The Proof Fairy » networking

And what do YOU do?

Alison — Tue, 04 May 2010 15:07:29 +0000

Recently I’ve been to a lot of different networking events, as well as my regular 4N ones. Now I love going out and meeting new people, but it does get a bit wearing when everyone keeps asking you, “And what do YOU do?” Normally I say, “Well, I do some proofreading, copywriting, editing, that kind of thing,” … and then watch as their eyes glaze over.

Time for a change, I think. So now I’ve started saying, “I work magic with words” … and the difference in people’s reaction is incredible! Instead of looking bored, people want to know more – they ask what sort of magic I do, how I do it, and can I do some for them please!

Having a catchy strapline – one that you can use verbally as well as on your business card – is a really useful way of bolstering your brand identity. It also gets people’s attention, especially if it brings with it a little intrigue. When you leave your strapline open to some interpretation you will get people asking you questions, and that’s always better than having them look disinterested in your business.

So of course now I want to know …. what do YOU do?!

How to stand out at networking events

Alison — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:57:53 +0000

I love seeing people who are really passionate about their business when they introduce themselves at networking events. I’ve always found it difficult to do the same myself though, even though I love what I do. After all, proofreading and editing just isn’t very exciting, is it?

I was proved wrong in a one to one session with Chantal Cornelius of Appletree earlier this week, which left me buzzing with ideas for at least a dozen different introductions. I was keen to try one out at my next meeting and it just so happened that Chantal was there too and had a surprise for me – a pair of sparkly purple deely boppers! I’m not really one for fancy dress but, as a Proof Fairy, I really should have some fairy-like accessories, so I donned the headwear and did my bit and it went down well. For the first time I talked about how I had helped one of my clients, rather than what I do – and of course the purple stars on my head certainly caught people’s attention!

I wasn’t the only one to do things a bit differently that morning; other networkers used props including an inflatable alien, a space gun, reindeer antlers, a space shuttle and a doctor’s coat to help them stand out. One member even went as far as starting a striptease act to grab our attention! (Luckily 40 seconds wasn’t long enough for him to get too far!)

I guess what I learnt this week is that you don’t have to be deadly serious to have people take your business seriously. Inject a little fun into your introductions and you’ll catch people’s eye. Make them laugh and you’re halfway to them wanting to know, like and trust you – and do business with you. You are unique, so use that uniqueness to make you stand out from the crowd!

So who is this Proof Fairy anyway?

Alison — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:23:23 +0000

The Proof Fairy is the alter ego of me, Alison Neale, and I have always been fascinated by the written word. As a child I spent hours locked away in my bedroom, book in hand. English was my favourite subject at school and I often wrote stories and articles, some of which were published in the local press. My mum taught English as a Second Language (ESL) and was my main critic, so sloppy spelling or grammar was not allowed!

After completing my A Levels I indulged my love of the written word through my career. I spent several years working in publishing and that gave me the opportunity to hone my skills in copywriting, editing and proofreading. After taking time out to bring up my children I took on the challenge of a degree course and, as a single parent, graduated in 2005 with a First Class Honours Degree in Media Technology and Production.

I switched to visual media for a while, working as a picture research manager for one of the world’s leading stock photography libraries, and then spent some years publishing my own community magazine here in rural Oxfordshire.

The Proof Fairy

The inspiration for The Proof Fairy came when I visited the website of a business acquaintance and spotted several silly mistakes that really altered my perception of the professionalism of the business. Knowing that the company had probably spent a lot of money on the design of the website, I saw an opportunity to help by offering my editorial services at an affordable rate – and The Proof Fairy was born!

The Proof Fairy began as a sideline to my magazine but has now become my main business. As The Proof Fairy I offer a range of editorial services including copywriting, copy editing, blogging and proofreading. Based in Faringdon, Oxon, I work for clients in a range of industry sectors across the country.

As well as running my copywriting, editing, and proofreading business, I am kept busy with my two children and our pets – a mad cat and a bearded dragon! I am also an Area Leader for 4Networking, overseeing the four Oxfordshire 4N groups. In my spare time I enjoy photography, geocaching, good food, swimming and reading. I’m also an avid football and motor sports fan.