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  • Top Tips for Selecting a Marketing Agency

    Top Tips for Selecting a Marketing Agency

    Business process outsourcing has skyrocketed since covid, with 48% of companies now outsourcing their work.

    Whilst saving time and resources, outsourcing your marketing is an effective way to pool real expertise, gain access to advanced marketing tools, minimise overhead and improve return on investment (ROI). With outsourcing, businesses can focus on core activity and provide services they could not before, far faster and more cost-effectively.
    A recent survey conducted by Deloitte demonstrated that 65% of businesses said outsourcing helps them to prioritise key business functions whilst 63% mentioned that cost-cutting is a major benefit of outsourcing.

    So, when is it the right time to outsource your marketing?

    Successful marketing is about the long game of building credibility, strong relationships and brand profile. Whether producing consistent and engaging content, building user-friendly websites or raising your business’ awareness amongst target audiences, time, consideration and expertise are needed. If you have the time and capabilities yourself, that’s great but consider outsourcing your marketing if:

    Your current strategy isn’t producing results.
    You lack the right expertise and resources to deliver campaigns.
    You are looking to minimise overhead costs.
    You simply don’t have the time to keep up with the workload.
    Your brand has grown, and you need experts to implement a strategy that will keep the momentum of your business going.

    Know Your Objectives

    What are you looking to achieve? Are you looking to be at the top of google search? Is there a particular product you’d like to see more sales of? Or are you looking to build your reputation and raise awareness of your business or a particular service?
    There is an assortment of marketing agencies out there. Some offer a 360, all-inclusive marketing approach whereas others are skill-specific and specialise in a marketing sector such as social media, advertising, copy writing, public relations, etc. Similarly, agencies may also be sector specific and offer core expertise in the likes of construction PR or social media for the hospitality sector.
    Outlining your business needs and targets in this way is important when choosing an agency to help develop and implement the right strategy for you.

    Be Clear on Budget

    By knowing your budget and keeping a defined brief of your targets, marketing agencies can then propose how to allocate your investment and provide you with a strategy and tactics that suit. Be realistic with your budget and invest in a long-term strategy as rarely does a ‘short and sweet’ campaign achieve longer term goals.
    Whilst you shouldn’t underestimate the cost of a successful campaign, keeping a defined brief will help keep your strategy focused on your core business targets without walking away with an over-ambitious campaign.

    Who Will Be Doing the Work?

    Your campaign will only be as good as the team delivering it. So, even though your agency may have worked with big-named clients, don’t just buy on agency reputation. Make sure your account manager is involved in the pitching process so you can better evaluate their experience and expertise. Don’t be afraid to ask them challenging questions to see whether they know their material or to check their LinkedIn profile to see their industry background.

    Client-Agency Chemistry

    The first question you should ask when selecting a marketing agency is can you see yourself working with these people?
    Ultimately, people buy people and it’s important to make sure their values align with yours. Client-Agency chemistry is vital for ensuring effective communication and a well-executed marketing strategy.
    When running a Request for Proposal (RFP) meeting, check whether the team are engaging with you rather than just pitching to you. This is also your time to prepare questions that will test the team’s relationship. How much do they know about your industry? Why have they chosen a particular approach? How well have they planned and considered the meeting?

    Reviews and References

    Once you’ve had an initial meeting with your selected marketing agency, it’s then a good idea to run background checks to substantiate their claims.
    Using case studies available on their website is a useful primary tool, but make sure to ask for customer referrals and client testimonials too. Look into your agency’s portfolio and head onto social channels and websites they manage to see how well they are performing. Be sure to look at clients who work in a similar industry to yours. If their results are similar to your targets, then chances are, you are good to go.

  • Chess for Kids Start Early and Spark Lifelong Interest

    Chess for Kids Start Early and Spark Lifelong Interest

    Chess: The Brain‑Boosting Playground for Your Kids

    Think of chess as the ultimate brain‑gym, but instead of clanking dumbbells, you’re moving kings, queens, and rooks. It’s not just a game; it’s a passport to sharper thinking, patience that lasts longer than a week‑long pizza binge, and problem‑solving skills that will ace that math test tomorrow.

    When Can Your Little One Start?

    There’s no hard‑and‑fast rule, but most experts say:

    • Age 4‑5: Pure fun – Simple patterns, castle nights, and the thrill of “check!”
    • Age 6‑7: Rule‑learning mode – Introducing the full set of moves and basic strategies.
    • Age 8‑10: Strategic thinking – Now it’s about planning, foresight, and timing.

    How to Keep the Game Fun (Without the Pressure)

    1. Use a “Mini‑Chess” board: Every piece is tiny, every move feels magical.
    2. Short sessions: 15‑minute bursts keep the brain from burning.
    3. Celebrate every win: Encourage a high‑five ritual when a piece lands on a square.
    4. Mix with stories: Tell them why the knight jumps like a crazy horse, or the bishop slides like a sneaky snake.
    5. Let them set their own rules: Maybe the pawn can grow a cape on promotion. Let creativity run wild.

    Why Chess Wins the Kids’ Hearts

    It’s the rare blend of creativity and logical thinking, all wrapped in a story‑book adventure. While the dream of a future prodigy is alluring, the real treasure is seeing your child’s confidence grow, one move at a time.

    Key Takeaways

    • Start early; keep it simple.
    • Make every game feel like a mini‑quest.
    • Let a little humor and imagination turn the board into a stage.
    • Focus on learning, not winning.

    So, light up that board, grab some snacks, and let the games begin!

    Why Chess Is Beneficial for Children

    Why Chess Is a Game‑Changer for Kids

    Picture a chessboard as a mini playground where every move counts. Beyond the artistry of 64 squares, it turns into a full‑blown training ground for young minds.

    What the Science Says

    • Concentration is the new superpower: Kids who play chess learn to lock their attention on the board for extended periods, a skill that spills over into classroom focus.
    • Memory gets a booster shot: Remembering every piece’s role, possible moves, and upcoming threats sharpens short‑term and long‑term recall.
    • Logical thinking becomes second nature: Chess forces players to weigh options and anticipate consequences—skills that shine in math, science, and even daily decision‑making.

    From the Board to Everyday Life

    Unlike most extracurriculars that end when the game ends, the benefits of chess keep simmering long after the final move:

    1. Strategic flexibility: Learners discover that the best move isn’t always the obvious one; they learn to pivot when new information arrives.
    2. Patience pays: Waiting for the right opportunity trains kids to resist impulse and plan ahead.
    3. Resilience: Losing a piece or a game teaches that setbacks aren’t defeat but stepping stones.

    All of this translates into academic gains—better test scores, sharper problem‑solving abilities—and personal growth, like improved confidence and teamwork when they collaborate with classmates.

    Wrap‑Up: The Bottom Line

    Teaching kids chess isn’t just about learning chess tactics; it’s a fun, engaging way to build the mental toolkit that helps them succeed in school, career, and life. And the best part? It’s a conversation starter that keeps parents and teachers amazed at how quickly a “simple” board becomes a powerhouse of learning.