As we approach our 3rd month of the pilot scheme, I look back at what I personally have achieved despite meeting many doubters, dead ends and barriers.
Along my journey, I have had some interesting discussions. One particular quote has stuck in my mind and I am sure the person who said it, is not alone in their thoughts. It came from a government employee (one of the doubters who refused us some funding), who said "if your clients don't understand about market research, how can they successfully start a business"? I explained to her that its like asking me to plaster a wall, if you haven't been trained, you simply don't know how!
No wonder there aren't more social enterprises like us offering the type of support we do, for unemployed and disadvantaged people struggling to find work and who would like to explore the idea of self-employment!
For most of our clients they just need a helping hand, practical support and someone to believe in them! We help them to get back their self esteem and give them the confidence they need to get that business idea off the ground - ultimately, we empower them with the skills, knowledge and confidence to build a better future for themselves.
Clients tell me that its the mentoring and pre-self-employment support that they have found really useful. I work one to one with them and through this intensive assistance, I can help to give them the best possible chance of success. No "one size fits all" workshops, no time pressures, no business jargon, just good old hands on support delivered by an experienced Business Advisor, who has great empathy for her clients!
The whole community benefits from our work both financially and from the increased community cohesion too!
So as we go into March, I look forward to yet more challenges, and supporting those in need and I take comfort from the words on a card which a very lovely friend of mine sent to me yesterday. It says "Take pride in how far you have come, and have faith in how far you can go"
Why not join me in improving lives and communities. Either consider becoming a volunteer, or maybe you would like to get involved some other way, or make a donation? Either way, I can assure you that your generosity by giving your time will impact greatly on the lives of disadvantaged people. I am proud to say that I am in the business of changing lives, empowering and educating people and giving real hope to those who thought there was no one else they could turn to.
J Allman 4.3.15
Along my journey, I have had some interesting discussions. One particular quote has stuck in my mind and I am sure the person who said it, is not alone in their thoughts. It came from a government employee (one of the doubters who refused us some funding), who said "if your clients don't understand about market research, how can they successfully start a business"? I explained to her that its like asking me to plaster a wall, if you haven't been trained, you simply don't know how!
No wonder there aren't more social enterprises like us offering the type of support we do, for unemployed and disadvantaged people struggling to find work and who would like to explore the idea of self-employment!
For most of our clients they just need a helping hand, practical support and someone to believe in them! We help them to get back their self esteem and give them the confidence they need to get that business idea off the ground - ultimately, we empower them with the skills, knowledge and confidence to build a better future for themselves.
Clients tell me that its the mentoring and pre-self-employment support that they have found really useful. I work one to one with them and through this intensive assistance, I can help to give them the best possible chance of success. No "one size fits all" workshops, no time pressures, no business jargon, just good old hands on support delivered by an experienced Business Advisor, who has great empathy for her clients!
The whole community benefits from our work both financially and from the increased community cohesion too!
So as we go into March, I look forward to yet more challenges, and supporting those in need and I take comfort from the words on a card which a very lovely friend of mine sent to me yesterday. It says "Take pride in how far you have come, and have faith in how far you can go"
Why not join me in improving lives and communities. Either consider becoming a volunteer, or maybe you would like to get involved some other way, or make a donation? Either way, I can assure you that your generosity by giving your time will impact greatly on the lives of disadvantaged people. I am proud to say that I am in the business of changing lives, empowering and educating people and giving real hope to those who thought there was no one else they could turn to.
J Allman 4.3.15
RSS Feed