HELLO 2021 & GOODBYE 2020!

By Rachael Booth, UK Sales and Marketing Director of Total Guide to Ltd.

As the year starts to turn – how are you feeling about 2021? 

Optimistic, hopeful and determined. 2020 has been a year of great challenges and profound change but also of many success stories, development and resilience. I believe through difficult circumstances we have seen a drastic change in human behaviour and attitudes for the good that will carry us through 2021.

What are your business goals for the coming year? 

Our main focus will of course be to continue to support our clients first and foremost (this is at the core of our culture). 2020 has been a year of support for us - an adaptable business model that has allowed us to quickly change to support and serve our clients. This has led to the development of many new opportunities for fresh growth pathways and we will be looking to continue to build on in 2021. 

Will you be introducing any new products or services? 

At Total Guide to we consider ourselves to be thought leaders in our field and we are always looking at and trialling new services both to increase our audience and client services. We will be looking at the introduction of new series of new guides and sponsorship opportunities and building on our events side of the business as well as continuing to grow the franchise. 

Will you be looking to employ any new staff during the new year? 

The introduction of two new sites this year, Poole and Cardiff, has meant that we will be looking to increase staff across these areas but also here at head office with the development and growth of our core team as the business continues to grow. 

Will you be looking for any new suppliers in 2021? 

Our ethos has always been to support local businesses within our areas and wherever possible we use local suppliers. We are also respected key local networkers and pride ourselves linking local businesses together for a common need and will continue with the many success stories and relationships. 

Are you looking to invest in yourself in 2021 in any way? 

I am always looking to expand my knowledge - particularly within our area of business we need to be able to adapt quickly to changes withing marketing, IT and SEO so every day is a school day for us. I will also be looking to continue to grow my knowledge with Events and Franchise side of the business. 

I have also realised this year as never before the importance of personal wellbeing as a real investment into yourself. This year I feel fortunate to have been able to spend special real quality time with my daughter outdoors, baking and taking the time to understand each other and myself more. It's so important to take quality time for yourself. 

Looking back across 2020 – name three highlights for you and your business? 

1) The re-shaping of the business to align quickly finding new growth pathways and the speed of reinvention. This is testament to the whole team who offer diverse perspectives and our inclusive decision-making culture.  Also, our inspiring MD Liz Hutchings who has recently relocated to set up Total Guide to Poole and has put her trust and faith in the team whilst of on maternity. The team have really taken ownership of their careers and working with a remote workforce hasn't impacted on productivity at all. I am immensely proud of all our team who have risen to the challenges with real strength of character and determination. 

2) Our clients both old and new. We have managed to retain a large amount of our clients and welcomed a record number of new partner businesses. We have worked closely with our partners listening to their needs on an individual basis and offering goodwill as much as possible to assist them to overcome their challenges. We have also seen a boom of inspiring recent start-ups emerge, adaptable business models and new creative opportunities developing that we hope will continue into 2021. 

3) The attitude of our business community. The has been a real focus of on supporting each other that I believe will forever change our experiences and behaviours. I am truly proud and inspired at the levels of support that business have shown to each other and their communities. I salute you.

Looking back across 2020 – were there any lowlights? How did you face them? 

1) We of course have taken a hit financially as we were in a place of growth and although we continue to grow this has slowed. 

2) Seeing how our partner business were affected - in particular in the events and hospitality industries. 

3) The lack of human contact for me has been the hardest. I consider myself to be a people person and thrive on social interaction and networking. I wait eagerly the return of our partner events in 2021. 

Who, in your business community – have been the shining stars of 2020? 

I would love to be able to have an extensive list for this question but as not:

• Fiona Scott -  has been a real inspiration sharing her vast knowledge, support and time selflessly to the business community. 
• Michael Keenan of Threshold Housing has continued to work tirelessly supporting our homeless community throughout the pandemic and is a real shining star in our community. Take a look at their next fundraising event HERE.
• Team Total – As mentioned above I couldn’t be prouder of our team. They have shown real dedication, perseverance and optimism.

Any special offers for 2021 you’d like to mention? 

We will be launching 2021 with a range of packages; both new incentives for our existing client base but also some excellent offers for new businesses who would like to work with us across our Swindon, Bath, Bristol, Poole, Cardiff, Reading and Manchester sites. Also, we will be looking at our Franchise offerings for new areas. Please do contact me personally if you would like to discuss any other the above. 

Anything else you’d like to say? 

I would like to offer my best wishes to you all for 2021 I hope that development with come through difficult circumstances, that we remain positive as a business community and see this as an opportunity to rise and grow to the next level and wish you all an abundance of success. 

To find out more about Total Guide or to get in contact with Rachael please email [email protected] or call 07754856949.