Lis McDermott has a great August coming up!

August is upon us – it’s the month of holidays, summer fun and time off for many people. So how are small business owners coping with the month often known as ‘silly season’?

Today we’re talking to Lis McDermott who is an author, poet and writing mentor based in Royal Wootton Bassett.

How is August looking in your business?
Although February is when we think of everything ‘love’, August is Romance Month!  I can’t find a real reason for this month, but it is often chosen for weddings…

This is a great month for me in terms of marketing, because the genre of my novel is suspenseful romance. I’m going to be making the most of the month.

What are your personal plans for this month?
When the sun shines again for longer than just a few minutes, I’m going to sit out and enjoy our new garden patio that we have had done this year. That is in place of a holiday, so I’m looking forward to the return of the sun and being able to relax in my own garden.

What advice/tips would you give to small business owners trying to navigate the ‘holiday’ period?
Because I work alone and for myself, the ‘holiday’ period isn’t a problem for me, but I know it can be for businesses with several employees. I would say if I did have employees, I’d make sure that holidays were planned fairly, so that there weren’t too many people absent, and those without children weren’t forced to be the ones who didn’t go away during the summer holiday period.

Did you know that July 29 to Aug 7 is Love Parks Week? Is this relevant to your business or organisation?
We have a lovely area, although not actually called a park, in Royal Wootton Bassett – Jubilee Lake. It’s a beautiful lake that you can walk around, and or sit on one of the many benches on the grassed area.  There is a play area at the entrance to the lake, at the top of the hill where the parking is, and also a small café. Jubilee Lake is a beautiful little place of calm.

August 20 is World Photo Day. Can you share a photo which means something to you this year so far?
A picture of our new patio and garden seating – something that has completely changed our outside space.

Did you know August 21 is World Entrepreneurs Day? What does this word mean to you and do you apply it to yourself?
I don’t think of myself as an entrepreneur, I never have. I’ve always been ‘self-employed’. I think of entrepreneurs as people who may be the only one in their business, but they employ other freelancers. Or, people like Richard Branson, who have built up several businesses.

A few days later on August 25 is Love My Accountant Day. Who is your accountant and why is this person so important for your business?
My accountants are PPS Chartered Accountants in Swindon, and the person who does my accounts is David Cornish. They are very approachable, and David is always very supportive.

Can you name one business you’d like to give a summer shout out too?
I’ve been working with a wonderful book designer, based in Serbia. She has designed a range of assets, using the cover of my book, so that I can create adverts for Amazon and Facebook. She is also going to design my next book cover. https://www.deedeebookcovers.com/

Have you got any events planned for the autumn you’d like to shout about – either that you are running or attending?
Along with my bestie, Fiona Scott, of Scott Media, we are having a 15th birthday bash, to celebrate the fact we have both been in business for that many years. The evening is in aid of the charity ‘Ainslie’s Pavilion’.

Also, for the first time, I’m attending https://www.swindiemakersmarket.co.uk/ on November 18th at Steam, which I’m very excited about.

For more information visit www.lismcdermottauthor.co.uk