Linking in with LinkedIn

I went to a fantastic ‘social media facelift’ session in Burnley yesterday – to check that we were still doing the right things and not just keeping up with the Joneses but outstripping them. The guest speaker was Liz Cable from Reach Further. A very impressive and inspirational speaker. Luckily I found myself nodding in agreement most of the time to what Liz was saying.

The session was aimed at businesses in general but the points would apply to you all as tourism businesses. I would encourage you all to read the social media blog from ReachFurther and put into practice the things you learn from it. I’ve always said that for a small business it should only take 10 minutes a day to do this social media ‘stuff’ – and Liz agrees.

This week I’d like you to focus on your LinkedIn profile. This professional network is there for you to get new business. Ensure your profile is an accurate portrayal of yourself personally – and that you add a business profile with this. Link with people you know well and have a look at some other profiles to get some ideas for the content you should reflect in your own profile. Also join groups and get involved. We have a Tourism Businesses in Lancashire Group which you are more than welcome to join.

Come and LinkIn with me and the rest of the staff at the Tourist Board. Ask us questions if you want any help.

Sarah Lundy

A Cracking Reward

Waking up to a good breakfast is an important part of a guest’s holiday experience. It’s the best way to start their day so here are some breakfast ideas for you to try.

• Locally sourced pressed apple or pear juice
• Home-made smoothies
• Buy a juicer and squeeze your own orange juice
• Small ramekins or individual platters of seasonal food
• Porridge served with honey, maple syrup and bananas
• Cinnamon toast with freshly poached apple puree
• Corned beef hash cakes topped with poached or fried eggs
• Home-made smoked haddock fish cakes
• Try making your own marmalade
• Home-made kedgeree
• Free-range eggs from your own hens (or from the local farm down the road)

Taken from Quality Edge Winter 2010

Diane

NWDA update

Hi

Quick update. I’m sure you all are very aware of the machinations of government at the moment. Here’s a quote from Nick Brooks-Sykes from the NWDA for you

Nick Brooks-Sykes as Guest Editor – My-Hospitality.com

We’re off to see the Dukes Theatre Peter Pan production tonight. Looking forward to meeting many of our valued members. I’ll give you an update about the performance tomorrow but there’s one thing I already know. As Lancashire’s only producing theatre it is somewhere you certainly should encourage your guests to visit.

Sarah Lundy