Getting out there

So here we are, the second blog of Blueprint Effect.  We still don't quite get blogging but we're going to give it a go.

We have reached, what I see, as an exciting time. Our client base is slowly building and now we are being noticed from people not just here in West Lothian, not even just the UK, but from other countries of the world.  We have been seen from Australia, Philippines, Japan and the U.S.A and it's quite overwhelming.

We have been live for 6 days now! Most of my time has been devoted to developing the website and looking after our youngest daughter.  The time that I actually have towards any kind of advertising is quite short at this moment and is mainly a few hours at night or in reply to others through my mobile.

In what time I have had to network has been split into two social networking sites and arguably the top two.  Facebook and Twitter.
Ok so not billboards or our own leaflets yet but this is where we have been noticed.  Not only is it free but it gives a platform to be seen all over the globe and is also a fast way of getting your business out there.

First it was a couple of likes and a couple of followers and nothing exciting but just yesturday (9th December) we climbed from 54 likes to about 107 in just a day.  I did kind of miss Small Business Saturday, that was a big let down.  Though like after like we reached the magical 100 likers on Facebook.  Twitter is still catching up but Facebook seems to me to be more productive for us. 

The 100 likers in 5 days changed the way the business felt, it didn't feel like a start up, it really felt like it was there, drawing attention and growing.  I mean I didn't feel as small in the business world, I now feel more like an underdog and I think I like that situation as it helps inspire me to push myself and really work hard at what I am wanting to achieve. 

Right now I am enjoying how things are going, I am seeing other people's ideas, their personalities showing through their work or hobbies and I now feel like i am a part of a community and part of the business world. 

I am looking forward to growing bigger and being recognised by more people and being able to take the small steps to bring the business to the next level.

Now the Christmas and New Year holidays are in sight and I can't wait to spend it with my family.  This is of course my first Christmas with my new family and I don't know how it will go I just know it will be warm and loving and will be a very special memory to me.

Lets be honest though, Santa's going to have to fight hard for those cookies this year, rumour has it they will be Smartie ones.

Don't forget to have a look at our website:
www.blueprinteffect.com

Show us your thumbs up on facebook:
www.facebook.com/blueprinteffect

Follow us on Twitter:

www.twitter.com/MartinBE_UK

  

The Road to Here

Hey there,

My name is Martin and I am the owner and designer at Blueprint Effect.  Here is a little about my past and how I came to be here.

My first venture into paid work came in the kitchen of a little place called the Chapters Bistro, in Gattonside, in the Scottish Borders.  I was an assistant chef. My role was to prepare the starters, assist with the main course and prepare the deserts. Not that hard you say? This was my first job at the age of 15, still at school and at the critical time of exams. This was a resturaunt that was always filled, when one table became empty another filled, at most times it was as if the customers were playing musical chairs. Alongside the head chef we served nearly 60+ people a night in the short space of about 5 hours.

Although it was a difficult job it was probably the most important point in my life.  I gained so much from that little place from being able to work under a lot of pressure to maintaining a consistantly high quality service.  This is also where I learned how to manage my time ( I would still say being about 20mins early is good).

When this job came to a close I travelled around for a while and then I attended a computer course at Telford College in Edinburgh.

I was diagnosed with asthma when I was 17 which reacts badly to steam and bleach cleaning products so any potential work in another kitchen was lost.

That put me down a fair bit.  Knowing that I had restrictions on my life, knowing that I couldn't do what I enjoyed as a job.  After a kick up the butt from my nana I decided to volunteer at my local Cancer Research UK. I quickly became a voluntary assistant manager and ran the shop while the manger was on leave. The work I was doing there was noticed and I  became well known by the regulars .  I was then snapped up by a friend to become their floor manager in a computer repair shop.  I loved it there.  Computer accessories everywhere, my very own space at the front of the shop, I was in full control of the shop floor.

Unfortunately I became part of an abusive relationship, not something I really like going into or even mentioning it especially with being male but the past is in the past and it only made me a stronger person. Due to this I had to move on from my job and from my area.

This move was a good one,  I met my partner and I am now a part of a wonderful family.  I became interested in clothing and accessory design and soon found that I could turn this into a business. I did not think I would get to where I am but with a lot of planning and support from the Be Creative Studio I managed it.  My own business, my name above it and a supportive family by my side.