How often should you update your blog?

For me, its either when I have the time of when I feel I need to share information.

Today, its to tell the world how amazing our month has been!

It was only a month ago I updated the blog from prior to the summer.  We had a brilliant summer and enjoyed getting out and meeting lots of new clients and colleagues.  Over the winter we've been working hard to develop our relationships and turn them into business.  This month we have certainly reaped our rewards.

Back in February I received an email into my junk folder the name really made me look twice.  As everyone knows you can't be too careful with phishing emails so I proceeded with caution.  The following day I contacted the number I found on google and researched whether the email was genuine.  It was, I had been contacted by British Vogue and was being asked if I wanted to advertise The Gin Tin Bar in their Bridal Advertorial.  I was absolutely over the moon that such a prestigious magazine would allow me the space to promote my business.  Bloody amazing!!  And then the head kicked in...whilst my heart 100% wanted to go into the magazine the high costs would have a big impact on the business.  Not only would it hit me financially, I had to consider what the advert would bring.  After a great deal of thought and discussion I declined the offer, it came down to the question...'Do I really want to be towing the bar all over the UK every weekend?'  The answer is No.  Luckily the business is developing locally and therefore don't feel that a nationwide advert is appropriate for my business AT THIS TIME.  Watch this space.....It was a tough decision but delighted to have been asked.

Whilst the above decision was being pondered I was arranging my first wedding advert in 'Tiara Magazine' we have an advert and an additional piece in the current magazine, please take a look.  We are in both the front and online version.  I was lucky to have great guidance by the editor Tracey to ensure the correct information was shared.  Please head over to www.tiaramagazine.co.uk to take a look.  Its great seeing your business in such a high quality magazine.

Two weeks ago G and I headed up to Liverpool to pick up the new bar, ooh she is so cute!  The Drinks Tin, is smaller than the main bar, she is just 4m in length and is available for dry hire.  It was so light towing an empty bar...  The Drinks Tin has had a deep clean and is now awaiting her photo shoot.  The debut appearance is next month at Tall John's House.  A new bar means a new uniform.  The Drinks Tin staff will wear black aprons with a grey tie.  The staff will continue to be as professional and smart as they always have been.  I cant wait to show her off!

So what an amazing month?  As we are approaching the end of our 11month in business and I'm reflecting on how much progress we have made and how pleased I am of our future bookings I am gleaming with pride of the success so far.  The idea of the business has blossomed, it's a business that people want and it seems from our reviews that we are quite good at it.  Fantastic, let's start setting further goals for this year!

And then whilst casually checking my FB I saw I had been tagged in a post.  Luckily I was with a friend who confirmed what I read.  The Gin Tin Bar had been named a finalist for the Gin Bar of the year by The Welsh Bar and Pub Awards.  Shock!!!  Absolutely flabbergasted!  I really couldn't believe that my bar was being considered in the same category as some of the most fantastic, established Gin Bars that I know.  For those of you that live in South Wales you will know how fantastic some of the bars are...  I really couldn't believe it.  When I contacted the organisers it seemed that yet again they had emailed me and it had gone into my junk folder and I had dismissed the email.  I will know thoroughly check my Junk folder!!
So next month the winner is announced, ironically I am out with the bar the day of the awards ceremony.  I truly feel humble to have been named a finalist within this category, for me our business has already won this year, it truly has been the most amazing end to the first year of The Gin Tin Bar.  Who knows where we will be this time next year....but between now and then I will definitely be checking my junk folder.....

Helen x