March 17, 2025

March 2025

I hope you're well. I always love receiving replies to my weekly emails so, if you've been meaning to get in touch, why not hit reply and do so now?I was particularly pleased with the positive reception to last week's email about how to respond to negative online reviews - and also the recommendation to listen to One Person Found This Helpful, Frank Skinner's panel game based on online reviews. It was a very entertaining diversion, so thanks for that suggestion! Reputation is key to all organisations and often the most important asset of a new, growing enterprise. Why not book a Growth Hour Zoom Call, and we can discuss nurturing your business's reputation - or any other aspect of marketing?

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.

Beans – A growing UK solution

As the UK livestock industry looks for more sustainable, cost-effective home-grown protein alternatives, beans are emerging as an excellent option for dairy, beef and sheep. With increasing concerns of exposure to fluctuating global protein markets, the environmental impact of relying on imported protein like soya and the declining supply of UK distillery co-products, British grown beans can offer a practical and sustainable solution.

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.