• marketing
• Events
• Heritage

The one with paper roses

It’s good to get out and about, isn’t it?

Since Covid, the temptation to stay put has crept in. It’s easy to feel content with the endless stream of podcasts, webinars, and LinkedIn masterclasses – and to convince ourselves we never need to brave breakout rooms or coffee break chit-chat again.

But there was a time when, as business owners or client directors, that’s all we did. If you were in the office, it was a quiet day. If you were at home, you were probably sick.

I’m glad to say the last 18 months have seen us put serious effort back into getting out and about. Mingling. Catching up on industry news (and a fair bit of gossip). Learning. Being heard.

We’ve reinvested in event sponsorships, judging panels, and speaking slots—and it’s working. It takes time and budget, sure, but it’s far more energising than a day of back-to-back Teams calls.

And as a branding and creative services consultancy, it’s a chance to show off a little. To sell our wares, just as we advise our clients to sell theirs.

Our stand at the Museums and Heritage Show a few years ago was paper roses galore, and well before every spa and upscale café caught on to the idea – and it caused quite a stir.

Because being remembered? That’s what networking is all about.

My strategy lead  Dr Mark Smith favours a bold dress code to make an impact. I sometimes follow suit, though over the years it’s been for other reasons too. Like being a keynote speaker at a German-speaking-only event (I don’t speak a word ), or once as a panel host I presented a guest with a giant box of chocolates… only to discover several had already been eaten (and not by me!).

 There’s always a talking point… This year, our jellybean-stacked booth in Paris taught us two things: Germans love jellybeans (they don’t have them!), and regulatory folks always have their eye on the ball (having our knuckles wrapped for not adhering to food labelling standards!)
 
And the question often arises, Should we do it? Is it worth it? Can we afford the time? If I’ve learned anything, it absolutely always is worth it…
 
Because showing up isn’t just about profile-raising or glossy brochures. It’s about connection. Shared stories. The stuff that doesn’t happen over Zoom

 
Presence is a strategy. And sometimes, so is spectacle.

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