July SOF Newsletter

Welcome to the July newsletter. How are you?

The word of the month is radiant.

“Sending out light; shining or glowing brightly”

- Oxford Languages Dictionary

As solopreneurs, associates and business owners we need to be able to shine our lights and let others know about our own brilliance.??

If we don’t tell people what we love to do and have a passion for, how will they know that we can help them?

What I am about to write may or may not surprise you, but I find it awkward to publicise what we do at SOF.

I disguise the awkwardness, almost embarrassment, by hiding behind social media that a team help me create. I show up erratically on Linkedin, the website has been going through a reconstruction since February.

Rarely will you see a newsletter or post where I tell you how you can work with me. Even as I write this I am cringing admitting this to you.??

However this month I want to tell you about a dream I have had for the last five years.??And if I don’t share it, then nothing will come of it. If you know anything about sharing your dreams, you will know it is important to tell those who will support you and the dream vs quash and question it.??

I am actually nervous writing this, my tummy just did a somersault, as you are the first group I am telling…..

ok here goes……..

Introducing... SOFest!?

I want to create a space where we can be in community and gather, hear people speaking about the latest facilitation thinking, experience different training methods in workshops, even learn to draw a straight border on a flipchart.?

There might be zen spaces, time to learn new ways to create engagement, who knows, maybe learn improv techniques for those moments where a well-crafted agenda blows up!!!?

My dream is to gather 100 facilitators and trainers together, for 2 days and 2 nights, to connect, learn and share.

I envisage green fields, tents, good food, wellies and laughter.

I have spoken about this dream with about five of you in the past, and I chickened out of making it a reality - Covid, time, money, and many many limiting beliefs.

HOWEVER

I really really believe that this space will be beneficial for us all.

So many of you have said you want to meet people - in-person - grow yourself and your business knowledge, and have time for yourself.?

Why am I telling you all of this?

Why not launch and sell tickets and make no fuss?

To make SoFest a reality I know I am going to need the help of the SOF community, and if you have been here a while asking for help is not a strength of mine.?

Firstly, writing this email makes me accountable, and telling the 500 who open the mail means you might ask me what is happening!

Want to get involved???Want to help???Or curious?

1. Join the monthly SoFest email. This is where I will share the journey of creating the festival.??Each month I will report on what has happened in the last four weeks, the decisions made, speakers and workshop hosts who have said yes, the financial position (I will openly share the finances), how many times I have threatened to pull out, the number of tickets sold and much much more.
2. Trusted advisors. We need a board of advisors. People who like to ideate, to make decisions, who want to help evolve our profession.??I would like to share ideas with you, get feedback on the plans, ask for your input and thoughts.??The commitment is an hour a month for 6 months - and in return - that is the first conversation we would have.??How to create a balance of exchange that feels fair to all involved. Four people would be great. Drop me an email at [email protected]
3. Volunteers. To bring an event of this scale to life, a team of volunteers become essential.??If this sounds like something that interests you, send me a message at [email protected].??As we get clearer on what this role looks like we will come to you first.
4. Speakers & workshop hosts. We have a wealth of knowledge and talent in the community.??I will be turning to you for recommendations on who you want to hear speak, or maybe you want to host a workshop??Get in touch at [email protected]

So there it is, my dream is out in the open.

Will it become a reality? I don't know. Sign up for the monthly SoFest email today and you will read what has happened so far, rough costs, and the first month wobbles.??

And if you are on that email you will be the first to know when the early early bird tickets are available in September/October.

If you are in the northern hemisphere enjoy your Summer break.??I hope you find sunshine.??For my friends in the south - may your winter be cold and crisp and you enjoy wearing your warmest of jumpers.

I look forward to sharing more in the coming months about SoFest.

Can I encourage you to keep reading? There is a discount for the Creative ID certification below! ??

Love and Hugs

Kirsty x

In the July pod Hanne Kristiansen shared the Creative ID psychometric tool with us. The tool is underpinned by five styles (Stimulating, Spotting, Sculpting, Selecting and Supporting) which help teams and individuals understand how (not if!) they are creative. By pinpointing people’s preferences across the five styles, Creative ID adds value to leadership development, team performance, organisational change and transformation as well as innovation projects.

Hanne and her team are certifying facilitators, trainers, coaches and consultants in the Creative ID methodology so they can use this know-how directly with their own clients.

If you would like to be considered to join future cohorts, we are excited to offer you an SOF community discount.

Use the code SOF250 and your investment is ￡1500 (instead of the usual ￡1750 self-funder cost). Sign up here.

If you want to know more about the tool, attend the discovery call on September 12th

Doors are open - Join the Flourishing Facilitator Experience!

You’re a natural teacher, you understand how to design engaging learning experiences and you relish being on your feet, delivering training..?

..but you’re not sure how you crafted this skill and passion.?

Perhaps you didn’t have any formal training, but you’ve stumbled upon a natural talent that you’re ready to take to the next level.

Sound like you…?

Let's take you to the next level. Doors are open to join the Flourishing Facilitator experience.

Interested, but not sure? Message Kirsty to schedule a no obligation chat with Kirsty to find out whether this is for you.

Sign up here

Join The Art of Pricing Mastermind

Are you unsure where to start when thinking about pricing? Do you start from scratch each time you price up a piece of work? Do you have no sense of the market rates, and go off gut instinct? Do you find you wobble when you think about increasing your rates?

This six week mastermind will help you to gain confidence and clarity in your pricing strategy.

Places are limited - find out more here