Nicola Halse Owner, Riverside Marketing Solutions.
What did you set out to achieve this year?
On a personal level, I wanted to expand my knowledge within certain aspects of media, analytics and marketing this year. With everincreasing changes to video, AI, social media etc, it’s important for me to keep up to date with new software, trends and sales techniques not only for my own business but to enable me to utilise these skills for my clients too.
Has everything went according to plan?
Just about! I’m a stickler for 12 month plans but as frequently happens, things often get in the way and you have to be flexible and adapt, whether that’s for my own business or for that of my clients, it’s all part of running a small company. I did manage to attend several training courses and update my knowledge on certain skills so that was definitely something I stuck to the plan for.
What are you most proud of this year?
I was shortlisted in the StartUp Awards for the second year running which was just amazing. I’m always extremely proud (and if not a little humble) to be included in awards alongside brilliant businesses. I give my full commitment to the businesses I work with so to get recognition for that really is a lovely feeling and the awards night itself was fab!
What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve received this year?
‘Just go and get stuff done.’ It may sound obvious but many businesses think they have to plan for months or years before they actually start to sell or promote their services. Yes, you have to get the correct marketing and sales strategies in place, but essentially you need to go out, show potential clients the benefits of your products or services and start making money. Sometimes, too much talking results in not enough action!
What has been the most enjoyable business event you’ve been to this year?
I love a good factory tour so it was brilliant to go behind the scenes at north east food manufacturer, Dicksons. Representing a client, I went along with the Advanced Manufacturing Forum and not only was it really interesting but we got to taste their gorgeous food including curried beef slices, quiche, sausage rolls and more. What’s better than a factory tour with fantastic local food too!
What have you learnt about yourself this year?
I can be tough when I want to be. As with most people, I don’t like conflict and being a naturally positive and happy person, I like to get on with everybody, however, sometimes within business, you may not agree with a decision and it’s good that you’re able to put your point across in a rational and measured way. I think a lot of this comes with age and having ran the business now for three and a half years, I’ve definitely grown more confident in my approach.
Describe 2023 in three words…
Enjoyable. Exhausting. Busy.
What are your aims for 2024?
I’m continuing my volunteer role as an Enterprise Advisor at Durham Sixth Form Centre so I’m hoping to once again be more involved with the students and support them and their teacher through their BTEC Marketing qualification.
From a business point of view, more of the same from 2023, I know I’m biased but I work with some of the best businesses in the north east and to be a small part of their success is so rewarding, it’s not hard to see why I love my job!
Any New Year Resolutions
I’m not one to make new year resolutions as I feel people put too much pressure on themselves. I find that to give myself targets throughout the year and try to stick to them works better for me, however hard that might be sometimes. So, I suppose, my new year’s resolution is not to make any!
www.riversidemarketingsolutions.co.uk