What Atomicon Taught Me About Visibility, Community & Just Doing the Thing

Earlier this week, I hopped on a train to Newcastle for my first ATOMICON - a must-attend sales and marketing conference for small business owners, hosted by Andrew and Pete, the owners of Atomic. I'd heard whispers of good vibes, inspiration and an all-over fabulous time - and let me tell you, it delivered.

But more than that? It left me buzzing with ideas around visibility, content, and the power of showing up - imperfectly, unapologetically, and consistently. Here’s a little recap of what happened, who inspired me, and how it's shifted how I think about business, community and creativity.

Day 1: Pizza, Glitter & Pre-Party Shenanigans 🍕

The trip kicked off with a bit of magic - I bumped into my client Wendy from Tonbridge Accountants on the train up, we managed to switch seats and spend the 3-hour train ride together catching up and chatting about what we’re looking forward to. Already winning. After checking into the hotel and settling into the city, I headed out for dinner with some of my lovely fellow Content Clubbers, where I had mac and cheese pizza. Yes, you read that correctly. And yes, it was outrageously good.

Then it was off to the Atomicon mixer and pre-party. Think networking with glitter face art, glambot booths à la Oscars, meeting new amazing small business owners and bumping into people I’ve known online for years but never met IRL. As someone who works solo most days, these kinds of real-life moments are priceless. There’s something special about chatting face to face, sharing ideas, and realising just how much we’re all figuring it out as we go.

Day 2: Big Ideas from Brilliant Minds 🎤

The main event on Tuesday was packed with talks from some of the most inspiring people in the business world. Here are the ones that left the biggest mark on me (and might just shift something for you too):

💬 BIG Cheeky Asks - Andrew & Pete

Atomicon kicked off with a brilliant video intro (Andrew and Pete know how to work a stage), followed by their talk on the power of big cheeky asks - aka: don't be afraid to go big with your dreams. It was a gentle punch-in-the-face reminder that bold asks often lead to bolder opportunities, especially when you leverage what you already have: your community, knowledge, or skills.

💌 EMAILS THAT SELL - Laura Belgray

Laura talked about writing emails like you write to your bestie and reminded us that email isn’t just a “nice to have” - it’s the most powerful tool for selling and connection. She gave permission to ditch the idea that emails need to be long, epic, or always “valuable.” Sometimes, value looks like feeling seen, smiling mid-scroll, or being inspired to try something new.

She also talked about sending more emails, telling more stories, and building a welcome sequence with your best content - not saving it for someday. A strong reminder for anyone sitting on a dusty list or waiting to “get it right.”

Takeaway for me: I’ve got stories to tell and things to share — and I’m finally going to use my list to do just that. Stay tuned for newsletters full of cheeky tips, BTS stories, playlist and podcast recs, and gentle reminders that visibility doesn't have to be cringey or exhausting.

✨ The Unfiltered Truth About Building A Successful Online Business - Carrie Green

Carrie Green is all about supporting women in business and at the beginning of her talk she asked a question that hit me right in the branding feels: What do you want people to say at your funeral? That’s your brand. That’s what people say when you’re not in the room. She also talked about her many (failed) attempts at building a business and how she finally succeeded.

Also: email marketing was her top business driver for years. Not Instagram. Not TikTok. Emails. Just saying...

Takeaway for me: Everyone struggles at some point or other in their career, it’s what you learn from it that’s important. Plus - WHAT do you want people to say about you, when you’re not around?

🧲 FEARLESS PARTNERSHIPS - Robin Waite

Robin’s talk was all about building intentional partnerships and collaborations. He shared how helpful it can be to ask, not just in DMs or comments, but with clarity and confidence.

He encouraged us to list 10 dream brands or partners (hello Canva 👋), and start looking for our “inside people” - the connectors who open doors. And most of all, to make every ask relevant, well-timed and human. Don’t overthink it. Just ask.

Takeaway for me: I’m reaching out more boldly, not just waiting for the algorithm gods to shine on my next reel. Personal connections, partnerships, and experiences are where the magic happens.

🎯 THE FUTURE OF CONTENT - Grace Andrews

Grace reminded us that our audience on social media doesn’t belong to us. If Instagram disappeared tomorrow, how would you stay in touch? This hit home hard.

She also talked about creating content that’s actually aligned with your values (not just trends). Virality equals a sugar rush and your content should be balanced and nourishing, not just stimulating. Like a good meal, not a high from too much sweets.

Takeaway for me: I’ll be working on building my email list and long-form content - so people can find and trust me outside of their feeds. It’s also why I believe in helping my clients build a content library that works hard behind the scenes, whether or not they’re posting daily.

🎥 Celebrity Service - Geoff Ramm

Geoff told the story of “Christina”, a standout flight attendant who went above and beyond to make everyone’s experience unforgettable. He challenged us to do the same - to create those wow moments, that one thing clients will remember forever.

Whether that’s a voice note reply, a personalised video, or a surprise extra that makes someone feel like a celeb - it’s often the unexpected touches that turn a good client experience into an unforgettable one.

Takeaway for me: I want my clients to feel looked after and championed — like their brand matters, their story matters, they matter. This is already something I care about deeply, but Geoff’s talk gave me more ideas for how to elevate that even further.

The talk I’ve been looking forward to the most!

💡 Why Marketers Need To Think Small (To Make A Big Impact) - Rory Sutherland

I’ve known of Rory for the past 1-2 years and have enjoyed watching clips of his talks and interviews on Youtube, Instagram and TikTok, so I was really forward to hearing him speak at Atomicon. To be honest, seeing him on ther line-up was probably the deciding factor for me to buy the ticket.

His talk was clever, quirky and utterly brilliant. He spoke about the importance of “exploration over exploitation”, using bees and ants as an example - meaning we shouldn’t just stick to the things we know work, but keep trying new stuff, experimenting, seeing what might be possible. Most marketers focus on squeezing 3% extra out of what already works. But exploration (new ideas, experiments, random strokes of genius like Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte) is where big magic happens.

Stay curious. Try new things. Get out of your bubble. That’s where the good stuff lives.

He also reminded us that price is a feeling - something I’ve always believed when it comes to brand photography and videography. People don’t invest in me because I’m the cheapest or most expensive. They do it because of how they want to feel during the shoot and how they want to feel when they see the results.

Takeaway for me: Keep exploring, experimenting, and staying curious - even when something’s already “working.”

So, What Now? 🤔

I left Newcastle tired (because, hello introvert hangover) but absolutely buzzing. The trip gave me clarity, confidence and so much inspiration - not just around what I offer, but how I want to show up.

Here’s what I’m taking into the second half of the year:

• Building my email list, less algorithm anxiety.

• More personal touches, less perfection pressure.

• More exploring, experimenting, and just doing the thing.

Whether you’re a coach, a creative, or someone hiding behind one decent photo from 2021 (ahem), Atomicon reminded me that it’s not about being everywhere - it’s about being bravely, boldly, brilliantly yourself wherever you choose to show up.

And if you need support creating content that helps you do just that?
You know where to find me.