Tough at First, Easier with Time – Just Like Marketing

Every morning, I start my day with a cold shower. It’s not glamorous. It’s definitely not fun at the time. But over the weeks and months, it’s become something I don’t think twice about. It sets the tone, clears my head, and gives me a wee sense of achievement before I’ve even had my coffee.Marketing your own business is a bit like that. It can feel uncomfortable and unfamiliar at first, especially if you’re not sure what to say or where to start. But, like any habit, it gets easier with time.

Power Up Your Rural Business: Essential Tools the Scene & Herd Team Loves

Running a rural business or nurturing a farm diversification project comes with its own unique set of challenges. At Scene & Herd, we get it! That's why we've compiled a list of some of our go-to websites and software platforms that have become indispensable to our team. With the right tools, a bit of guidance, and a boost of confidence, you can effectively share your story and connect authentically with your audience. Even better, many of these services integrate seamlessly, amplifying their usefulness.

Exciting changes at Scene & Herd

After years of working hands-on in PR and marketing for rural businesses, and with Monty’s departure encouraging me to think about what I really love doing, I’ve decided to take a step back from DOING everything for folk – and instead, focus on helping people to DO IT THEMSELVES.

Slide into Fun: The PowerPoint Party Team Building Craze

Remember our September email on alternative team-building ideas for rural businesses? We had great feedback, but a few of you were curious about one suggestion: the PowerPoint Party! It might sound a bit… officey, but trust us, this is team-building with a twist, and it works brilliantly for land-based organisations too.

Making the most of the 2025 Rural Show Calendar

Agricultural Shows, Highland Games, Game & Country Fairs, Horse Shows and the like are the backbone of the Scottish rural calendar. We list many of the gatherings below (although errors, changes and omissions can happen so please do check with organisers before setting out) . These events are great social occasions and offer terrific opportunities to anyone wishing to market their product or service to a receptive audience.

Who's in Your V?

At Aberlady Bay Nature Reserve, not far from Scene & Herd's East Lothian headquarters, around 30,000 pink-footed geese, flock here from Iceland and Greenland each autumn. Quite often, I hear them before I see them. You've undoubtedly seen a V-shaped skein of geese flying overhead, a powerful image of teamwork and efficiency. Did you know they rotate positions within that formation? The lead goose battles the strongest headwinds, taking the brunt of the resistance. When that leader tires, they drop back, and another goose takes their place. This constant rotation allows the entire flock to conserve energy and fly farther, together. It's a beautiful example of distributed leadership, and a powerful metaphor for building a successful business.

Turning Bad Feedback into Business Gold: How to Respond to Negative Online Reviews

We've previously mentioned the importance of online reviews to a business's reputation, but what if the review is negative? As a business owner, negative online reviews can feel like a personal attack. However, it's important to realise that these reviews offer valuable opportunities for growth and improvement. By understanding how to respond effectively, you can turn bad feedback into a positive force for your business.

March in Rural Scotland: Charity, Succession Planning, and Community

March is a bustling month for Scotland's rural communities, offering opportunities for both charitable support and vital knowledge sharing. Here's a look at two key initiatives: RHASS Presidential Initiative Charity Dinner & Auction, and RSABI x The Royal Countryside Fund: Planning for the Future workshops.

Is 2025 the year for a new you?

As we settle into 2025, it’s the perfect time to refresh, rethink, and revitalise our businesses. Whether you’re looking to attract new customers, stand out from the crowd, or better connect with your audience, your branding is the key to unlocking growth and success.

Growing your Instagram – part 2

You may remember that back in October we issued a newsletter aimed at creating a bit of two-way support – you follow our Instagram handles and in turn we’ll share yours in a future newsletter and encourage our database to follow you too. All this with the aim of boosting all of our accounts and making rural businesses better known.

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