Reflections from my first year in business

Well, that came round pretty quickly! ?What a year it’s been.

On the advice of a lovely friend, I attach a photo of me around the same age as my business. That white-blonde curly top had just learned to walk, was running riot with her sisters and just loving life her own way. My mum told me that on a holiday to Portpatrick, I had all the other kids following me, like I was a mini pied piper. It's weird now that "following" someone has very different connotations. Having said that, feel free to follow, connect and engage on all socials!

If I think of my business as a one year old me, it's definitely up on its' feet, exploring everything but sometimes falling over and crying. But still loving life and getting up everyday to see how to help people, to encourage them to follow. I've always been a bit of a performer truth be told and it's of no surprise to any of my family or friends that this is the path I took. I used to do amateur dramatics. But actually I love helping people step onto their own stage, whatever form it takes. To share messages that resonate and make a difference.

I know it’s a well used analogy, but this year has been an epic rollercoaster ride – exciting, daunting, unexpected and incredible.? Sometimes I feel I don’t meet the height restriction for the ride (a phrase a good pal uses to describe not feeling ready or experienced enough), but overall, I am genuinely so proud that I have created a business that adds real value for people and organisations in something that is often overlooked as a key leadership skill.

?People have said to me “oh you’re really brave walking away from a monthly salary and benefits”.? I actually disagree.? Sure, I’ve not got the same financial stability as I had (that will come), but, I felt compelled to do this because I saw a gap.?

?Having coached TEDxGlasgow speakers and hundreds of changemakers, leaders and business owners over the last 25 years, I was blown away by how many professionals just rocked up to presentations with very little prep or impact.? Or avoided it completely through fear of judgement or debilitating nerves.

By learning to speak with impact, incredible things can happen for your life, career and business and this last year I’ve had the privilege of helping others to do this.

?Here are some of my highlights:

• Being a guest on 4 podcasts, a first for me, and it’s definitely something I want to do more of so if you’re reading this and run a podcast, get in touch!?
• I’ve held 6 workshops on the art and magic of storytelling as a key business tool with more scheduled this year.
• I hosted a House of Games style Christmas quiz for the CIPD. Richard Osman, your format is safe. I am available for weddings and bar mitzvah's.
• I’ve coached 10 amazing clients to power up their presentations, step into their authentic selves and speak with impact.? One client will be doing a TEDx talk as a result.
• I’ve spoken at 8 business events.
• I've shared an unquantifiable amount of niche film, tv and music references to participants of talks and workshops. You're welcome.
• I’ve connected with over 500 women in business and set up 2 collaborations as a result.
• I’ve been on a business retreat to Spain that helped me lay the foundations for my business, crafting offers, branding and networking to create the FOCUS, CONSISTENCY and CLARITY I needed to get established.
• I’ve navigated my way through various tech, fell out with it a few times but had to make friends with it as I know how integral social media as part of a wider marketing plan.
• I continued freelancing for my previous employer, helping awesome changemakers pitch for investment and commitment from leaders for social change in services and communities.
• I am in constant learning mode (see learning has limits point below).

?What I’ve learnt

• I have really high expectations of myself and my business. I’m good with that but I’m learning there are opportunities to introduce a more flexible mindset when things don’t quite go to plan.? Case in point, having a stroke 9 months into starting a new business.? I could have seen it as catastrophic but it’s enabled me to create new ways of living and working that I wouldn’t have thought of before.?
• Understanding my WHY has been the key to proving clarity and direction, time and time again and it's apparent when I've lost my way.
• That you’re not for everyone, and sometimes they’re not for you.? My values are integral to my work and if there’s not a good vibe, we probably won’t work together.? That’s OK.
• Finding your own way as a new business owner takes time. ?I’m exploring different ways of working and being “productive” that feel right for me and my clients. ?For example, my energy post-stroke is not where it was, so I’m trialling different environments, working hours and approaches. Hustling 24/7 just isn’t for me.? Finding a sustainable pace that supports my rest, rejuvenation, creativity, and balance is a must have.
• I love learning but I have limits!? Over the last year I’ve had amazing insights, advice and guidance coming at me from incredible women in business.? Now imagine getting ALL that amazing insight, advice and guidance …. It was overwhelming to figure out what was right for me. I got stuck in procrastination.
• I wasn’t always intentional about my actions.
• I get really frustrated with technology. But I’m getting better.
• That the people in my corner are awesome! From new and existing friends and colleagues, each one of you has added a wee bit of your own mix to my recipe and I thank you all.
• That I’m really good at what I do!? There’s no shame in being your own cheerleader.

?What’s next

I'm in the process of developing an exciting new digital offer!

If you follow me on social media, I'm going to make the assumption you're interested in improving your public speaking, right? Introducing my new digital public speaking guides, designed to transform your speaking skills and empower you to deliver unforgettable presentations.

I'm developing a set of 3 guides that can be used individually or as a set.

They're not just digital workbooks. That's too boring. They're interactive. In each guide you'll get:

• Worksheets and Checklists: Printable worksheets to track progress and practice exercises.
• Video Tutorials: Links to video demonstrations of techniques and exercises from me.
• Success Stories: Inspirational stories and testimonials from individuals who have overcome their fear of public speaking.

You can follow each step consecutively or simply just dive into the one you that speaks to you the most (see what I did there?).

Here's a snippet of what I'm developing:

Step 1: From Fear to Fabulous – start your journey to becoming a confident speaker

?Hate public speaking but it’s holding your career and business back?? Fret no more.? This interactive guide combines psychological techniques, practical exercises and motivational insights to help you become a confident speaker, in front of 1 or 100 people.

Step 2: Presenting with Impact - Mastering Delivery and Content for Lasting Impressions

This has got it all, focusing on both the stylistic and substantive aspects of delivering presentations. This guide combines practical tips, exercises, and strategic insights to help you create and deliver impactful presentations that leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Step 3: The Art of Storytelling – how to engage and inspire audiences into action

This is way more than just a workbook—it's taking your speaking to the next level where you can use stories to skilfully convey key messages, hold an audience powerfully, and inspire them to take action. Everything from crafting a particular type of story, integrating stories into your presentation, making your stories relatable and refining your delivery. This will enable you to level up your public speaking using techniques adopted by TEDx speakers. Who knows, maybe one day you'll be on that red dot?

These guides are for you if you want to:

Unleash Your Confidence: Each guide is packed with practical strategies to help you overcome the fear of public speaking. From breathing exercises to visualisation techniques, you'll find tools that calm your nerves and boost your confidence. Imagine stepping onto the stage with poise, ready to captivate your audience from the first word.

Master Style and Substance: Crafting a compelling presentation involves more than just the right words. These guide teach you how to master both style and content, ensuring your message is clear, engaging, and impactful. Learn to structure your speech, enhance your vocal delivery, and use body language effectively to keep your audience riveted.

Engage and Inspire: Great public speakers do more than just inform; they inspire! These digital guide shows you how to use storytelling and interactive techniques to make your presentations unforgettable. Whether you're speaking in a boardroom or at a conference or to one person, you'll learn how to connect with your audience on a deeper level, making your message resonate long after you've finished speaking.

Convenient and Accessible: These digital guides are available at your fingertips, allowing you to learn at your own pace, anytime, anywhere. Packed with video tutorials, interactive worksheets, and practical exercises, it's like having a me, your personal public speaking coach with you 24/7. But not in a creepy way.

Proven Success: I've helped hundreds of people transform their public speaking skills, from nervous beginners to seasoned professionals looking to polish their craft. The techniques and strategies in these guides are tried and tested, backed by real-world success stories and expert insights.

Invest in Your Future: Effective public speaking is a skill that can open doors to new opportunities, career advancement, and personal growth. By investing in these digital guides, you're investing in your future success. Gain the skills and confidence to speak with impact, influence your audience, and leave a lasting impression.

Conclusion: Don't let the fear of public speaking hold you back any longer. Take the first step towards becoming a confident, impactful speaker with our digital public speaking guide. Transform your anxiety into excitement, your hesitations into strengths, and your presentations into powerful tools of communication. Buy now and start your journey to speaking with confidence and impact!

Click here to get on the waiting list and get 10% off when it launches later this month:

https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/491616/125598325958248342/share

If you'd like to work with me, check out my coaching services, both 1:1 and group coaching available. https://susanperryspeakercoaching.my.canva.site