by admin | Oct 18, 2020 | Christmas, Hashtags, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, lincolnshire Business, Lincs Connect, LincsConnect, Shopping
For A Lincolnshire Christmas Use #LincsConnectChristmas
For a Lincolnshire Christmas use #LincsConnectChristmas on your tweets to reach more local people. Search the hashtag to find lots of lovely gift ideas and bargains. If you’re wondering who is posting on the hashtag I suggest you have a look today. The hashtag isn’t just for Twitter though; There are posts on Facebook and Instagram too so go to your search bar and type in #LincsConnectChristmas to see what comes up.
For Christmas use #LincsConnectChristmas – A Lincolnshire Christmas
I don’t want to say “I told you so” but…. ‘I told you so’ way back in September! Christmas is coming early this year as people fear uncertain times ahead. Christmas shopping has started early for most people. If you’re a small business who isn’t prepared yet you’re in danger of missing out on your local market.
First posted in October 2020, this blog is still relevant today. Prices are rising, bills are escalating and interest rates are heading upwards. Plan early to make sure you don’t get caught out.
Many people have started (or already finished) Christmas shopping! Coupled with the growing numbers of unemployed and financially challenged, the ‘Big Boys’ will be putting on some huge discounts to increase High Street footfall and spending. Don’t miss out. Start selling and marketing our Christmas products now. Contact me to discuss a plan.
Hosting the #LincsConnect Hour on Twitter is an ideal way to reach out to locals. Get in touch today to arrange a date to host your Hour. I’ll say it again “For A Lincolnshire Christmas Use #LincsConnectChristmas“.
#LincsConnectChristmas is a seasonal hashtag which ‘trends’ globally each year so use it to reach out to your new customers. The #LincsConnect hashtag is here for you every single day of the year so I recommend using them both. To increase your chances of your messages being seen I recommend using both hashtags together.
Shop Online In Lincolnshire And Beyond
Shopping online is set to increase with the multi-nationals gearing up to steal the market. ‘Now’ is the time for the local independent traders to get their offers onto their websites and online shops. You can’t expect everyone to find you and buy your products though! Make sure you use your social media platforms to guide customers to your shop.
Once you’ve posted your goodies onto your online shop or local High Street shop you need to be working flat out to advertise. Continuous posting on social media will bring sales but not enough. You need to interact with people to get them to want your product. Sell, sell, sell doesn’t work on social media so for best results get chatting. Obviously your followers know what you do so you’ll need to reach out to new customers if you want to make your advertising work. Online shopping is very attractive in the current pandemic so ‘now’ is the time to get talking and making your social media sites look Christmassy.
Lincolnshire, Regional and National Deliveries
Many items can be posted in the normal way of course but if you have awkward sized gifts you might want to employ a courier. Including the cost of the courier in the sale price of the gift is an ideal way to plan finances. Negotiate with local couriers early will be your best bet for good prices and guaranteed time slots.
Travel may be a problem this year so grandparents may want to send a bike to grandchildren by courier. What about plants? Transporting plants by post can be difficult so a courier may be your best option. Negotiating rates early may be a good idea so perhaps now is the time to get it organised.
Charity Shops
Don’t forget our local charity shops when you’re shopping this year. As a result of de-cluttering during the lockdown, charity shops have had a bumper intake of stock. ‘Now’ is your chance to grab a bargain while helping out your local community. Many items will be brand new too so it’s always worth popping in.
Advert
Stresses can increase during this time of year and injuries never take a holiday so contact @MandarinTherapies for your treatments. Tel 07966 174878. Emergency services and Armed Forces enjoy 20% discount too.
For Christmas use #LincsConnectChristmas – Help Me, Help You
To help me help you please copy the link to this blog into your social media advertising. If you’re talking about Christmas, Christmas gifts, Christmas offers and postage you can add a link to this blog to help explain that you’re trying to compete against ‘the big boys’. As a result you’ll be increasing readership of this blog. With that achieved I’ll be able to reach out to more people to help advertise your business. We really can help each other.
Incase You Missed It
For Christmas use #LincsConnectChristmas – Local Shopping
During the recent #LincsArtCraftHour sessions we have seen quite a few artists and crafters joining in and showing their gift ideas. As a result you’ll see a lot of local products all listed in the same place. Below is a list of some of them. I recommend you take a look to see what they have to offer. Christmas ‘is’ coming and I’m sure that you’ll agree that it’s good to support our local traders:
Twitter, Facebook & Etsy/Folksy
Stay Safe
Keep a mask on and your hands clean to protect yourself and everyone else around you. Happy shopping and happy selling folks.
LincsConnect is your Lincolnshire Blogger – Copied but never bettered
by admin | Oct 11, 2020 | Algorithms, Facebook, Hashtags, Lincolnshire, Lincs Connect, LincsConnect, Mandarin Therapies, Massage, Mobile
Don’t rely On Algorithms
Don’t rely on algorithms for Lincolnshire connections. In short, a computer algorithm can be set to find a solution to a single or set of questions. If you want any further information about algorithms I’m afraid I’m not the best person to ask! However, I do know that social media platforms use algorithms to plot your interests and feed you the information it thinks you want to see. If that’s the case, it’s pretty obvious that you don’t rely on algorithms for Lincolnshire connections unless you use key Lincolnshire phrases regularly.
Here’s an example to (hopefully) make things clearer: If your main interests are in makeup and beauty and you tweet and search for messages on that subject Twitter will feed you more. However, if your interests are in football and you tweet and search for messages on that subject, guess what….? You won’t be seeing tweets on makeup and beauty but you will see tweets about football. That’s algorithms for you!
That sounds great; you’re getting to see all the information you want (good or bad, true or false). However, you may have been steered away from your primary goal which is talking to, or doing business with your Lincolnshire neighbours.
I’m not a football fan so I don’t see posts about football. I do like to help and support all sorts of local businesses, charities and organisations though so I get to see a wide range of messages on social media. The algorithms have identified that I like Lincolnshire and connecting with Lincolnshire people to help and support them. However, if you’re mainly posting about football it’ll be pretty clear that you can’t rely on algorithms for Lincolnshire connections. However, help is at hand…
Don’t Rely On Algorithms – Connecting Lincolnshire – Reset The Algorithms
From what I can gather, the more you engage with the information fed to you by the algorithms, the more you are likely to see related posts. You can bypass the original algorithms though to reconnect with your Lincolnshire friends using these methods:
Lists
On twitter you have the option to Create lists. I have lots of Lincolnshire lists ranging from ‘Accountants’ through to ‘What’s On’ with all manner of Lincolnshire trades in multiple lists (depending on their expertise) as well as geographical location. You can create a list and call it whatever you like and you can add or remove people to/from the lists at will. You can even make the lists private or open for everyone to see. Looking at your lists you can quickly see the recent posts by the people you want to hear from. It’s an excellent way to keep up to date with your favourite social media friends or influencers.
Hashtags
The beauty of the hashtag is that it is useable across various social media platforms. If you type into your search bar ‘Lincolnshire’ you’ll see all of the posts that have used that hashtag. However, that could be overwhelming as so many people use that tag. I’ve seen many, many people adding the hashtag #ShopLocal to their posts but I have a strong suspicion that they haven’t searched the hashtag to see what’s on it! If you want to sell something ‘locally’ to Miami, Adelaide or Ontario then by all means carry on using that hashtag. However, if you really want to get the attention of your local Lincolnshire, Newark, Retford or Hull based contacts you need to be using the hashtag #LincsConnect. Try searching it now to see who and what pops up. I can guarantee that it’s going to be local.
#LincsConnect
My account has been through several guises before I settled on #LincsConnect. Would you believe that I even created the hashtag #ShopLocal over 12 years ago? It quickly became evident that, although it was extremely popular, it was neither use nor ornament for the local Lincolnshire area. After a few months I stopped using it and tried several other hashtags before settling on the one we all know now.
Don’t Rely on Algorithms – Connections In Lincolnshire
Searching the hashtag #LincsConnect will instantly show you who has been posting locally. The easiest way to connect with people is to get into polite conversations so why not give it a go now? The more conversations you have with local people on #LincsConnect the more the algorithms are likely to pick up what you want to see and feed you more relevant information.
Don’t Rely On Algorithms – What Else?
The #LincsConnect hashtag is an ideal way to search and connect locally. There are also some other hashtags that you may be familiar with that will be more specific to you:
If you’re looking for local traders to support or are a local trader yourself with something to sell or offer for Christmas you might want to search the #LincsConnectChristmas hashtag or add it to your posts for more people to see. I’ve had this hashtag trending on Twitter, Google, Duck Duck and other search engines
No introductions needed! The hashtag is plain and simple so use it to advertise your gift ideas and services. If you’re shopping for Valentines ideas simply type #LincsConnectValentines into your social media platform search bar to see who and what is there. I’ve also had this hashtag trending on Twitter, Google, Duck Duck and other search engines. My hard work pays off for you!
Many people use the #ShopLocal hashtag thinking that they are encouraging people to shop in their area. However, in reality, the #ShopLocal hashtag is far from local. I invented the hashtag around 12 years ago but scrapped it not long after when I realised it was being used globally. It was literally ‘too successful’! The hashtag to use on your local Lincolnshire tweets is now #ShopLincs as it truly is ‘local’ to you. Add it to your posts to show you’re a Lincolnshire seller and search the hashtag to find locals in your area who have something to sell.
I’m sure this doesn’t need any explanation? If you’re looking for jobs or are advertising jobs the #LincsConnectJobs hashtag will be very useful to you. The #LincsConnectJobs Hour is on Mondays from 10.00am.
Two hashtags! Adding a hashtag to a post sends your message to the relevant section in a massive global database. If you add two hashtags your message will be sent to both locations in the database. Using a specific ‘hour’ hashtag is extremely useful and can help you reach people with the same or similar interests as you. Have a look at #LincsArtCraftHour
Don’t Rely On Algorithms – Get The Picture?
In summary, the algorithms can steer you away from the people you really want to talk to so don’t rely on algorithms for Lincolnshire connections! Using the hashtag #LincsConnect and making your own lists can bring you back to the people you want to connect with. Adding a picture or video to your message will help you to be seen but it will also allow you to put a lot of information into a poster while making your initial message short and to the point.
New Lincolnshire #LincsConnect Hours
Would you be interested in joining a new themed #LincsConnect Hour to help you connect with like minded people as well as new customers? Some of my plans include other Hours. What would you think of a #WhatsOnLincs Hour each week?
I have lots of new plans for the new website but can’t run everything at the same time. With that in mind, would you like to take on one of the hours? It’ll help you connect with lots more people while at the same time encouraging people to use and search the #LincsConnect hashtag to expand our readership and support network.
Lincs To Useful Blogs
I hope you find this blog of mine interesting. Simply click on the blue link or picture below to go straight to the blog:
Advert
#MandarinTherapies provides Covid Safe bespoke mobile complementary therapies sessions from the comfort of your own home in and around Lincolnshire. Call 07966 174878 to book your appointment today. #ShopLincs
Local Shopping
During the recent #LincsArtCraftHour sessions we have seen quite a few artists and crafters joining in and showing their gift ideas. Below is a list of some of them so please take a look to see what they have to offer. After all, Christmas ‘is’ coming and I’m sure that you’ll agree that it’s good to support our local traders:
Twitter Facebook Etsy/Folksy Website
@MelLangtonArt Mel Langton Art
@BurtonWard9 Burton&Ward Burton Ward
@origartprints fiduncart artist
@elliestreasures elliestreasures Ellies Treasures UK
@chrisdobbinart watercolourportraits
@Amanda_schonhut Amanda Schonhut Photography
@jpbphotography Light And Dreams Photography
@Scarletimpress1 Scarlet Impressions Art Scarlet Impressions
@EnglandCreate Create-England
@ShaliniAustin Shalini.Austin
@Blackbird1976 HDArtIllustration
@KcbraidsBeads KC Braids & Beads KC Braids & Beads
@Anitas_Cards_4U
` TuLuDraws
@HeyBeretDesigns Hey Beret Designs
@JaneHaighArt Jane Haigh Art
@2021VisualArts 20-21 Visual Arts Centre
@MadeWithMud Made With Mud Made With Mud
Advertising
Would you like to advertise on the #LincsConnect blogs? You could be reaching a wider Lincolnshire audience if you do so please get in touch if you’re interested. You’ll be able to speak to me on 07966 174878. Likewise, if you have a blog that you would like linking here please get in touch.
Stay Safe
Covid 19 is still around and threatening to disrupt our lifestyle once again so please follow the rules. Wear a face covering that covers your nose and mouth, keep a safe distance from other people and keep washing your hands. Don’t forget to clean your trolly and sanitise your hands when supermarket shopping and keep your distance wherever possible. It could save your life!
Your very own Lincolnshire Blogger – Copied but never beaten
by admin | Sep 25, 2020 | Antenatal, Aromatherapy, Art, Christmas, Covid 19, Covid-19, COVID19, Facebook, Hashtags, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, lincolnshire Business, Lincs Connect, LincsConnect, Mandarin Therapies, Massage, Mobile, Shopping, Twitter, Vouchers
Christmas is coming to Lincolnshire
Christmas is coming to Lincolnshire – Three Months And Counting Down…
As I write this blog (25 September 2020) it’s exactly three months until Christmas. Yes, I’ve said it again …. Christmas is coming to Lincolnshire and businesses need to be ready for it. I’ve been talking about it for a few weeks and now the BBC have finally caught up with me. Dare I say, if you haven’t started gearing up for Christmas you’re already late to the party! The major shops are gearing up for Christmas NOW with predicted record online sales. To those of you who groaned when I mentioned Christmas I sincerely hope you manage to catch up with the traders who are already planning. The big spending retailers ‘will’ take your market from under you so isn’t it time to get your advertising sorted?
Don’t forget, Christmas ‘is’ coming to Lincolnshire so make sure you’re prepared.
Click on this picture to find out what you’ve been missing on Twitter
Time To Catch Up
You may already know about the Lincolnshire based #LincsArtCraftHour and #LincsConnectChristmas hashtags on twitter but did you know that the hashtags also work on Facebook? Try it today because it’s free and local. Just type in #LincsConnectChristmas to your Facebook search bar to see what and who are there. FREE and it’s LOCAL sounds good so isn’t it time you engaged with the hashtags?
Search for the hashtags on Google, you’ll find that they’ve been ‘trending’ – now ‘that’ really is impressive! Follow the links below to go to the relevant pages for the Lincolnshire people who’ve already started planning and producing fabulous creations for Christmas. The blue links under their logos will take you straight to the relevant pages to make life easier for you too.
Christmas is coming to Lincolnshire So Join The List
To have your name added to this list just join in the Twitter hour on Monday lunchtime to qualify. It doesn’t matter if the day or time doesn’t fit in with your schedule because the hashtags are always there and ready for you. Shouldn’t you try it when you have a moment? Additionally, if you’d like to have a feature here and a link to your website please talk to me about advertising. The rest is FREE.
Remember, the #ShopLocal hashtag doesn’t work as a medium to get local customers because it’s used so widely around the world. Trust me, ‘I’ invented it! As a result I went on to invented #LincsConnect and can assure you that this hashtag ‘does’ work. After all, it’s truly local to Lincolnshire and our neighbours. You can use and search the #LincsConnect hashtag on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to find your truly local traders so why not give it a try today?
Christmas ‘is’ coming to Lincolnshire so shouldn’t you be a part of it?
#LincsConnect is here for you 24/7/365.
Twitter:
@FionaHodgesArt
Etsy:
Fiona Hodges Art
Advert – Because Christmas Is Coming To Lincolnshire
Christmas is coming so now is the time to order your Lincolnshire Christmas Gift Voucher for that extra special gift. A luxurious Mandarin Therapies bespoke massage from the comfort of your own home. What better way to let someone know how much you care? Call now to book your voucher 07966 174878. Click on the picture to start the video
Lincs To Past Blogs
Click the link or picture to go to the blog
What are your thoughts on holding more LincsConnect dedicated Twitter hours? Try following the link above to read some of my ideas and perhaps come up with some of your own. The more people interact with these hashtags, the more we will be able to help each other. Give it a try.
If you’re a Lincolnshire blogger and would like to have a link to your blog on here? I’ll be more than happy to hear from you.
Get the Covid-19 App NOW. If you haven’t got it already, click on this picture to go straight to the NHS website that will help you produce the required posters and direct you to the .Gov link to produce your own QR code. It’s easy – even I can do it!
Create A Coronavirus QR Code For Your Venue
Click on this picture to go straight to the relevant .Gov website page
If you are a Lincolnshire business, charity or organisation that has a venue or multiple venues you need to generate a QR Code for visitors to scan using the new Covid-19 App. The QR code will be sent to your email address for you to print and display.
Mobile businesses can still generate a QR code with your home or office address as the location. On arrival ask your client(s) to scan your QR code. The App will scan distances between smartphones and will send an alert to the person or people you have been in contact with if there is a risk of infection. It’s pure voluntary and does rely on people having the App on a smartphone but, as the saying goes, ‘every little helps’. Obviously it isn’t a substitute for keeping a 2m safe distance, washing your hands or wearing a suitable face covering over your mouth and nose but it is another tool to be utilised in the fight against this invisible virus.
Stay Safe
Be good to yourself and to others. Keep your distance, keep washing your hands and keep a mask that covers both your nose and mouth with you and wear it as instructed.
by admin | Sep 15, 2020 | Afternoon Tea, Aromatherapy, Art, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, Lincs Connect, LincsConnect, Mandarin Therapies, Shop, Shopping
Click on the picture to go to the Twitter hashtag. You’ll see lots of local goodies there so give it a try for ‘Shoping made easy in Lincolnshire’
The Funny Thing Is…
Shopping in Lincolnshire with LincsConnect – use Hashtags! Do you find them confusing? Do you use them but don’t know why? The funny thing is that many people don’t really know how to use them so let me try to quickly explain:
A hashtag is just a label or name given to a section in a very large database. That’s it! It’s just a database. Every time you write a post and use a hashtag your post will go to the appropriate folder in the database. If you use two hashtags your message will go to two folders in the database. Use #LincsConnect and #ShopLincs for your shopping and online shopping in Lincolnshire.
Use The Search Bar
To search for your messages just go to the search bar in your chosen social media platform and type in the name of the hashtag. If you do you’ll find your post as well as every other post with the same hashtag. However, be aware that the hashtag is specific to the social media platform you’re using so if you type a message on Twitter you won’t be able to find your post if you search for it on Facebook.
The hashtags go to a huge database which is used globally so if you use the hashtag ‘#Lincolnshire’ you’ll see what’s been posted for our County. If you search the hashtag ‘#LincsConnect’ you’ll find all of the messages that have been using the hashtag in Lincolnshire. However, if you search the hashtag ‘ShopLocal’ and see how many countries are using that hashtag you’ll realise that it is anything but ‘local’.
Be Specific
Choose your hashtags wisely. If you’re trying to get the attention of your local community the #ShopLocal hashtag is no good to you but the #LincsConnect hashtag is very specific to Lincolnshire and our close neighbours. For shopping in Lincolnshire with LincsConnect don’t forget to add the hashtags #LincsConnect and #ShopLincs
At this point you may be wondering what the hashtag has to do with Shopping Made Easy In Lincolnshire? The answer to that is quite simple of course. Using Twitter just type in #LincsArtCraftHour to your search bar to see what local art, craft, sculpture and photographic posts have been included over the last few years. You’ll find everything from needlework to paintings, cards and photography and the list is growing steadily. Not only will you find pictures but you’ll also discover links to local Etsy & Folksy shops and Facebook pages too so you really can shop on line while keeping your money in the local economy. It’s a win, win situation don’t you think? To make life even easier for you I’ve included links to the most recent artists & crafters below.
Not on Twitter? Not everyone is of course so if you’re a Facebook user don’t despair because you can still access some of the messages from the local artists by typing in #LincsArtCraftHour to your search bar.
Facebook #Hashtags
If you’re a Facebook user please don’t despair because you can type in the hashtag #LincsArtCraftHour to the search bar to find everything that’s been posted there. You’ll find several blogs as well as some posts by the local artists. I haven’t tried it on Instagram yet but I can assure you it will be coming.
What’ve You Missed?
Lots of gift ideas have been posted including Christmas decorations and cards but the question really should be ‘who’ have you missed? That’s easy to remedy; You’ll find a list below which includes some contact details too.
Advert
Breakfast £3.70, Afternoon Tea £7.50 and 3 course dinners available too. What’s not to like? Why not visit The Eatery, 36 Park Street, Lincoln, Lincolnshire next time you’re in town? Please get in touch first though to book your visit. Just click on the picture to go to the Lincoln Age UK Facebook page or follow them on twitter @ageuklsl It’s all for charity and you get fed at a bargain price too!
The Local List:
Shopping in Lincolnshire with LincsConnect – This list is set to grow and grow so please do make a note to keep checking in to see who else has joined us:
Twitter Facebook Etsy/Folksy Website
@MelLangtonArt Mel Langton Art
@BurtonWard9 Burton&Ward Burton Ward
@origartprints fiduncart artist
@elliestreasures elliestreasures Ellies Treasures UK
@chrisdobbinart watercolourportraits
@Amanda_schonhut Amanda Schonhut Photography
@jpbphotography Light And Dreams Photography
@Scarletimpress1 Scarlet Impressions Art Scarlet Impressions
@EnglandCreate Create-England
@ShaliniAustin Shalini.Austin
@Blackbird1976 HDArtIllustration
@KcbraidsBeads KC Braids & Beads KC Braids & Beads
@Anitas_Cards_4U
@TuLuDraws TuLuDraws
@HeyBeretDesigns Hey Beret Designs
@JaneHaighArt Jane Haigh Art
@2021VisualArts 20-21 Visual Arts Centre
@MadeWithMud Made With Mud Made With Mud
Advert – Shopping In Lincolnshire With LincsConnect
Mandarin Therapies and @MandarinMothers provide a bespoke mobile complementary therapies service throughout the County of Lincolnshire and beyond. Call 07966 174878 to book your appointment today. Click on the picture to go straight to the Mandarin Therapies Facebook page.
More To Come
So far the active hashtags are #LincsConnect #LincsConnectJobs #LincsConnectChristmas and #LincsArtCraftHour but keep watching as there will be more interesting hashtags coming very soon.
In Case You Missed It…
Here are some quick links to take you to some more blogs that you may find interesting:
Charity
AgeUK Lincoln & South Lincoln are a registered charity needing your donations. However, you also have the chance to purchase an inexpensive meal here and be pleased to know that the profits will be going straight to the charity.
Let’s face it, you’re older now than when you first started reading this blog! Age creeps up on us all so it’s nice to know there is a charity here to help us when we need it. If you would like breakfast, afternoon tea or a full meal don’t forget to book your place early. Breakfast starts at 9.30am.
Stay Safe
Please go ahead and enjoy yourself but lease also remember to stay safe. Keeping a social 2m distance, regular hand washing and wearing a mask when required will help you, your family, friends and everyone around you.
by admin | Sep 6, 2020 | Aromatherapy, Art, Christmas, Covid-19, Facebook, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, lincolnshire Business, Lincs Connect, LincsConnect, Twitter
Christmas In Lincolnshire 2020
Christmas in Lincolnshire 2020. With the #LincsConnectChristmas hashtag set to go live on 7 Sep, the big question is “Will Christmas be different in Lincolnshire this year?”
It’s certainly going to be different for me. Some Christmas traditions will be abandoned completely! Four days in London for festive shopping, to see the lights and to see a show or two. CANCELLED. Spending lots of money (probably too much) on presents and ‘niceties’. CANCELLED. Pantomime on Christmas Eve. CANCELLED. Festive Christmas Market. CANCELLED.
Will visits to different Counties for present deliveries still be allowed or will there be travel restrictions? Christmas parties will certainly be different! A Zoom party may be the best we can expect? On a different note completely, many people will be experiencing their first Christmas without a loved one. With lots of deaths as a result of the pandemic many families have been affected by the sad loss of loved ones.
Christmas Is ‘Not’ Cancelled
I for one have been affected by the virus, both as a casualty and financially. Although some symptoms still linger from the virus I’m grateful that they are minor. Financially I have been hit hard by the virus so a big spending spree this year is most certainly off the agenda. However, some traditions will remain.
I’m looking forward to getting the decorations down from the loft and seeing the trees decorated. I’m also looking forward to doing some Christmas shopping (yes, I ‘really do’ enjoy Christmas shopping) even though it’s going to be different this year. I think it’s going to be important to keep in mind that Christmas ‘is’ coming and will be here on 25th December. It’s just the same as it is every other year.
With that in mind I think it’s going to be even more important this year than any other year to support our local Lincolnshire traders. The temptation may be to ‘go online’ to shop and have the presents delivered but please don’t forget that our local traders supported us throughout the pandemic whenever they could. They’ll be more than happy to help with your shopping needs now too.
It’s been a very steep learning curve for most but the majority of our local businesses have adapted well to the concept of ‘click and collect’ or home deliveries.
Christmas In Lincolnshire 2020 – Shop Early
If we are to see our local businesses continue to thrive we need to get behind them more than ever now. The supermarkets had bumper sales during the lock down while most local traders struggled to keep afloat. Our High Street has changed with many big name shops either shedding staff or closing for good.
If we are to see our economy grow, ‘now’ is the time to support the smaller shops, markets and sole traders.
#LincsConnectChristmas
The #LincsConnectChristmas hashtag will be live from lunch time on Monday 7 September 2020 so I have two very important requests:
1. Please use the #LincsConnectChristmas hashtag on your Christmas tweets, Facebook and Instagram posts
2. Please, please, please search the #LincsConnectChristmas hashtag on social media to see what local messages/offers have been posted.
Don’t know how to search a hashtag? Actually, it’s really easy. All you have to do is go to the search bar on your chosen social media platform and type in #LincsConnectChristmas and look at the latest posts. Yes, it ‘is’ that easy!
#LincsArtCraftHour
The Lincolnshire based #LincsConnect #LincsArtCraftHour starts on Monday 7 September 2020 so please make a note in your diary to visit the hashtag every Monday from 12.00pm.
The hashtag should gain momentum each week and it’ll be an ideal way to shop for local gifts either for Christmas or for any other occasion. In fact, who needs a special occasion?
The thing is with art, craft, sculptures, jewellery, decorative furniture and nice things to hang on your wall or put on a shelf, you never know when you’ll find that one single item that really catches your eye and calls out to you in its own special way. Obviously we don’t all like the same things so a diverse array of goodies is what we need. A regular look at the hashtag to see what new items have popped up will be perfect.
Even if you’re not in the market for a new item it’s worth having a look to help support some local traders by sharing their posts.
More To Come
If there is enough interest I’ll happily include more hashtag hours to help our local traders. How about #LincsAuthorsHour #LincsMarketsHour #LincsGardeningHour ….. What would you like to see? Please take a look at one of my previous blogs to give you some ideas:
Click on the picture or on the blue link to go to the ‘Help Me To Help You’ blog
Help Is At Hand
I touched on the subject of bereavement at the start of the blog but some of you may have found yourselves taking on a carers roll too. If this is you or you know someone who is caring and could do with some support have a look at this checklist from Age UK:
Click on the picture to go straight to the main website and don’t forget that there is always support and advice available from @AgeUKLindsey and @AgeUKNELincs
Advert
Mandarin Therapies provides bespoke mobile complementary therapies and injury rehab across Lincolnshire and beyond. NHS, 999 services and Armed Forces are also entitled to 20% discount.
If you would like to have an advert here or provide a guest blog please get in touch.
Stay Safe
Don’t forget to wear your mask as directed and wash your hands regularly. We need to keep on top of the hand washing if we are to conquer this virus. Stay safe and look out for your neighbours.
by admin | Aug 30, 2020 | Antenatal, Aromatherapy, Art, Christmas, Covid-19, Domestic Abuse, Hashtags, Hotel, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, lincolnshire Business, Lincolnshire Heritage, Lincs Connect, Lincs Police, LincsConnect, LincsPolice, Louth, Mandarin, Mandarin Therapies, Massage, Mobile, Museum, Networking, police, Postnatal, Restaurant, Twitter, Vouchers
#EatOutToHelpOut Ends But…
Looking forward to a bright Christmas in Lincolnshire in 2020. The #EatOutToHelpOut scheme officially comes to an end on Bank Holiday Monday 31 August. I sincerely hope it has been a great boost to our local businesses and economies.
Not all of us have been able to take advantage of course as we’ve experienced some serious income deficits during the lockdown period. However, ‘every little helps’ so let’s hope that the Lincolnshire restaurateurs have been able to recoup enough income for them to feel confident to spend more of their money locally.
Recession?
We’ve heard the stories about the recession and possible price rises over the coming months but there are also stories about ‘green shoots’ in the economy. The resilience of the British people to get on with their businesses to make money and pull the economy forward is a key to our success.
There’s much speculation with stories of ‘doom and gloom’ but I think it’s important to remember that many of the stories are literally just ‘stories’ written by journalists (trained or untrained). They may have an agenda unbeknown to us and may even be from a foreign country.
With that in mind, my cup is definitely half full. Focusing on the bright side and being determined to make business work is what I do. I truly believe that we (that’s you and I) are capable of making our businesses successful regardless of the circumstances surrounding us. Do we need help? Do we need to collaborate? Do we need to focus on the good things? Absolutely!
I’m prepared to accept help and advice all day long and I believe it’s one of the keys to success. Knowing when you’re out of your depth and needing help is crucial. As is knowing when to employ an expert to do a job properly. When we work together we can often achieve much more so let’s Keep working and talking to each other.
#LincsConnectChristmas
Use the hashtag to promote your business, charity gift idea or event this Christmas
After a pretty dreadful summer I believe we need to look forward to a bright Lincolnshire Christmas. We don’t know what the future will bring with Covid-19 but we do know that Christmas is coming! Whether you like it or not, celebrate it or not, or even believe in it or not, the fact remains that it will be here on 25 December and we need to be prepared for it. We may not be out partying as we have in previous years but we are resilient enough and creative enough to make it a good celebration.
#LincsConnectChristmas starts on 7 September to coincide with the new #LincsArtCraftHour. Combining the two will give us the opportunity to see what our local talented and creative people have to offer. We’ll have the opportunity to shop early and safely by avoiding the usual Christmas rush because, well, let’s face it, we really don’t know yet if there will be movement and shopping restrictions in place to avoid another Covid-19 wave of destruction.
A Christmas Hamper
In previous years we’ve had a virtual Christmas hamper where we’ve been able to add items of our own or recommend items from other traders. The idea seemed to work well so I think it’ll be a good idea to do it again.
It’s time to start filling the Christmas Hamper…
The hashtag works on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram so let’s start thinking about filling it up with lots of local goodies. Perhaps an example here might be useful. How about these messages:
“I think the #LincsConnectChristmas hamper needs some speciality chocolates. I highly recommend @BonBonLincoln who produce exquisite designer chocolates”
“No #LincsConnectChristmas hamper will be complete without some bespoke Christmas cards by @CardsOfGrimsby”
Adding a picture with each message will soon get the attention of local shoppers and will make the #LincsConnectChristmas hashtag the place to look for local independent Christmas shopping. With your help we can get this hashtag noticed and talked about around Lincolnshire and beyond to turn it into the ‘shop window’ for everyone to see.
A Christmas Meal
With no #EatOutToHelpOut scheme in place hotels, restaurants, cafes and bars will want to advertise their special meals and party events so the #LincsConnectChristmas hashtag is going to be ‘the’ place for them to advertise and I’m sure they’ll appreciate our support.
Let’s Work Together
I’m sure we can make Christmas a huge success but I do think that we will have to work together to achieve it. Am I confident? Absolutely!
Put It In Your Diary
The #LincsConnectChristmas and #LincsArtCraftHour both start on Monday 7 September at noon. Use the hashtags, search the hashtags and tell your friends about the hashtags. They’re here for ‘you’.
Advert
Mandarin Therapies & Mandarin Mothers provide bespoke mobile complementary therapies in the comfort of your own home, hotel or nursing home across the whole of Lincolnshire and beyond. Gift vouchers are available for that special person too.
Previous Blogs
To find out more about the #LincsArtCraftHour follow this link to the previous blog:
Community
A message from Supt Paul Timmins of Lincolnshire Police following some sad and tragic deaths on Lincolnshire roads recently:
Click on this picture to open the video in Twitter
Click on this picture to open the video on Facebook
We see far too many road deaths in Lincolnshire so please always ‘be aware’ and don’t become a statistic. We love you just the way you are…. ‘alive’!
Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse doesn’t have age limits. If you know someone who is suffering call the police today. You’ll find some useful numbers here but if there is an immediate threat of harm call 999.
A Helpful App
Visit your App Store to download this free App to your device
Let’s pretend you’re out walking or have gone for a drive when you come across an accident. You dial 999 to contact the emergency services for help but then you don’t know exactly where you are. You know you’re in the middle of a field or on a country road but you couldn’t direct the emergency services to the incident. I imagine you might feel completely helpless!
I saw a post on Twitter asking the public to download the App What3Words so obviously I did. I didn’t expect to ever have to use it but thought it would be a good ‘insurance policy’ should the unexpected ever happen. I have actually used it though. I was able to give the three words that were displayed on my iPhone screen to the control room who directed the fire service to the field fire that I had discovered on my way home last winter. That’s it! It really is that easy. All you have to do is open the App and you’re immediately given 3 unique words that identify your exact location.
When opening the App you’re given the option to share the 3 words via social media or email or send it directly to one of your contacts so it’s a great way to pass on your location to friends if you are meeting them in town. Typing the three words into the search bar your friends are able to navigate directly to you using the App so as well as being the all important navigation tool in emergencies it’s also a brilliant tool for finding your friends.
Louth Museum
Perhaps you could try out your new What3Words App with your friends. If you’re on your travels why not pop in to Louth Museum? It’s open to the public again and there is no need to book. The museum is over two floors (stair lift available for those who may need it) and you’ll be respectfully requested to wait outside if the museum is full when you arrive. Covid-19 regulations are in place of course so don’t forget your mask. I’ve had a look at the website www.louthmuseum.org.uk and discovered a virtual tour as well as Ruth’s Blog page. I thought you might find this interesting; It’s a factual account of the Lincolnshire floods in Louth on 29 May 1920. Imagine seeing a 2m wall of water heading into town…
Click on the picture to read the blog
Just imagine how useful What3Words would have been in this situation if it had been available then. Technology has certainly moved on at a remarkable pace!
Stay Safe
That’s the blog done for now but if you have something that you would like me to include or would like to advertise please get in touch. Have a lovely Bank Holiday everyone. Look after yourself and look out for your neighbours.
