Welcome. This is the first in a series of blog-style interviews, so who better to kick it off than me?
This is how Chris works
- Business location: Paintworks, Bristol.
- Social media: Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest.
- Current venture: BrisTechTonic.
- One rule I stick to in business: relate to your client.
- Current mobile phone: iPhone XR 64GB (mainly because the battery life is excellent).
- Current computer: MacBook Pro 13 inch.
How Chris got into SEO
In my 15 years of IT, I have gone on a typical progression. I started on an IT helpdesk, resetting passwords and fixing problems, then worked in a support role for a larger organisation, travelling and living in Bremen, Germany implementing large ERP systems and assisting in end user computing. From there I set up a previous business in my homeland of Wales supporting local hotels with their IT. I then took the leap to becoming an IT architect, going from fixing and building to gathering requirements and translating them for the tech team. Now I run BrisTechTonic, leading client work across SEO, local SEO and technical SEO, in Bristol. I live here with my fiancee Jen and our house rabbit, Daisy, who rules the house with an iron fist demanding broccoli. My mission statement is simple: to provide every small business with affordable resources that make a valuable difference.
What tools do you use to help get you through the day?
I live by apps and online tools. For time keeping I use Clockify, an incredibly powerful free tool to track time spent on projects or with clients. Day to day I am also in Google Search Console and Google Analytics reading reports on client sites. Outside of that, I use Google's Workspace for most everything else.
What's your working environment setup like?
I have a pretty basic arrangement: a desk with a monitor and a storage cabinet. I work completely paperless and everything is in the cloud. It is a nice neat feeling.
What's your best productivity shortcut or life hack?
Automation. Anything that takes you time to do, figure out a way to automate it. Personally, the only work I have to do in my business is spend time with my clients and schedule social media posts once a month. Everything else is automated.
How do you keep your to-do list in check?
Todoist is my go-to list manager. I have even got my Google Home linked up to it so I can shout at it to add milk to my shopping list.
What do you listen to while you work?
I prefer to work in silence when my work requires strategic thinking. When I am sketching a design I enjoy some upbeat tracks on Spotify, usually Fleetwood Mac or Brothers Osborne.
What are you currently reading or recommending?
I struggle to read for enjoyment, so I listen to podcasts and audiobooks to wind down. For personal listening I am enjoying The Horne Section Podcast and Shagged Married Annoyed. For business I enjoy The Digital Marketing Podcast, and for motivation it is On Purpose with Alex Beadon.
How do you wind down?
This is what I struggle with most. My mind is always going a hundred miles an hour, but cooking, being a tourist in what still feels like a new city, and planning our next adventure all work.
What's the best advice you've ever received?
On a personal level, you can only do what you can do. Putting yourself and your own health first is key. Professionally, a colleague from Bremen once told me that if you have to travel some distance for an early morning meeting, go the night before. You will be a better you when you are well rested.
Would you or someone you know like to take part in this? Get in touch to let me know.