Key events of 2023

As we say goodbye to 2022 and welcome the changes that 2023 will inevitably bring, we've summarised some of the key events and anniversaries coming up in the year ahead, many of which present great opportunities to showcase your rural business and form new partnerships. The UN has designated 2023 as the International Year of Millets. Dubbed “super grains”, for centuries, millets have served as an important staple in parts of Asia and Africa. Closer to home, RHET's Year of Seeds and Grains runs throughout the 2022/2023 academic year. Their website has heaps of educational resources.

Are you too busy?

I mean REALLY too busy? Often my default thought when any sort of request for my time comes in is ‘noooooooooo, I can’t take on anything else!’. Now of course sometimes that’s true. But am I really too busy to do anything else? Am I really too busy for that fresh air walk at lunchtime or the time to ride my horse and clear my head? They say that if you want something done you should ask a busy person and I certainly subscribe to that notion.

Five Reasons NOT to Work With US

Yes, you did read that correctly! Contrary to what some may believe, we don’t issue this Monday email just to try to get more business. We send it because we enjoy connection and because we recognise the help that many businesses and individuals offer us and are keen to offer something a little useful to others. A virtuous circle if you like.

Five reasons why you still need PR and Marketing even when you don’t think you can afford it

For many of us, especially business owners, this winter is giving many a great deal of anxiety. With the cost of living at an all-time high and energy bills reaching astronomic heights, it seems prudent to redraft budgets and cut out any unnecessary expenditure. Spending money on PR and Marketing suddenly seems like a luxury. However, there are good reasons why now is not the time to cut your communication strategy.

Are You Feeling More Tired Than Usual Today?

If so, I might know why! Until last month, this has never occurred to me but upon speaking to a colleague (thanks K, you know who you are!) I learned that apparently, it’s common for us all to feel more tired around a full moon. And of course, tomorrow is a full moon. This is no hocus pocus, it’s backed by research.

Skills Development within Farming’s Workforce

Two opportunities to upskill and contribute your solutions at AgriScot on Wednesday 16th November: 1) FREE development programme for women working in the rural sector and 2) SAOS ‘Skills Development – Future Proofing Farming’s Workforce’ seminar

Five things we could all learn from horses

Yes, I am talking of those large animals with hooves that seem to primarily exist as a means of draining their owners’ bank accounts. But apart from being better at extracting money than a seasoned Mobster, there are a few important life lessons we can learn from these creatures.

Are You Offended?

Recently, I offended someone. I hope it goes without saying that this was very much NOT what I had intended. In fact, the very same action elicited a ‘thank you’ from somebody else. Nevertheless, someone was offended by something I did. And that’s not OK. I felt terrible. I stewed over it. I analysed it. I apologised. But still, I feel bad.

The Art of Delegation

It’s well known that great leaders regularly delegate. But how do you know if you need to delegate more?

Creativity for Non-Creatives

Do you think of yourself as unimaginative? Are you struggling to come up with new ideas? As Charles Darwin famously said, “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent; it is the one most adaptable to change.” The last couple of years have certainly shown that to be true. We've been impressed by the way enterprising people came up with creative solutions to various business problems. But what if you are not naturally creative? Can you still pivot your business?

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