July has been another busy one! Our 5 top highlights from this month
“There is light at the end of tunnel ”
Update: For those that have been following my B-corp journey. 4th July I had my B-corp verification meeting via video and met Patricea, my verifier. She put me completely at ease. We spent about 90 minutes reviewing the application, the business, my evidence, why B-corp. She let me know what was expected and what would happen over the next few weeks.
One of the main questions I have been asked. Is it possible to do it as a Micro business? Absolutely Yes. You have to put the time aside to do it, like any goal it’s knowing your ‘why’
How long does it take? This all depends on the complexity of your business and how much you have to do.
My personal experience: I started working on it last November (but had done work before this), I submitted my IBM in February and now at the verification stage. If everything stays on track I could be certified very soon. Watch this space
“Simply the Best”
On Wednesday 3rd July We hosted a morning of connecting and creativity for six ladies that devote themselves to their charities, and two fabulous business connectors Chantelle Boyce and Jill Maher from Cheshire Connect. Jill described it as ‘simply the best’ .
We learned so much about how these individuals were helping and supporting others through the amazing charities that they work in.
Ros and I were able to do our bit and support them by giving them a few hours of creativity. To unwind, stop thinking about everyone else, and to have some time just for themselves. We truly love what we do.
It genuinely was a fun filled morning, of laughter, chatter and people getting to know one another. We chatted about anything and everything, and by the end everyone had changed their minds ‘about not being creative’!!
I received so many lovely messages that night about how it had helped.
“it was an inspiring and rewarding morning, and they will look at my board and remember the amazing experience we had”
“it’s the first time I’ve switched off from work in a long time”
“I didn’t check my emails for hours”
My cup is full
“Don’t sleepwalk through life”
I was inspired at a recent Speakeasy event hosted by Katie Webster and Sue France. Catherine Sandland walked into the event later after having the most horrendous travel experience. She literally got seated and Sue said “would you like to get up and say a few words”
Most people would be put off not being able to speak on the hoof, but she wasn’t. She was able to make a joke of it and weave it into her talk. Catherine is an amazing story teller and the one thing that stuck with me from her speech is “don’t sleepwalk through life. we all have a voice and don’t be afraid to use it”
I personally have been on a huge journey, learning about myself, sharing my personal story, being vulnerable & inspiring others. I want to do more….and I got chatting to Catherine about the two day training course she runs called “Phenomenal Women”. I’m excited to say I’ve invested in it, and can’t wait to share all the things I’ve learned.
“When you think you are too small!”
When I started out in business I didn’t really think about growth, and exit strategy.
Two other speakers from the ‘speakeasy event’ that stuck with me were Alex Dodgson she shared a story about a client that wanted to retire and sell their business, and how to make it more valuable.
Chery White also shared her story about her franchising business . I met with Cheryl recently and shared with me how you can continue to be a solo entrepreneur and it is strategy for growth.
I thought my business was too small for both these options but they aren’t. So the moral of the story is “don’t think small or otherwise that’s the way you will stay & make a plan!”
Something new is coming
We are working on some exciting new workshops that will launch at the end of August.. I’ve enrolled on some more training courses so it will be bringing some new skills to our creative workshops! Keep your eyes peeled for more news
It marks the end of year three of primary school. The years seem to be slipping by way to quickly. Someone said to me when we had Alfie as soon as he starts school – you’ve got 13 summers to enjoy. That has stuck in my head ever since & I plan to make the most of them. We have a road trip planned in Wally the wagon 🚐 & will squeeze in a bit of work in between.
I’ll not back to share more of our adventures soon.
