing companies

with enthusiasm, and actually listening to

since, recruiting incredible people into our

them can make all the difference.

business, and helping them to progress in their careers.

For any team members that have recently joined the business, my advice would be,

I now work as Operations Manager at The

remember to treat people how you would

Promotions Company in Bristol, where I focus

like to be treated. It’s nice to be nice isn’t

on Recruitment, HR and support our teams

it. It doesn’t take any effort at all, but it will

in London, Exeter and Barnstaple.

make you feel good and also make someone else’s day. If we all remember this we won’t

The importance of first impressions When

we're

business,

the

recruiting main

people

point

I

go wrong! into

our

emphasise

Dale Carnegie's tips for self improvement

to our teams is that you should never

I think everyone should read Dale Carnegie’s

underestimate the impression you have on

‘How to Win Friends and Influence People’.

people when you meet them for the first

The basics never change, but I think we can

time. As a recruiter it’s important that we are

still learn a lot from his writings. There are two

professional, warm and friendly.

points of his that I still try to remember every day

That initial contact sets the stage for how people see your business. Whether they

“Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain,

buy into your vision and ultimately whether

but it takes character and self control to be

they

make the decision to join your team.

understanding and forgiving”. This might be

First impressions are paramount for your

easier said than done as it’s easier to blame

brands reputation. This continues through

other people’s actions rather than your own

every stage of your relationship with your

issues. However, negativity can not only

team. I think it’s important to remember

lower your own mood and motivation, but

the small things, spending time getting to

also forces you into a negative mindset of

know people, being compassionate, having

complaining and finding faults in others.

a genuine interest in others. Remembering someones birthday, sending them a card, it's

“The…road to a man’s heart is to talk to

040

CATEGORY COMMUNICATION

“The…road to a man’s heart is to talk to him about the things he treasures most”.

This is classic advice. It’s easy to talk about ourselves and our lives, but make sure you also listen to other people. Find out about their interests, what's important to them, and what motivates them.

So how does he feel about the move? “It

'For any team members that have recently joined the business, my advice would be, remember to treat people how you would like to be treated. It’s nice to be nice'

feels great to be back in Bristol. Swindon was

Make sure you don’t have an agenda

fantastic, but we really do have an amazing

I suppose the greatest lesson I've learnt is to

office here. The team have already been out

not have an agenda when doing things for

to nice restaurants and made the most of

people. It’s really easy to have an attitude

what the city has to offer.”

of ‘what’s in it for me’ - I think that’s where a

“Often business owners like to not take risks,

lot of people go wrong. Our whole business

and it was a big jump to relocate my team. I

model is based on networking, sharing ideas,

knew it might take us back a little bit, but so

gaining perspective, this is what makes our

far I think we’ve proved that it’s good to break

organisation an inspiring place to be - this is

out of your comfort zone. Although some

something I have always tried to remember. I

things might be daunting it’s all worthwhile

am always happy to help out and offer advice

when you get to the end goal.”

to anyone that needs it – whether I will gain

So what is the vision for the Bristol office

anything in return or not.

going forward?Rob says that he wants to make Bristol RedSeven’s highest performing

During the lock down I ran networking calls

office. “I really want to put us on the map

for lots of different marketing companies

here,” he says.

throughout the country. There wasn't a huge

“When it comes to the recruitment side of

amount for me to gain, it wasn’t going to

things, we know lots of people don’t want

positively impact my career directly, but it was

to live in a small town.Living somewhere like

the right thing to do. For me, it's important

Bristol is a lot more attractive, so we hope

that people feel comfortable talking to me and know that I am always happy to help out.

“Bristol offers lots of opportunities for us, thanks to its two universities and a larger more diverse pool of people to recruit from"

041

CATEGORY COMMUNICATION

'Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain, but it takes character and self control to be understanding and forgiving'

- DALE CARNEGIE -

042

"How we DO things Differently" Roddy Barker, Managing Director of B23 Marketing tells us how he is investing in his workforce.

043

044

CATEGORY DIRECTION

“I think the secret to my success at B23

By 2018 Roddy said he felt like he was juggling

Marketing has been down to not taking

being a dad whilst being the driving force in

myself too seriously,” Roddy quips. “I like to

the organisation. He decided to move back to

keep everything simple and be able to have

Glasgow to be closer to his wider family, which

as much fun as I can.”

saw him continuing to run his business from a coffee shop.

After developing

another

Although he never planned to work in

office and again achieving impressive sales

sales, Roddy’s experience of working as an

numbers over the course of that year, in 2020

Entertainment Manager in holiday parks has

Roddy was forced (along with many others)

certainly given him the confidence to talk to

to try and navigate the Covid pandemic. This

people.

meant that fresh perspective, and a new vision was essential.

“The key to working in face to face sales is being that person that people want to

“My main focus was to try and maintain

speak to,” he said., “Being relaxed, fun and

a business that thrives on face to face

approachable is vital for what we do.”

contact,” he said.

Roddy started working for the organisation

So after coming through the other side of

in 2008. After six months of working his

the pandemic, what are the key things that

way up he ventured down from Scotland to

Roddy has learnt?

Bristol to work for James Buckley. From there he started Phoenix Global Marketing, where

His team

he focussed on growth, developing his team

“During lock down, our sales coaching and

and was a high achiever in sales for charity

meetings relocated online. I

clients. However, Roddy says his life changed

online academy on Zoom which meant that

in 2015 when his son was born.

we could still recruit and train. The most

created an

important thing has been to retain focus on "When I became a father I had the realisation

making everything more personalised for

that I wasn’t the most important person in

my team. As during the pandemic we were

my life any more. It was a real ‘head down’

not able to get together in the way we had

moment for me, and I decided to rebrand the

before. We used to have a team night once

business as B23 Marketing.”

a week, but instead we started to do Zoom quizzes which helped to bring everyone together. Not only did everyone feel part of something, but we were all focused on being connected. It has made me realise that we are a people business, not just a recruitment business. I want to help people be the best representation of themselves.”

Selling to the right people “We

have

a

laser

focus

on

quality

in

my business. For our charity clients it’s important to achieve high volume sales but also longevity, making sure we deliver the message effectively and convert the right people. This means we’ve had to train our team on how to disengage from people who can’t support the causes we work for, instead of pushing a hard sell. As a result the standards of our team have risen, in terms of better presentation, sales skills, and having more pride in representing incredible charities and clients.”

Having clear goals

045

CATEGORY DIRECTION

The ket to working in face to face sales is being the person that people want to speak to. Being relaxed, fun and approachable is vital for what we do"

“I’m a firm believer that setting yourself clear, achievable goals and retaining focus are important, but I have often found it a challenge to get people to voice their own due to embarrassment. Mine involve letting the team know why I travel an hour to work everyday and why I want to train people. I want to inspire people, whether it’s having a healthy lifestyle, making sure their family is looked after or having a successful business.

I have introduced new goal planning sessions with the team, where we ask everyone to write a paragraph to explain their goals to the team. If they ever struggle or have challenges, then they have that constant reminder.”

Changing with the times “Being able to change with the times is something that is vital for the success of any business When we first introduced iPads to the team and got rid of paper forms, it took me a while to get used to it as admittedly I’m not great with technology. However this change made a real difference to how we worked. If you’re not willing to adapt,you’ll end up stuck in the past, which is the reason why some businesses fall by the wayside.”

"We have a laser focus on quality in my organisation. For our charity clients it's important to achieve high volume sales, but also longevity, making sure we deliver the message effectively and convert the right people. This means we've had to train our team on how to disengage from people who can't support the causes we work for. As a result the standards of our team have risen, in terms of better presentation, sales skills and having pride in represeting incredible charities and clients"

046

WOMEN

in Sales HERE COME THE GIRLS!

CATEGORY GROW TH

Here come the girls! We sit down with five of our female team members to hear what they have to say about working in sales.

Panel:

both customers and team members alike.

•

Francis Colam: Chief Operations Officer for Mantra Marketing

EG: I think it’s a really inclusive industry. It

•

Leia Kubas: Crew Leader, Redline Promotions

•

Emily Gara: Crew Leader, Monument Promotions

doesn’t just depend on your CV or what experience you have.

CH: I think this is a great industry for ambitious women with high standards.

It's not what you know or who you know, which is different to other industries in

•

Claudia Harris: Crew Leader, Monument Promotions

•

Asma Brahimi: Assistant Owner,

that regard, but how hard you are willing to work. Being on a level playing field from the get go, we are given the chance to

Hydra Sales Group

create our own opportunities through the accomplishments of our hard work. It is

How long have you worked in sales for?

FC: I first started out in the industry over 17 years ago – time has certainly flown! I had no previous experience, and everything I have learnt is from within the business.

somewhere you can truly be yourself.

AB: I believe this is a great industry for women to work in because it enables them to overcome the barriers that often keep them from entrepreneurship: lack

LK: I only started five months ago, so I’m still really new to the industry. I’m also studying for my degree in Business Management alongside my role.

EG: I have been working in the industry for just over a year, and it’s one of the best years I’ve ever had! I previously lived in London and have a dance and musical theatre background. However after moving back to Swindon due to Covid I can say that this is the best opportunity I’ve ever taken.

of capital, lack of time, and lack of skills.

It also helped me personally to build my confidence, break out of my comfort zone, and create a vision for my future.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

FC: I love the diverse nature of my role, working with people that inspire me, and having

the

opportunity

to

help

them

develop and learn new skills. Furthermore, flexibility in my role enables me to have

CH: I have worked in sales since September 2021.

a better work life balance and ultimately spend more time with my family, which is really important to me.

AB: I joined the business in April 2019.

LK: I’ve really enjoyed building a team and watching their progression – it’s been

Why do you think this is a good industry for women to work in?

FC: :

for

both

men

and

women.

I

have learnt a broad range of skills whilst progressing,

including,

communication,

organisation, recruitment and leadership.

LK: I think women bring a different skill-set to sales that can help them go a long way, empathy

and

a

my personal progression and the fact that every single day is different. Working

I think it’s a fantastic all inclusive

industry

highly rewarding. I’ve also really enjoyed

high-level

of

emotional

intelligence. These are attractive qualities for

with a broad range of personalities and perspectives is an opportunity in itself!

EG: There are so many aspects that I love, but the main thing is working with likeminded people every day, which inspires me to be the successful entrepreneur I want to be! I also enjoy my days, interacting with people, developing my skills, and turning my dreams into a reality.

048

CATEGORY GROW TH

I first started out in the industry over 17 years ago – time has certainly flown! I had no previous experince, and everything I have learnt is from within the business.

CH: Every day I strive to be the best version of myself. I love meeting new people, coaching, and helping myself and others progress in their careers; there is always something to learn and someone to learn from!

AB: I enjoy the freedom, flexibility, daily learning, and unlimited earning power. The more I put into it, the more I am rewarded! I also enjoy the competitive environment and being able to network with top people across the world.

What do you think are the biggest challenges that you face?

FC: : During my time at the company I've attended many boardroom meetings, with only men,

which has had it's challenges

However I would say that in this industry there is no glass ceiling, whether you’re a man or a woman - it’s about whether you can do the job. I have been lucky enough to lead and coach many women within the business.

I think it’s important to just be yourself, get stuck in, and don’t worry about what other people are thinking.

LK: I haven’t faced any major challenges so far. However as a woman in the industry I do think it’s important to be thick skinned as unfortunately some stereotypes do remain.

EG: In sales I don’t think there are necessarily challenges that women face in isolation, but I think it’s about gaining perspective on how to face them. Working in this industry is not always smooth sailing, but we don’t grow when things are easy.

CH: For me it’s having patience and retaining focus, as I have dreams and ambitions. I know that in time I can achieve my goals, but things take time and I need to enjoy the ride to the finish line!

AB: For me I would say the Covid pandemic, lock downs and being able to stay focused for a long period have been my biggest challenges.

What would you say to women who are thinking of working in sales?

FC: : I would say be confident in your own

049

voice, your own opinion and your own ideas. It’s all about the skills you can learn along the way, and making the most of the flexibility that the organisation provides for you . I would love to see more women in our industry!

LK: Never be afraid to network- it’s about getting yourself out there in order to gain as much knowledge as you can. Also always try to be the hardest working person in the room, as you never know where every opportunity will lead you.

EG: I would say dive in head first and ask as many questions as you want to – anyone can be successful!

CH: To any woman looking to get a job in sales I'd say - DO IT NOW! Sales is a great place to find skills you never knew you had AB: My advice would be to never stop learning and to always reach out for help when you need it. Do not worry about failing, it will make you better.

I’ve really enjoyed building a team and marveling at their progression – it’s been highly rewarding. I’ve also really enjoyed my personal progression and the fact that every day is different. Working with a braod range of personalities and perspectives is an opportunity in itself!

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CATEGORY DEVELOPMENT

My First Few

Months In the business

Some of our female new-starters share their experiences of joining the team

Olivia

Harridence

a

Recruitment

and joined the team in May 2021: “I love

the

Cheltenham

going to work, the environment and the

RedSeven office, and joined the team in

people. I am trusted to get the job done

June 2021: “Most of all, I enjoy meeting and

without being micromanaged, and having

speaking with such a wide range of people,

the opportunity to travel and network is also

both over the phone and in person. I get a

rewarding. The biggest challenges for me

real sense of satisfaction through forming

are managing any last minute event issues

relationships with people and helping them

that occur, as finding another event for

to make the most of the great opportunity

the representatives to attend can be time

that

for

consuming and costly for the teams. My

RedSeven, it has also highlighted that each

organisation and time management have

seemingly minor detail is actually extremely

seen vast improvements since starting with

important.”

the business too.”

Administrator

we

can

is

for

offer.

Since

working

Meghan Ball is a Recruitment Consultant for Monument Promotions, and joined the team in November 2021: “I feel very lucky that my training is always seen as a priority, which I have not experienced in previous roles. The biggest thing I have learnt so far is that no matter how slow or disappointing your day is going, never give

“I feel very lucky that my training is always seen as a priority, which i have not experienced in previous roles"

up. You will always have early days and you will always have late days, the only thing that matters is what you make of it. There is no such thing as a ‘bad’ day!”

Mollie-Jay ordinator

Hayes for

is

an

Monument

Events

Co-

Promotions,

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CATEGORY JOURNEY

MY JOURNEY

F loyd Marriott

'Floyd Marriott is Managing Director of Hydra Sales Group. Here he tells us about the journey and lessons that have shaped his career.'

F

loyd

Pio-

Although Floyd was keen to develop his sales skills,

neer Advertising in London

Marriott

joined

initially he didn’t plan to make it a long term career

way back in 2013. There he

prospect. However, it didn’t take long for him to

learnt all the tricks of the

change his mind. “

trade before he was given the chance to lead his own

"Once I’d started to excel in sales, and had the

sales team. “I’d not worked in

chance to travel with the organisation, my thought

sales before”, he remembers.

process changed. I saw the opportunity to broaden

“I was a gardener in a cem-

the horizons of others. That wasn’t something I had

etery before this. Although

seen myself doing before,” he said.

initially I couldn’t sell anything, I had some great people around me and I always stayed excited

Towards the end of 2013 Floyd decided to train oth-

about the opportunity.”

er members of the team. However at the time he still did not completely realise his potential.

Floyd is an extremely ambitious individual who had travelled to the UK from Jamaica to start a new life,

“After I started training people, I really began to en-

for Floyd the opportunity to be self employed had

joy it, so I set myself some goals to hit before the

always been very attractive. "I wanted the chance

end of January 2014. My focus was on developing

to work in an office environment, with autonomy

people and building a team, and I actually ending

and be in control of my own destiny".

up hitting that goal at the end of December. That’s where everything changed for me.”

He also thought that developing sales skills would greatly benefit his growth and development. He

After finishing for the Christmas break with a team

added:

of five, Floyd’s dreams were almost dashed when

RECRUITMENT 2021

only one team member returned at the start of the

053

“I knew that every business has to sell, and that

New Year. However, as Floyd explains, he did not

good sales skills will always be highly sort after . The

lose heart: “The one person who came back was

chance to build my communication skills also excit-

instrumental in inspiring me. They were really posi-

ed me. Being able to communicate effectively and

tive and said they wanted to work with me to rebuild

deliver your points in a clear and engaging manner

the team again. Thankfully, we hit the criteria and

gives you an amazing advantage..”

in May 2014 I started running my own direct sales business in Ipswich.”

“The one person who came back was instrumental in inspiring me. They were really positive and said they wanted to work with me to rebuild the team again. Thankfully, we hit the criteria and in May 2014 I opened my own direct sales business in Ipswich.”

After growing his business, in 2016 Floyd

Hydra Sales Group the more passionate and

decided to leave the organisation to expand

excited I become.”

his knowledge in the direct sales. However in 2019 he rejoined Regardless Marketing in

1. What has been the biggest highlight of

London as Managing Director, which then

your career?

became known as Hydra Sales Group. The

“For me it’s seeing Asma Brahimi growth

rest, as they say, is history.

trajectory, she's about to open her own office after starting out as a student. For her, the

Floyd said: “While I was away the organisation

opportunity has been life changing. I also feel

had grown enormously – I was really excited

very lucky to have been able to represent

to be back.”

some really amazing brands, which have given me so many opportunities that I don’t

Reflecting on his career, Floyd says:

“I

think I would have had otherwise.”

genuinely love what I do, I get tremendous pleasure from working with my team, and the

2. What is the biggest lesson that you've

organisation offers so many opportunities

learnt along the way?

for networking and development. Today I’m a

“The importance of being humble, to never

totally different person to who I was when I

stop learning or wanting to grow and

first joined in 2013.”

develop your skills.”

In terms of his biggest challenge, Floyd

3. What is the biggest piece of advice that

says that for him it’s discipline. He explains:

you'd give to anyone starting out in sales

“Our business, like all others, has had ups

today?

and downs. The Covid pandemic has been

“You need to be competitive and ambitious

a tremendous challenge, and being able to

to be successful. However it’s not about

maintain that focus, pace and commitment

competing with someone else – it’s about

has been hard. However I strongly believe we

competing with yourself. You need to push

are now on the other side. The organisation

yourself and be prepared to work intensely

is stronger, and the people within the

over a period of time, as success doesn’t

organisation are our real assets. Some

come instantly. New entrants are always

people

incredible

coming in to the industry, so the only way to

skills over the last year, and it feels like the

stay relevant is to always improve yourself.”

have

developed

some

business is poised and ready for growth.”

So summing up, how would Floyd describe the impact that sales has had on his life?

“Eight years on I’m still looking for a proper job!” he jokes. “But in all seriousness although I’ve had tremendous personal challenges

'“I was a gardener in a cemetery

during my career, in my opinion this is the

before this. Although initially I couldn’t

best industry in the world to be in. When I look

sell anything, I had some great people

back at the opportunities that have been given to me, I don’t think any other industry would have given me the same chances.

I have totally transformed my life over the last couple of years, and the longer I stay at

055

around me and I always stayed excited about the opportunity.”

“I genuinely love what i do, I get tremendous pleasure from working with my team, and the organisation offers so many opportunities for networking and development. Today I’m a totally different person to who I was when I first joined in 2013.”

Photo Album

A selection of some of our favourite photos from recent events

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CATEGORY BOOKS & PODCASTS

Books and Podcasts How to Win Friends and Influence People

By: Dale Carnegie

069

Unfu*k Yourself:

Purple Cow:

Life

Remarkable

Get Out Of Your Head and into Your

By: Andrew Craig

Transform Your Business by Being

By: Olga Ravn

CATEGORY BOOKS & PODCASTS

Sauntering:

Writers Walk Europe

Podcasts

01

Wild Things Las Vegas magician duo Siegfried and Roy. What's behind the glitz, glamour, and big cats

02

Sweet Bobby Journalist Alexi Mostrous was researching the consequences of online porn when he stumbled across a bizarre catfishing story

03

04

Hooked Tony Hathaway was a Boeing engineer who seemed to have it all

Things Fell Apart What are the origins of cancel culture? How did we become such a divisive society?

01

America's Girls In the ’70s and ’80s the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders were as much a pop-culture phenomenon as Saturday Night Fever or The Love Boat

02

The Rabbit Hole Easily bingeable, Rabbit Hole takes a look into how the internet affects our lives and our politics every day and in insidious ways, plus how it got to that point.change that.

By: Erin Meyer

070

Burning Man AUGUST 2022

We’ll get right to it — Black Rock City will be coming back in 2022. After a two-year hiatus and with persistent, pandemic-driven unknowns, the road may be a little more circuitous, but we’ll be damned if it’s not leading us Home. It’s time to resume our Waking Dreams and look to the future we’ll build together.

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Glastonbury Festival

JUNE 2022

Glastonbury Festival is the largest greenfield music and performing arts festival in the world and a template for all the festivals that have come after it. The difference is that Glastonbury has all the best aspects of being at a festival in one astonishing bundle.

It’s like going to another country; a thrilling and vibrant cultural meltingpot and inspirational Brigadoon that appears every year or so.

Coming to Glastonbury involves a fair amount of travel, and probably a queue to get in but, when you get past these impediments, you enter a huge tented city, a mini-state under canvas. British law still applies, but the rules of society are a bit different, a little bit freer. Everyone is here to have a wild time in their own way.

074

Reading./Leeds AUGUST 2022

Every August over 100,000 eager music revellers descend on the thriving Berkshire town of Reading, to attend the annual Reading Festival. This 3-day event is one of the biggest outdoor music festivals in the UK and attracts visitors from across the world to see some of the top names in rock, indie and alternative music perform.

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£19,684,500 MONEY R AISED FOR CHAR ITIES 6 MONTHS

Office List 2022

CATEGORY OFFICE LIST

Our Worldwide Office List. Please be sure to visit our social media channels for future developments

UK Mantra Marketing Group James Buckley / Francis Colam www.mantramarketinggroup.com

RedSeven Marketing Robert Cotterell Swindon / Cheltenham www.redsevenmarketing.co.uk

RedSeven Marketing Paul Coombe / Dale Trinder Cheltenham website coming soon

Adaptive Marketing Gary Pearson Birmingham website coming soon

Charity Promotions Yaroslav Roshinenko Saint Petersburg website coming soon

L1 Marketing Mike Harrison Liverpool website coming soon

Pro Pr Aleksey Bondarev Moscow www.propr.top

Strong Promotions Sam Strong Sheffield website coming soon

Asana Marketing Group Aidar Zamaletdinov Moscow www.asana-mg.com

Monument Promotions Matt Nicholson Swindon www.monumentpromotions.co.uk

RUSSIA

Redline Promotions Chance Cowie Manchester www.redlinepromotions.co.uk

People Boosted Veronika Ovechkina Moscow www.peopleboosted.com

The Promotions Company Phil Reid Bristol www.promotions-company.co.uk

First Group Albina Fazlieva Nuzhny Novgorod www.firstgroup.moscow

Ignite Fundraising Alex Pearce Bristol www.ignitefundraising.org

MarGroup Michael Mareev Nuzhny Novgorod www.margroup.org

Hydra Sales Floyd Marriott London website coming soon

Make a Fuss Aleksandr Te Ekaterinburg www.makeafuss.ru

BELARUS

Empire Marketing Vik Verma Exeter www.empiremarketing.co.uk

LBN Marketing Elena Bocharova Ekaterinburg www.lbn-mg.ru

MEA Marketing Evgeniy Miheenko Minsk www.meamarketing.by

B23 Marketing Roddy Barker Glasgow website coming soon

Leo Company Leonie Bluznetsov Krasnodar website coming soon

ZAR Marketing Alexander Nikiforov Minsk www.zarmarketing.by

Enigma Mark Widnel Barnstaple website coming soon

GOST Sergey Melchenko Kazan website coming soon

Analogue Communications David Hebblethwaite Ipswich website coming soon

Ivse Group Ivan Dmitrachkov Saint Petersburg website coming soon

Analogue Communications David Hebblethwaite Ipswich website coming soon

Luck Look Company Ayna Papedova Krasnodar www.lucklookcompany.com

WeMake Radik Kamalov Saint Petersburg www.wmwemake.com

3117 Elena Bocharova Ekaterinburgg website coming soon

Raycom Daniel Ray Moscow website coming soon

Vendo Group Sofya Tarasova Moscow website coming soon

SPAIN INVENTA Ivan Yanez Madrid website coming soon

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“We Shine Bright So That Others May Shine Brighter.”