Spotlight: Shannon Smith

1st How important is branding in 21st century?

Whether you like it or not, the image you project, what we call your personal brand affects other’s decisions about you -- your intelligence, character and ability -- and further determines if they want to do business with you. Clients have told me that, because they dismissed the importance of personal branding, they lost promotions, deals fell through, memberships were denied and friends disappeared.
If your personal brand is not congruent, attractive and attracting, you will be passed over - guaranteed. Therefore, to be competitive, to have a greater influence on others and attract more business, it’s important to project a unique personal brand.

2nd How important is perception in business today?

Whether you want social or business success, when you are well branded you are pre-sold, giving you a huge advantage over others selling themselves.
Have you given thought to how you are being perceived? If not, it may be time for you to take a personal assessment in the privacy of your home with an image consultant.

In today’s global economy, competition has increased dramatically and business has become more conservative in attitude and business attire. The hallmarks of successful individuals are their confidence, manners and poise. Mediocrity is dead, and it’s about time. It’s not acceptable to dress inappropriately or eat with the wrong fork. In business and society today, there is a return to formality, elegance, manners and sophistication.

It’s all about the “Brand You.”If you want to get noticed, be more persuasive, attract new clients and acquire greater success, now is the time to pay attention...

Shannon Smith, leading image coach and founder of Premiere Image International based in Toronto and New York. Since l983, Shannon helps individuals re invent themselves providing Corporate and Individual training in Image Mastery – executive dress and grooming, Presentation Skills, Manners, Etiquette, Executive Dining and International Protocol. Her corporate slogan “from unnoticed to unforgettable” captures the essence of her business. Her first book “Power Manners” is now available. For more information please call 416 324 8955 or visit www.premiereimageintl.com or www.powermanners. Now!

Spotlight: Terry Holdershaw

1st   What got you interested in becoming a DJ?
When I was in high school I DJ'd for our school radio as well as house parties and school fundraisers. I was very involved with music, playing saxophone and guitar in several different bands as well. I always had a keen interest in sound and audio production as I took a specialty audio course in high school as well as operated the sound and lighting for school drama productions. After high school I moved to Toronto and graduated from an Audio Engineering Technology program. While in college a friend of mine was a DJ for weddings, corporate events and bars. This really caught my interest as something I wanted to do and realized that it was possible to make a career out of something that I loved to do. This is where it all began professionally.

2nd  You have an amazing website which gives your potential customer information regarding quotes, testimonials and social media bookmarks. Brand recognition is important tool in the 21st internet marketing. How much time would recommend promoting online and offline business activities. 

You definitely hit a key factor with brand recognition. This is very important and took me a while to get it right. Last year we actually went through a minor re-branding and we're now really focused on making sure we brand and market Scotia Entertainment in the same manner on all media. It is super important that all of your marketing and promotional material is 'branded' the same from your website to social media, print, business cards, etc. As for how much time to put into promoting your business, this is always a tough question. It's not so much how much time as it is how effectively you can use your time. With social media I think it is important to be online at least 30 minutes a day and not just to look at your friends kids photos, etc. Ideally you would like to be on social media first thing in the morning and then again in the afternoon or evening. Actually focus on your business page, posts, likes, shares, comments, etc. With blogging, I would recommend having a new post out every week or two. With both social media and blogging, if used properly, the more time you can put into it the more you will get out of it. Offline business activities are also important, networking can be a highly effective and low cost way to grow your business as well. The proper combination of online and offline promotions as well as managing your time and learning the best practices will give you the best results. The biggest misconception about online marketing, social media or networking is that you can just sign up and business will start coming your way. It's not quite as easy as that, think of it more like building a healthy relationship rather than a one night blind date. The biggest tip I could give would be not to push for a sale, but rather be willing to help others and give out useful information. The more you give, the more you will get in return, it will take time and patience.

Terry Holdershaw

Scotia Entertainment Services

Professional DJ | Live Entertainment | Audio-Visual Services'We Are The Entertainment Specialists'

 647-968-2729

terry@scotiaentertainment.com

www.ScotiaEntertainment.com