Author: Ally Simpson

Bring a fundamental change

“If you want to bring a fundamental change in people’s belief and behaviour…you need to create a community around them, where those new beliefs can be practiced and expressed and nurtured.” [Malcolm Gladwell, The Tipping Point, how little things can make a big difference] We first used this quote in a blog post in March of 2013 on The Directory Page. A lot has changed since then but we still believe that being a part of a real community transcends price and speed and, maybe even convenience. It’s much bigger than these things. It’s giving, taking, sharing, benefitting, encouraging, journeying and nurturing! When we first wrote these words there was just us and a very small group of people reading them and taking notice. We have been patient, kept our focus have been part of a growing community over the last couple of years. The diversity of our written content on this site is testament to how we have connected with others around our town and borough. The growing numbers on Ballymena.community also highlight and are testament to how we have been building real community. We could be louder but our focus is on being honest with you and building something that lasts. “The stuff that changes everything starts on the fringe, captures the imagination of a dozen, who bring along colleagues or friends, and then it’s a hundred and then…” [Seth Godin : source] That’s...

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Ballymena Today loves Spotify

Ballymena Today loves Spotify. We love music. We love the social side of Spotify that allows you to connect your musical tastes to Facebook and Twitter or even your blog, helping you find and share new music or music you’d forgotten about. Spotify is now free on mobile, tablet and computer. Listen to the right music, wherever you are. Spotify gives you millions of songs at your fingertips. The artists you love, the latest hits, and new discoveries just for you. Hit play to stream anything you like. The FREE service is excellent and the only snag worth mentioning is that there are advertisements on it. Many people don’t mind this but if you do, the premium service is available to try FREE for 30 Days and is then £9.99 per month. You can play any song anytime with no advertisements and, you can cancel at any time. Do you own a business that plays music all day every day? Don’t forget you more than likely will need a PRS license if you do – read more about that here. We think you should consider the low-cost of using Spotify for the music you play in your business premises whether they be private or a place where the public come and go frequently. In fact, coffee shops and other retailers could be engaging socially with their customers using Spotify,...

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Coffee Tips from Coffee Northern Ireland

Are you Looking for a coffee related Christmas gift? Hop over to Coffee Northern Ireland for a few quick tips on where to start out if you are looking for that perfect coffee Christmas or, if you just want to make better coffee at home for yourself. Their three essential starters are… 1: Buy a Grinder 2: Buy a Coffee Subsciption 3: Buy an Aeropress These three tips are part of their Coffee Tip series which will continue with more coffee advice and buying tips. Keep an eye out for updates. You’ve no excuse for bad coffee this Christmas...

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Paddy McNair, football star in the making

Local lad and Manchester United defender Paddy McNair has been named in the Northern Ireland squad for the very first time for the Euro 2016 qualifier away to Romania. McNair made his senior debut for United on 27 September 2014 and has been praised for his performances and especially his composure under pressure. The 19 year old signed for Manchester United in 2011, having impressed club scouts who saw him play for Ballyclare Colts. McNairs inclusion in the squad to face Romania on 14th November is another amazing stage in his career which has been given a huge kick-start due to the defensive injury crisis at Manchester United. The Ballymena Today team are really excited to see another local lad doing so well at a professional level. We wish him all the best and every success as he progresses at club and international level. Trivia: Can you name some of the professional footballers who have played at top club & international level who orginated from the Ballymena area & district? [Photograph: Michael Mayhew/Sportsphoto –...

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Using Twitter effectively

Ballymena Today know that Twitter can be much more than just a lot of people saying a lot of things all at once. Sometimes it seems like the noisiest party you’ve ever been to. Everyone is vying for attention. Forget the headlines about trolling and forget the fears about what you will say or how you will respond to people. The best attitude we believe you can adopt to Twitter is to just try it. If you have a message or a product then you have something to say to people. Those people are potential customers. Here are some...

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