Get the inside scoop from Complete One MD Glen Lowes

Managing Director at Complete One, Glen Lowes recently sat down for a one-on-one interview where he revealed his evolution as a business owner and his goals for the future. 

After the firm’s recent expansion into Glasgow, Newcastle-based events promotions firm, Complete One have moved one step closer to their goals for 2016.  Entrepreneur and Managing Director, Glen Lowes took time out of his busy schedule to reveal the inside scoop. 

1) What do you think is the biggest factor that has contributed to Complete One’s continued success?

“I think that always wanting to beat ourselves and what I mean by that is every week/month/year we have goals to improve on what we have done before. The name ‘Complete One’ actually comes from the standards that we want to hold ourselves to. This is a goal we have always hit as for every client we have represented we have been their number one provider of customers using the face-to-face channel.”

2) If you could go back and give yourself one piece of advice when you were just starting out, what would it be?

“Networking! This is one thing that I have really invested a lot of time into over the last two years. Firstly, I recommend finding the coaches or mentors that are right for you and define the level you want to get to. Then you have to travel and watch them work. One of my main coaches is currently based in LA and it would have been very easy for me to say it’s too far and make an excuse not to go. Glen in 2012, 2013 and 2014 would have made that excuse, but not today. If you are serious about your goals you will find a way to make it happen.” 

3) What motivates you?

“I think it is very easy to become comfortable when you have reached a certain level of success, or what other people would deem success. This is why I like to always re-set goals and set myself new targets.  I stay motivated by constantly setting new goals and pushing myself. Also, my main motivation right now is helping and seeing other people hit and achieve their goals. I love the people I work with, they motivate me so much to come in everyday and improve myself so I can help them.”

4) What are your long-terms goals?

“My long-term goals have changed the past few years since I have educated myself more in business and when I realised what was actually possible. I plan on making Complete One a company that has a global reach.  I have really enjoyed the past few years being able to develop budding entrepreneurs and having interests in other businesses in the same industry. Over the next few years I am planning on investing in other industries such as Entertainment, Property and a Hire company; the details of which I am keeping under my hat just for the time being. 

I love setting goals and figuring out how to hit them, it is still the best feeling, it never gets old!”

5) What do you enjoy most about being a business owner?

Being a business owner is something that I have always wanted to be since a young age. I remember the teachers at school telling me that I needed to pass my exams to get a job and I argued back that I didn’t want a job because it would be like having teachers forever.  Don’t get me wrong as a business owner I love learning, but now it’s my choice and my subject.

The thought even as a kid of total freedom and being completely in control of my own future has always excited me. I love being in control of my own future, income, the direction of my company and my career prospects.”

Complete One is an award-winning events promotions firm based in the heart of Newcastle’s city centre. Through in-person promotions at events and venues throughout the North East, Complete One acquire customers on behalf of their clients using the personal touch.  In a world of ever advancing technologies, the firm offers their clients something that is often lacking in today's impersonal digital world, interactive and personalised marketing solutions. At Complete One they have big goals for 2016 as they look to further extend their market reach and break the £1million turnover barrier. 

Is there such a thing as a ‘secure job’ in the modern era? Asks Complete One

With news breaking last week that energy firm, Npower would be cutting 2400 jobs in the UK by 2018, Newcastle-based outsourced sales and marketing company, Complete One, have asked, is there such a thing as a ‘secure job’ in the modern era?

Speaking about the announcements of the cuts, Unison said that it would be a "devastating blow" to communities across the UK.  Npower currently employs 11,500 people in the UK, 6668 of which are employed on a full-time basis and the cuts will affect both their contracted staff and employees. While job losses at specific sites have yet to be confirmed they are expected to be spread across offices, including some in the Midlands and in the North of England which was of particular interest to Complete One as a company based in the North East.

There are now few people who will enter the job market and stay with the same firm until retirement.  Budget cuts, companies moving jobs abroad and the constant developments in technology now means that a long term position with the same firm is unlikely. Complete One are of the belief that secure jobs no longer exist.

Managing Director at Complete One, Glen Lowes, was formerly a carpenter.  When the country suffered a massive financial decline in 2008 - going into a recession - the building trade was hit hard, leaving thousands jobless, including Glen Lowes.  It was then that Glen Lowes was forced to make a change, so he made the decision that he wanted to be the one in control of his future and not be reliant on anyone else.  Speaking about his role as a business owner, Glen Lowes said: “One of the things I love most about being my own boss is having total control over my future. How far I am able to take Complete One, and my earning potential is totally dependent on me, and that is something that having experienced, I would never want to give up.”

As customer acquisition specialists, Complete One is fortunate to be in a recession proof industry as they provide the one thing that companies continue to need, despite the economic climate, new customers.

Npower isn’t the first and it won’t be the last massive firm to make cuts to its workforce.  Even as the country is slowly making its way out of recession, firms still continue to make cuts and the so-called ‘secure jobs’ continue to go.

Complete One is a young, ambitious and dynamic outsourced sales and marketing company based in the heart of Newcastle City Centre.  At Complete One they specialise in customer acquisition through pop-up promotional events at venues throughout the UK.  In a world of ever advancing technologies, the firm offers clients interactive and personalised marketing solutions.  At Complete One they believe it is their direct and personalised approach that has been the catalyst for their success.  As supporters of entrepreneurship, Complete One promotes the idea of ‘being your own boss’.  The recent announcement from Npower is one of many in recent years.  Complete One believes that individuals should take back control and be their own boss. 

Complete One reveals how Direct Marketing can help you

GUIDE: Complete One Offer Step-by-Step Instructions for Attending Industry Events

Organisation, flexibility and preparation can greatly enhance any conference experience and sales and marketing firm Complete One believe that to get the most out of a business event, winging it is not an option. Here the firm have shared how they prepare for business events.

Attending a business conference or event is a big commitment, the process can be a huge drain on time and energy, and often requires professionals to take time away from their working schedule. As such, by not fully preparing for these events professionals can waste a lot of precious time trying to play catch up, whether this be rushing to research the other attendees they may want to add to their network, or simply by trying to make up for the hours they lost travelling to and from an event which provided no real insight or support.

Sales and marketing firm Complete One attend a wide range of events throughout the business calendar. These events have taken the firm right across the UK and Ireland, with some taking place even further afield in America and Europe. In order to get the most they can from each event and to prevent these travel commitments from impacting the overall performance of the business, Complete One have created a strict preparation plan to help them manage their time effectively and network with as many people as possible within a relatively short time frame. To help other professionals prepare for business events the firm have shared the following tips from their business event preparation plan.

Clear Your Mind

The last thing a professional wants is to be at an event but have their mind somewhere else, but this is exactly what happens if they leave tasks unfinished and fail to tie up loose ends in the workplace before attending and event. Making sure all urgent tasks are completed before an event allows a professional to clear their mind and give 100% of their attention to what is happening at the event.

It's also important for professionals to focus on looking forward to the event as this will help them be positive and accessible.

Travel

No one likes to be searching for their passport or car keys the morning of an event. Professionals should make it a priority to gather all their travel documents – boarding passes, directions, itinerary at least 2 days before, this also allows time to make alternative arrangements should something unforeseen occur.

Networking

It's important to remember networking is give and take. If a professional is attending to meet a specific expert in their field they should consider what they themselves can bring to the experience. Just because they are there to learn doesn't mean a professional can't be knowledgeable and engaging.

Bring a Business Card

Pretty obvious but it's amazing how many people forget to bring a simple clear contact card to all business events.

Openers

Professionals should always be ready to answer 'what do you do?' with a clear and precise answer. It's also beneficial to prepare some openers such as 'what brings you to the event?' or 'have you attended before?' to break the ice.

Complete One is a leading sales and direct marketing firm that provides brands with a wider market reach throughout the North East. Through face to face customer interaction the firm are able to provide their clients customers with a highly personalised experience which drives brand loyalty and generates a higher quantity of sales. 

Complete One: Have British companies become the masters of customer service?

Sales and marketing firm, Complete One are thrilled by the news that British companies appear to be outdoing American businesses when it comes to customer service.

American businesses have always been famous for their extreme customer service. Whilst many people would see their customer service as over the top, it has really worked in America and many businesses have generated great success through their excited attitudes towards their customers.

However, according to new research it appears that British businesses are now wowing their customers, more than ever before, with their great customer service and attention to detail. Complete One has revealed how some UK businesses are leading the way when it comes to customer service:

UK-based Red Carnation Hotels are leading the way in the service stakes, recently taking four of the coveted positions in the 2015 Conde Nast Traveller 100 Bes Hotels and Resorts in The World's reader's choice awards.

Their flagship Milestone Hotel in Kensington is delighting travellers with their amazing levels of care. For example, every guest's preferences are researched – even if they are visiting for the first time – so that staff can provide 'TNTs' – Tiny Noticeable Touches. This could be a favourite soap or a rare bottle of wine. If it's important to the guest they'll make it happen.

Fine jewellers Boodles are as quintessentially British as afternoon tea. The 217-year-old family business is steeped in history; they design and make stunning jewellery and host some of the best social events in the calendar. But it's their level of customer service that sets them apart.

Jamie Bennett, manager at Boodles' flagship Bond Street store recently flew to Hong Kong to take a client to lunch. This particular client had wanted a rare Patek Philippe watch. When Boodles were allocated one, Jamie decided to deliver it personally.

Complete One believes that these examples of going above and beyond for clients are exactly something which they have taken on board. The firm gets to know every one of their consumers on a personal level by connecting with them face-to-face. This way they are able to understand their consumers better and find services and products that really suit their needs.

Complete One is an outsourced sales and marketing firm based in Newcastle. The firm specialises in unique marketing techniques in order to deliver increased customer acquisition, brand awareness and brand loyalty to their clients. To do this they develop personalised marketing campaigns and take these to consumers via face-to-face marketing methods in order to create long-lasting and personal business connections between brand and consumer.

Source: http://www.managers.org.uk/insights/news/2015/october/how-british-companies-are-becoming-the-new-masters-of-customer-service-excellence

Complete One: Entrepreneurs must have a social mission

Complete One, specialists in sales and marketing, believe entrepreneurs must have a social mission in order to achieve business success.  The company believes doing good is a business strategy, not merely a moral argument or trend and that businesses with a strong social mission have a competitive advantage.   The customer acquisition specialists investigate the reasons companies should include a social mission in their business plans. 

1. Operate "consciously"

Businesses fall into two categories: conscious or unconscious.  Quite simply, conscious businesses operate in a way where employees, customers, shareholders and partners alike feel that they are seen and heard and that their needs are met.  Conscious businesses are concerned with “social good” to varying degrees. They are self-aware and understand the implications business activities can have on people, communities and the planet.

Unconscious businesses view any affected parties are a means to an end, they serve only the needs of the company.  This way of doing business can be great for profits, however there are possible long-term negative effects of conducting business this way, unconscious businesses have been responsible for nearly every scandal, market crash and war since the dawn of time.

2. Create multi-faceted value

Social entrepreneurs aren’t only concerned about making money; they also want to create value for the community.  Socially aware companies take into account the sacrifice of the cost to society, while calculating the cost of doing business.  Entrepreneurship is synonymous with innovation and therefore it would be naive and counterproductive to choose to advance society in a way that didn’t take into account those on the receiving end of the innovation.

3. Start small but think big

These days people are far more aware of environmental issues and social needs.  More and more entrepreneurs are starting to reflect their values in what they create.  Entrepreneurs should ask themselves whether they are making good choices not only for their customers but also the communities they live in and ultimately the planet.  

Complete One specialise in below line customer acquisition. They provide their clients with cost-effective, measurable and tailor-made marketing solution that deliver the personal touch and guarantee ROI.  Their expertise lies in increasing market share and raising brand awareness for their client portfolio, through face-to-face promotional marketing and sales campaigns, at high profile events and venues.  In a world of ever-advancing technologies, they’ve gone back to basic to utilise the most proven form of communication and customer engagement, face to face conversations.  They provide their clients and customers with the highest quality experience by offering a full service approach to direct marketing.

Complete One has a company culture that promotes entrepreneurship.  They have a proven track record of coaching and developing people into business professionals, through the companies Business Development Program.   “Entrepreneurs must start being socially aware and take into account the affects of their business practices on customers and community alike.” Said Managing Director at Complete One Glen Lowes. 

Complete One Announce Commitment to On-going Development

Complete One reconfirm commitment to ensuring entrepreneurship is actively promoted as a great career choice. The firm believes work-force development is the key to business growth as is illustrated by the company's dedication to providing contractors with opportunities for personal and professional development through free workshops.

The Personal Development in the Workplace Study 2014 found that companies are putting staff training and development back on the agenda after cutting back during the recession. An increasing number of employees now feel their employer is serious about their personal development. According to the report, 58% of employees responded positively compared with just 52% the year before. The number of employees being provided with structured personal development plans has also increased, up 8% Year-on-year to 42%.

Research also showed that employees are discussing their personal development more frequently with employers.

The number claiming that they never discuss development and training is down by 5% to 23%.Still over half of small business employers, 58% to be exact, still aren't providing development or training initiatives.

Unfortunately the report has revealed that women and men aren't getting equal opportunities.42% of men now have a personal development plan compared with only 39% of women.  Complete One is an equal opportunity business, regardless of age, gender, education, colour or experience, everyone is offered the same opportunities.

Providing employees with development opportunities can be hugely beneficial for small businesses and can drastically assist in their growth. When employees feel like they have the chance to progress and grow it can assist in retention.  Through their commitment to on-going development, Complete One have reaped the benefits.  The company has grown from one location in Newcastle to an office in Scotland's capital City Edinburgh last year and they have plans to expand into Glasgow in April.  The company are advocates of entrepreneurship and are committed to developing and training their work-force.

"One of the things I love about being a business owner is being able to provide development opportunities for others and Complete One is first and foremost a development business. " said Managing Director, Glen Lowes.

At Complete One we specialise in below line customer acquisition. Our expertise lies in increasing market share and raising brand awareness, for our client portfolio, through face to face promotional marketing / sales campaigns at high profile events and venues throughout the North East and Scotland. In a world of ever advancing technologies, we offer our clients more personalised marketing strategies. Our tailor made marketing strategies, developed by identifying each clients USP, allow us to create the perfect campaign, for maximum impact, for any client within any industry. We provide both our clients and customers with the highest quality experience by offering a full service approach to direct marketing.