|
|
|
|
Hi <<First Name>>,
How are you doing?
As I write, here in England we are waiting for the Prime Minister’s update on his plans to emerge from lockdown. I for one am heartily sick of it, whilst recognising the necessity. It seems to hit harder some days than others, but as a garden lover, I do find the spring-like weather helps to lift my spirits.
Wherever you are, and however you’re feeling, hang in there. Better days will come.
A quick reminder that 'Get going on Canva’ takes place on 3 March, 10-11.30am. If you’d like to join us and learn how to use Canva to create images for social media, newsletters, flyers, Zoom backgrounds and much more, book now!
In my newsletter this week:
- Coffee please!
- Do you have a role model?
- Hackathon 2021
- Doubting yourself?
Please do read on...
|
|
|
Coffee please!
One of my guilty pleasures is binge-watching the Curvy Brides Boutique series.
It’s a feel-good programme hosted by the boutique's owners, Jo and Alison.
Alison posted these reminders (in the image above) on Facebook last week and I just had to share it here.
I completely identify with “when in doubt, coffee.”
I love my coffee and probably drink far too much of it.
When I get stuck, and need a break, I have coffee, and then when I finish the task, I have coffee!
I also particularly like “I don’t have to please everyone”.
It’s a timely reminder of two things:
- that we are not responsible for how others feel, and
- that in our businesses we cannot be the right fit for everyone.
As you probably know by now, I believe it’s REALLY important to identify your ideal client and foucus on them - rather than trying to appeal to a wider audience.
However, the other day I was doing some work on my own ideal client and realised that I knew exactly who they were - but guess what?
I’m resistant!
I know I don’t have to please everyone, but I hate the thought of turning away someone I could help.
This is work in progress, so watch this space...
|
|
|
Do you know a role model?
This competition landed in my inbox last week, and I immediately thought of you.
It invites you to nominate yourself, or a female entrepreneur, to win a bespoke prize from NatWest and Getty Images.
They are looking for people who are inspirational and they want to "tackle stereotypes of female founders and help create a more diverse and inclusive visual landscape that shows entrepreneurs as they really are.”
The prize includes a professional portrait session with Getty Images, practical support from NatWest advisers, coaching sessions and a financial health check.
Plus, of course, there’s the kudos of being one of the 15 prizewinners.
As small business owners, we are notoriously humble about our capabilities, and our impact on those around us. So here’s a challenge for you.
If you are a female, please nominate yourself.
All you have to do is explain in a maximum of 100 words why you are inspirational - and if you’re not sure, ask your clients, and fellow business owners.
If you aren’t a female, please consider who you know that you consider to be inspirational - and nominate them.
|
|
|
Hackathon 2021
Last week I joined a group of local Uni students for a hackathon.
In case you’re not familiar with this very 21st Century term, a hackathon is "a combination of the words "hack" and "marathon" where hack stands for experimental, creative problem solving with a playful approach and marathon stands for the duration of the event.”
My remit was to brief the students on a challenge in my business, answer their questions, and then send them away for a week to work on a solution.
I tasked them with creating a marketing plan for selling copies of my book.
I was really impressed with the quality of their questions.
A fellow business owner had asked to observe the session and her comment afterwards was:
“I’m glad it was you and not me in the hot seat!”
They definitely put me on the spot!
I‘m looking forward to seeing what they come up with.
I suspect it will be both helpful and challenging - and I’ll share any key insights with you.
If you’d like to take part in something similar, and get help with a business challenge, please let me know.
I’ll put you in touch with the organiser.
|
|
|
Doubting yourself?
I spotted the above quote on Facebook and it made me stop and think.
And continuing the shameless copying of other people’s social media content (thank you Sylvia and Rina), I thought I’d share it with you too.
Did you know that around 80% of small businesses close within 5 years of starting?
But here’s the interesting thing.
Only a small proportion close because they have failed financially.
The vast majority close because the owner gives up.
There’s not much data on why, but from personal experience I can guess the reasons will include:
- too time consuming
- too stressful
- too scary
- too overwhelming
- too complicated
It’s only human to have days when we doubt ourselves.
We doubt our ability to keep going, to make an impact, to achieve what we set out to do.
And sometimes, particularly in these challenging times, it’s hard to simply get up each morning and face the day ahead.
I have days like that too. We all do.
We all have to find our own way to deal with them - rest, a walk, some yoga, a phone call, a bubble bath, keeping busy, etc.
The most important thing is to believe the feeling is temporary, and just keep going - or get help.
If you’re doubting your ability to keep your business going, get in touch.
I’m happy to have a free, no strings attached, chat to see if I can help you find a way through.
|
|
|
My workshop portfolio
My next date for Get going on Canva is on Wednesday 3 March at 10am. Come and learn the basics of using Canva, create your own design and get instant feedback.
Also available on demand are:
Look Smart on LinkedIn - building a credible presence on LinkedIn
Business focus and goals - reconnect to your business purpose and get clear on your business goals
Know your worth – manage your finances, understanding what to charge and learning how to negotiate your price with customers
Developing your Business Strategy - plotting your route to business success
Networking skills - why, where and how to network effectively
Business Blogging with Intent - what blogging is, why and how to do it, and where to place it
Finding your Ideal Client - how to identify your 'ideal client', and then track them down
Managing your business risks - understand what can go wrong, and what to do about it
Managing your Clients - master the art of fabulous customer service and minimise payment issues
Be Desk Smart – gain a more robust business set up, cut your stress and have a healthier workspace
Be Time Smart – use your time better, achieve more and feel more in control
Details of all my regular workshops can always be found on the workshops page of my website.
|
|
|
“Amanda’s support and coaching has provided me with so much confidence and enabled me to refocus on my business.
Having someone to sound out ideas and plans, and help flesh out pain points and, at the same time, give a rationale alternative explanation has been incredible.
I couldn’t recommend her services more highly! Thank you, Amanda!”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
