Walk the plank, or dive off it?

Hello there!

Welcome to my first ever LinkedIn newsletter, 'MARK MY WORDS' where I will be putting a spotlight on the common problems business owners, managers and charity leaders face. And more importantly, insights, top tips and strategies for overcoming them!

Walk the plank, or dive off it?

Like many business owners when they first start up and go it alone, I had a part-time salaried job. This acted as a safety net, a cushion and a comfort while I started my own business, MAKE YOUR MARK UK.?

My current part-time job - working in corporate fundraising for a local young people's charity - is being made redundant at the start of next month. I joined this charity just 2 weeks before the first lockdown in 2020, so have been in the role for 2.5 years. It's not the first time I've been made redundant from a charity job. But it is the first time where I have decided that the universe is telling me, "Now is the time, Mark", to put fear aside and to focus on doing your own thing. MAKE YOUR MARK UK will be 5 years old in October this year, so it's now or never!

Am I a bit scared? Yes! Am I bit worried? Yes! But am I excited? Yes! Am I determined to make it work? Absolutely!?

"Believe in yourself. Even if you don't, just pretend that you do and, at some point you will!"


[Venus Williams]?        

In my regular business start-up workshops, I always recognise and acknowledge the importance of having a positive mindset when setting up your own business, charity or social enterprise. As Venus Williams said "Believe in yourself. Even if you don't, just pretend that you do and, at some point, you will!" I also draw on the words of wisdom of Henry Ford who said, "Whether you think you can, or think you can't, you're right!"

I have done my sums, my sales and cashflow forecasts and have a strong and trusted network and reputation to build upon, for which I am immensely grateful. This has already given me very interesting and impactful interim and associate work. In my last month of working my redundancy, I don't feel like I'm edging towards the end of the plank over the sea, being pushed along. Instead, I feel ready, eager and can't wait to dive into the ocean of possibilities!

I'm not sure if this will be for you, but if you are open to having a chat about how I may be able to make your working life easier, please drop me a message or book a discovery call.

If you can think of somebody in your network who needs some help with motivating their team, supporting new managers and leaders, needs support with funding, or making a new strategy and plan, for example, please send them my way.

Do share your tips and experiences of going it alone and starting your own venture!

Thank you.