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Marketing mentoring with a local dancing school

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Background

 

Based in Tunbridge Wells, The Dance Consortium is a small 35-year-old dancing school offering high-quality teaching across different genres of dance. The school had a track record of 90% of pupils achieving distinction in exams and winning medals at The All England Dance Championships.  In recent years they’ve undertaken limited marketing and like many dancing schools, the pandemic meant they lost younger children as classes came to a standstill for many months.

 

Approach

 

Seeing the tremendous value of the dancing school, Sharp Thinking volunteered to help the dancing school over the summer of 2022.

 

This included providing help in 2 key areas:-

 

• Recruiting new followers on Instagram to help create increased awareness locally

• Helping promote their pandemic comeback summer show and raise income to support production

 

Sharp Thinking gave general advice on their social media strategy. In addition, online training was provided on Instagram covering engagement tips.  This included being more strategic with the use of hashtags and content.  An outline content plan was provided to refresh their content and mix it up.

 

Sharp Thinking volunteered to spearhead some PR.  This would be an ideal way to start to build momentum in the run-up to the show providing guidance on a press release and target media.  We agreed to lead with their award win success at the All England Regional dance finals to demonstrate the success of the school and showcase some of the children. 

 

Finally, Sharp Thinking help to devise a sponsorship strategy for their summer show and led the execution of it to raise vital funds to co-fund the production of the show.

 

Results

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Our efforts resulted in significant accomplishments:

- Securing press coverage in four highly-rated local titles, reaching the right audience.
- Doubling the dance school's Instagram followers within six months and establishing strategic partnerships with local businesses.
- Raising nearly £1,000 in a month, the highest amount ever raised, through a targeted sponsorship approach. We also secured a print partner who funded all printing needs for the show. Additionally, we created sponsorship point-of-sale materials at the venue to showcase the generous sponsors.

We're proud of the impact we've made in supporting this local dance school and look forward to continuing our mission to help organisations thrive in the future.

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Support Monkey Music: Making a Difference raising £16,000 for Charity

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Background

A few years ago, I proudly supported Monkey Music in Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks, helping to raise an impressive £16,000 for the music therapy charity Nordoff Robbins. My role involved participating in the event and utilizing my marketing expertise to raise awareness and help fundraise.

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Embracing a new physical challenge, I decided to take on a triathlon. This demanding task required strength and endurance, forcing me to train in three separate sports - two of which I had little to no experience in. I quickly realised that being a proficient swimmer was crucial, and finding a balance between swimming, cycling, and running was quite challenging.

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Results

I'm incredibly proud of the achievements of our group of 21 determined women. Not only did we successfully cross the finish line without any injuries, but we also managed to raise an astounding £16,000.

This significant sum of money will have a lasting and substantial impact on the Nordoff Robbins charity. In recognition of our fundraising efforts, Monkey Music and Nordoff Robbins generously rewarded our team with the opportunity to climb the O2.

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"I had the pleasure of working alongside Natalie in a sporting fundraising campaign. Natalie proved to be an invaluable member of the team, providing motivation and support to others throughout the months. Her generosity in sharing her knowledge and skills, along with her strategic approach to communication and marketing, greatly contributed to our success. From offering social media tips to helping shape our fundraising goals, Natalie's advice and input were instrumental in our achievements. Without her, I don't believe we could have reached our goals." Alison Norman, Monkey Music

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Supporting Good Neighbours: Spreading holiday cheer for a worthy cause

 

 

 

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Background

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During the pandemic, I was deeply moved by the inspiring work of a local charity called Good Neighbours. They provide crucial support to the elderly community, but unfortunately, they faced significant financial challenges and service reductions due to the pandemic. Determined to make a difference, I decided to take action.

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Results

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I organised and participated in not one, but two consecutive 5km fun runs, dressed as Santa Claus, in order to raise funds and generate awareness for this incredible charity based in Tunbridge Wells.

 

I raised £340 through leveraging connections in my business network.

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By sharing my story and taking on this physical challenge, I was able to contribute in a meaningful way and bring attention to the important work of Good Neighbours. I was overjoyed when our efforts caught the attention of The Kent and Sussex Courier

 

"What brilliant coverage – you are obviously very gifted in the marketing department.  Thank you again for all that you’ve done for us. The trustees have asked me to pass on their thanks to you for your efforts in the fun run. " Elizabeth Hills, Good Neighbours