Case Studies

» Recruitment Entrepreneur
» Specialist Biodegradable Containers
» Professional Musician
» Corporate Director
» Directory Publisher

Helen R, Recruitment Entrepreneur.

A young entrepreneur believed a new approach to recruitment would fill a gap in the market. It was important to 'hit the ground running' but getting the basics right was the key to establishing a solid foundation to a new business.

Links Communications was asked to review a robust business plan which had been written & costed. Advice was given on logos and company colours – an important feature in the recruitment industry. From the Mission Statement, to website content, sales literature design and advice on effective advertising, the new company was 'in business' in a month and making money. Aitch Recruitment Ltd was in profit from the start and continues to remain successful as its reputation grows.

Client quote: "Maxine delivered from the very start, taking time to fully understand the unique selling point of my business as if it were her own. Clear marketing literature, the right look and appeal on my website – all leading to clients coming to me rather than the other way around!"

John H-B, Specialist Biodegradable Containers

A company specialising in small, biodegradable but secure containers had been in business for 15 years but its client list and 'look' needed refreshing. Although profit margins remained good, increasing supply costs, static order levels and the need for improved opportunities were due. Links Communications reviewed the business and identified market share improvement options initially.

Next, the brand image was updated, including a new website and sales literature. A direct mail campaign was organised, too. Positive negotiation with a new materials supplier led to improved quality and better profit margins.

Client quote: "Links put together a plan for working our business into a new area of opportunity. As a result, we have now managed to increase our turnover into an era of sustainability, finances are secure, and orders are rolling over towards repeat business."

John B, Professional Musician

A solo guitarist of many years experience on the popular Country & Western circuits, asked Links Communications to review his business as a professional entertainer. Although still in demand as a performer, he wanted to increase his number of engagements but was unsure how to alter his long-established stage persona, or utilise his extensive repertoire of songs representing over four decades of popular music.

After a relative short period of review, Links Communications' proposals highlighted ways the musician's many performance styles could be tailored into 'modular' acts, increasing audience appeal and venue options. New publicity photographs, promotion and a CD giving a short reprise of each musical module was produced and the singer's name changed to, simply, The Guitar Man.

Client quote: "Max designed a business plan to steer my career in a totally new direction, something I had never thought of doing myself...having become typecast in venues and styles of music. With the economic downtown, the future was looking pretty bleak but with the rebranding I am feeling very confident for the future."

Keith I, Corporate Director

A large public service organization required a new approach to internal and external communications and marketing. It was also important to keep a very large workforce fully informed during a demanding period of change. Local media relations, including press releases and publications, required significant improvement

Client quote: "We were impressed by Maxine's analytical abilities and her positive approach to marketing the organisation. It was particularly helpful to us, in a complex organisation, that Maxine was able to identify the stakeholders of any given issue and suggest how we might approach situations in the light of those stakeholder interests. I have no hesitation in recommending Maxine Thorne and Link Communications."

Tina, Directory Publisher

A local company spoke with Links Communications about further business development, after two years of very successful trading. The company was making strong inroads into its chosen sector and needed to identify the next step in its development. After reviewing the company, strengths were built upon and new ways of working suggested. Most notably, the introduction of a new and industry-innovative magazine was developed for the company's range of directory publications. The owner of the company also saw Business in a Box during a site visit and said, "I wish I had had this available to me when I started. It would have saved me time & money, and I could have been up and running more quickly."

She continued "Working with Links has been highly motivating and productive, and I am very excited about the new publication and what it will add to my business. I know where I am taking my business now and how to get there."

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