My working week: The BNI community is central to my success

Donna Parsons • 17 April 2026

I was proud this week to have Donna Creative featured in the Farnham Herald. Check out the story....

“I wanted the freedom to choose projects I believe in and to work more closely within my local community,” said Donna Parsons of Donna Creative when we met for a one-to-one recently and I asked her about starting her own business.


After 18 years of shaping communications across Hampshire’s NHS, Donna Parsons had made the bold decision to leave the corporate world. “Starting my own company was a big step,” said Donna.


Having been a member of BNI a decade before in her previous life, Donna rejoined in just her second month of trading.


“I have always believed community is central to my success. The BNI network’s mentorship, support and encouragement have certainly helped my business to grow quickly and confidently.”


In fact, Donna is already one of her chapter’s top performers.


What is her marketing philosophy?


“I believe marketing doesn’t need to feel overwhelming, though I know many business owners feel it is. With the right structure, it becomes manageable.”


Understanding that many local business owners juggle multiple roles, Donna has developed practical workshops for non-marketers, covering marketing fundamentals, brand foundations and LinkedIn profile optimisation.



“I want to focus on helping smaller organisations bring clarity and confidence to their marketing – helping them to communicate in a way that feels clear, honest and easy to understand. Because when communication is human and straightforward, trust follows naturally.”


To learn more, visit www.donna-creative.co.uk or connect with Donna on LinkedIn.


If BNI’s supportive ethos, which Donna has described, appeals to you, please do get in touch with me – alyson@bnihampshire.com. To give every member maximum value, we only allow one person from each trade or profession to join any given group, so let me introduce you to a chapter that has business to pass to you right now.


Source: Farnham Herald 16 April 2026

< Older Post
A brown and white horse wearing a heavy winter blanket stands in a snowy, sunny field. The name

What animals teach us about business

by Donna Parsons • 9 April 2026
Celebrate National Pet Day while discovering what animals can teach us about marketing, consistency and building trust in your business.
Green typewriter with colorful flowers on a pink background.

A nomination I never imagined receiving

by Donna Parsons • 18 February 2026
A personal reflection on being nominated for the Rising Maven award, sharing the early journey of Donna Creative and the confidence built in just six months.
Hands point to website mockups on paper and laptop, with a smartphone in view.

When your website finally feels like you

by Donna Parsons • 9 February 2026
Professional website copy and design that feels clear, approachable and true to you. Showcase your personality and connect with clients from the first click.
Woman smiles, wearing black blazer over floral top, in a cafe.

My first business talk

by Donna Parsons • 3 February 2026
A behind the scenes look at Donna Creative's first business talk during International Networking Week, sharing practical LinkedIn insight and what’s coming next.
Hands holding two puzzle pieces, with a laptop in the blurred background.

When social media finally start working

by Donna Parsons • 19 January 2026
Expert social media support that delivers real growth. Build engagement, reach the right audience and see measurable results with Donna Creative.
Person's hand on computer mouse, with monitor and keyboard in the background on a wooden desk.

Back to marketing basics

by Donna Parsons • 12 January 2026
Feeling overwhelmed by marketing? Discover how clear fundamentals can restore confidence, focus and direction with practical steps that actually make sense.
Person studying at a desk with books, notebook, calculator, and glasses.

Building a stronger business: workshops available

by Donna Parsons • 20 November 2025
Discover how strong brand and marketing foundations can transform your small business. Practical, jargon-free workshops.
Business meeting around a wooden table with papers, pens, and a phone.

Free marketing resource bundles available

by Donna Parsons • 14 October 2025
Discover Donna Creative’s new free marketing resources, from checklists, planners and templates to improve your communications.
Promotional materials from Southampton Children's Hospital, including a letter, and brochure, featuring a child, promoting Christmas donations

Why cohesive campaigns really do make a difference

by Donna Parsons • 10 September 2025
Cohesive campaigns don’t just look better—they perform better. Discover how joined-up messaging builds trust, drives engagement, and boosts results.
Woman with dark curly hair smiles and writes in a notebook, cat sits nearby; indoors with laptop and mug.

Turning complexity into clarity

by Donna Parsons • 5 September 2025
In a world overflowing with information, clarity is everything. Find out how to take something complex and turn into engaging copy.
Show More