What I've Learnt Running a Business for 15 years
Susan Heaton-Wright
The SuperStar Communicator? Empowering leaders to communicate with credibility & confidence in business conversations |Facilitator|Mentor|Podcaster|Author|International Speaker|
Be a SuperStar Communicator: Edition 29
What SuperStar Communicator has been up to
We have been delivering Career Acceleration masterclasses to a group of highly talented emerging leaders overseas. The focus has been on how to build more credibility and presence with effective communication. It is fabulous seeing the progress of these talented people.
Also, I have been writing a book - more details in future! I have a meeting with the designer next week and hope to have some Coming up in this edition:
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SuperStar Communicator is now 15 years old!
June is the birthday month of SuperStar Communicator. This time it is 15 years of business; empowering emerging leaders to speak and communicate with clarity, confidence and credibility. It is such a privilege to work with clients all over the world and I am so grateful to all of the clients who have trusted our work. I would never have believed 15 years ago that SuperStar Communicator would be working with global companies; using technology as an integral part of the business; live streaming and having a podcast. And there have been come challenging moments: no one will forget what it was like when we went into Lockdown. More recently, delivering virtual masterclasses with a fractured wrist - so only one hand was available to run the workshops! But as Sondheim famously said "I'm still here!!!" When I set up the company I had a vision but no contacts and confirmed work. I have, however, coached and trained adults for my entire adult life. I hadn't worked in a corporate environment (I had been a musician) so worked incredibly hard to build a reputation and client base. So reflecting on these last 15 years, here are some lessons I have learnt.?
? 1. Have a really clear vision of what you want to achieve.?
? 2. Adapt: needs, styles and customers change. A great example of this was during the pandemic.?
? 3. Be very aware of the market: listen to your customers and ask questions.
? 4. Have a great team around you; I am so lucky to have a team who are incredible.?
? 5. Have a mentor: I have been very lucky with some incredible mentors to bounce ideas off and to be accountable.?
? 6. Diversify; avoid putting all of your eggs in one basket.?
? 7. Work hard.
? 8. Be generous; support others; celebrate their successes.
? 9. Get people to trust your abilities and service.
? 10. It's all about the customer; never forget that.?
And for those days when things aren't going so well (we all have them) I use only Scarlett O'Hara quote that is of real value "Tomorrow is another day"
Enter the Anniversary Prize draw
As you know, I love arranging a prize to celebrate success, birthdays and anniversaries. SO given that I often speak about ‘Divas’ as in Diva Feet, Sitting Diva, Diva Hands, Diva contracts, it is so appropriate that the V and A Museum is opening an exhibition on Divas. Now, the term Diva has been misused! In fact Diva is Italian for leading lady and this exhibition highlights incredible female leaders! I am creating a prize draw for everyone to enter. You can accompany me to the exhibition (normally tickets are ￡20). We can chat about the exhibition afterwards in the private members room of the museum. If you wish to enter register here: https://superstarcommunicator.com/15th-birthday-prize/?
Here are more details about the exhibition https://www.vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/diva?
News
We are delighted to be finalists in two categories, in the Inspiring Hertforshire awards. We took the plunge to enter the Best use of Technology and Exporting Excellence categories and are finalists in each category! It is a genuine honour to be finalists alongside some incredible businesses. And it is also a time to really reflect on how the business is progressing and to plan for the future. I recommend anyone - whether you are a business owner or if you are wishing to progress in your career to enter an award. The application process means you really spend time ‘on’ your business or career. It is time well spent!
The awards are taking place at the Harry Potter Studios and we are being treated to a tour before the awards. I can’t wait!?
SuperStar Communicator thought leadership:
The next Live Stream on Linkedin is 28th June at 5.30pm GST. We will be interviewing the author and speaker Sam Horn who will be sharing tips and ideas on how to approach difficult conversations. She has recently released her latest book,? You can join us live and ask questions - or listen! https://www.dhirubhai.net/events/7075841135071387648/comments/?
Latest podcast: Ask Susan Top Tips for Public speaking. Co-host Nick Simon asked me lots of questions listeners had sent in about public speaking. Here are more details including the transcript and links for listening on different podcast platforms. https://pod.fo/e/182fdf?
Previous live stream: we were treated to a brilliant discussion with Listening expert, Raquel Arc - who dialled in at 5am from Puerto Rico! She shared genuine insights into listening; top tips and some scientific facts on the impact of positive listening. Watch here:? https://vimeo.com/837165535?share=copy??
Remember, I am a speaker, facilitator of workshops and masterclasses and coach - in all areas of spoken communication and developing credibility. If you are interested in me speaking at your company or delivering a masterclass, please contact me at [email protected] And if you are looking for one to one coaching, why not book a call https://link.lemonadeplan.com/widget/appointment/superstarcommunicator/15m-chat?
Until next time.
Susan Heaton-Wright
SuperStar Communicator https://superstarcommunicator.com?
Thank you very much for continuing to support the SuperStar Communicator newsletter.?
About the author:
Susan Heaton-Wright is the founder and creator of the SuperStar Communicator? methodology; international speaker, facilitator, coach, former international opera singer and CEO of Viva Live Music.
Susan is best known for empowering emerging leaders all over the world to speak and communicate with clarity, confidence and credibility; through her speeches, by facilitating masterclasses and workshops and by coaching talented individuals. Since 2020 she has delivered virtual masterclasses and workshops to attendees from more than 130 countries world wide and has won a number of awards for her work.
She is curious for any changes in communication changes and especially in a technical world. Keeping the human element in communication is essential for the maximum impact! Susan co-hosts live streamed discussions with business leaders and is the co-host of the SuperStar Communicator Podcast.?
When not working, Susan designs and sews her own wardrobe; surfs, swims and plays the viola in an orchestra. She fundraises for the Alzheimers Society.
Why not connect with her on Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/susanheatonwright?
If you wish to arrange a call: you can book here: https://link.lemonadeplan.com/widget/appointment/superstarcommunicator/15m-chat?
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HR Director at TT Group
1 年Congratulations Susan, setting up a business and running it successfully for 15 years - including pivoting during the pandemic - is a fantastic achievement. All best wishes for the awards and projects in the pipeline and we look forward to working with you again. Great competition idea too!
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1 年Congratulations. Such an exciting update. Looking forward to seeing you, your book AND hearing your chat with Sam Horn. (I had a feeling that you two would hit it off as you seem similar!) I think I am on a train north at that time, but will definitely try to listen. May even feed you a question beforehand! See you soon!