We Sit Down With - Arnika Bhupal - BIDBI Marketing Coordinator

Arnika Bhupal's day is a blend of structured tasks and varied projects, revolving around marketing initiatives for BIDBI and Doodle Bag. Here's a breakdown of her typical day:

1. Morning Routine: Arnika arrives at the office promptly at 9 am and begins her day by checking emails while enjoying her first cup of tea.
2. Work Tasks: Once the administrative duties are out of the way, Arnika dives into her core responsibilities. These may include:
   • Monitoring the company's rankings on search engines like Google.
   • Planning and executing upcoming marketing campaigns.
   • Organizing materials and logistics for upcoming trade shows.
   • Overseeing the SEO efforts for the company's websites, including content creation, keyword targeting, and link building.
3. Project Management: Since the Management Buy Out in April, Arnika and her team have been actively working on various projects. This includes managing the Doodle Bag website alongside the main BIDBI site, ensuring both platforms meet their marketing objectives.
4. Advice for Small Businesses: Arnika emphasizes the importance of simplicity and user experience when designing or improving a website for small businesses. She suggests:
   • De-cluttering the website and focusing on essential elements.
   • Prioritizing user experience by putting oneself in the customers' shoes.
   • Seeking feedback from impartial individuals to gain valuable insights.
   • Creating a comprehensive checklist for website development to ensure thorough planning and execution.
5. Biggest Achievements: Arnika's notable accomplishments in 2017 include developing a business plan and successfully launching Doodle Bag. On a personal level, starting pottery classes and creating her first pottery item, a parrot named Paz, were significant milestones.
6. Favorite Tote Bag: Arnika admires a tote bag from Arthouse Meath, a collective of artists living with complex epilepsy and learning disabilities. The organization's commitment to social impact and sustainability resonates with her values.
7. Promotional Strategies: Arnika shares valuable tips for businesses looking to enhance their brand promotion efforts. These include:
   • Utilizing diverse channels, both online and offline, for brand visibility.
   • Leveraging testimonials, reviews, and user-generated content for credibility.
   • Running competitions and giveaways to engage the audience and expand reach.
   • Conducting surveys to gather insights and personalize marketing strategies.
8. Food Preferences: Arnika's love for tapas shines through, although she admits to enjoying a variety of cuisines. She prefers dining out for tapas, relishing the flavors prepared by skilled chefs.
9. 2018 Trends: Arnika predicts a continued emphasis on sustainability and ethical practices in consumer behavior. Businesses can capitalize on this trend by adopting eco-friendly initiatives and transparent communication about their values.
10. Cats or Dogs: Arnika's allegiance lies with dogs, expressing her preference with a playful "WOOF."

Arnika's day-to-day activities reflect a balance of strategic planning, project execution, and a genuine passion for sustainable business practices and ethical consumerism.