Cliché: (noun) a phrase or opinion that is overused and betrays a lack of original thought.

Basically… what you want to avoid when starting your own business! You need to be different, unique, stand out from the crowd.

However… cliches are also commonplace; they are well known and comforting. Believe it or not, people use them in everyday conversation without even realising. And actually, you want to become that too – a business that can be relied on, that is recognisable and trustworthy.

Live to work, work to live… Life is short.

If you aren’t where you want to be… then what do you want to do?

Do you want to go self-employed?

Do you feel like the thought of it is overwhelming and you are unsure of how to start, where to get advice and simply how on earth you do it? 

Sometimes, you just need to bite the bullet, take a leap of faith and jump right in! Every single business that exists now – all started somewhere, and had to start from the ground upwards – what is stopping you?

From little acorns…BUT.

With the recent Covid-19 lockdown, it feels like there is risk. There is a recession. There are worries and concerns, and confusion. Understandable! Why now?  Well, you may also have had reconfirmed that the time IS now. That you NEED to be doing what you love.

I originally set up this The Crafty Lass CLICHE workshop after several contacts within just several days:

But, how did you begin?

How have you learnt your crafty AND business skills?

You have my dream job – but it just isn’t achievable…

I couldn’t do it. I wouldn’t know how…

And finally – one important question…

Would you talk me through about what to do…?‘ 

I used to think all of these things. And more. There was no way I could manage a business; let alone alongside a young child! (Now, I have two!)

However, writing lots of lists, taking baby steps, talking things through, recognising where my skills lacked – and researching, researching, researching – googling at 3am (where required!) and simply: Time…

These things take time. Rome wasn’t built in a day!

Good things come to those who wait

And, lockdown, or no lockdown – life IS short.

Hopefully – I can, and we can – all inspire and conspire to a plan that meets your dream.

The history:

The Crafty Lass CLICHE Workshops

Actions speak louder than words. I quit my 9-5 on a Friday. Brave as a lion.

By the Monday I had: had many tears, laughter, discussions, decided on a brand name, bought web addresses, started to design a logo, started a blog… Big plans: Aim high, dream big.

The calm before the storm! There will be a short talk on just why and how I started my own business, the highs and lows, and ultimately how I have built a brand from the ground upwards.

A penny for your thoughts… Followed by open talk and discussion on various aspects of self employment, including thoughts and information on the below topics:

  • Initial Ideas. Take the bull by the horns: there’s no time like the present.
  • Branding. A diamond in the rough: you can’t please everyone.
  • Social Media and Online Presence. Don’t judge a book by its cover: it’s a dog-eat-dog world.
  • Finance. Money doesn’t grow on trees: the devil’s in the detail.
  • Legal and Brand Protection. Ignorance is bliss: better safe than sorry.
  • Press and PR. Only time will tell: don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
  • Networking. Don’t get your knickers in a twist: don’t burn any bridges.
  • Balancing Life. All for one, and one for all: don’t bite off more than you can chew.
  • Dealing with Negativity! What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger: what goes around comes around.
  • The Next Steps… And they all lived happily ever after.

Testimonials:

“Pearls of Wisdom from the Crafty Lass at the CLICHE Workshop.

Thank you Paula for a thoroughly enjoyable, informative and inspiring morning  where you generously shared your crafty business journey. The relaxed atmosphere in the studio, (including strawberries and choc chip shortbread), enabled a great group of ladies to exchange tips, advice, encouragement and fears. I am so glad that I made the journey from North Norfolk.” Ann Mason, Norfolk

“A really inspiring workshop full of practical advice and some clear notes to take away.  Paula was very generous in sharing her own Crafty Lass journey and her persistence on this has certainly given me the self belief to pursue my own ‘crafty’ route. This workshop is for everyone, whatever stage you’re at!” Caroline Colam, Market Harborough @caroline.create

Please note: I am not a trained ‘career expert’. These views are purely my own and based on what I have learnt along my crafty business journey so far. Running your own business is amazing: it provides you the flexibility to adapt your career and ‘normal’ life around whatever you are doing that day, week, month. The sky is the limit. However – it requires a real decision to just go for it, passion, dedication, to be willing to work long hours and wear many hats… To start with, it is scary. But, it doesn’t need to be – once you are up and running, you will be living the dream!

Nearer to the time, I will confirm participants the ‘Zoom’ meeting link for this workshop. You will need a ‘Zoom’ account and the ‘Zoom’ app installed to be able to join and ‘attend’ the meeting. If you have any questions (and don’t forget, this will be my first online workshop of this kind too) please don’t hesitate to get in touch!

I have deliberately kept the numbers limited to a small group to ensure we all have adequate time to talk, ask, share. Everyone will have their own time to voice their dreams, their fears, ask questions and hopefully leave feel inspired to start following their dream in some small, or big, way!

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