Tag: introductory blog

Introducing TeamKinetic: Katie – The Start of Something

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On 22nd June 2021

In News & Views

Ginger Roots:

My marketing journey started in a life-sized cardboard smart car. 11 year old me presented a hover board advert at school, and between the transport creations and the chariots of fire theme tune, I think I sold the hoverboard 6000 rather well. I fell in love with marketing before I even knew what it was. 

Fast forward 6 years and I’m completing a creative media degree at my local college when the history of adverts is assigned to me. A 12,000 word document later, I decided that my passion lay in some form of marketing – photography and film now were hobbies. As a pledged university student studying Public Relations and Marketing, I’ve never felt more determined to set myself going on a career path, and succeed. 

A Helping Hand:

When I think back to when I was younger, I realise just how much volunteering my family took part in. During school summer fairs, my mum manned the sweets stall and my dad fired up the BBQ, all because they wanted to help. It’s members of my family who taught me the importance of volunteering and started me on my journey. 

For the past couple of years I have been part of ‘Save The Streets’, a university charity focused on helping end homelessness in Manchester. Through volunteering, fundraising and spreading awareness we try and do our bit where we can: last Christmas we raised £1,235 for A Bed Every Night. I’m honoured to have been their Social Media Secretary over the past 12 months and I’m looking forward to working with them closely in the future. 

In The Mean Time: 

As mentioned above, what I studied in college, I now like to do in my free time. I’m passionate in capturing moments from angles others might not see – from holidays to birthdays I’ve taken over the mantle as resident cameraman from my Grandad. When I’m not capturing my Nan’s famous birthday cakes, I am an avid true crime fan – having watched nearly every documentary and docuseries on Netflix. I’m not quite sure what intrigues me about it, but somehow every time a new one pops onto the platform I’m ready and waiting to click play. 

One Final Note: 

Looking at the next 12 months, I’m excited to put what theory I’ve learnt over the past 2 years into practice and see how my skills develop. My Dad always told me that if you find a job you love, you’ll never work a day in your life. I try to live by my Dad’s nuggets of wisdom, so I’m grateful that TeamKinetic have given me a chance to put my knowledge and skills together in a motivated, practical environment for the next year. 

Katie Brindle 

katie@teamkinetic.co.uk

For more information on volunteer management software visit our website or call 01619145747

Introducing TeamKinetic: Chloe – All about creativity

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On 22nd June 2020

In News & Views

Let’s go back two years…

I was 17 and working at The Blackpool Tower, studying history and art at college. At this point, I was certain that I wanted to study Ancient History at university and leave my creative side behind! This changed (one week before my UCAS deadline, might I add) when I chose a different route instead…talk about last minute! This time, I chose to pursue a creative route within the world of business. Working within the creative world of events at The Blackpool Tower , made me realise I wanted to study Events Management at university.

University

  • Marketing media for Luna Vision Events
  • Marketing media for Luna Vision Events

I’m now studying Events Management at Manchester Metropolitan University. Now, contrary to the name, the course isn’t actually just events. The course also covers areas such as law, finance, and marketing. Overall, it is an extremely creative and engaging course, and I began to notice my interests lied within the area of marketing.

Marketing offered the most creative outlet of all areas of my studies. Not only did I get to learn about creative marketing strategies, but I also learnt about designing marketing materials. The most exciting part for me was the design concept, which I got to experience within my events management group. Within the group, I got to design social media posts and promotional posters for our events. This was a new and exciting way for me to be creative, and I couldn’t have enjoyed it more! I knew I wanted to go into a marketing placement where I could expand my knowledge on marketing and enhance my creativity.

Volunteering at University

Volunteering at Village Screen

Studying events management at university also brought me endless volunteering opportunities in the events industry. Since being at university I have volunteered across for multiple companies, but my favourite was The Village Screen. Their pop up cinemas operate all year round and are incredibly creative and immersive. From volunteering at this one event I gained so much. I was able to witness amazing creativity which then inspired my own creativity on my course. I also gained a valuable contact who I continued to work with closely; this gave me valuable work experience. The impact that volunteering has on the volunteer and the company is something I reiterate to everyone I know who is considering volunteering, it can’t be under estimated.

Spare Time

Aside from all things marketing and university, in my spare time I’ve found myself taking up new art projects. I’m always trying to learn new techniques and trying out new styles….although my house is now covered in random canvases.

I have also recently taken up learning BSL sign language. It’s an online course and I hope to retain this skill for years to come.  It has been highly engaging and it something I am going to continue to work on so I can help others.

On A Final Note

I am incredibly excited to began my marketing journey within TeamKinetic. I am looking forward to learning more skills that I can continue to use within my progressing career. Also I look forward to meeting some of our clients and understanding more about what they do.

 

Chloe Isherwood

chloe@teamkinetic.co.uk

For more information on volunteer management software visit our website or call 01619145747

 

 

Introducing TeamKinetic: Sammy Reid – Dropping the Poms

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On 19th June 2020

In News & Views

Sammy Cheerleading (Middle)

Starting off in life my ultimate dream was to become a dancer. Training 6 days a week, performing once a week and competing twice a month was all I ever knew. The styles of dance I enjoyed ranged from ballet to tap to the latest cheerleading. Each has taught me different life skills and lessons along the way. Dancing has also helped me to grow as an individual, giving me experiences I would never take back, however, I soon came to realise my aching knees weren’t going to take it much longer and decided to drastically change my career path, cue the degree in events.

The Buzz Of Marketing

When starting my Events Management degree marketing was not something I considered as a career. Not until I studied a unit titled marketing an event did I realise this was my passion. From creating a website for a new, trendy (fake) festival to even turning a yellow Corsa into a giant bee to market a real-life event. Each of these projects pushed me creatively in ways I didn’t know possible!

Marketing is the art of revealing peoples emotions through just something as simple as a poster or video. It has amazed me as to how something so simple can impact 1000’s of people. This has inspired me to follow the marketing path as a career and to continue my learning within this industry.

Bee themed car for a marketing campaign.

Volunteer Times

Volunteering was not something I was very aware of, it wasn’t until University when my first volunteering role showed me just how important volunteers can be.

Some of my first roles were for small charities who rely on volunteers to survive. Having that experience changed my perception of volunteering and how much these organisations value their volunteers. Not only this but from working on sporting events and major festivals I have had unbelievable experiences. Being able to see bands and artists for free or watching the Rugby League Grand Final. These opportunities have allowed me to meet like-minded people and have some of the most amazing moments in my life, just from volunteering!

Seeing TeamKinetic create an easy to use volunteer management software for organisations instantly made me want to work for them. Knowing organisations rely heavily on volunteers and also having lived the exciting experiences as a volunteer, I knew this company were creating something incredible and I was keen to be involved.

Lockdown Hobby

During the lockdown, like most people, I decided to take up a new hobby to keep myself busy. I have always been into shoes and clothes, so I decided to start painting them. Each design has opened up my creative mind and has helped me relax, however, this hobby has quickly turned into quite the obsession and I find myself painting till 3 am!

Painted butterfly shoes.

Final Words

I am excited to start this new chapter in my life and am thankful for this opportunity to work with TeamKinetic who will help me to develop my skills in marketing and get some hands-on experience at the same time. I am looking forward to working with a motivated team who share the same values and drive as I do and meeting TeamKinetic’s customers, getting to know more about their organisations and what I can offer for them! I can’t wait to get stuck in!

Sammy Reid

sammy@teamkinetic.co.uk

For more information on volunteer management software visit our website or call 01619145747

milo volunteering

Introducing TeamKinetic: Milo James – The gloves are off!

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On 9th July 2019

In News & Views

Milo Boxing (left)

For the last 7 years I’ve been surrounded by volunteers, but I have only now realised their true value in my life.

Boxing is a massive part of my life which over the last 7 years has transformed me to the man I am today.  If it wasn’t for the volunteers behind the clubs I’ve been a part of and represented, I would not be writing this blog.  I’ve learnt volunteers can be a part of many different walks of life and each unique to its own.  My personal experiences have shown me that volunteers can provide a family, a friendship, and create a sense belonging.

Education has equipped me with many skills, however I have developed further attributes from volunteers in boxing which have aided my own professional development at university these include: physical, social, team working and mental skills.  Also, I have developed key traits to my behaviour.  I am focused, hardworking and determined in learning new concepts and ideas to the best of my ability. 

entrance to the boxing club
Entrance to boxing club

Currently I am boxing from a gym in Manchester called Team Northside Boxing Club, I’ve been at this club for 2 years now.  When I reflect on my time at this club, I am overwhelmed by how much I have developed physically and mentally as a person; because of the volunteers which are behind Team Northside.  They consistently push me to reach new heights in my boxing career, and are opening a vast amount of potential for my future pathways, be that behind the pads or behind the gloves.

Education

Setting aside the boxing gloves, my educational pathway has always gravitated towards business.  I chose Public Relations and Marketing at Manchester Metropolitan University as the course opened up opportunities to engage my creative side.  Many modules I’ve completed are real-life working situations professionally developing me for a working career ahead; these have included creating PR and marketing campaigns.  I believe this will help me during my placement with TeamKinetic, as I have an idea of what will be expected from me.  Furthermore, I have developed a true self confidence from working in teams at university when completing real life scenarios. 

In addition to the boost in my confidence was gaining a placement opportunity at TeamKinetic.

“Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard.”

A saying not only applicable to the boxing gym but real life, opportunities do not always necessarily come easy but with consistency and a lot of heart anything can be made possible.  It all depends on the determination behind the person, I will ensure I apply this philosophy during my time with TeamKinetic. 

Pass times

In my pass times I am always on a constant mission to further challenge myself by finding new interests and hobbies. Recently I’ve embarked on a new challenge to learn to play the guitar.  I’ve always had a passion for music and various music genres, it was only when I found an artist called The White Buffalo, that sparked an incentive in me to learn guitar.  Ten days in and so far so good, not sure I’ll ever be Jimmy Hendrix… but a man can dream.

On a final note

I have always had high aspirations of where I see myself in life.  I understand that my time at TeamKinetic is a crucial element to my own professional development of not only the existing skills, but the ones I am going to uncover along the way from the support of an exceedingly motivated and professional team behind me.

Milo James
Marketing Coordinator
info@teamkinetic.co.uk

Contact number: 0161 9145757

Introducing TeamKinetic: Alex – Rising To New Challenges

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On 3rd July 2019

In News & Views

How My Marketing Journey Began

Marketing was never something I thought about properly until year 10 in school when I chose business studies as one of my GCSE options. Marketing was a big part of the subject and I loved it. Studying it in depth throughout GCSE and A Levels made me realise that I had secretly always had a love for marketing, even when I didn’t know exactly what it was. The ability of adverts, a simple 2-minute video, to make people feel emotions they couldn’t even experience in some 2-hour films was amazing to me. Basically, I’m talking about every John Lewis Christmas advert ever!

The bear and hare from John Lewis' 2013 Christmas advertisement.
The bear and the hare from the 2013 John Lewis Christmas advert.

Getting Into Volunteering

I grew up with quite a big family. Having three separate households of aunts/uncles/cousins on one road, you could say that we were quite close! This strong family presence shaped me as a person and introduced me to my first volunteering experiences. My grandad and uncle were both pastors at our local church and once I was old enough, I started to help around a lot more.

My first proper role came on the annual church holiday where members of churches across the UK would come together for a week. I volunteered to help run a class for kids aged 4 – 7. This involved helping to plan and carry out activities for them, ensuring they all had fun and that everything ran smoothly. Although it was a lot of fun, it was also challenging as I had no experience looking after a group of children of this size prior to the event. I certainly had no experience trying to sort out the drama that somehow arises between such young children! On the whole, it was a valuable experience for me as I had proper responsibility over a group of children and could help to positively shape their holiday experience.

Social Media Surprises

Let’s go back to summer in 2016 for a minute. Most people were out enjoying the sunny weather after breaking up from school for the holidays while I was stuck in bed, feeling ill, binge-watching The Great British Bake Off. Sounds like a boring way to spend part of your summer but it actually changed my life a little bit. After watching endless episodes of the show, I decided, in my boredom, to create a Twitter account based on the things contestants say but taken out of context. No Context Bake Off was born – an account that now has around 116k followers and has highlighted to me how quickly things can spread on social media.

No Context Bake Off Twitter page. Social Media.
Screenshot of the No Context Bake Off Twitter account.

Volunteering Numbers On The Rise

Back to the present day now! I sit here reflecting on an incredible holiday in France watching the Women’s World Cup with a true appreciation for the volunteer work that has contributed to the success of the tournament so far. I remember sitting in PSG’s Parc Des Princes stadium for the USA v Chile game as the announcer told us that there were 2,500 volunteers for the World Cup that year. This is an increase on the 2,000 that were at the 2015 Women’s World Cup in Canada. I hope it’s a figure that increases further at the 2023 Women’s World Cup too.

Volunteers at the FIFA Women's World Cup 2019. Volunteering in football.
Volunteers at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019.

Although I am yet to sign up to any opportunities, I did sign up to the MMU Sport volunteering page after I joined the women’s football team in my first year at university. Little did I know I’d be embarking on a placement year at the company who runs the page!

On a Personal Note…

My biggest regret of the past few years is not throwing myself into volunteering opportunities. I was too nervous to do things alone and because of that, I’ve probably missed countless chances to do something of value and really grow as a person. This regret is fuelling my willingness to learn and grow over the course of this placement. Hopefully, I’ll put myself forward for volunteer work in the near future.

I’m excited to start at TeamKinetic and get some proper hands-on experience in marketing. It will also give me a chance to learn more about volunteering and volunteer management. If like me you have a sudden urge to do some voluntary work, you should head over to TryVolunteering to find an opportunity that works for you!

For more information on volunteer management software visit our website or contact one of our team members on – 01619145747

Introducing TeamKinetic: Meet the tenacious Ash

By

On 2nd August 2018

In Events and Conferences

If we go back just two years ago…

I was a dedicated track and field athlete plagued with injury whilst pushing myself to my limits. University was fast approaching and I needed a career plan for the future.

One day I was watching an Ad campaign by New Balance and the impact it had on me was something I wanted to share with others. I wanted a career in which I could capture an audience’s attention and retain it, by creating and developing relationships that they would value within the business world.

Ashraf Liles running for carmarthen

 

EUREKA!

That is when I knew marketing was the route I wanted to take. So now we have a passionate sports marketing student with little experience, but a vast amount of enthusiasm and the willingness to learn.

Since starting university, my perception of volunteering got flipped upside down, and I was forced to change my stereotypical views. My first real volunteering experience was at the Manchester City V Monaco match. I say “real” because all my previous volunteering experiences felt like a chore and my heart was not in it for the right reasons. So I thought I’d give it all another chance, and since that day I have never looked back…

Volunteering has given me the opportunity to work alongside some of the biggest charities in the UK and appreciate the hard work that goes on to help those people less fortunate and in all kinds of challenging circumstances.

It has made me value volunteers in a different way, as sometimes we forget that many of the biggest events around the world are fueled by the labour and endowing nature of these people.

I have also developed skills, that have aided in my development at University and work. these skills allow me to apply my experiences to academic work and really understand what I am doing. The connections and relationships I have created have improved my professional interpersonal skills and opened up new opportunities.

My volunteering has allowed me to gain sponsors and raise money for charity events that I have helped to run and organise. These experiences have led to my involvement with StreetGames, a fundraiser to help disadvantaged children receive meals throughout the summer holidays and, Street2Feet a football tournament for people who are currently homeless or come from a disadvantaged background. I also set up and run a jogging club at Manchester Metropolitan University, for which I organise runs, events and manage the club’s social media activity. Additionally, volunteering has provided me with the opportunity to work alongside industry professionals that have inspired me to pursue my life goals.

It was during my volunteering that I had unknowingly started using TeamKinetic’s volunteer management software, as it powers MCRVIP to keep track of my volunteering hours and to apply for new opportunities. The volunteer management system made it simple for me to keep track of all my work, and meet my volunteering hour targets which are well over a 100 hours now. So when the opportunity of a placement with TeamKinetic arose, I had no hesitation in applying for the job role of a marketing coordinator.

I had confidence that all the hard work I had invested in my academic and voluntary pursuits would put me in good stead in the application process. I was delighted to have been invited to interview and despite all the nerves I had, I left the interview unsure of the whether I had done enough…

Thankfully, it would appear I did. As here I am writing my introduction blog surrounded by a driven team, with shared values and aspirations.

I look forward to beginning my journey at TeamKinetic and sharing my experience through our blog. Thank you for your time. Feel free to reach out to me if you have anything you would like to share.

Ashraf Liles
Marketing Coordinator
ash@teamkinetic.co.uk

Introducing TeamKinetic: Jerome Pannell – Ready for the challenge!

By

On 27th July 2018

In News & Views

Over the past few years, I have found myself volunteering for a number of things for lots of different reasons. Whether it be for my own professional development in my future career, for my passions outside of my academic life or even just for a new challenge I am always prepared to embark on new experiences.

The first time I volunteered was in 2013 for my local golf club as a youth golf coach. With golf being my main passion and playing to county level myself I always felt that I would never have got to the standard I did without my own youth golf coach. Over the years I saw youth participation in golf go downhill with only a fraction of juniors wanting to play due to the game being ‘boring’. From this, I decided to more than just coach the game but also give talks and tours around my local golf club to people of all ages in order show them that there’s much more to golf than just the sport itself.

 

Two years later I took on another voluntary role, becoming junior captain of South beds golf club. In this role, I regularly took part in committee meetings where discussions took place as to how it was best to create awareness for the club. I came up with a host of ideas such as; presenting at assembly’s, regular deals for new members and traditional word of mouth marketing.

Moreover, in 2015, I joined the organisation original volunteers. From this I went out to Morocco to help underprivileged children in orphanages across the capital or Marrakech, this was a very fulfilling experience that I would recommend to anyone who is looking to do something good for the world in a less conventional way.

In relation to my professional career over the last two years have consisted of two main voluntary projects/jobs that I have been working on. For instance, in the summer of 2017, I took on an unpaid role in a television production company where I was a TV researcher.  I worked alongside the paid TV researchers and operations manager to help find new leads for the business which would have the aim of making them into a profit after successful meetings. I came along way personally from this experience as I was able to develop my telephone skills as well as my e-mail literacy which I view to be vital for a role in marketing and in many other professions.

Lastly, I realised very quickly from learning on my degree that marketing never stands still and trends are always changing. One form of marketing that I saw to be growing rapidly was that of social media. Therefore, I decided to set up my own Instagram page (@witb_golf) which is now closing in on 1,000 followers. I was able to learn about the tools of Instagram and what is vital in order to attract engagement.

In order to take my professional skills to the next level I decided to undertake a work placement in my penultimate year of university to enhance my employability. The opportunity arose to join TeamKinetic after a successful interview with Chris, Steve and James. I believe that from joining TeamKinetic my skills can only be enhanced as I strive to do the best possible job I can for the business which will, in turn, allow them to continue in growth. I am very eagar and excited to get started as a member of TeamKinetic as I work with their large catalogue of clients to provide them with a service that will benefit myself as much as them.

Thank you for reading.

Jerome Pannell – Marketing Co-ordinator

Jerome@teamkinetic.co.uk

 

Introducing TeamKinetic: James Carr – Could I be d’Artagnan?

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On 8th November 2017

In News & Views

Continuing our celebrations of #IVMD17 and the latest update to VolunteerKinetic 7.3, we’d like to introduce our newest addition to the team, James Carr.

Much like d’Artagnan, my journey began by setting out in search of a new beginning.

I was ready for a challenge, using my skills and knowledge to prove myself as capable.

My studies in Sport Management had equipped me with the theoretical knowledge needed and a handful of short-term internships had given me the practical opportunity to apply it. I enjoyed the dynamic nature of marketing, from understanding the needs of the target audience to creating strategise and analysing results. I also realised how important it was for me to believe in the company, its purpose and values.

When I was invited to an interview at a small business office in Manchester for the role of Marketing Coordinator, I knew such an opportunity had arrived.

Despite all my preparation, on the morning of the interview, my apprehension began to build. With clammy hands, a dry mouth and my collar feeling like it had shrunk an inch since setting off that morning; I eventually arrived at the entrance.

The moment I met the three men who greeted me I relaxed. Perhaps it was their warm welcomes, the light-hearted small talk or just the overall friendliness of these guys that made me so at ease. As we spoke I realised that their work was more than just a job. Collectively they were driven by the goal of delivering a product focused on: building better communities through volunteering.

Of course, those “three men” were TeamKinetic – Chris, Rolf and Steve!

Thankfully, our introductions skipped any duels! In a short space of time, I gained a real understanding of their camaraderie, the crucial role each played and the extensive knowledge that each possessed in understanding their client’s needs.

In the interview, I shared my vision for a  Boxing Club at the University and the story of how I turnt it into a reality.

I coached my club each week, drilling them on technique, fitness and skill. My success measured by the numbering regulars and increasing new members who turned up. I learnt the importance of organisation, communication and leadership.  My experience volunteering equipped me with skills I had never considered before, which I now hold to be invaluable.

Like me, TeamKinetic had their own vision. They wanted to enhance the ability of volunteers managers with a system that engaged volunteers, made their management simpler and more intelligent. Although they had already been working hard to make this possible, they needed someone to help market their brilliant product.

This was certainly something I could do. Thankfully, they thought so too!

Since settling into the team I have learnt so much more about those who make TeamKinetic possible. I have also had the opportunity to speak to some of their clients, who expressed how much they like working with TeamKinetic and their application.

Now my role is to support the company through marketing the great
service they deliver for the likes of Manchester City Council Council, Glasglow Volunteer Centre and Cardiff Metropolitan University.

With a real love of sport, volunteering and marketing, I am excited to begin this opportunity alongside everyone at TeamKinetic.

“All for one; one for all.”

James Carr

Marketing Coordinator

If you have any thoughts you would like to share, please feel free to contact me at:

james@teamkinetic.co.uk

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