Getting into Shipshape!

Ride the Wave, One day training workshop by Think Innovate Change LLP

I have been in business now for 11 months and currently find myself at yet another crossroads where new decisions need to be made to keep propelling the company forward.  Phew, talk about a rollercoaster!  Though I am as excited and utterly passionate about the business as I was when I started, it is easy to get too close to it.  The basics need constantly refreshing.  I don’t imagine that ever really changes.

So I was really excited about this free (back of the net!) training as part of the Ride the Wave programme of events. True to form with these Chamber events, I met a wonderfully diverse range of people.  Not just in relation to business type but also in our various stages of operation as a business, and of course personality!

We started off the day with ‘speed networking’ (not a particular favourite thing of mine) – but using this method to practice our elevator pitches was really helpful.  No time for waffle or procrastination, just a hook, short description and call to action (how often do I forget THAT bit!) injected with good old passion.

The reflective workbook provided by our trainers Clare and Ishy was very helpful.  Throughout the day we had time to reflect on our own business and jot down our thoughts before discussing with others.  This was a wonderful thing!  So often we are too busy juggling everything to allow ourselves the important space to stop and think through often very challenging questions:

What is our vision?
Why did we start in the first place?
What makes us work?
What could we do much better?

We spoke a lot about ways to stimulate ideas.  I have to admit, that’s not my problem – I usually have too many!  So it was then useful to look at ways to test out those ideas.  I will be trying this in the next few days.

There was an awful lot to cover in one day – we went on to look at ways of increasing profit and marketing. However, everyone there were at such different places – plus these are the ongoing building blocks of good businesses. For me, it was a fantastic opportunity to be given some new, simple, practical ways to ensure Brighton Togs is still here in 10 years time, and most importantly that we are still innovating.  As quoted at the beginning of our Workbook:

Why is Innovation important?
‘New ideas and new ways of doing things are the main ingredients in sustained business success.’ (Adair, 2009)

Keep that in mind and keep testing out your new ideas before implementing the ones that pass!  How exciting is being in business!

By Susi Doherty, Brighton Togs