We know that many business owners and their teams have developed foggy brain syndrome maybe it is something to focus on when you book your next conference brain storming getaway at Granny Mouse Country House & Spa.

As we know for many small businesses, it feels like 2020 pulled the rug out from underneath us all.

For most of us, the year has been an uphill struggle, with major hits and slow, but hopefully steady, wins. We’ve all had to learn what operating a business during a pandemic means, and we have not only had to adjust our strategies but also change in many ways, in order to stay afloat.

There has been a lot of learning, but we need to remember the fundamentals.

Now, before you go get your torches and pitchforks, hear me out, says Granny Mouse Country House & Spa General Manager, Sean Granger – “We have learned several lessons that I will outline below. But marketing – as in, the practice of promoting the buying or selling of a product or service – hasn’t really changed during the pandemic. Despite what dozens of unschooled “I have a Twitter account so that makes me an expert” marketers will try to convince you of”.

This brings us to our first major lesson – going back to the basics. And many of us that have done any marketing courses, the first thing we were all taught was the 4 P’s.

Product – This should be obvious, it’s what you sell. But, it also needs to be something that people have a need for. If there is no need, or desire, for what you are selling you are going to have an uphill battle. And this would be a super important start to a possible company conference.

Price – This variable is more than just the return you want to make once you’ve applied a profit margin to your finished product. Price itself can even be the marketing angle that sets your brand apart.

Place – This is more than simply where your product is sold. You need to know whether your product(s) are accessible to your core market. If I could create a “golden rule” of marketing in 2020 it would be this: Make sure your customers can access your products. If you’re a retail business, have you started an e-commerce store?

Promotion – it is interesting that so many businesses start with the promotional end of marketing. This trend changes a lot!

There is so much more to be said, but for all us, let us get back to basics and start with a fresh mind and some creativity and get down to growing our business with the changing of the market tides.

Getting back to the basics of your 4-Ps is number 1, especially during COVID. Analyze your tactics from product, price, place and promotion and you will find that there are more opportunities than you think.

The more thought that is put into the planning phase, the better the conference. And with a successful conference venue that offers everything from comfortable rooms, high quality equipment, and ease of access, you are on the road to success, which will make it easier for you to meet with like-minded people and industry peers.

Herbs have had a long history symbolizing love and have been included in weddings for many centuries, from ancient Greece, classic Roman times, to middle age European brides and romancing into Victorian eras. Specific herbs apparently created formulas for success in romance and the commitment of marriage.

At Granny Mouse Country House & Spa, using herbs and placing them at centre stage as part of your wedding décor is perfect! Due to our country setting and using what is freely available in our landscape, Sean Granger, General Manager of Granny Mouse, and his wedding coordinating team have a love for wedding day herbs, as they are fragrant, stylish and representational, and the ideas are limitless when using the herb. “Herbs definitely make for lovely table decorations, bridal bouquets and even gifts to give your guests on departure”, he added.

Here are some of our ideas when looking to create features of herbs at your wedding:

• Rosemary – A definite winner to include in the table décor, lovely in a bouquet!  Another great idea is to make up simple Rosemary wreath place cards for all your guests. Another suggestion would be to include sprigs of Rosemary in your wedding invitation, such a lovely idea to carry the theme through! Just make a note to enquire if any of your guests are allergic to the herb.

• Lavender – This herb can be incorporated as a bouquet, and will provide a sweet smell while keeping your nerves in check. Also a fabulous idea is to use as confetti, being green to the planet but also filling the room with its gorgeous scent.

• Potted herbs – There are many brides that don’t really want to have fresh flowers at their weddings, which just end up being thrown in the bin after the event.  Potted plants are eco-friendly, and can also be less expensive overall. You can also offer each of the pots to guests to take home, and this will remind them of the special day they spent with you for months to come.

• Bay leaves – Bay leaf garlands and long tables, a beautiful combination for a wedding. And when the day becomes night, include with candles to really set the country setting and mood.

The ultimate beauty of incorporating herbs into your wedding décor is that, for the modern bride, herbs add a charming touch of ancient wisdom into the ceremony, they hold up well and dry beautifully so you have a lifelong keepsake. Here’s wishing you a very happy marriage!