I continue to develop the collaborative working relationship with GrowMyCharity.com even appearing on Exeter FM and we have a had a great year supporting numerous charities across the South West with some great reviews of seminars we’ve run, you can read a few on LinkedIN or Speakermix. 2012 promises to have more seminars and more develop in the sector and I hope to be collaborating with new companies as the year develops (if you could add anything please get in touch).

This year we have seen the launch of Google +, is it any good, still I’m not sure to be honest, for me the engagement levels are no where near what they are on Facebook or Twitter BUT it has the might of Google behind it – so what, Buzz and Wave have both fallen by the wayside and is Google + currently any different, we shall wait and see??

So turning to this blog I run, what have been my top posts of this year, well lets begin.

Number 3 – Super Yacht Aviva

Why is this number 3?Well mainly as the Super Yacht Aviva was a very impressive sight at Tower Bridge over the summer, and a nice owner and crew.

Number 2 - Sainsburys in Dawlish opens

This issue of who opens a supermarket in Dawlish has raged for quite a few years and when Sainsburys won the battle I was keen to see what a new eco store looked like, this post has been highly commented on!!!

Number 1 – starting GleaveMedia

Having worked in the Internet industry since 1999 and helped two small Exeter web companies to grow it was no small feat to start on my own in the spring, I have to say the response and great comments i have received have truly vindicated this decision of wanting to put the customer at the heart of all I do, thank you once again.

So there you go, short and sweet 2011 a year on this blog in review, thank you to my friends and colleagues who continue to support and engage I look forward to working with you all in 2012.

GleaveMedia – http://www.gleavemedia.co.uk

Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/gleavemedia

In an increasingly busy and competitive world, hiring an independent web professional for your company’s website build and development surely is just good common sense.

The key difference between an Independent Internet Project Manager (myself) and a web company’s own account manager is how they prioritise your business needs. I work exclusively for the YOU the customer, whereas a web company’s own account manager works for that Internet Development Company.

I am delighted to offer a service where i can work for your business using all my experience to ensure you get a website built that is delivered on time, within budget and exceeding your expectation, removing all the pain and hassle from dealing with technology company’s covering stuff you may not understand or being sold stuff you just dont need or even simply have time to deal with – I remove the hassle, manage the trouble and deliver what you want.

As for experience well I have been in the web industry since 1999 and I pretty much know all the tricks of the trade, having worked in my time for two leading Exeter Web Design Companies, KMS Internet and Optix Solutions.

You can find my LinkedIn Profile here http://www.linkedin.com/in/alistairg and a couple of quote from satisfied customers are taken from this profile.

“I can sum this up in very few words: “Alistair REALLY knows his stuff.” You want a few more? OK – He’s a focused and realistic marketing professional. If you want a no-nonsense, down-to-earth and plain English approach, you really should be speaking with Alistair.”

Sue Haswell – Big Results Marketing

“Al is a very detail processed individual which has managed the business link between our two companies for the last 3 years. He has at all times provided excellent support and direction in difficult times. His ability to see through the issues and resolve the route has always been an inspiration to me.”

Aboo Cattran – Sportsman Gun Centre.

You can find our more on my blog here http://www.alistairgleave.co.uk/website-project-management/ or contact me here .

By using the power of SlideShare that presentation is below, i have had to remove a few images and links – you have the key parts below.

Alistair Gleave & Danny Frayne, originally uploaded by alistair gleave.

Today i was kindly invited into the Corporate box of Exeter printers Quickprint South West. I am pictured here with owner Danny Frayne prior to the start of the game.

The match was between Exeter and MK Dons and finished 1-1 with a goal in either half, it was a good game and Exeter had a number of great chances to take all three points, they will just have to make do with the draw and 1 point.

Thank you Danny for the invite…. @quickprintSW a great local printer.

I am still a newbie in the blogging world so I was delighted when established blogger Alistair Gleave invited me to write as a guest for his own site. Once the feeling of pride had worn off I was struck by the “what to write” dilemma. My blog strategy is not generally very strategic. I tend to wait for an idea to pop into my head, usually sparked off by a conversation with someone, and then write a blog post around it. I do, however, tend to stick to my area of “expertise” ie Devon Marketing Agency or Devon business development and write things which I think will be useful/of interest to my target audience.

So, when Alistair suggested to me yesterday that I write about “my year” as my guest blog I was a little hesitant. Writing about myself is slightly off patch for me and it feels a little uncomfortable so I hope this is the sort of thing he had in mind…

It has been an interesting and challenging year for me.

Just over twelve months ago I was made redundant from my very demanding, full-time, well-paid, senior marketing job and one week later my dad was diagnosed with cancer. The New Year didn’t bring the happiness we glibly invite on each other with our “Happy New Years” but brought new stress in the form of worry over money, personal insecurity and frequent trips to the RD&E.

After several months of unsuccessfully searching for jobs and spending an incredible amount of time with my family I made the bold decision to set up my own business. I have always fancied the idea of being a “Devon Marketing Consultant” but never thought I would be strong enough to create my own business. However, with my dad on the mend and no job on the horizon it seemed like the obvious decision.

Devon Marketing Agency Straight Marketing is born

Straight Marketing (to reflect my straightforward, plain-speaking and honest approach) was born in June and with my new corporate identity and business cards in hand I went off to my first networking event in early July.

Five months on I am still here and feeling quite positive about the future. I have a website I am proud of (thanks to Optix Solutions), I have learned lots of new things and engaged in new activities (social media being one of them!), I have met and made friends with lots of Exeter business people and best of all, I now have clients who have paid me for my marketing expertise and been happy with the work I have done for them! Yesterday I received a fabulous testimonial from a client that I did a marketing plan for which really makes it feel worthwhile.

In terms of my own marketing I have to admit I have been pretty useless and failed to practice what I preach. However, it does mean there is plenty of scope to develop my business, as I have by no means explored all avenues. So far my marketing has focused on networking (which I have found very effective) and some online marketing (my website, social networking, blogging).

My plans for 2011 and beyond

I have recently teamed up with a Devon PR Consultant (someone I met through networking) and we are going to trade skills to help boost each other’s business. In the New Year I plan to start targeting companies direct and build on the clients and contacts I have already made.

As for 2011, who knows how my year will pan out? At the very least I hope my dad will continue to receive the all clear at the dreaded monthly visits to the hospital and that my business will continue to grow.

About the author

Alison Jobson set up Straight Marketing following over 13 years’ experience of working with service-led businesses on the planning, coordination and implementation of business development strategies and marketing communications programmes.

In addition to Alison’s marketing experience she holds the Post-Graduate Diploma in Marketing, is a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and is a Chartered Marketer.

Straight Marketing, based in Exmouth in Devon, operates as your out-sourced marketing department. You gain all the skills and experience of an in-house marketing professional without all the associated costs of employing a permanent member of staff.  Straight Marketing can also provide clarity and an external perspective, which is sometimes difficult to achieve when you are entrenched in the business.

Alison blogs regularly on marketing topics at www.straightmarketing.co.uk

I have covered the opening times as best I can below but please check before travelling if you are making a special trip.

Princesshay Shopping Centre in Exeter
Thursday 16 December – 9am-9pm
Friday 17 December – 9am-7pm
Saturday 18 December – 9am–6pm
Sunday 19 December – 10.30am-4.30pm
Monday 20 December – 9am-7pm
Tuesday 21 December – 9am-7pm
Wednesday 22 December – 9am-7pm
Thursday 23 December – 9am-9pm
Christmas Eve (Fri) – 9am-5pm
Christmas Day (Sat) Closed
Boxing Day (Sun) 10.30am-4.30pm. – Selected Retailers
Monday 27 December Public Holiday – 10am-5pm
Tuesday 28 December Public Holiday – 10am-5pm
Wednesday 29 December – 9am-6pm
Thursday 30 December – 9am-6pm
New Year’s Eve (Fri) – 9am-5pm
New Years Day (Sat) – Selected retailers
Monday 3 January -10am-5pm

Harlequins Shopping Centre in Exeter
A small tranquil environment in the Harlequins shopping centre with a range of individual shops and hair and beauty salons providing unique and affordable gifts as well as the more well known designer brands. Do check before you travel as some smaller stores may not be open.

Monday to Saturday 9am to 6pm
Sunday 10:30am to 4:30pm
Late night shopping on a Thursday til 8pm

Guildhall Exeter
The published opening hours are below
Saturday -     9.00am – 7.00pm
Sunday -      10.00am – 5.00pm
Monday -       9.00am – 6.00pm
Tuesday -      9.00am – 6.00pm
Wednesday – 9.00am – 6.00pm
Thursday -     9.00am – 9.00pm – late night shopping.
Friday -          9.00am – 7.00pm

Again some of the smaller stores may not be open for all advertised hours – so please check first if you are making a special trip.

This evening I co-hosted another of our Social Media Seminars for Charities at Bishop Fleming accountants in Exeter.  This is a latest in a number of free seminars I have co-hosted with James Barisic and Jackie Dawkins of Shine Charity Recruitment.

We covered how through a plethora of tools and features, including discussions forums, blogs, videos, photos, instant messaging, etc…. the trusted social media sites and we cover all the main sites.  We then show how these sites have quickly become a part of the day-to-day life of their supporters and volunteers, who the charity can/should develop a rapport with, and trust in.

I always find these enlightening not just because I am passionate about what I do, also it’s great to talk to so many varied charities from around the South West.  We have had everyone from the British Hen Welfare Trust to Childline to Devon Air Ambulance Trust and I for one am honoured that these charities are prepared to give up time to listen to me….

‘Really interesting seminar that gave lots of food for thought’ – Donna, now with RNLI

‘James and Alistair are very entertaining and make the seminar fun!’ – Anon

‘Really useful, good to think about integration’ – Chris Penberthy

‘I’ve learning how to use my Twitter account more effectively’ – Philip King, Devon Air Ambulance

‘Had a brilliant time and have got some really good ideas to share with other charities’ -  Holly, Headway Devon

Rudi and Judy, originally uploaded by alistair gleave.

Rudi and Judy at Otter Nurseries Santa Grotto, yes they sing and sway from side to side, but they are only make believe, not real!!!

At least i dont think Reindeers actually sing do they?

All in all a great experience at the Otter Nurseries Santa Grotto running every weekend upto Christmas

• Late night shopping hours in Exeter are every Thursday until Christmas and most shops are open until 9pm

• The Christmas light switch on Tuesday 16th November on High Street and Princesshay 5pm -7 pm

• Father Christmas Parade Saturday 20th November from 12 noon – this runs down the High Street to the Guildhall

• For something a bit different why not Hug a Husky – Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th November at the Guildhall?

• For a bit of exercise why not try the Santa Fun Run at a little over a mile and with the Santa costume provided? This is on Sunday 5th December from 10am http://goo.gl/VGHYt

• Finally a Medieval Christmas Crafts fayre is on Sunday 12th December 11.30am – 4pm at Exeter Underground Passages – well worth a visit in itself.

So there you are a by no means extensive list of what is on in Exeter from now until Christmas, anyone got any other good Christmas activities to add to the list?