1. How long have you been in business and what exactly do you do ?

Carl Bradshaw

I have been in business in one shape or form for over 20 years, from a provincial insurance broker in financial services to digital design and email marketing, I currently run my own management consultancy (for want of a better description) that specialises in helping micro and small business achieve growth through a professional approach to sales and sales planning. Remember: a new client costs more to attain than looking after an existing client.

I also volunteer with a number of business based voluntary organisations across Lancashire, and work as a business coach and mentor, helping business owners deal with the stresses of running a business, whilst setting goals and moving forward to success.

2. Have you always run your own business and would you class yourself as an entrepreneur ?

Since leaving college I have only had three actual employed position’s, so yes I have mainly run my own businesses both with and without partners and a number of joint ventures. My health has also played a large factor in my decisions to remain self employed, as I suffered a serious illness in my early twenties that means I cannot always conform to the 9-5 life that an employer would expect.
Although I have run a number of business I wouldn’t necessarily class myself as an entrepreneur; just an individual who is happy carving their own path through life.

3. How do you see social media playing a part in your business in the future ?

Social media plays a number of different roles within my future business plans, not only as a sales tool, but also in making sure that my customer service levels are right and as another method of staying in contact with clients, friends and family.
Although I sometimes struggle to see the value in Facebook and Google Plus I can however, highly recommend Linkedin and Twitter as successful business tools.

4. How do you see social media playing a positive part in local community ?

A good question, one of which I hadn’t really considered, and have no answer.

Garry Pickles (74 Posts)

As the Managing Director of Online Media Direct a Lancashire based Digital Agency Garry takes care of the day to day management of the company. Garry has been working within the Internet Marketing Industry for the previous 10 years and has a wide range of experiences in media , sales and marketing.