A WIRRAL businesswoman revealed how her company has grown 25% since receiving advice from Dragons’ Den star Theo Paphitis.
Social media company bufferr.com was only set up a year ago by Sarah Marks, who looks after the North West area, and her Sheffield-based business partner John Covey.
She said they have already made a huge impact and are going from strength to strength with Theo’s help.
Their company runs social media workshops and social management packages for businesses.
Sarah, from Bromborough, grabbed Theo’s attention by tweeting him as part of his weekly Small Business Sunday (SBS) initiative.
She was one of six weekly winners, meaning Theo re-tweeted her message to his 230,000 followers. Their company profile also featured on Theo’s website, www.theopaphitissbs.com
The dragon then invited Sarah to his business event on March 30 with other SBS winners across the country
Sarah said trade has subsequently gone up by 25%.
Sarah, 37, told the News: “Theo’s event was amazing, with all the drinks laid on. It was lovely to meet all the people I talk to on Twitter and it was really good to network.
“Featuring on Theo’s website has given us a massive Google ranking and a huge platform to progress, plus we have access to business tips on his website too.
“Theo is a lovely guy and chatted away to everyone. He is very down to earth. He gave us lots of advice, such as contacting the local press, which I never thought of doing.
“He said he is a firm believer in social media and the power it can give small businesses to help them compete with larger companies because they can’t afford to run TV ads.
“That was really good to hear because social media is our business.
“Seeing our business grow in the last few weeks was fantastic. It is so good that Theo is giving back to small businesses.
“It is always tough trying to raise your profile as a new start-up business, and his help is just the boost to show how amazing social media can be for businesses.
“I think the possibilities are endless. I am really over the moon and I could not have wished for more.”
Sarah’s new-found career is a long way from the 15 years she spent in banking before being made redundant in 2009 and her jewellery-making business, Tiny-Gems, for which she received orders from Twitter and Facebook.
Sarah was then approached by John to set up the social media company.
She added: “I still make jewellery but not as much because it is hard finding the time. Being my own boss is the best feeling in the world.”
