[N]ew local business woman, Lynda McDairmant cannot wait to start working with companies in Cumbria, helping them to shape their business story and gain more customers. This is Lynda’s first official week being her own boss, after registering as self-employed and attending her first Cumbrian networking event with Cumbria Chamber of Commerce at Bigland Hall Equine Group, near Ulverston.
Formerly Head of Sales & Marketing at Gretna Green Ltd, and with nearly 30 years experience in sales and marketing, Lynda is excited to be putting her knowledge and talents into launching her own venture,Tell Tale Marketing: “Setting up my own business has always been something I have kept to the back of my mind, never really believing I could do it for myself.”
With time on her hands after choosing to move on from her previous employer, Lynda took the plunge, on a whim, by researching the services available for those who are thinking about starting up their own business. Based just over the border, Lynda sought the services of Business Gateway, who offer a similar business start-up programme to Cumbria Chamber. Lynda explains: “I checked out the Business Gateway website on the Monday and was attending an introduction workshop for starting up your own business the following day. I though, why not. I’ll either come away thinking this is definitely not for me or I will be excited by the prospect. It was the latter and I have not looked back since.”
That was less than 2 months ago and Lynda has now named her business, built a website and written her business plan. “My son, Fergus Denton designed my logo. He’s just out of university with a Bachelor degree in 3D Modelling and Animation and is now job hunting.” Lynda explains how she came up with the name: “Choosing the name for my business was difficult, with so many ideas running through my mind. I settled on Tell Tale Marketing since it sums up how I see the essence of what marketing a business is: you have to select your audience in line with what you are offering and decide how best to reach out to them but the fundamental factor that is at the heart of all business is not simply what you do or what you sell but who you are; your story. Harness that and build a robust brand identity that resonates with customers and success will follow. Building engaging stories and making sure they are communicated effectively is my passion.”
Lynda has also been getting out and about talking with local business to spread the word about what she can do to help companies improve their communication with customers and build on their own unique brand.”I am my own marketing department as well as the tea girl and the receptionist. My business will only spring to life and thrive on my efforts alone. I knew the importance of simply getting out there and spreading my own story! I met with Catherynn Dunstan from Cumbria Chamber of Commerce and she has been very encouraging and supportive. I hope that I will be able to work with the Chamber in the near future and being invited to one of their networking events this week was a great start.”
Lynda’s early career began with CN Group in sales before moving on to work in marketing with Edinburgh Woollen Mill. Following the birth of her two older sons she studied with the Chartered Institute of Marketing before joining Gretna Green Ltd. Lynda explains where her experience lies and her ambition for the future: “For 25 years I have worked in tourism and hospitality so it is an industry that I know well and I am known to many in it, nationally and internationally. That said I hope to work with other industries as well as tourism, drawing on my skills for finding communication solutions to challenges that a business encounters. It can be anything from giving a bit of advice and direction through to integrating with a team to deliver on a specific project.”
Lynda’s website (coming soon) is www.telltalemarketing.co.uk. Lynda can be messaged through LinkedIn or email [email protected]
