Chris Smith

Content Manager & Writer

United Kingdom

I'm a Marketing Director, Writer, and inbound advocate who's passionate about all things writing and marketing; from producing website copy that stands out to understanding and conceptualising a brands identity.

I've worked with businesses in the sports, technology, business/marketing and health industry. My primary work is in B2B technology and clients include Lenovo, Cognizant, DocAuthority, SecureData, IP Solutions, Efficient IP, Veritas, Panasonic and Blue Coat.

My experience includes:
- Producing a range of content for each stage of the marketing funnel
- Writing both short and long-form copy for various audiences
- Managing marketing campaigns across sectors including technology, sport and health
- Coming up with creative ideas to drive leads and brand awareness
- Using marketing technology (such as HubSpot) for more efficient and effective results
- Creating marketing strategies for long-term growth

I also created Vivi Nation, a community and blog for runners, cyclists and those who want to get healthier, to inspire an active nation. Additionally, I regularly blog about sports and technology topics.

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Portfolio

TECHNOLOGY

Mitigate Cyber
02/23/2021
The insider threat: Navigating the biggest risk facing your business | Mitigate Cyber

The cyber risks facing firms grow daily, with savvy and experienced hackers looking to target both the firm's financial, corporate assets and, more concerning, their untrained and unaware employees. The threat posed to the business and its network of suppliers and partners by naïve employees, known as an insider threat, is perhaps the most dangerous of all.

Mailmanager
The 7 deadly sins of email management

When it comes to email management, your challenges can be addressed with just a small few tweaks that result in big gains. The question is - what small tweaks and where to get started? Here are our 7 deadly sins of email management and the resolutions to ease your pain.

Mitigate Cyber
02/16/2021
Cyber criminals: Who attacks and targets your business? | Mitigate Cyber

Cyber criminals are increasingly using complex and sophisticated attack methods to target businesses of all sizes and their leaders. While some cyber criminals attack for political gain, others pursue notoriety by seeking to either leak or expose the personal and/or private data instead.

Mailmanager
The Mail Manager Remote Working Guide

The concept of remote working has long been touted as the future of work. But now, with many people working from home for the first time, the challenges and benefits of this way of working have swiftly become abundantly clear. However, with pressure on the industry to make up for lost productivity, remote working presents businesses with major challenges.

Unite Telecoms | UK
01/26/2021
Working from Home and the Advantages of VoIP - Unite Telecoms | UK

Fortunately, the advancement of voice over cloud, or VoIP (Voice-over-internet protocol) technology has made working from home a lot easier. While there are many benefits to homeworking, for both employers and staff, there are several communication challenges that need to be overcome for it to permanently replace office-based work and be a success.

Mailmanager
Improving project deliverability amid this time of uncertainty

In the face of uncertain times, the importance of good productivity levels and business management tools that enhance project deliverability has never been starker. The alien concepts of social distancing and self-isolation that we've all become accustomed to look set to become the new norm for the foreseeable future, according to research from Imperial College .

Cloudshepherd
Working from home: The benefits of VoIP telephony and DAAS

The rise of remote working presents a revolutionary change in the traditional workplace, especially with many businesses being forced to adopt remote working principals overnight given the current uncertain circumstance. In response, employers are having to adapt, if they hadn't already, to ensure seamless communication and business continuity.

Docauthority
02/28/2019
How AI helps CDOs seize control of huge amounts of critical data

As enterprises increasingly 'go digital,' the constant flow of data has become the heartbeat of the business ecosystem. This growing mass of data is created, distributed and pumped through the veins of corporate networks, enhancing the requirement for protection and governance. Of course, this also creates greater opportunity for adversaries to actively target business' critical data assets.

ELEKS - Software engineering, enterprise software development, consulting
09/06/2018
Is Blockchain Identity Management A Key to Self-Sovereign Identity?

A fundamental problem with the Internet, as it currently stands, is the problem of identity. Each year, millions of pounds and dollars are lost in fraud and identity theft because there is no secure, reliable and verifiable way for someone to prove their identity online or prevent someone else from using it maliciously.

First Base
03/20/2018
Data D-Day is coming: Here's our GDPR advice. | First Base

I want to start by saying I am not a legal expert on the GDPR. However, I have certainly learnt a few valuable lessons on my GDPR learning curve. In this blog, I want to try and capture: What impact will the GDPR have on marketing? Why is it an opportunity?

HuffPost UK
12/09/2016
Today's 'Swipe Left. Swipe Right' Workplace Culture Shift

Over the last thirty years, the technology that powers today's businesses has evolved dramatically. Many employees, now see what was once seen as 'best of breed' technology, as prehistoric today. Throughout this period, organisations have acquired software to help automate processes and, in the main, to drive back-office productivity.

SecureData
10/26/2017
Kill the Noise: the real cybersecurity challenges for today's businesses

Kill the Noise - a look at the challenges for today's businesses Cybersecurity today is a vortex of fear and panic. There is a new threat, vulnerability, or attack every month. Why? Because there has never been a better time to be a cyber-criminal. This has created a lot of industry 'noise'.

Financial IT
How to reduce risk and deal with a cyber-attack

How to reduce risk and deal with a cyber-attack When it comes to tackling cyber-attacks, it is important for financial organisations to realise that cyber-crime can't be dealt with in isolation by the IT department. Traditional security measures, such as anti-virus software and firewalls, are increasingly unlikely to be able to deal with the growing sophistication of modern cyber-attacks.

HuffPost UK
10/18/2016
Social Engineering: Securing Workers In The Digital Age

Modern-day fraudsters use every trick in the book when it comes to infiltrating a network. They are well prepared, well researched, and highly innovative. One of the most common tactics used to glean valuable information is social engineering, using techniques such as phishing or collecting data from social media.

HuffPost UK
02/22/2017
Keeping Work Simple: Micro, Mobile And Made For You

The UK was an early adopter of Enterprise IT. The world's first ever commercial computer was developed here over sixty years ago. These days the UK has some of the most archaic systems powering the very core of our large businesses.

IT Pro Portal
05/24/2017
Will WannaCry pave the way for future ransomware attacks?

The aptly named 'WannaCry' ransomware attack, which brought organisations around the globe to their knees when it first appeared on Friday 12th May, is the latest in an ongoing tidal wave of ransomware cyber attacks. At the time of writing, WannaCry has hit 150 countries and over 200,000 computers leaving a wake of destruction.

HuffPost UK
03/20/2017
Mobility Drives Digital Transformation To The Fast Lane

Look to your Fortune 500 Neighbour on your left and say goodbye. If the trend over the last fifteen years or so continues, the likelihood is one of you will cease to exist in the form you do today. Si...

G3 Good Governance Group
The Family Office Is Under Cyber Siege

The reputation and privacy of wealthy families and High Net Worth (HNW) individuals have never been more valuable and yet also more vulnerable. In today's digital age, a nexus of forces has heightened the risk landscape.

IT Pro Portal
10/23/2016
What does EU GDPR mean for you and your business?

Now that the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) has been passed, EU residents will soon have a consistent level of protection and a better say in how their data is handled by private organisations. But what do those organisations need to change in order to be compliant?

SecureData
05/16/2017
WannaCry is a Warning Shot for Future Ransomware - SecureData

WannaCry's global impact may have captured the headlines, but the exploit's methodology is counter-intuitive to any covert ability to actually collect the ransom. Could it be the WannaCry attack for all it's devastation is actually a proof-of-concept strategy Or perhaps, a diversionary tactic? In this light, the threat from ransomware can only exacerbate.

SPORT / HEALTH / FITNESS

Sigr
11/16/2022
5 reasons to mix indoor Zwifting with regular outdoor road cycling sessions.

There's nothing quite like getting fresh air in your lungs and exploring the great outdoors by bike. However, with the rise of indoor cycling continuing apace, it's tempting to just stay at home Zwifting and forget to complement your indoor efforts with regular outdoor sessions. We get it... The wind.

Vivination
03/31/2021
Running further and better: What is Jeffing?

'Jeffing' - sounds dirty, but isn't - is the run/walk strategy that many runners adopt for long distances, created by Jeff Galloway, an American Olympian and the author of Galloway's Book on Running. Now, I'll start by saying that it's not for everyone.

Vivi Nation
09/03/2018
Why you should try the National Three Peaks Challenge and how to nail it | Vivi Nation

The National Three Peaks Challenge involves climbing the three highest peaks of Scotland, England and Wales. The challenge is completed either within 24 hours or over a weekend. The three mountains in question are: These three peaks are the tallest mountains within each representative country: Scafell Pike is the tallest in England; Snowdon, the tallest in Wales and Ben Nevis the tallest in Scotland.

Bike Test Reviews
04/20/2021
How To Cycle Faster On Zwift

Virtual cycling platform Zwift has become a go-to training ally for cyclists over the last few years, especially as more people took to indoor cycling during the pandemic. Zwift is no longer just a winter training addition. The addictive nature of its gamified cycling and fun virtual worlds ensures cyclists will use the platform all year round.

Craftcadence
The definitive guide to cycling in London in 2021

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, cycling has seen a boom across the UK. And in London, that's no different. Where there was once gridlocked, there were thousands of runners and cyclists instead during the lockdowns.

Cyclinglocations
Cycling in Yorkshire - Hotels, Climbs & Events

Yorkshire's picturesque landscapes, scenic routes and challenging hill climbs are making the White Rose county one of the go-to destinations for cyclists all over the world. The fact that the county hosted the opening two legs of Tour de France back in 2014 speaks volumes for its rising stock among cyclists.

Vivi Nation
09/07/2018
The UK's levels of physical inactivity is a serious concern | Vivi Nation

It's incredibly disappointing to see the results of the latest research from the World Health Organization (WHO), revealing that very little progress has been made in reducing levels of physical inactivity worldwide. The WHO report (which analysed data from surveys in 168 countries and 1.9 million people) estimates that more than a quarter of people worldwide (1.4 billion) are not doing enough physical exercise.

Vivi Nation
07/24/2018
You can achieve anything you put your mind to | Vivi Nation

I've recently come across two stories that have really inspired me. Both stories show that if you put your mind to something, you can achieve anything. Firstly, my cousin James Randall recently completed his first 69-mile ultramarathon, raising money for charity, in just over 14 hours, coming in the top 100 entrants - quite incredible really (you can read about it here).

Vivi Nation
04/30/2018
Cycling to Russia: to the World Cup by bike | Vivi Nation

Since founding Vivi nation, I've been privileged to hear some amazing stories that have inspired myself and others to get fit and active. So, when I was told I needed to get in touch with an old school friend, Jamie Marriott, I looked forward to finding out what he was up to.

Medium
05/25/2018
Kiev: Whatever happens Reds, it's been one hell of a journey.

Liverpool face Real Madrid in Kiev tomorrow night in the biggest game in club football: The Champions League final. But, regardless of the result, it should be a campaign remembered as a huge success. Let's put this into context. The Champions League is a tournament the Reds had to qualify for last August (in what seems a lifetime ago against Hoffenheim).

Vivi Nation
11/28/2017
10 things that will happen on a cycling tour - Vivi Nation

Going on a cycling tour is one of my favourite things to do. I've been lucky enough to get a fair few under my belt, but it hasn't always been smooth sailing. There are many highs, but there are also some lows. Either way, I can look back at them fondly now.

Theessentialcyclist
10/27/2014
The Benefits of High Intensity Interval Training

Visit any decent gym at the moment and chances are they will be running some form of High Intensity Interval Training class, which is an advanced form of training that alternates periods of short and intense workouts with less intense recovery periods.

Vivi Nation
07/04/2017
5 Reasons to go on a cycling tour - Vivi Nation

Whether it's for a week, a month or a year, exploring by bicycle is a great way to see a country and experience its culture. I've been lucky to go on some great cycling tour's with the team here at Vivi, including hitting the roads of Belgium, France and the Netherlands.

MARKETING / BUSINESS

National Sales Conference - A Growth Event
03/24/2021
How to Bring Home Big Deals - National Sales Conference - A Growth Event

Ask yourself what you'd rather: 5 smaller-sized deals, or one big, mega sized deal? It's a tough one. You need to think about which approach is more sustainable, and which approach is more profitable. But if you can supplement smaller deals with mega deals, then you've hit the jackpot.

National Sales Conference 2020
03/18/2020
5 Qualities of an Effective Sales Manager - National Sales Conference 2020

Being a good sales manager is critical to the success of your team. Your own performance helps set the tone and culture within the sales team. Good sales managers are able to get their team firing on all cylinders. Here are 5 qualities you need to have to not only manage but lead your team ...

National Sales Conference 2020
03/18/2020
15 Open-Ended Sales Questions to Try - National Sales Conference 2020

Broad, open-ended sales questions are great for helping you find out what's going on in your prospects' head. You want to be known for listening and understanding your prospects' needs so open-ended sales questions are a good way to do that. Plus, open-ended sales questions really help you connect with a prospect on a more ...

National Sales Conference 2020
03/18/2020
3 Steps to Conquer Objections - National Sales Conference 2020

'No'. It's a tough one to swallow. It's harsh, short, blunt and not what you want to hear. Especially if targets are tight and you are trying to meet your quota before the end of a quarter. However, it's not the end of the world.

Firstbaseinbound
09/24/2018
The best B2B marketing tools to help you get results

The right tools can take your marketing performance to the next level. That includes increasing engagement, lead acquisition, customer relationships and analytics. Here are a few of the best tools around that will help drive B2B marketing success. Drift Grammarly via GIPHY BuzzSumo Google Analytics Databox Want to go one step further with your data and insights?

Firstbaseinbound
10/04/2018
Rome wasn't built in a day: Here's 4 ways to get leads quick

Inbound marketing rules, but Rome wasn't built in a day. It takes time to achieve greatness. That's why you need quick wins to fill your funnel while you build up your inbound presence. Here are four ways to get leads in fast.

Firstbaseinbound
10/04/2018
The beginner's guide to marketing automation

If you wanna get to grips with marketing automation, congrats, you've arrived at the right place. We get it, there is a lot of noise being made about the incredible things marketing automation can do. Funnily enough, a lot of what you hear is true.

Firstbaseinbound
05/11/2018
Content isn't dead, you're just doing it wrong

Inbound marketing is built upon the foundations of good content, but it can be a hard journey to find the Holy Grail. Much like in Arthurian legend, the quest for the Holy Grail is a long and drawn out process. But those who find it thrive.

Firstbaseinbound
10/04/2018
How to create an inbound lead gen magnet

You know you want to generate leads, but you don't know how, or where to start. One effective way is to create a lead gen magnet. I.e. a piece of irresistible content that your target audience just has to get their hands on. This could be a video, an eBook, a guide or a whitepaper.

First Base
09/28/2017
Inbound 2017, Day Two: 'Don't Embrace The Future, Charge Into It.' - First Base

By Chris Smith - Content Manager at First Base After a motivational and inspirational day one at Inbound 2017, I had high hopes for day two. Particularly since it began with a keynote Q&A from Michelle Obama. Michelle Obama was everything I hoped she'd be: funny, inspirational, strong and emotive.

Medium
02/23/2017
What is the proposed Espionage Act all about? - Chris James Smith - Medium

Espionage. Spies. Infiltrators. No, I'm not talking about the real-life James Bond. Or Jason Bourne. Or even MI6. In fact, I'm talking about our journalist friends and whistleblowers who will feel the full force of the law if the Government's proposed Espionage Act becomes legal.