Back to school...

Have you got the ‘back to school’ fresh feeling? That sense of purpose, of settling down to a different rhythm once the summer is over?

I haven’t bought a new pencil case like I used to, but I’m definitely ready to be the swot, ultra-prepared for the months to come!

Here’s a quick taster of what I’ll be doing, and how I hope it can help you.

I see Autumn and Winter as key times for tourism businesses, important in two ways:

• Firstly, any extra income you can earn in these shoulder seasons is a bonus
• Secondly, this is the time to put in some marketing effort, to really get everything in place to make the following year even better

From September onwards you’ll be able to once again benefit from the Boost programme of business support. It's funded through York and North Yorkshire’s SPF (Shared Prosperity Fund) allocation, so funded by the Combined Authority, which means there’s no charge to participate. You’ll be able to get marketing ideas, tips and learn new techniques in several different ways:

- Online through scheduled Zoom calls, with recordings available for a limited time

- Short (up to 30 minutes) on-demand marketing videos on very practical marketing topics

- In-person workshops in locations across North Yorkshire

There’s no charge for any of these workshops: I’m essentially passing on all I’ve learnt (and continue to learn) over my 30+ years’ marketing experience, so I hope you’ll take advantage of all the opportunities!

I’ve already planned much of the programme, but there is still time to add in topics or events if you have suggestions. Do email susan@tourismnetwork.co.uk with any requests

I’m also conscious that you’re all at different levels of business development and expertise. We tend to focus somewhere in the middle, to help the majority of tourism business owners, but I’m constantly telling everyone else to niche when possible! So this Autumn there will be opportunities for those who’re just getting started to get some additional direction and support. If you’re feeling ready to stretch yourself and be more aspirational about your business, there will be opportunities for you too.

There’s one thing that would really help me with all this planning

I'd like to know how you feel about your business? That might seem like a curious question: I’ll tell you more about why I’m asking soon. There’s no right or wrong answer but I’d love to know:

Do you feel enthused and upbeat about your business, or a bit more ‘meh’?

Is your tourism business run ‘on the side’ or as your main business – how important is it to you?

Are you happy for your business to just run and do OK, or are you more aspirational and motivated to maximise revenue by putting in a little more effort?

Please can you spare a few moments to email and let me know - susan@tourismnetwork.co.uk. Thank you!