Local Biz Spark : Sparking Action From Practical Business Tips
Over the years I've been blogging here, the topics have changed. And I come back into my blog posts and update them too. This is a great example. I'm updating this section in October 2026 as part of a general tidy up! There were many posts on here around online course creation - which was what my business was focused on for a few years. All of those have been 'archived' and will be re-used as a members only resource over on Stitchery Courses.
But I have also included posts in my blog to reflect my local involvement in our small business community. And a new adventure for me was writing a regular newspaper column!
Yes, 'Local Biz Spark - Sparking Action From Practical Business Tips', debuted in the July 2024 edition of Hornsea Community News.
It was my intention that my articles encourage my local business community to take some small action steps each month that will benefit their business. And my articles are prompted by my observations and experience from running my online business since 2010 and supporting a wide range of global clients in a variety of online marketing projects.
The articles started with a focus on taking control of your online presence and protecting key online business assets, starting with your website!
And the second one, in the August 2024, was all about the importance of PASSWORDS! I share some startling facts about the economic damage that can be caused to your business by weak, inadequate passwords, and some simple steps to take to manage your passwords and make them stronger.
I have permission from the owner of Hornsea Community News, Andrea Kirk, (at the time the articles were written) to use my HCN articles here on my blog. And so the rest of this blog post covers my introduction to the column, as I give a bit of background as to why I started writing the column, and a bit of background about me by way of introduction.
Welcome to 'Local Biz Spark' my new column where I hope to spark action from sharing practical business tips, info & reminders!
In an era where we seem to be drowning in information, it's the small steps of purposeful action which make a difference in our small businesses.
I'm Susan Weeks, and I've been running my online business since 2010, with a professional career in technology & training before that.
- I've worked with global clients, supporting them with consultancy and services in popular online tools, technologies & apps,
- been a technology trainer and business mentor for a global Freelancer training organisation Freelance University
- and am the founder of a globally popular textile art podcast called Stitchery Stories (which celebrates its SEVENTH birthday on 19th July, 2024)
And in Summer 2024 I launched a new online platform called Stitchery Courses, making it easy to find courses & classes to learn stitching, making & crafting with thread, fabric & yarn.
I know that many local business owners struggle with many of the things I have a lot of practical experience with, so it's my desire here, to share practical tips and ideas.
I'm also happy to answer questions, and if you require specific help, then I invite you to book a 'Clarity Hour' with me.
And therefore, with the basic introduction 'out of the way', I put the main content of the article into it's own blog post.
You can read it here>>>>> check your basic online security
I'm always cheering you on!
Sue xxx
Any Questions? Need Further Help?
AND IF YOU WANT TO HIRE ME FOR A BRAINPICKING / TROUBLESHOOTING / ADVICE SESSION you can book a Clarity Hour with me >>>> details here:
https://bookme.name/susanweeks/clarityhour