Jim A James - Blog , Entrepreneurs

Constructive Distancing.

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 16:25:05 +0000

Entrepreneurs Can Be Authentic Without Killing Their Company.

In today's business landscape, authenticity is key to building trust and long-lasting relationships with customers. However, entrepreneurs often struggle to balance being their true selves while maintaining the professional image of their company.

This short presentation explores the concept of "constructive distancing," a strategy where entrepreneurs create two distinct brands: one personal and one for the business.

By separating these identities, entrepreneurs can authentically express themselves without the risk of damaging their company’s reputation.

This approach allows for greater freedom in personal expression while protecting the business brand from any potential fallout that may arise from controversial or highly personal viewpoints.

How does your customer get to you?

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 11:09:04 +0000

Mapping the customers journey

If you already have an established business but haven't mapped out your customer's journey, you may be missing opportunities to improve their experience and increase sales. Mapping the customer journey allows you to identify pain points and moments of delight across the key stages of Awareness, Consideration, Decision, Purchase, and Advocacy.

What is the Customer Journey Map?

A customer journey map is a visual representation of the complete end-to-end experience a customer has with your business. It includes:

- Customer Actions: Key activities customers take at each stage

- Marketing Touchpoints: Such as advertising, social media, sponsorships, events, etc.

- Customer Emotions: How customers feel at different points

- Customer Pain Points: Frustrations and roadblocks in the journey

- Solutions: Ways you can improve the experience

Why Create a Customer Journey Map?

Journey mapping reveals insights you can use to enhance customer satisfaction, including:

- Seeing where customers may be dropping out of the sales process

- Identifying underutilized marketing channels and touchpoints

- Pinpointing negative emotions and pain points to address

- Uncovering moments of positivity and delight to build on

- Informing improvements to marketing, products, services and processes

How to Create Your Customer Journey Map

Follow these steps:

1. Identify Main Customer Personas

2. Map out all Marketing Touchpoints customers interact with

3. Break the journey into key Stages: Awareness, Consideration, Decision, Service, Advocacy

4. Note Customer Actions, Emotions, and Pain Points at each stage

5. Identify Gaps and Opportunities for improvement

6. Brainstorm potential Solutions for pain points and gaps

7. Prioritize solutions based on effort vs. impact

Journey mapping is an ongoing exercise, and one you should undertake whenever you implement something new, or at least annually to take into account the changing marketing conditions e.g. Twitter in decline or the absence of international travel.

Download the template

#GetNoticed: 13 Press Release Services to Check Out

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 08:08:26 +0000

Do you have a new business, product, or service to promote? If so, it's time to #getnoticed and what better way to do that than with a press release? But where do you start? You've got a couple of choices:

Send it yourself using a platform like Prowly. [more of that later.]
Post it to one of these news distribution services
Outsource to an agency.

In this post I'm going to give you a selection of the services which fit the second - you've written the release but you don't have any media contacts and just want to get the news out there. If you are doing this, then you won't be following up with the media either. These are straight broadcast services. You'll want to judge them on the following:

- the price

- their reach

- ability to target

We can go into those in more detail in another post, but let's get the ball rolling with a simple list to get you on the starting blocks.

Here are 12 press release services to help you get the word out about what you have to offer. From easy-to-use online platforms to customised services, these press release services can help you #getnoticed and ensure your message is seen by the right audience.

At this stage I'll say that we've used some of these but not all, and we don't have an affiliate relationship with any of these. We've just done some of the research for you and not made a full comparison as we don't know your circumstances.

1. eReleases

From $399.00 /release

eReleases specialises in targeted press release distribution to journalists, news sites, websites, bloggers, social networks, media influencers, and wire services. They use search engine optimisation to ensure press releases are seen, and provide detailed reports to show progress.

2. EIN Presswire

From $99.95 /release.

EIN Presswire offers a comprehensive web-based press release distribution service for businesses of any size. Its features include a global media network, press release tracking, media monitoring, RSS feed services, and SEO functions to help your business reach more people.

3. 24-7 Press Release Newswire

From $29.00 /release.

24-7 Press Release Newswire is a cloud-based press release distribution platform designed to help small businesses reach a wider audience. This platform features a variety of tools, such as real-time news content, a free news widget, and an RSS feed, to help businesses increase their public visibility.

4. PRLog

Free.

PRLog is a free press release distribution service that allows users to submit up to two press releases a day which are instantly approved. All releases come with HTML links that are distributed to a number of news sites.

5. Prowly

From $418.00/month

Secure meaningful media coverage with your press releases. Forget the "spray-and-pray" method of newswires. Prowly lets you create eye-catching, visual press releases and directly email them to media contacts that are most likely to be interested in your story.

6. PR Newswire

Contact for quote.

Cision's PR Newswire is a media distribution platform designed to provide small businesses with powerful solutions, such as media monitoring, content distribution, and creative services. Through PR Newswire, businesses can easily craft and distribute press releases to reach their target audiences.

7. PR Underground's

From $74.99 /release.

Businesses looking to get their message out to their target audience can use PR Underground's press release distribution platform to compile and distribute their press releases. This platform offers services such as web reach distribution, pay-per-release, and SEO optimization to ensure that the message reaches the right people.

8. PR Web

From $105.00 /release.

PRWeb is a press release distribution service that provides businesses with online coverage, search visibility, and other PR services. With PRWeb, businesses can spread their message and gain more recognition online.

9. SB Wire

From $49.00 /release.

ReleaseWire's SBWire is a comprehensive press release distribution platform for businesses. It offers various solutions, such as press release optimization, geotagging, tracking, and scheduling, to help businesses reach their target audience. Companies can also use SBWire to spread the word about newsworthy events and activities.

10. Send2Press

From $99.00 /release.

Businesses looking to get their message out to the public can use Send2Press to distribute press releases and reach a wide audience. Send2Press offers press release writing services, press release distribution, and social media marketing solutions to help businesses reach a larger audience and get more attention. With Send2Press, businesses can send out press releases to a variety of media outlets, including print, radio, and TV, as well as online outlets. Send2Press also provides social media marketing services that can help businesses increase their visibility and reach a larger audience.

11. Globe Newswire

Contact for quote.

Notified, formerly Intrado Digital Media, offers a press release distribution service called GlobeNewswire which specialises in the syndication of corporate press releases, financial disclosures, and multimedia content worldwide.

12. Pressat

From £110.00 /release.

Pressat is a one-stop shop for all public relations needs, offering press release distribution as well as translation, copywriting, disclosure services, and access to a database of over 1.4 million media contacts.

13. NewswireJet

From $59.00 /release.

NewswireJet is designed to help small businesses streamline their public relations process with comprehensive features such as press release writing services, detailed reports, RSS distribution, and unlimited revisions. It's the perfect platform for entrepreneurs who want to maximize their PR results with minimal effort

Get Started Now

Entrepreneurs are US - Alive & Well in China

Sun, 04 May 2014 10:59:03 +0000

The people who keep me sane! Forum 1 of EO Beijing Back in 2007 Richard Robinson and I travelled to Dubai and returned as the founder members of the Beijing Chapter of the Entrepreneurs Organization. I was President for the next 2 years managing to hand over to Mirko Wormuth, who was a brilliant President and is still here in Forum 1 with me. EO has been a source of great strength and inspiration to me while in China. It was at Forum 1 that I first mooted the idea of Morgan. Last week we had the news that for the first time in EO’s history—27 years of growth and greatness— EO has the 10,000-member mark! In Beijing we now have 45 members. Some of my friends in Singapore have joined EO, and during training by Verne Harnish in Holland last week were some British entrepreneurs I have introduced in the hope that they find EO as inspirational as I have. That’s a tremendous accomplishment, and one that speaks volumes regarding the impact of EO and the growing reach of our influence, as well as the efforts of our member leaders and staff. Earning the honor of being our 10,000 ^th member is Akith Patel, the latest addition to one of our newest chapters— EO East Africa! Akith is the director of Propack Kenya Limited, a food products company located in Nairobi. Closer to home - thank you to my Forum 1 peers, and the peers in the other Forum’s I have been blessed to share time with.

Beijing Talk Radio in Morgan Showroom

Sat, 08 Feb 2014 11:45:15 +0000

Am774 Radio - Bruce Connolly Bruce and I met at the British Ambassador's Residence recently at at GREAT film premier. Bruce is one of those people that one can't help want to spend time with - a deep Glaswegian accent, warm blue eyes and an indefatigable interest in life. Bruce first came to China in 1987 by train on a railway journey from Glasgow (Scotland) to Hong Kong. Five years later, 1992, he was back - working in Guangzhou - and is still here, in Beijing recording the amazing changes and the people who come here to create this amazing place. China - 1987 - bicycles, steam trains and intermediate technology, but signs of change were there. 2012 - world's greatest network of high-speed trains and so much continuing to grow and develop. See his amazing collection of photos on Flickr Here is the 1st of several shows to be broadcast via the Internet on AM 774. At Manchester University I produced a BBC NorthWest radio show called 'The Buzz.' My cohort Will Saunders is still at the Beeb and I heard our other co-producer Anna Simons on Rock 97.4 while driving in Lancashire several years back. At the time people commented that I had a great face for radio. Will and Anna were infinitely more talented than me, and their later success proves it. The interview with Bruce is the first time I have heard myself on radio since those heady days of 1999, when we broadcast into the Sunday night airwaves, and pretended that the switchboards were abuzz with callers. Bruce has a magic formula for his shows - energy, insight and the ability to put the interviewee at ease. Beijing radio Or here:

EO Beijing Forum Retreat for the family.

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 08:10:31 +0000

A wonderful retreat in the city for EO Beijing forum 1. EO has been the best organization that I could ever have joined. Being a part of the creation of EO Beijing Chapter and growing our families and businesses together has been a highlight of my time in China. We held the retreat at EAST hotel, a long time partner of EO Beijing.

EO Beijing Forum Retreat for the family.

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 08:10:31 +0000

EO Beijing awareness advert in Agenda Magazine - Jan 2012.

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:08:39 +0000

Halo and I were featured in an EO awareness campaign in Beijing. The concept was one of Work|Life Balance. I loved this photo taken with Halo when she was 6 weeks old; I look so proud and she so non-chalant about the whole affair. This is one of a series of advertisements produced by Redstar in Beijing for our local EO Chapter. It was run in Agenda Beijing magazine.

Sebastian Wood CMG welcomes British entrepreneurs home

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 15:33:20 +0000

The British Ambassador to China, Sebastian Wood CMG, welcomed EO Beijing chapter members at his residence on March 31st. I arranged the event to introduce the new Ambassador to some of the Britons who are building businesses in Beijing. Although a small group, it is a vibrant one and offers the potential to create a support network for other Britons who want to establish a business in China. The topics ranged from the hurdles faced in setting up in China, trade finance, legislation changes and the obvious opportunities for entrepreneurs in China. The discussion also turned to ways in which British entrepreneurs could help those outside of the UK enter China. These included the organizing of a British entrepreneurs event to coincide with the British Business Awards in Shanghai 2010. Sebastian Woodwas appointed as Her Majesty's Ambassador to the People's Republic of China in January 2010.

They must often change who would be constant in happiness or wisdom.

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 20:24:42 +0000

Beijing Diary 9th Nov 2008 “Life is what happens to you while you are making plans,” I believe John Lennon once said, and in the last twelve months fatherhood, Olympics, a start up, trying to keep the Duke of York entertained and marriage have made me change my plans and kept me from writing this diary. Amity Huan Huan James celebrated her first birthday party at the XYZ art gallery, oblivious to much but the enormous chocolate cake and the clown; for Wei and I this was a milestone in our relationship, our second anniversary. I wrestled for 6 months with the reality of fatherhood including diapers at dawn, impossible to button up baby outfits and not being who I used to be, but Wei has been a guiding light to the concept and reality of a fun and happy family. Fortunately we share many basic parenting philosophies such as not having the baby sleep in the bed, a common practice in China, and accepting the sweet and the smelly parts of parenting. Wei works with the art gallery, and thought it would be fun to have lots of toddlers around the contemporary paintings; I nervously checked for chocolate fingerprints after the last of the diaper brigade were wheeled out. The police and army brigades have also left the streets of Beijing post Olympics and as the winter leaves turn auburn the city is becoming a pleasant place to live. A revised vehicle restriction policy is keeping 600,000 cars per day off the roads and a policy of moving from coal to oil fired power stations could also be contributing to the clearer skies. It could also be that factories shut down for the Olympics are finding the global recession has created a perfect economic storm from which they can’t recover. In Beijing huge office buildings are now being completed but there is very much a post Olympics sentiment in the market and both residential and commercial landlords will, I hope finally taste their own medicine. I prescribed myself a dose of diversification in the last year, investing into an internet marketing company and launching the British Business Awards. Eggplant Digital was founded by 2 very bright but under funded British lads and so it made great sense to restructure their UK company under Singaporean jurisdiction and use our China company to house their team. Eggplant Digital (www.eggplantdigital.cn) was able to make a significant contribution to the marketing of the British Business Awards (www.britishbusinessawards.cn) which I proposed to the Chamber of Commerce in November 2007. A year later on November 6th 2008 over 380 people attended the gala dinner. As Chairman of the Awards I was seated next to Prince Andrew with the role to keep the Duke of York interested enough to postpone his planned early departure, an event which would have embarrassed the British Ambassador Sir William Ehrman, Cheng Si-wei of the National Peoples Congress and the Deputy General Sun of the Ministry of Commerce. At dinner I asked his Royal Highness what he found most remarkable about China. “The level of transparency in the way that they share their problems now” he stated. Cheng Si-wei replied that the leadership had learnt a great deal about the benefits of openness during the Sichuan earthquake earlier this year. They realized that they could not contain the news and embraced the idea of showing the human face of China. International reaction with aid and support had vindicated their policy. No one at the table pursued the topic. The Duke was bemused that an owner of a Rolls Royce in China would be obliged to take the same test as a truck driver due to the length of the luxury car, an issue that I had to confess had not affected me yet in my endeavours. Perhaps I should have rented a Rolls Royce to take Wei to the registry office to get married. A monk at a temple in Shanghai told Wei’s mum that the 30th October was an auspicious date to get married - the only issue was that I learnt of this on the 24th. I had already submitted myself to the British Consulate for the ‘Certificate of no encumbrance’, which cost a princely RMB1450 and took 45 days to process (Wei’s American letter took one day and cost RMB200), and am very much in love with Wei but had hoped we could get hitched after the Awards. However, the auguries of an orange robed mystic are not to be challenged. Wei and I hurriedly took the mandatory ‘together photo’ at a local Kodak shop and proceeded to the registry office in northern Beijing. We arrived at 11:45 am and woke up the blue suited official, a pair of lifeless China miniature flags clothed in plastic adorning her desk. For a kings ransom of RMB9 the Chinese Civil Administration glued our Kodak moment into red booklets, stamped our documents, and muttered something about the need to notarize our vows outside of China to be useful. By noon Wei and I were married. ‘They must often change who would be constant in happiness or wisdom,’ wrote the Chinese sage Confucius. I presume that he wasn’t referring to one’s wife, but the last 12 months have brought constant change with lots of happiness. I wonder what happened to the wisdom. Manzou Jim