Earlier
this year the Kent Institute of Directors got a new Chairman in the face of
Emma Liddiard who, like many business owners and managers in Kent wears two
hats … at least. By day, Emma is
Managing Director of Heart FM (Kent), part of the Global Radio media business,
which includes Classic FM, Capital and LBC; and by night, instead of just
attending the many lively IoD events and functions across Kent, she chairs and
heads responsibility for them.
When
I spoke to Emma last week, her drive and passion for both hats was evident from
the start.
Emma’s
17 years in the media have developed an enviable portfolio of experience and
business contacts through Kent, the South East and beyond.
“As the MD of Heart Kent I have enjoyed growing my
network of business colleagues throughout many businesses and organisations across
the county. I lead by example, encouraging strong relationships both internally
and externally whilst mentoring and coaching on a daily basis.”
Emma puts much of her success and responsibility for a £6
million turnover down to the strength of understanding of local and national
corporate matters that she builds through networking – as well as the skill and
enthusiasm of a great team.
Much
of this corporate interaction was effected rubbing shoulders (and, indeed
sharing a glass or two) with fellow members of the IoD. Now, she is Chairman of
IoD Kent, which is one of the most active regions with over 1,500 members.
"Since becoming a member of the IoD, I have
discovered many, many advantages of being part of this network and feel
passionate about sharing these with more people in Kent. I am introducing
many new people to the IoD and having a wonderful time doing it – it is a
misunderstood and under rated organisation as far as I am concerned and Kent
does it so well.”
I
was keen to know just why nearly half of the membership was made up of
Chairmen, CEOs and Managing Directors and Emma was equally keen to explain.
Many enjoy the ‘national’ membership benefits including their fabulous Pall
Mall address that’s available to members when in town, meeting and greeting
clients and colleagues in central comfort.
Some
of the smaller businesses (because 40% of members employ 25 or fewer staff)
access the panel of business experts for advice and guidance on management,
employment and financial matters.
But
for the vast majority it’s the opportunity to meet and mix with like minded
people at on or many of the 70 plus events hosted by IoD Kent each year.
As well as business forums covering subjects such as
Finance, Charities and International Business there are many social gatherings
which have recently included: the
Built Kent Environment event; the AMM at Chatham Historic Dockyard; committee
meetings; and the amazing Rochester Cathedral Event with the London Welsh Male
Voice Choir.
I
think that instead of the Institute of Directors perhaps IoD could stand for
Ideas on Demand because there seems to me so many opportunities available for
business owners and Directors to listen to and adopt fresh approaches to lead,
manage and market their businesses.
And,
of course, that’s one of the key benefits attributed to intime PROFIT. Whether
a delegate at intime SEMINARS or a client using our One-to-One business
development partnerships, there’s no shortage of fresh ideas to revitalise
stale marketing activity, drive sales and build longer term profitability from
relations with existing clients and prospects
Emma
was particularly interested in intime PROFIT’s third service which turns ideas
into action – intime
MARKETING.
It’s one thing going away with lists of exciting new strategies in your
notebook or tablet
and
another to actually turn the thoughts into deeds, putting them to work for your
business. It may be
that
you don’t have time and it may be that you don’t have or have access to the
marketing resources
needed
to action them.
But
this no longer matters. Intime PROFIT’s marketing services help turn your
marketing strategy into a workable plan; detailing the action and budgets
needed to deliver each element; then the exciting bit … we make it happen. With
intime MARKETING, whatever size your business, you now have an instant
Marketing Department with full on line and print design resources, copywriting,
web design, mailing and e-mail management just one call away.
Thank
you Emma, very much for your time and your interest and yes, the IoD may seem
out of reach to many but it’s not - we recommend it to anyone who’s serious
about business in Kent.
To find out more about intime PROFIT:
our One-to-One,
our Seminars and
our Marketing support services –
write to intime@intimeprofit.com or
call us on 08456 437 497.
