Training the Sarsaparilla Marketing way
Training is another area we have been keen to explore in order to develop various aspects of the Pad ensemble. In any business there are elements that can always be improved upon but it is not always obvious, especially when you are trying to evaluate yourself!
Sometimes, you need someone else to tell you how to make the necessary changes. We at Pad Creative embrace the challenge of continual improvement and as we grow as a business, we head towards expanding ideas and endless possibilities. We extensively researched the idea of training and what we wanted to achieve as individuals and as a thriving company. ‘Sarsaparilla’ was the answer; why not have a look at their website sarsaparillamarketing.com
Kimberly Davis (marketing expert from The Apprentice) worked with Pad Creative to review their approach to their own marketing and their clients marketing activity. The team found Sarsaparilla's Marketing Purification most enlightening.
ISO9001 here we come
In 2010 Pad Creative will be offering the same high standard of design and productivity. We have the same team on board but there are changes afoot. We have recognised the challenge and potential in increased training and an overhaul of the way our business is run in relation to customer care and productivity.
ISO 9001 is the internationally recognised standard for the quality management of businesses. This means Pad Creative has to meet the rigorous standards of internal quality control and procedures that ultimately lead to fulfilling (or exceeding) the needs and expectations of the customer. It is a challenge for us because the standards that ISO demands are high; all processes have to be evaluated and reworked where necessary; internal communication must be ongoing and productive; no leaf is left unturned as we strive to reach the highest standards possible. We’ll keep you posted on our progress. In the meantime, if you’re interested in reading more about ISO 9001, have a look at the following site:
www.brianmead.com
Happy 2010!
The New Year is underway, albeit it a little slowly. First there was the aftermath of Christmas to contend with; far too much food, a little too much to drink and reluctant promises to get down the gym!
Then there was the snow which often spells disaster for businesses; little or no transport, slow moving traffic and treacherous footpaths. Not to mention school closures which led to children street fighting... snowball fighting and it got ugly; we were being told ‘stay indoors’ so most of us did, mainly because we didn’t have a choice. One of our designers was up to her knees in snow in Westerham so she spent the days sledging and building snowmen, occasionally checking her emails... With the snow came colds and in some cases, it got really serious and was diagnosed as ‘man flu’; it wasn’t a pretty sight in the Pad Office. But now January is well underway and we’re all fighting fit and planning ahead. So Happy New Year!
The Good, The Pad and The Ugly
Pad Creative recently took part in the Essex Corporate Games, arranged by Sport Essex, the official body for sport in Essex. The team arrived bleary eyed at the University of Essex, Colchester, totally unprepared for what was about to ensue.
They were then launched, at high speed, into a series of table tennis, hoop challenge - whatever that is!? (we had no idea either), archery, petanque, golf frisbee, rounders, handball, sitting volleyball, bat and trap and orienteering. Now, if you know the Pad Creative team, you will already be shocked at the amount of energy they had to expend.
They in fact came 12th out of 24 teams (yes we were surprised too!). There were several injuries, most of which were sustained in the end section called 'Fun n' Games' which consisted of egg and spoon, space hopper, 6 legged race and a sack race. Peter received burns to his ankles during the 6 legged race and the psychological scars of being tied to our colleagues is one that will never heal.
All in all though it was a great day and we were proud to sponsor the Corporate Games Bat and Trap Award.
Say No 2 Knives
Earlier this year saw the media's high profile coverage of knife crime. The News
Shopper, a regional newspaper, ran the Campaign against Knife Crime –
a request for ideas to reduce knife crime in the local area. During this time, Pad
assisted students to design an anti-knife crime advertising campaign in response
to this article. A further piece of editorial was run in the News Shopper
which opened the door to another opportunity for Pad to address its concerns. Sarah
Armstrong, founder of the charity
Say No 2 Knives, contacted Pad after seeing the newspaper article.
Pad was keen to assist Sarah in her cause of supporting those victims of knife crime
and their families. So they got to work and created the new Say No 2 Knives logo
and plan to provide ongoing marketing support to the cause. The team is looking
forward to being an active part of Say No 2 Knives and assisting them in their future
events to help raise awareness.
Beckenham Business Association – Supporting business in Beckenham
Following a Beckenham Business Association meeting last year, Alison took
on the role of Chairman, following the stepping down of the previous Chairman. Through
Pad Creative's time located in Beckenham, Alison could foresee the opportunities
for plenty of Pad's clients to work together. So when the opportunity arose to nurture
the business opportunities for businesses based in Beckenham Alison was excited
at the task in hand.
The BBA held their launch event in O'Neills Beckenham 29 September, here the Associations
membership was launched entitling the following for its members:
- 4 networking events a year
- Social events
- Regular updates on news and events
- Involvement with Town Centre Management Community Events
Alison is keen to enhance the Associations work by creating an enjoyable and beneficial
platform for businesses to grow.